Bumper: The Life and Times of Frank 'Bumper' Farrell

by Larry Writer

Based on never-before-published family, police and court records, photographs, interviews with people who knew him, including criminals, football colleagues and police officers, this is the biography of Frank 'Bumper' Farrell.

400 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Gary Gammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read

Even though most of this story took place before my time i thoroughly enjoyed a look back in history and learned about a true blue aussie legend and can only hope that history may repeat itself and we see a return to the day when respect and manners ruled our lives

[Josh Gidney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific read. The story, well told, of an extraordinary larger-than-life Australian character and the times and situations he lived in. Written in a lively manner and interesting from start to finish.

[Duncan Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating portrait of the times.

[Simeon Readingape]

SIMEON READINGAPE SAYS: Well, they don't make coppers like this anymore. Old-school brawler, genuine Rugby League legend, hard man of Kings Cross but a softie deep down - Frank 'Bumper' is a classic Australian type, from back in the days when if a copper gave you a wallop, you probably deserved it, smartarse.

p. 281 "Not for a moment, however, was he a saint. He bent the rules to ensure the continued existence of a system that he felt worked better than any other he could think of. He employed methods that would be frowned on today. He used physical force on unruly drunks and law-breakers (although usually, as has been said, his reputation was all that was needed for a crook to move along quietly). He was not above cutting corners to secure convictions. Like many men around his age, he was intolerant of homosexuality and transvestites (he mercilessly tormented the performers at drag venues such as Les Girls) and made racial jibes. He drank a lot, sometimes on the job. He assiduously courted informers and was friends with some of Sydney's villains. He swore fearfully."