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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
John Pearson knows more about the Krays than anyone alive. THE KRAYS film was based on his book THE PROFESSION OF VIOLENCE and it was Pearson who exposed the Boothby connection in 1994. In 1967 the twins asked Pearson to write their biography. He remained a confidant of the family and the brothers throughout their trial and prison years. Now Pearson revisits the twins' criminal past and lays bare the truth behind the legend. Drawing upon a mass of first-hand interviews and private information he was unable to use while the Krays were still alive, he finally recounts the chilling untold story of the Twins.
About the Author
John Pearson won the 'Author's Club Award' for best first novel. The Profession of Violence was acclaimed on its release, even in the US where it won the Edgar Allan Poe Special Award. Jonathan Keeble:
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This book concerns itself largely with the creation, as it puts it, of the Kray legend. Various events in their lives are retold, perhaps most interestingly the boyhood infection of diphtheria that the twins suffered, Ronald Kray especially severely, and the effect this may have had upon his mental state; possibly contributing to his paranoid schizophrenia. Their lives in the East End of Bethnal Green, their move to the 'West' with the establishment of the club 'Esmeralda's Barn' in Knightsbridge and their place within the swinging 60s are described. The factors that allowed the Krays unfettered activity for some time as Scotland Yard were warned off and the political influences that brought this about are discussed, particularly the role of their acquaintance with Lord Boothby. Perhaps, of necessity, much detail is omitted relating to their activities, e.g. the establishment of the 'Kentucky Club' and the range of their influence in the East End given that they had rivals. There are a few factual errors related to East End history, e.g. the abode of Anthony Armstrong-Jones was not Narrow Street, nor was David Bailey born or brought up in Bermondsey; this is a little disconcerting and points to a careless approach to research. Written in a journalistic style the book is neither great nor definitive but is interesting.
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Just what is it about the Krays that keeps us fascinated? Pearson's book, not written until the last Kray was dead and buried, still has the appeal of the original - we are drawn into the bygone world of the criminal fraternity of the Old East End, where the Kray twins held complete control over the lives (and souls) of their 'Firm', ruling them with the threat of violence and even death, but apparently keeping the streets 'safe' for the 'ordinary man'. Pearson is in no doubt about the true nature of the twins - he sees and depicts them as callous murderers, but in his attempt to analyse the roots of their behaviour, builds a fascinating picture of sibling rivalry and mental illness. 30 years after 'The Profession of Violence' he is now 'safe' to write truthfully about their murders and maimings, homosexuality and obsessions. The most worrying thing is that we find this world absolutely compelling, and I was sorry when I came to the end of the book. I would have liked to hear more about Vi Kray, as the driving force behind the twins in their early years, and the matriarch of this extraordinary family. A thoroughly absorbing read.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is by far the best book I have read about the krays, and I have read a lot! unable to put this book down, was really sad to finish it.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
its ok
this book is ok, i have read alot about the krays and there are better books out there, after a few chapters i had to put it down, not a good read.
Published 10 months ago by pippen
the cult of violence by john pearson
the book was excellant, I learned alot about the Krays that I didn't already now. I would recommend it to anyone who, like myself is fascinated by the Krays!
Published 13 months ago by sarahj
Not an accurate account of the life of The Krays
Along with John Pearson's other 2 books about The Krays, it is very inaccurate. He gets basic information wrong, eg, dates of birth, dates for photos and quotes. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Ricarda
The Cult of Violence
Another great book reflecting on the life and crimes of the Kray twins. John Pearson has done the twins proud again with this more in depth look into the twins life in the 60s. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Mr. K. Chisholm
The Krays
Good read,refreshingly different from the run of the mill books on the Krays,good read,M Davis.
Published on 17 April 2009 by Mary Davis
the cult of violence by john pearson
most impressive account of those violent days in the Kray twins company by the very ma who was there to write the book. A cracking read from page one to the finish. Read more
Published on 22 Mar 2009 by bryan humphries
Astonishing
You should "Profession of Violence first" then move on to this follow up, written after the twins died. Read more
Published on 13 Jun 2007 by Tony Jackson
Another Classic From The No. 1 Kray Biographer
The legendary status bestowed upon the Kray Twins is largely due to John Pearson's groundbreaking 1972 biography 'The Profession of Violence'. Read more
Published on 4 Oct 2001 by "dav99"
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