the profession of violence

Book Details

Title: The Profession of Violence
Author: John Pearson
Publisher: Book Club Associates
Language: English
Binding: Hardback
ISBN: Not Available
Pages: 335
Published Year: 1984
Dimensions: 22 x 14 cm
Condition: Used – Good
Condition Note: Book is in good condition.

About the Book

The Profession of Violence by John Pearson is widely regarded as one of the definitive accounts of the lives of Ronnie Kray and Reggie Kray, the notorious twin brothers who ruled London's East End criminal underworld during the 1950s and 1960s. Combining meticulous research with firsthand access to the Krays, Pearson delivers a compelling portrait of crime, power, loyalty, and violence in post-war Britain.

The book traces the twins' rise from humble beginnings in London's East End to becoming some of the most feared and influential gangsters in British history. Through a mixture of intimidation, business ventures, and carefully cultivated public images, the Krays established a criminal empire that reached far beyond the streets they controlled.

Pearson explores the contrasting personalities of the brothers, examining how their close bond shaped both their success and eventual downfall. The narrative delves into their relationships, criminal activities, and connections with celebrities, politicians, and prominent figures, revealing the complex world in which they operated.

More than a crime biography, the book offers a vivid social history of post-war London, capturing the atmosphere of a city undergoing profound change. It examines how social conditions, economic realities, and cultural shifts contributed to the rise of organized crime during the period.

Written with the pace of a thriller and the depth of serious investigative journalism, The Profession of Violence remains a landmark work in the true-crime genre. Pearson's balanced approach provides insight not only into the crimes themselves but also into the personalities and circumstances behind them.

An essential read for fans of true crime, criminal biography, British history, and investigative nonfiction, this classic work continues to be regarded as one of the most authoritative studies of the Kray twins and their enduring legacy.