Legacy: Gangsters, Corruption and the London Olympics

The book "Legacy: The True Story of the London Olympics Turf War" by Michael Gillard reveals criminal corruption on a scale that the Kray twins would never have dreamt of, illustrating the sordid links between business, politics, and organized crime. It follows the story of the Long Fella, a gangster who emerged as a true untouchable in the neglected east London borough hosting the 2012 Olympics, and the efforts of local detectives to take him on. However, Scotland Yard threw them under the bus, and the business of putting on the greatest show on earth won the day, protecting the Olympic legacy by covering up a scandal of suspicious deaths and corruption. Gillards efforts culminated in a landmark court case that exposed the Long Fella and his friends and exposed Londons real Olympic legacy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In his groundbreaking book, "John Pearson, Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins," journalist Michael Gillard delves into the depths of criminal corruption on a scale that even the notorious Kray twins would have found unimaginable. Through meticulous research and a detailed investigation, Gillard presents a stunning and shocking narrative that sheds light on the dark underworld of organized crime.

The book explores the rise and fall of the Kray twins, two notorious gangsters who ruled the streets of London in the 1960s and 1970s. Gillard provides a comprehensive account of their lives, from their humble beginnings to their ascent to power and their eventual downfall. He uncovers the sordid links between business, politics, and organized crime, revealing the intricate web of corruption that permeated their empire.

One of the most compelling aspects of "John Pearson, Profession of Violence" is Gillard's detailed investigation. He meticulously reconstructs the events that led to the Kray twins' downfall, including their involvement in drug trafficking, extortion, and murder. He also sheds light on the role of the police and the government in their rise and fall, highlighting the corruption and ineptitude that allowed them to operate with impunity.

Gillard's writing is compelling and engaging, drawing the reader into the world of the Kray twins and the criminal underworld they inhabited. He provides a vivid portrayal of the characters, including the twins themselves, their henchmen, and the law enforcement officials who tried to bring them to justice. The book is filled with shocking revelations and unexpected twists, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end.

"John Pearson, Profession of Violence" is not just a book about the Kray twins; it is a reflection on the broader societal issues that contributed to their rise and fall. Gillard explores the impact of poverty, social inequality, and the lack of opportunities on young people, who are often drawn into organized crime as a way out of their circumstances. He also raises important questions about the role of the media and the public in perpetuating the myth of the gangster and the glamour of a life of crime.

In conclusion, "John Pearson, Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins" is a must-read for anyone interested in crime, history, and the darker side of society. Through his meticulous investigation and compelling writing, Michael Gillard has exposed the criminal corruption on a scale that the Kray twins would never have dreamt of and has laid bare the sordid links between business, politics, and organized crime. This book is a powerful reminder of the importance of transparency, accountability, and justice in our society and a call to action to address the underlying issues that contribute to crime and violence.

Weight: 284g
Dimension: 130 x 199 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781448217434