Born Fighter

by Reggie Kray

Born Fighter [Paperback] Kray, Reg

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Crime

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Twin 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)

Reviews

[Tosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever I go to London I try to buy as many books i can on the Kray Twins. Some like to buy little Big Ben statues, but no, I buy Kray books. And at one time, there were at least a 100 or so books on the Krays.

Books by the vicitims, the people who worked with the Krays, and even the bartender who served drinks to one of the victims of the Krays just before he got shot in the head. She wrote a book as well. In fact I suspect off subjects due to true crime catagory, there are more books on the Kray Twins. Why?

Well they're fascinating in many interesting ways. Both are identical twins, one was gay the other straight, and they basically ruled the London crime world during hte 60's. Also they were psychotic and extremely dangerous pair of men. I wouldn't want to cross their path and make them unhappy.

The Krays also wrote a series of memoirs while they were in prison. Francis Bacon has mentioned that he received a landscape painting by one of the twins via the mail. He commented that it's interesting that it was a landscape painting, considering that they didn't have a view of such land in their cell. Although their cells did have carpeting, and maybe even a wet bar as well. The Krays lived in high fashion all the time.

This is one of many of Reggie Kray's book. i am not sure about it's history, but it is still fascinating to see how these guys work and what they think about. There is a certain amount of glamour in their lives, but you have to keep in mind the sickening violence that went with it as well.

One day I like to do a critical essay on the books that were produced in the Kray's world. I think it would be fascinating to compare and chose ... and just basically think how the mass media has covered the Kray twins.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating book on many levels, although as it involves a high quotient of self-justification, it should not be taken as a definitive statement on the author's life. There's a decent, if not entirely well-organised, account of the rise and fall of the Krays' criminal empire. Reg manages to justify everything they did, denies they ever ran "protection rackets" and cleaves to his own idea of a moral code of ethics. He writes highly readable prose, with occasional attempts at a more elevated, literary style - as in his musings about capital punishment following his observation of the last days of Flossie Forsyth. He gets philosophical, especially towards the end - his standpoint appearing a mix of born again Christianity, positive thinking and stoical resignation.

Much of his life appears to be a long battle against authority and social strictures, middle-class morality (he admires aristocrats and royalty). He sets great store by loyalty and refers to those who gave evidence against the twins as "Judases". A great many people seem to have turned against the twins and testified for the prosecution and it is disappointing that Reg doesn't attempt to deal with the question as to why (he puts it down to "human nature". As with most working class people of a certain generation, he has a tendency to sentimentality - but one which does allow him to show empathy with people in dire situations (like the paralysed child he helps raise money for). The book, in respect of what happened during the remainder of his life, feels a sad artefact: he never gave up hope of dreaming of release and didn't seem to realise that the British establishment were determined to break him and his brother absolutely and definitively, as examples.

It is strange to think that the contemporary memoir form so beloved by criminals has its roots in the Confessions of Saint Augustine. Reg Kray's memoirs lack much fundamental insight into his own frailty and tendency to sinfulness; he appears somewhat self-obsessed and is given to flights of fantasy, such as believing that the US President and the Queen Mother would be interested in his book of slang, or his lyrics might grace a number one single and be sung at Stadium concerts. Nevertheless, despite this lack of humility, he doesn't come across as a dislikeable person and, if you can forgive his faults, he is good company for the timespan of the book.

[Book Addict Shaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having been fascinated by the Krays and the London underworld for many years I decided to take advantage of my libraries excellent true crime section and take out (and reserve) as many books about these subjects as possible. My knowledge of the Krays has mostly come from the Internet and TV. A lot of the books are poor and/or out of publication.

I absolutely loved reading about the twins growing up and when I'm next in London my hotel is literally within spitting distance of where they lived growing up. Reading about the various crimes from Reg's point of view showed up how many inaccuracies there are in the many books and stories out there about the Krays. Reg comes across quite well I thought and spoke a lot of sense throughout the book.

It was incredibly short though and whilst quite detailed in the situations covered, there was a lot that wasn't mentioned and I'm hoping to read about this in the other books I have on order (e.g. East End Stories).

Oh, and I also loved that despite not watching much television one of Ron Kray's favourite TV shows was Neighbours and he was gutted when Kylie left.

[Jiddy⁷ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps I didn’t like this autobiography as much as ‘Our Story’ or ‘My Story’ is because it took me almost two months (because I’ve been reading like 5 books at a time, so it’s my own fault really) OR because I already read about their story so nothing really came as a surprise.
Still, it’s a beautifully written book with lots of insight in Reg’s mind. I especially enjoyed reading about his prison-routine and his relationship with Ron.

[Marcus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much what you think it would be, but his voice is clear, and you end up with a pretty intimate view of this famed villain.

[FJY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book written by Reg Kray after "Our Story", which was published in 1988 and was co-written with his brother Ron and Fred Dinenage. He had previously stated that "Our Story" was full of inaccuracies and untruths, which he felt did not accurately represent himself or his brother. Born Fighter, published originally in 1990, is a superior book in almost every way. He tells of his life story from when he was a young child, upto and including the first decade or so of his life imprisonment. This book goes over similar ground to "Our Story", but from only Reg's point of view and in much more detail. I found it hard to put down and I found it to be a gripping and revealing read.

The only downside to the book is that, since it was published in 1990, it obviously doesn't cover the later part of his prison sentence, which may put off some people. He and Ron had both served just over 22 years in prison at that time, so the book ends during that part of their 30-year sentences. I still feel that this is one of the best books ever written about the Krays, though, and I have since read more about their lives behind bars, so this didn't bother me too much. If, however, like me, you are curious to know more about what happened to them in various prisons, then I can recommend David Meikle and Kate Beal Blyth's book, The Krays - The Prison Years, which is also an excellent read. Both that book and Born Fighter should be high on the list for anyone interested in the Krays. Born Fighter may be hard to find now, though, as it may no longer be print, but you may still be able to find it in some shops and online. Copies of the book may be scarce, though.

A recommended read for anyone with an interest in the Krays and especially books written by the twins themselves.

[Sarah Rigg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this after seeing the film "The Krays" (which is actually pretty fabulous and stars Martin and Gary Kemp, the twin brothers in the 1980s New Wave band Spandau Ballet). AS far as "Born Fighter" goes, it's interesting to get the story directly from one of the Kray brothers. On the downside, you don't get as much insight into Ronnie, the queer half of the duo, and Reggie downplays some of the violence and tries to make himself look like something better than a common thug and gangster.

[Mummalovesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favourite accounts of the Kray twins story.
It feels much more personal and reflective. It’s like sitting with an old man and his memories which feels a little haunting at times.
Having been born in London’s East End myself I grew up with colourful stories of the twins and their influence on the Community I feel their story is a part of our social history and I find the psychology behind their mindset intriguing.
This is a reflection of the era and life at a different time. This book is definitely worth a read.

[Nathan]

he died

[Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, what a book. Chilling in parts and yet soft and kind in others. Reg Kray is obviously a paradox but in this honest, down-to-earth story he puts the record straight - very much warts and all.

He felt that the biography of he and Ron was not true to life so his intention was to put the record straight and he certainly does that with tales that will make the blood run hot at times and at others will have the reader reaching for the handkerchief.

Perhaps not for the faint-hearted!

[Alicia Mikolajczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book - unknown to me side of the Kray Brothers. Amazing insight into their intimate world.
It also nicely depicts hypocrysy and double standards in a prison system.
Highly recommended especially for those that are troublesome - Reggie has some really good advice.

[Paul Hanmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good read kind of goes into more detail about the times they were on the outside very interesting man indeed

[Philip Hudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the true reality of who they were, well worth a read