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Charles Bronson: Loonyology: Loonyology: Bronson In His Own Words
Lifer Charlie Bronson's reputation precedes him - 'Britain's most violent prisoner' - or does it? Do we really know the true Charlie, or are our impressions the result of media hype? Well, what is in no doubt is that Loonyology is 200% Bronson and will transport the reader on the dizziest no-holds-barred roller-coaster ride of their lives, from suspense and shock to laughter and tears, and from Bronson the 'Solitary King' to Bronson the Philosopher, the Poet, the Artist, the Author, the Joker, the Walking Scar and the Freedom Fighter. Now 55 years old, and having spent most of his last 34 years as a maximum security 'Bronco Zoo' inmate, he's a much wiser man as he looks back on his crazy journey of unpredictable behaviour, his ever-alert mind darting from reminiscences of his teenage years to memories of fellow-cons, the screws, the cranks, letters and news reports, prison life and procedures, and the overall madness ('loonyology') of the legal and penal systems, peppering his stories with diary entries, true gems of information, sound advice and hilarious one-liners. Together with his many supporters and with the aid of a top lawyer, Charlie is campaigning for the parole board to finally allow him his freedom, but begging is not his he calls a spade a spade and is determined to win with dignity, fighting with his pen and his brain to achieve his aim of a life outside 'the cage'. In his "I chose to be a villain. I'm not proud of it, nor am I ashamed of it. I have paid my debt to society and it's time to go home."
480 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2008
13 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Charles Bronson
42 books83 followersEnglish criminal and former bare knuckle boxer.
Bronson is often referred to in the British press as the "most violent prisoner in Britain".Bronson wasa petty criminal before being sentenced to seven years imprisonment in 1974.
While in prison, he began making a name for himself as a loose cannon, often fighting convicts and prison officers. He also embarked on one-man rooftop protests. He was released on 30 October 1988, but spent merely sixty-nine days as a free man before he was arrested again.
Upon his release, he began a bare-knuckle boxing career in the East End of London. His promoter was unhappy with his name and suggested he change it to Charles Bronson. He was returned to prison for planning another robbery and continued to be a difficult inmate, instigating numerous hostage situations.
While in jail in 2001, he married his second wife, Fatema Saira Rehman, a Bangladeshi-born divorcée who inspired him to convert to Islam and take the name of Charles Ali Ahmed.
This second marriage lasted four years before he divorced Rehman and renounced Islam.
Bronson is often referred to in the British press as the "most violent prisoner in Britain".Bronson wasa petty criminal before being sentenced to seven years imprisonment in 1974.
While in prison, he began making a name for himself as a loose cannon, often fighting convicts and prison officers. He also embarked on one-man rooftop protests. He was released on 30 October 1988, but spent merely sixty-nine days as a free man before he was arrested again.
Upon his release, he began a bare-knuckle boxing career in the East End of London. His promoter was unhappy with his name and suggested he change it to Charles Bronson. He was returned to prison for planning another robbery and continued to be a difficult inmate, instigating numerous hostage situations.
While in jail in 2001, he married his second wife, Fatema Saira Rehman, a Bangladeshi-born divorcée who inspired him to convert to Islam and take the name of Charles Ali Ahmed.
This second marriage lasted four years before he divorced Rehman and renounced Islam.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 25, 2018
Completely loony, I blooming loved it. I love Charlie Salvador (Bronson). He is a top fella. Total respect for him.
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February 3, 2022Now this was a good read some mad stories and to think they are true
February 20, 2013
I picked this book up with some excitement, hoping that as a psychologist I'd be able to get into CB's head. I did and sadly was pretty disappointed. The book, about the protagonist Charles Bronson, allegedly the hardest and craziest person in modern day prison history. It's supposedly written in the first person in mixed tenses.
Bronson fails to convince me that he's anything other than borderline insane. His constant reference to the term 'Loonyology' becomes boring. It's almost as if he wants you to coin the phrase, no he NEEDS you to do so. The book starts off rather well with good narration and precise descriptive. Sadly this soon fades into what becomes a rant and it was then I put the book down.
I don't agree with what the man has been put through, and honestly think he should be released into care, but would I encourage him to write any more books about his trials and tribulations? (No pun intended). A categoric no. His failure to keep to the plan and write from the heart spoils what could have been a quite extra-ordinary book has ruined that and I doubt anyone so case hardened could change even if he wanted to.
Don't waste your money on a read you're going to put down half way through. There are far better books on prison life out there to read.
Bronson fails to convince me that he's anything other than borderline insane. His constant reference to the term 'Loonyology' becomes boring. It's almost as if he wants you to coin the phrase, no he NEEDS you to do so. The book starts off rather well with good narration and precise descriptive. Sadly this soon fades into what becomes a rant and it was then I put the book down.
I don't agree with what the man has been put through, and honestly think he should be released into care, but would I encourage him to write any more books about his trials and tribulations? (No pun intended). A categoric no. His failure to keep to the plan and write from the heart spoils what could have been a quite extra-ordinary book has ruined that and I doubt anyone so case hardened could change even if he wanted to.
Don't waste your money on a read you're going to put down half way through. There are far better books on prison life out there to read.
July 10, 2014
This is the 2nd of Charles Bronson's books I've had the privilege to read and I must get my hands on the others as soon as I can. Loonyology made me laugh, cry, gasp out loud and that was before I had got to page 50. This gentleman (& I do not use that loosely) deserves to live his life free from constraints - those constraints being politicians who wouldn't know a real gentleman from a frog. Long live Charlie Bronson
December 20, 2012
Worth reading just to reason he is not a hero and he would admit that too
March 30, 2013
brilliant... humour at the edge of madness.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews