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Our Story; The Krays
The Kray twins were Britain's most notorious gangsters. Ruling London's underworld for more than a decade, as gang lords they were among the most powerful and feared men in the city. Photographed by David Bailey and even interviewed for television, they became celebrities in their own right and are infamous to this day.
Ronnie and Reg's reign of terror ended on 8 March 1969 when they were sentenced to life with the recommendation that they serve at least thirty years. Ronnie ended his days in Broadmoor - his raging insanity only controlled by massive doses of drugs. Reg served almost three decades in some of Britain's toughest jails before being released on compassionate grounds in August 2000. He died of cancer eight months later.
Compiled from a series of interviews with Fred Dinenage from behind prison walls, Our Story is the classic account that explodes the myths surrounding the Kray twins. In it, the twins set the record straight. In their own words they tell the full story of their brutal career of crime and their years behind bars. With a new introduction from Fred Dinenage, this compelling, disturbing and highly readable book is the definitive story of two legendary criminals.
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First published January 1, 1988
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About the author
Reggie Kray
9 books9 followersTwin brothers Ronald "Ronnie" Kray (24 October 1933 – 17 March 1995) and Reginald "Reggie" Kray (24 October 1933 – 1 October 2000) were English gangsters who were the foremost perpetrators of organised crime in the East End of London during the 1950s and 1960s. Ronald, commonly called Ron or Ronnie, most likely suffered from paranoid schizophrenia.[4]
With their gang, "The Firm", the Krays were involved in armed robberies, arson, protection rackets, assaults, and the murders of Jack "The Hat" McVitie and George Cornell.
As West End nightclub owners, they mixed with prominent entertainers including Diana Dors, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and with politicians. The Krays were much feared within their milieu, and in the 1960s became celebrities in their own right, even being photographed by David Bailey and interviewed on television.
They were arrested on 9 May 1968 and convicted in 1969 by the efforts of a squad of detectives led by Detective Superintendent Leonard "Nipper" Read, and were both sentenced to life imprisonment.
Ronnie remained in Broadmoor Hospital until his death on 17 March 1995, but Reggie was released from prison on compassionate grounds in August 2000, eight weeks before his death from cancer. (Wikipedia)
With their gang, "The Firm", the Krays were involved in armed robberies, arson, protection rackets, assaults, and the murders of Jack "The Hat" McVitie and George Cornell.
As West End nightclub owners, they mixed with prominent entertainers including Diana Dors, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and with politicians. The Krays were much feared within their milieu, and in the 1960s became celebrities in their own right, even being photographed by David Bailey and interviewed on television.
They were arrested on 9 May 1968 and convicted in 1969 by the efforts of a squad of detectives led by Detective Superintendent Leonard "Nipper" Read, and were both sentenced to life imprisonment.
Ronnie remained in Broadmoor Hospital until his death on 17 March 1995, but Reggie was released from prison on compassionate grounds in August 2000, eight weeks before his death from cancer. (Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
February 5, 2021
The Kray twins were notorious London underworld gang leaders during the 60s and this book tells their story from their beginnings in Bethnal Green to their life imprisonment in 1969, largely in their own words and compiled from a series of interviews with Fred Dinenage from behind prison walls.
I really enjoyed this autobiography, it's the best one I've read in a while, it was written very well which made it all the better for reading; it was also interesting to learn more about the Krays and mostly in their own words.
Crazy that they got sentenced 30 years each, like wtf?
Must read for people who enjoy reading about true crime.
I really enjoyed this autobiography, it's the best one I've read in a while, it was written very well which made it all the better for reading; it was also interesting to learn more about the Krays and mostly in their own words.
Crazy that they got sentenced 30 years each, like wtf?
Must read for people who enjoy reading about true crime.
March 25, 2016
I know why I prefer fiction - real people are so boring lol!
No that is unfair - there is some interesting info in this book but there are just too many names and dates that I am frankly not interested in.
I wanted a bit more insight into the Krays thoughts and feelings - what motivated them in a bit more depth.
I just got bored and could only manage 60% - this 'factual' style of writing is not for me.
No that is unfair - there is some interesting info in this book but there are just too many names and dates that I am frankly not interested in.
I wanted a bit more insight into the Krays thoughts and feelings - what motivated them in a bit more depth.
I just got bored and could only manage 60% - this 'factual' style of writing is not for me.
January 29, 2021
Despite being twins Ron and Reg have two distinct personalities, you can hear and feel the change when each brother takes his turn to write a piece of the story. Reg is quite pretentious and self-assured in the sense he seems to think he and Ron were wrongly arrested (the police cheated and his mates betrayed him) despite their string of crimes and felt their prison sentences were cruelly long. However when put into context they received longer sentences than Dennis Nielson who killed a lot more men in his time than the Krays so it does seem from that point of view they were made an example of. Ron is more apologetic in the sense he felt he got his brother into trouble "when i started getting into bother with the law, Reg was bound to follow me, he had no choice. It was like the law of nature." But Ron also admits that from an early age he had a thing about guys and was likely even keen to kill someone. Towards the end of the book there seems to be some childlike qualities to his personalities. They both definitely think all their actions were justified and despite their insistence that they only hurt the villains I'm sure a lot of innocent people got hurt along the way. I did however feel some sympathy with them reading about their time in prison, watching men who had commited similar or worse times being released when there was no chance of parole or leniency for them because of their name.
It was interesting hearing the story from the perspective of the Krays rather than second hand. They both indicate that a lot of people have published lies about them which they are very frustrated with especially the supposed murder of the Axeman. They do seem to be fairly honest throughout the book but you can tell there are some things they are holding back. They often say its because they don't want to grass other people up but at this point it seems a bit futile. The book is very biased in their favour which is fair enough as it is their story from their point of view.
This book was originally published in 1988 so a bit outdated now but still an informative read. Overall i enjoyed it but I probably won't be seeking out other books on the subject. I recommend reading this if you have an interest in the Krays.
It was interesting hearing the story from the perspective of the Krays rather than second hand. They both indicate that a lot of people have published lies about them which they are very frustrated with especially the supposed murder of the Axeman. They do seem to be fairly honest throughout the book but you can tell there are some things they are holding back. They often say its because they don't want to grass other people up but at this point it seems a bit futile. The book is very biased in their favour which is fair enough as it is their story from their point of view.
This book was originally published in 1988 so a bit outdated now but still an informative read. Overall i enjoyed it but I probably won't be seeking out other books on the subject. I recommend reading this if you have an interest in the Krays.
November 25, 2015
Reg and Ron Kray Our Story as presented by Fred Dinenage (presenter and broadcaster) is almost a “fly on the wall” journey through their violent and somewhat sad and most certainly wasted life. It is a real taste of London of the 60’s and a look into the lives of the crooks and gangsters who made a living by intimidation and murderous intent.
The greatest influence and love of their live was their mum Violet certainly not their dad Charlie who was akin to a James Beck (Dad’s Army) figure...a bit of a spiv and there is a lovely description of Charlie “ducking and diving” in the twins early years....”He was a small, dapper bloke who before the war, had been a pesterer – he’d travel round the better-class areas trying to persuade people to sell him their nicknacks, bits of gold and silver, even clothing, which he would then resell for a profit. He was very good at it. He wasn’t a fighting man, like the rest of the men in the family, but he was a hell of a drinker.
As teenagers all they cared about was boxing and so good were they that opponents stood little chance against them, often receiving publicity in the London papers...”So remorseless was Ron Kray that he sent Goodsell to the canvas no less than five times – the fifth time for keeps”
Ron and Reg saw themselves as a couple of tough lads who could handle themselves if anyone got stroppy or challenged them. This was fine if violence of this nature was controlled and more importantly used in a professional nature such as boxing but the twins loved fighting for fighting’s sake, they would not be told what do or accept any figure of authority.....”then he did a very silly thing-he held on to my arm and tried to stop me leaving. I turned round and smacked him hard on the end of his jaw. Like the young copper, he was in dreamland for a few minutes. And Reg and I were on our way home to Vallance Road for a nice cup of tea with our mother.” I love that final image the boys having a cup of tea with their mum!
For a short time during the 60’s they used the violence, influence, intimidation and most importantly their menacing presence to become the most powerful and feared gang leaders in London. They owned a number of successful clubs such as Esmerelda’s Barn where the rich and famous stars were happy to visit and be seen in the company of the two brothers. Judy Garland, Stubby Kaye, Barbara Windsor, Danny La Rue, Diana Dors, Alan Lake were often to be seen in their company and indeed the twins at one point were attempting to form a link with the Mafia. Unfortunately Ron and Reg began to believe in their own invincibility and should have heeded the words a Mafia boss Angelo Bruno once said to them....never do your own dirty work and never trust too many people.
George Cornell made the mistake of calling Ron Kray a “fat poof” and Ron strolled into The Blind Beggar public house in Whitechapel and shot him through the head with his Luger pistol. Jack “the hat” McVitie, a vicious thug himself, was stabbed repeatedly in the face, chest and stomach, by Reg, as part of a violent struggle at a party in Evering Road Stoke Newington.
The Kray twins were convicted of murder in 1969 and sentenced to a minimum of 30 years They believed that their life sentence was unjust and that after many years in custody they had fulfilled their duty to society and in their own words...”Ron and I killed one man each. Both of the men we killed were violent men, gangsters, One by his own admission, had already killed another man. The other had shot and wounded at least one man and would almost certainly have killed another- given the time and the chance he would have killed me. For that we have spent more than twenty years in captivity, often treated worse than wild animals.”
Ron and Reg Our Story allows the reader to feel part of an interview that is taking place between the author and the interviewees. It is a style of writing that works very well and presents the coherent facts in an easy to understand and intelligent manner. It gives a good insight into gangland in 60’s London and asks important questions about our judicial system.
Ron Kray passed away in Broadmoor Hospital in 1995. Reg was finally released on compassionate grounds in 2000 before losing his battle with cancer in October of that year.
The greatest influence and love of their live was their mum Violet certainly not their dad Charlie who was akin to a James Beck (Dad’s Army) figure...a bit of a spiv and there is a lovely description of Charlie “ducking and diving” in the twins early years....”He was a small, dapper bloke who before the war, had been a pesterer – he’d travel round the better-class areas trying to persuade people to sell him their nicknacks, bits of gold and silver, even clothing, which he would then resell for a profit. He was very good at it. He wasn’t a fighting man, like the rest of the men in the family, but he was a hell of a drinker.
As teenagers all they cared about was boxing and so good were they that opponents stood little chance against them, often receiving publicity in the London papers...”So remorseless was Ron Kray that he sent Goodsell to the canvas no less than five times – the fifth time for keeps”
Ron and Reg saw themselves as a couple of tough lads who could handle themselves if anyone got stroppy or challenged them. This was fine if violence of this nature was controlled and more importantly used in a professional nature such as boxing but the twins loved fighting for fighting’s sake, they would not be told what do or accept any figure of authority.....”then he did a very silly thing-he held on to my arm and tried to stop me leaving. I turned round and smacked him hard on the end of his jaw. Like the young copper, he was in dreamland for a few minutes. And Reg and I were on our way home to Vallance Road for a nice cup of tea with our mother.” I love that final image the boys having a cup of tea with their mum!
For a short time during the 60’s they used the violence, influence, intimidation and most importantly their menacing presence to become the most powerful and feared gang leaders in London. They owned a number of successful clubs such as Esmerelda’s Barn where the rich and famous stars were happy to visit and be seen in the company of the two brothers. Judy Garland, Stubby Kaye, Barbara Windsor, Danny La Rue, Diana Dors, Alan Lake were often to be seen in their company and indeed the twins at one point were attempting to form a link with the Mafia. Unfortunately Ron and Reg began to believe in their own invincibility and should have heeded the words a Mafia boss Angelo Bruno once said to them....never do your own dirty work and never trust too many people.
George Cornell made the mistake of calling Ron Kray a “fat poof” and Ron strolled into The Blind Beggar public house in Whitechapel and shot him through the head with his Luger pistol. Jack “the hat” McVitie, a vicious thug himself, was stabbed repeatedly in the face, chest and stomach, by Reg, as part of a violent struggle at a party in Evering Road Stoke Newington.
The Kray twins were convicted of murder in 1969 and sentenced to a minimum of 30 years They believed that their life sentence was unjust and that after many years in custody they had fulfilled their duty to society and in their own words...”Ron and I killed one man each. Both of the men we killed were violent men, gangsters, One by his own admission, had already killed another man. The other had shot and wounded at least one man and would almost certainly have killed another- given the time and the chance he would have killed me. For that we have spent more than twenty years in captivity, often treated worse than wild animals.”
Ron and Reg Our Story allows the reader to feel part of an interview that is taking place between the author and the interviewees. It is a style of writing that works very well and presents the coherent facts in an easy to understand and intelligent manner. It gives a good insight into gangland in 60’s London and asks important questions about our judicial system.
Ron Kray passed away in Broadmoor Hospital in 1995. Reg was finally released on compassionate grounds in 2000 before losing his battle with cancer in October of that year.
July 17, 2022
An interesting read, a real insight into the psychology behind two of the most infamous gangsters in British history.
Although you can tell they are not telling the whole truth throughout, this autobiography does strike me as an honest account of *their* view of their life. They are open and honest about the murders they were eventually jailed for, and a lot of the crimes they committed. Hearing about these infamous events from their own recollection was insightful into the mindset of these men.
What makes it even more interesting is how that mindset further deludes morality when talking about how their treatment in jail is unjustified and unproportional to their crimes. Further, how their crimes were only "between gangsters" and didn't impact the rest of the community at the time. Although I do think the underworld following the war was more honourable, for lack of a better word, than that of today, it is fascinating to read their whole hearted belief they had solely positive impacts on the community.
What was also fascinating is they talked about the Richardson brothers and their gang. I've read Eddie's account, and it does not coincide in the slightest bit. Who is right? Guess we'll never know.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were some pretty dull parts which mean I didn't give it 5 stars (I mean seriously, I don't want a whole chapter of poems written by Ron) but generally, it was very interesting. But again, taken with a pinch of salt.
Although you can tell they are not telling the whole truth throughout, this autobiography does strike me as an honest account of *their* view of their life. They are open and honest about the murders they were eventually jailed for, and a lot of the crimes they committed. Hearing about these infamous events from their own recollection was insightful into the mindset of these men.
What makes it even more interesting is how that mindset further deludes morality when talking about how their treatment in jail is unjustified and unproportional to their crimes. Further, how their crimes were only "between gangsters" and didn't impact the rest of the community at the time. Although I do think the underworld following the war was more honourable, for lack of a better word, than that of today, it is fascinating to read their whole hearted belief they had solely positive impacts on the community.
What was also fascinating is they talked about the Richardson brothers and their gang. I've read Eddie's account, and it does not coincide in the slightest bit. Who is right? Guess we'll never know.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it. There were some pretty dull parts which mean I didn't give it 5 stars (I mean seriously, I don't want a whole chapter of poems written by Ron) but generally, it was very interesting. But again, taken with a pinch of salt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2015
Very good in parts but a little meh in parts.i guess I was just content reading the gruesome parts of running the London underworld and not the other bits!Overall though,a good insight into their entire life;growing up,being a gangster and then prison life.
April 26, 2018
chose to read this after having watched the film Legend and loving it. This book was okay. I was expecting much more information and detail but everything in it is merely skimmed over and it jumps about all over the place. Not much more to say.
August 2, 2020
Reggie and Ronnie's story told in their own words whilst in prison.
I've not read anything else about them so have no idea how honest they were in telling their story but it seems an honest account.
Was their reputation justified? it without doubt stopped them from ever being considered for release.
The bottom line is, if you are interested in the Kray's you will rate this a lot higher than someone (as I am) who only has a mild curiosity for their story.
I've not read anything else about them so have no idea how honest they were in telling their story but it seems an honest account.
Was their reputation justified? it without doubt stopped them from ever being considered for release.
The bottom line is, if you are interested in the Kray's you will rate this a lot higher than someone (as I am) who only has a mild curiosity for their story.
February 21, 2023
Very interesting read
November 25, 2015
Reg and Ron Kray Our Story as presented by Fred Dinenage (presenter and broadcaster) is almost a “fly on the wall” journey through their violent and somewhat sad and most certainly wasted life. It is a real taste of London of the 60’s and a look into the lives of the crooks and gangsters who made a living by intimidation and murderous intent.
The greatest influence and love of their live was their mum Violet certainly not their dad Charlie who was akin to a James Beck (Dad’s Army) figure...a bit of a spiv and there is a lovely description of Charlie “ducking and diving” in the twins early years....”He was a small, dapper bloke who before the war, had been a pesterer – he’d travel round the better-class areas trying to persuade people to sell him their nicknacks, bits of gold and silver, even clothing, which he would then resell for a profit. He was very good at it. He wasn’t a fighting man, like the rest of the men in the family, but he was a hell of a drinker.
As teenagers all they cared about was boxing and so good were they that opponents stood little chance against them, often receiving publicity in the London papers...”So remorseless was Ron Kray that he sent Goodsell to the canvas no less than five times – the fifth time for keeps”
Ron and Reg saw themselves as a couple of tough lads who could handle themselves if anyone got stroppy or challenged them. This was fine if violence of this nature was controlled and more importantly used in a professional nature such as boxing but the twins loved fighting for fighting’s sake, they would not be told what do or accept any figure of authority.....”then he did a very silly thing-he held on to my arm and tried to stop me leaving. I turned round and smacked him hard on the end of his jaw. Like the young copper, he was in dreamland for a few minutes. And Reg and I were on our way home to Vallance Road for a nice cup of tea with our mother.” I love that final image the boys having a cup of tea with their mum!
For a short time during the 60’s they used the violence, influence, intimidation and most importantly their menacing presence to become the most powerful and feared gang leaders in London. They owned a number of successful clubs such as Esmerelda’s Barn where the rich and famous stars were happy to visit and be seen in the company of the two brothers. Judy Garland, Stubby Kaye, Barbara Windsor, Danny La Rue, Diana Dors, Alan Lake were often to be seen in their company and indeed the twins at one point were attempting to form a link with the Mafia. Unfortunately Ron and Reg began to believe in their own invincibility and should have heeded the words a Mafia boss Angelo Bruno once said to them....never do your own dirty work and never trust too many people.
George Cornell made the mistake of calling Ron Kray a “fat poof” and Ron strolled into The Blind Beggar public house in Whitechapel and shot him through the head with his Luger pistol. Jack “the hat” McVitie, a vicious thug himself, was stabbed repeatedly in the face, chest and stomach, by Reg, as part of a violent struggle at a party in Evering Road Stoke Newington.
The Kray twins were convicted of murder in 1969 and sentenced to a minimum of 30 years They believed that their life sentence was unjust and that after many years in custody they had fulfilled their duty to society and in their own words...”Ron and I killed one man each. Both of the men we killed were violent men, gangsters, One by his own admission, had already killed another man. The other had shot and wounded at least one man and would almost certainly have killed another- given the time and the chance he would have killed me. For that we have spent more than twenty years in captivity, often treated worse than wild animals.”
Ron and Reg Our Story allows the reader to feel part of an interview that is taking place between the author and the interviewees. It is a style of writing that works very well and presents the coherent facts in an easy to understand and intelligent manner. It gives a good insight into gangland in 60’s London and asks important questions about our judicial system.
Ron Kray passed away in Broadmoor Hospital in 1995. Reg was finally released on compassionate grounds in 2000 before losing his battle with cancer in October of that year.
The greatest influence and love of their live was their mum Violet certainly not their dad Charlie who was akin to a James Beck (Dad’s Army) figure...a bit of a spiv and there is a lovely description of Charlie “ducking and diving” in the twins early years....”He was a small, dapper bloke who before the war, had been a pesterer – he’d travel round the better-class areas trying to persuade people to sell him their nicknacks, bits of gold and silver, even clothing, which he would then resell for a profit. He was very good at it. He wasn’t a fighting man, like the rest of the men in the family, but he was a hell of a drinker.
As teenagers all they cared about was boxing and so good were they that opponents stood little chance against them, often receiving publicity in the London papers...”So remorseless was Ron Kray that he sent Goodsell to the canvas no less than five times – the fifth time for keeps”
Ron and Reg saw themselves as a couple of tough lads who could handle themselves if anyone got stroppy or challenged them. This was fine if violence of this nature was controlled and more importantly used in a professional nature such as boxing but the twins loved fighting for fighting’s sake, they would not be told what do or accept any figure of authority.....”then he did a very silly thing-he held on to my arm and tried to stop me leaving. I turned round and smacked him hard on the end of his jaw. Like the young copper, he was in dreamland for a few minutes. And Reg and I were on our way home to Vallance Road for a nice cup of tea with our mother.” I love that final image the boys having a cup of tea with their mum!
For a short time during the 60’s they used the violence, influence, intimidation and most importantly their menacing presence to become the most powerful and feared gang leaders in London. They owned a number of successful clubs such as Esmerelda’s Barn where the rich and famous stars were happy to visit and be seen in the company of the two brothers. Judy Garland, Stubby Kaye, Barbara Windsor, Danny La Rue, Diana Dors, Alan Lake were often to be seen in their company and indeed the twins at one point were attempting to form a link with the Mafia. Unfortunately Ron and Reg began to believe in their own invincibility and should have heeded the words a Mafia boss Angelo Bruno once said to them....never do your own dirty work and never trust too many people.
George Cornell made the mistake of calling Ron Kray a “fat poof” and Ron strolled into The Blind Beggar public house in Whitechapel and shot him through the head with his Luger pistol. Jack “the hat” McVitie, a vicious thug himself, was stabbed repeatedly in the face, chest and stomach, by Reg, as part of a violent struggle at a party in Evering Road Stoke Newington.
The Kray twins were convicted of murder in 1969 and sentenced to a minimum of 30 years They believed that their life sentence was unjust and that after many years in custody they had fulfilled their duty to society and in their own words...”Ron and I killed one man each. Both of the men we killed were violent men, gangsters, One by his own admission, had already killed another man. The other had shot and wounded at least one man and would almost certainly have killed another- given the time and the chance he would have killed me. For that we have spent more than twenty years in captivity, often treated worse than wild animals.”
Ron and Reg Our Story allows the reader to feel part of an interview that is taking place between the author and the interviewees. It is a style of writing that works very well and presents the coherent facts in an easy to understand and intelligent manner. It gives a good insight into gangland in 60’s London and asks important questions about our judicial system.
Ron Kray passed away in Broadmoor Hospital in 1995. Reg was finally released on compassionate grounds in 2000 before losing his battle with cancer in October of that year.
May 24, 2018
This is definitely the last book I read on the Krays so I thought I would let them have the last word.
From their own mouths (with help from Fred Dineage), this book is engaging, informative and unapologetic.
This work of non fiction collects two crime brothers' reflections of who they are, who they WERE, where they are now and where they may be remaining for the rest of their lives.
(At time of writing, of course, both Ronnie and Reggie have passed on).
What comes across most strongly for me is a sense of principles - IF it's true and sincere.
As two men who made their mark and took over London's underworld by being savage and utterly fearless, a STRONG sense of morality pervades the entire book, even from Ronnie who, self admittedly, was heavily medicated since incarceration.
The Krays have a VICIOUS and VERY STRONG legacy behind them that's either interpreted as crooks of East End London that took what they wanted yet never hurt an innocent and made an entire area safer or vicious bastards that were out of control and are now so revered that no one will speak up about who they REALLY were.
The truth must lie somewhere in-between.
Reggie comes across as defiant about what they did and how they are STILL remembered, yet PLEAD WORTHY that they have served their time and justice has been done.
Ronnie is even more matter of fact about his acts of violence and asks for no sympathies, yet comes across as a sensitive yet troubled individual who welcomes the help he gains.
For Kray enthusiasts, it comes as NO surprise that this book is a must read.
So where do I fall?
I think in order to have taken over an entire area as vast as London and as brutal as the 1950's and 60's must have been, the Kray's influence and intimidation must have been BEYOND description (God knows I heard enough about them when I was growing up in the same areas).
These boys were clearly bad bastards - and willing to go the extra yard.
Did they receive ridiculously extreme sentences for killing other gangsters, other killers?
I have to say, yes, I think they did.
Did the British government make scapegoats out of them?
Yes, I think they did.
Were the streets of London possibly any safer in that era if you were mugged and went to the Krays instead of the police?
Again, I have to say yes.
But none of this really matters.
Bottom line, you rise to the top - you get taken out - or society can't function.
The Krays will continue to intrigue us and morality seekers will continue to probe the fascination with them.
For me, if I meet one more person who said they knew them personally.........
From their own mouths (with help from Fred Dineage), this book is engaging, informative and unapologetic.
This work of non fiction collects two crime brothers' reflections of who they are, who they WERE, where they are now and where they may be remaining for the rest of their lives.
(At time of writing, of course, both Ronnie and Reggie have passed on).
What comes across most strongly for me is a sense of principles - IF it's true and sincere.
As two men who made their mark and took over London's underworld by being savage and utterly fearless, a STRONG sense of morality pervades the entire book, even from Ronnie who, self admittedly, was heavily medicated since incarceration.
The Krays have a VICIOUS and VERY STRONG legacy behind them that's either interpreted as crooks of East End London that took what they wanted yet never hurt an innocent and made an entire area safer or vicious bastards that were out of control and are now so revered that no one will speak up about who they REALLY were.
The truth must lie somewhere in-between.
Reggie comes across as defiant about what they did and how they are STILL remembered, yet PLEAD WORTHY that they have served their time and justice has been done.
Ronnie is even more matter of fact about his acts of violence and asks for no sympathies, yet comes across as a sensitive yet troubled individual who welcomes the help he gains.
For Kray enthusiasts, it comes as NO surprise that this book is a must read.
So where do I fall?
I think in order to have taken over an entire area as vast as London and as brutal as the 1950's and 60's must have been, the Kray's influence and intimidation must have been BEYOND description (God knows I heard enough about them when I was growing up in the same areas).
These boys were clearly bad bastards - and willing to go the extra yard.
Did they receive ridiculously extreme sentences for killing other gangsters, other killers?
I have to say, yes, I think they did.
Did the British government make scapegoats out of them?
Yes, I think they did.
Were the streets of London possibly any safer in that era if you were mugged and went to the Krays instead of the police?
Again, I have to say yes.
But none of this really matters.
Bottom line, you rise to the top - you get taken out - or society can't function.
The Krays will continue to intrigue us and morality seekers will continue to probe the fascination with them.
For me, if I meet one more person who said they knew them personally.........
June 15, 2016
I've always been fascinated by The Krays. This has in no way been dulled by Tom Hardy playing them both in the film Legend last year. Also was intrigued by the fact that it was pulled together by Fred Dinenage, a TV presenter from my childhood on TVS and Coast to Coast. So, it seemed like a good purchase on Kindle Daily Deals.
Enjoyed it, and as long as you can get over the endless lists of people that Reggie in particular fills his chapters with (the reason I docked a star) then it is an interesting read.
Enjoyed it, and as long as you can get over the endless lists of people that Reggie in particular fills his chapters with (the reason I docked a star) then it is an interesting read.
July 8, 2017
Serves as an interesting and in depth insight into the very human minds of the men who, over the years, have often become sensationalised and turned into legend. However it doesn't necessarily provide a trusty account of certain events, especially with the time that's passed since the publishing of this book.
Enjoyable read and really poses many questions into the effectiveness of the prison system today.
Enjoyable read and really poses many questions into the effectiveness of the prison system today.
August 9, 2019
I love social history and find certain crime books interesting.
I’ve read several books on the Kray twins it’s a bit like reading about the titanic you know how it’s going to end!!!!
Their story is interesting and I love the nostalgia of the time.
This is like a piece of social history
This isn’t the best version of their story but it’s an interesting enough read I’d definitely recommend this book.
I’ve read several books on the Kray twins it’s a bit like reading about the titanic you know how it’s going to end!!!!
Their story is interesting and I love the nostalgia of the time.
This is like a piece of social history
This isn’t the best version of their story but it’s an interesting enough read I’d definitely recommend this book.
August 1, 2023
Very interesting book and I loved reading about London in the 50’s and 60’s. Living in the East end of London I have a bit of a soft spot for the romanticised stories of the Krays, and was (pleasantly?) surprised to see my local Sunday quiz pub in Stoke Newington referenced after a particularly violent act carried out by Ronnie Kray.
After finishing the book it made me wonder, were the Krays really that bad? I mean yes, they absolutely were. But it makes you wonder.
After finishing the book it made me wonder, were the Krays really that bad? I mean yes, they absolutely were. But it makes you wonder.
April 20, 2018
Moving
It is so relaxing to read it in their own words. Fred Dineage does the twins justice in letting them get it all out without the piercing and judging eyes of a courtroom. They never claim to be angels but they have a load more morals than most prisoners have. Beautiful and moving read, well done and thank you for their perspective.
It is so relaxing to read it in their own words. Fred Dineage does the twins justice in letting them get it all out without the piercing and judging eyes of a courtroom. They never claim to be angels but they have a load more morals than most prisoners have. Beautiful and moving read, well done and thank you for their perspective.
December 26, 2024
An interesting enough read, but I didn't feel like I got a true representation. We're only getting Reg and Ron's view of themselves and to be honest, some things sounded like every other bully you hear from - "they didn't mind, surely I think they were quite grateful..."
I would like to have heard more about their everyday activities and what led them to where they were.
I would like to have heard more about their everyday activities and what led them to where they were.
September 14, 2018
interesting insight into the twins. I feel they've paid their price and should've seen freedom before they died...
March 9, 2017
Absolutely fantastic book! Couldn't put it down! Would read it over and over. It's a brilliant book, very intriguing and an eye opener for anyone interested in the krays. 10/10 would recommend
June 21, 2018
Begun: 01/05/18
Fiinished: 13/06/18
Amazon £1.59
Fiinished: 13/06/18
Amazon £1.59
January 17, 2019
This book was a real eye opener for me.
I've heard and seen a lot about the Krays, Reg and Ron, and their older brother, Charlie. I've seen them mentioned in Jessie Keane's books of London's gangland. I had no idea quite what complex men Reg and Ron were.
Yes, they were notorious gangsters in Bethnal Green. They were violent, they killed two men, ran protection rackets. But they were brought up by their mother to be respectful of others. They claimed to only go after fellow gangsters/criminals. They had no time or patience with anyone who hurt women, children or old people. They idolised their mother.
In this book, they acknowledge their criminal past, never denying that they should have been imprisoned for their murders. However, I feel they had a valid point when they said that other inmates who had been found guilty of several heinous crimes would serve a sentence and would be released into the outside world, leaving Reg and Ron Kray in various prisons and Broadmoor, after killing two men. Their victims were fellow criminals, violent men who thought nothing of hurting other people. The Krays seemed to be saying that they'd done society a favour by eliminating Cornell and McVitie.
As I read this book, I found myself admiring the Kray twins, in a weird sort of way. They lived by a different code of ethics from mine, but refused to apologise for something they weren't sorry for.
The poems that appear at intervals throughout the book, whilst perhaps not being in the same league as those of Milton, Shelley, Byron etc., I quite liked. There were thoughts and feelings in them that struck a chord. They seemed to be coming from a different person from the violent criminals that I've heard the Krays could be.
These two men, along with their contemporaries on the other manors, were of their times. They had the code of honour and ethics, but still thought a lot of their family.
I know that people like the Kray twins should ideally be behind bars for any crimes committed, but they should also be told if they will ever be up in front of a parole board.
I've heard and seen a lot about the Krays, Reg and Ron, and their older brother, Charlie. I've seen them mentioned in Jessie Keane's books of London's gangland. I had no idea quite what complex men Reg and Ron were.
Yes, they were notorious gangsters in Bethnal Green. They were violent, they killed two men, ran protection rackets. But they were brought up by their mother to be respectful of others. They claimed to only go after fellow gangsters/criminals. They had no time or patience with anyone who hurt women, children or old people. They idolised their mother.
In this book, they acknowledge their criminal past, never denying that they should have been imprisoned for their murders. However, I feel they had a valid point when they said that other inmates who had been found guilty of several heinous crimes would serve a sentence and would be released into the outside world, leaving Reg and Ron Kray in various prisons and Broadmoor, after killing two men. Their victims were fellow criminals, violent men who thought nothing of hurting other people. The Krays seemed to be saying that they'd done society a favour by eliminating Cornell and McVitie.
As I read this book, I found myself admiring the Kray twins, in a weird sort of way. They lived by a different code of ethics from mine, but refused to apologise for something they weren't sorry for.
The poems that appear at intervals throughout the book, whilst perhaps not being in the same league as those of Milton, Shelley, Byron etc., I quite liked. There were thoughts and feelings in them that struck a chord. They seemed to be coming from a different person from the violent criminals that I've heard the Krays could be.
These two men, along with their contemporaries on the other manors, were of their times. They had the code of honour and ethics, but still thought a lot of their family.
I know that people like the Kray twins should ideally be behind bars for any crimes committed, but they should also be told if they will ever be up in front of a parole board.
April 8, 2024
SPOILERS
Off the bat, there is a lot of sentimentality in this book for me. I am an East Ender and I grew up in Chingford, where the Krays are buried. I recall the stories told about them, as well as lining up down the Mount when they were buried. Everyone has a story about the Krays here.
There were parts of the book which really made me smile and reminded me of growing up in the East End. Some parts made me laugh too. Some people might not understand the culture, but what the Krays talk about really is a Cockney way of life.
Having said that, it's clear that the two, especially Reg, have an inflated sense of self and are a bit delusional to think they didn't deserve the punishments for their crimes. I sympathise to an extent but their whole life was based on flying in the face of the law and thinking they were above it. Just because certain things were the done thing and people turned a blind eye doesn't mean they were immune to the consequences. You also get the sense that you're not getting the full story, although of course any autobiographer would wish to paint themselves in the best light!
Overall, I think the book is a little misleading and I don't necessarily agree with the Krays' views. But it is nevertheless an interesting read and an insight into not only the London underworld, but London itself.
Off the bat, there is a lot of sentimentality in this book for me. I am an East Ender and I grew up in Chingford, where the Krays are buried. I recall the stories told about them, as well as lining up down the Mount when they were buried. Everyone has a story about the Krays here.
There were parts of the book which really made me smile and reminded me of growing up in the East End. Some parts made me laugh too. Some people might not understand the culture, but what the Krays talk about really is a Cockney way of life.
Having said that, it's clear that the two, especially Reg, have an inflated sense of self and are a bit delusional to think they didn't deserve the punishments for their crimes. I sympathise to an extent but their whole life was based on flying in the face of the law and thinking they were above it. Just because certain things were the done thing and people turned a blind eye doesn't mean they were immune to the consequences. You also get the sense that you're not getting the full story, although of course any autobiographer would wish to paint themselves in the best light!
Overall, I think the book is a little misleading and I don't necessarily agree with the Krays' views. But it is nevertheless an interesting read and an insight into not only the London underworld, but London itself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2017
A compelling account which follows the lives of the Kray twins, Ronald and Reginald, from their childhood, to their peak, and, ultimately, to their downfall. With information attained by Fred Dinenage from interviews that took place behind prison bars with the twins, the book is to serve as a way for Reg and Ron to set the record straight once and for all by dispelling myths and correcting inaccuracies surrounding their lives, which were documented so poorly before now.
This is the definitive story of two legendary criminals that I'd recommend to anyone with an interest in criminology, or anybody that'd simply like to know more about the two figures who understood the criminal underworld better than anybody else during the sixties; something that earned them their positions at the helm of the London gangland scene for almost a decade. They were sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum of thirty years, in 1969, for the murders of Jack "the Hat" McVitie and George Cornell respectively.
This is the definitive story of two legendary criminals that I'd recommend to anyone with an interest in criminology, or anybody that'd simply like to know more about the two figures who understood the criminal underworld better than anybody else during the sixties; something that earned them their positions at the helm of the London gangland scene for almost a decade. They were sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum of thirty years, in 1969, for the murders of Jack "the Hat" McVitie and George Cornell respectively.
June 17, 2023
Really interesting read. I guess the best way to hear about them and the stories people tell is from them directly. Which is exactly what the author, as well as Reggie and Ron, set out to do.
No more embellished stories (well, we think), no more lies or nonsense. Just accounts of what happened from the lads themselves.
I’ve seen the films, tv shows and documentaries but really this was the pinnacle of hearing about the Krays exploits, their rise to power and their eventual fall from grace into the prison system which would eventually take their lives.
One thing that I can say, I do really feel this after reading. Reggie and Ron only hurt other villains. Yet they done a preposterous amount of time for it. Fair? You read and see what you think.
No more embellished stories (well, we think), no more lies or nonsense. Just accounts of what happened from the lads themselves.
I’ve seen the films, tv shows and documentaries but really this was the pinnacle of hearing about the Krays exploits, their rise to power and their eventual fall from grace into the prison system which would eventually take their lives.
One thing that I can say, I do really feel this after reading. Reggie and Ron only hurt other villains. Yet they done a preposterous amount of time for it. Fair? You read and see what you think.
July 17, 2017
The story of two of the most infamous London gangsters: the Kray twins Reginald and Ronnie. Along with Fred Dinenage from the children's TV programme How? The twins tell of their early East End life through to adulthood and how they became the most feared London gangsters. Each twin tells of their most infamous deed, namely Ronnie's killing of George Cornell and Reg's killing of Jack 'the hat' McVitie. They also both tell of what life is like at Broadmoor for Ronnie and firstly Durham, Parkhurst and Gartree prisons for Reggie.
This was written in the 1980s, since then other more up to date books have been released, so an up to date book is next for me when I read about the Krays.
This was written in the 1980s, since then other more up to date books have been released, so an up to date book is next for me when I read about the Krays.
September 28, 2018
There are no words to describe how much I love this book. Easily one of the best ones I’ve ever read. I know for a fact that in a few years, I’ll have read this book for what feels like a thousand times.
Their story is captivating and their writing is out of this world (at least in my opinion). I love every single thing about this. My heart aches for the twins, wich I know some people might question, but to be quite frank, idgaf. Reading this while already knowing that they already died made me bawl my eyes out when they talked about how they looked forward to being free again.
This is a masterpiece.
Their story is captivating and their writing is out of this world (at least in my opinion). I love every single thing about this. My heart aches for the twins, wich I know some people might question, but to be quite frank, idgaf. Reading this while already knowing that they already died made me bawl my eyes out when they talked about how they looked forward to being free again.
This is a masterpiece.
July 28, 2022
Necessary Reading
In order to get a full understanding both of the Krays themselves and the environment in which they existed, it is necessary to hear it ‘from the horses mouth’.
The writing itself reveals the intellectual limitations of the writers, the rather sad limits of their life experiences and dispels the myth that prison life is in any way easy.
Although it claims to be the truth, on one or two occasions, that truth is used sparingly, showing that up until the end, they both harboured hopes of release and a normal life. If that normal life would ever have been possible, we will never know.
In order to get a full understanding both of the Krays themselves and the environment in which they existed, it is necessary to hear it ‘from the horses mouth’.
The writing itself reveals the intellectual limitations of the writers, the rather sad limits of their life experiences and dispels the myth that prison life is in any way easy.
Although it claims to be the truth, on one or two occasions, that truth is used sparingly, showing that up until the end, they both harboured hopes of release and a normal life. If that normal life would ever have been possible, we will never know.
January 22, 2024
*2.5
Whilst the content is perfectly fine I think what happens so often when you leave someone to tell their own story is that it turns out very ordinary in spite of the fact that the person (in this case people) has lived a life that is anything but. I understand wanting to clear the air and tell their own story in their own words after having seen so many others do so before them, leading to embellishments and at times just completely falsifying the truth but I think in being so humble with their storytelling, areas that could have been glamorised weren’t and this led to potentially extraordinary stories of a life so few could imagine falling flat.
Whilst the content is perfectly fine I think what happens so often when you leave someone to tell their own story is that it turns out very ordinary in spite of the fact that the person (in this case people) has lived a life that is anything but. I understand wanting to clear the air and tell their own story in their own words after having seen so many others do so before them, leading to embellishments and at times just completely falsifying the truth but I think in being so humble with their storytelling, areas that could have been glamorised weren’t and this led to potentially extraordinary stories of a life so few could imagine falling flat.
July 26, 2018
It's not often I read book based on true life but I like the Kraus stories I've seen most documentaries and movies about them and thought it would be good to get their view on things.
This book Is well written and even though it doesn't offer much information that I don't know it was still an enjoyable read.
This is definitely worth reading if your new to the Krays or know a lot about them.
This book certainly makes you question if the punishment fit the crimes and weather the Kraus brothers are really as bad as some documentary make them out to be.
This book Is well written and even though it doesn't offer much information that I don't know it was still an enjoyable read.
This is definitely worth reading if your new to the Krays or know a lot about them.
This book certainly makes you question if the punishment fit the crimes and weather the Kraus brothers are really as bad as some documentary make them out to be.
June 14, 2025
I read this when I was a teenager and was fascinated by the allure of the old gangster underworld and the famous twins. I remember reading this and thinking they both came off as jolly nice blokes and didn't deserve their lifelong incarceration. They came across as glamorous and charismatic in the films made about them, but of course, films don't shy away from violence, and I thought maybe they're not such nice unfairly treated blokes after all !! in documentaries, Ronnie is described as mentally ill and both as psychopathic. Still, the Kray twins are a fascinating subject.
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