Charles Bronson

Stephen Richards

Charlie Bronson has spent three decades in solitary confinement, and yet has stayed as fit as a fiddle, gaining several world strength and fitness records in the process. Now, in this no-nonsense guide to getting fit and staying fit, he reveals just how he's done it.

Solitary Fitness

Charles Bronson will never be set free. A convicted criminal, he is held in an impenetrable cell in an attempt to stop his hostage-taking. Though his time is now spent producing a constant stream of poetry and sketches, his story is an astonishing and terrifying one.

Bronson

Britain's Most Notorious Prisoner Reveals What Life Is Like Inside

Behind Bars

Robin Ackroyd

Charlie Bronson is Britain's most dangerous convict. During more than a quarter of a century inside, he has gained a fearsome reputation as the prison system's only serial hostage taker. He has spent 23 of the last 26 years in solitary confinement. He has been locked in dungeons, in iron boxes concreted into the middle of cells, and, famously, in a cage like Hannibal Lecter. Yet Bronson lives by a strict moral code and is respected and admired by many prison officers as well as prisoners. In this updated edition of his memoirs, Bronson reveals the happiness behind his controversial marriage to his wife Saira.

Charlie Bronson has spent 28 of the last 30 years in solitary confinement. He has been locked in dungeons, in iron boxes concreted into the middle of cells and, famously, in a cage. When he is unlocked, up to 12 prison officers - sometimes in riot gear and with dogs - are standing by. Yet this is a man of great warmth and humour who has never killed anyone and has often dealt with his gruelling life with humour - during a siege in 1993 he demanded an inflatable doll and a cup of tea. Now his story is being turned into a Hollywood film. Now in this amazing new edition of his best selling autobiography, Charlie reveals the truth about his extraordinary life behind bars.

Charles Bronson is Britain's most notorious prisoner, a 'Category A' inmate who has spent over 30 years inside as a result of his violent and unpredictable behaviour. No one knows the system better than Charlie. Now, for the very first time, you can find out what it is really like inside a maximum security institution as Charlie blows the lid on his life in HM Wakefield. Written in diary form by Charlie himself from behind locked doors, this unique book uncovers the real Charlie; his thoughts, frustrations and true feelings about the people who inhabit 'the concrete coffin' with him. This raw, unedited text, in his own hand, comes straight from the heart and also reveals another side to the man who has spent much of his time in solitary confinement in inhuman conditions. From writing poetry and creating works of art, to keeping fit and his secret passion for the X Factor and Coronation Street, there is much more to the man dubbed 'Britain's most violent prisoner' than his reputation suggests. Charlie says that he never plans his actions and only reacts violently when provoked and he has received more than his fair share of provocation over the years. This hard hitting book tells you how it is by the man who knows. Following on from his earlier works Loonyology and Respect and Reputation, and Bronson the film about his life, Prison Diaries continues the unbelievable Charles Bronson story. As Charlie says, 'After reading this book you will know what its like to be me'.

Prison Diaries

Charles Bronson is Britain’s most notorious prisoner, a ‘Category A’ inmate who has spent over 30 years inside as a result of his violent and unpredictable behaviour. No one knows the system better than Charlie. Now, for the very first time, you can find out what it is really like inside a maximum security institution as Charlie blows the lid on his life in HM Wakefield. Written in diary form by Charlie himself from behind locked doors, this unique book uncovers the real Charlie; his thoughts, frustrations and true feelings about the people who inhabit ‘the concrete coffin’ with him. This raw, unedited text, in his own hand, comes straight from the heart and also reveals another side to the man who has spent much of his time in solitary confinement in inhuman conditions. From writing poetry and creating works of art, to keeping fit and his secret passion for the X Factor and Coronation Street, there is much more to the man dubbed ‘Britain’s most violent prisoner’ than his reputation suggests. Charlie says that he never plans his actions and only reacts violently when provoked and he has received more than his fair share of provocation over the years. This hard hitting book tells you how it is by the man who knows. Following on from his earlier works Loonyology and Respect and Reputation, and Bronson the film about his life, Prison Diaries continues the unbelievable Charles Bronson story. As Charlie says, ‘After reading this book you will know what its like to be me’.

From The Concrete Coffin

Two names resigned supreme in London's underworld in the sixties - Ronnie and Reggie Kray. It wasn't until '69 that the twins went down to Brixton Prison for murder. I was only seventeen, on remand up in Risley, Warrington, for nicking a furniture lorry. Most of the lads in there had newspaper photos of the Krays stuck up on their cell walls. They were the cream of the criminal crop, and that's why I took such an interest in 'em.

The Krays and Me

Charlie Bronson has taken his 24 years of experience of prison dwelling and condensed it into one handy and comprehensive volume. Moved regularly around the prisons of the British Isles, he has sampled all that prison life has to offer, taking in both the historic and pre-historic buildings that comprise Britain's infamous prison system. It's all in here, from the correct way to brew vintage prison "hooch" and how to keep the screws from finding it, to the indispensable culinary methods required to make prison food edible. Readers can learn about Charlie's special taming techniques for prison wildlife such as spiders, rats, and cockroaches, creatures that may be prisoners' only friends in long stretches on solitary. Charlie also shows how to plan and prepare for marriage inside what can be seen as a less than romantic setting.

The Good Prison Guide

Two names reigned supreme in London's underworld in the sixties - Ronnie and Reggie Kray; and it wasn't until 1969 that the twins went down at Brixton Prison for murder. I was only seventeen, on remand up in Risley, Warrington, for nicking a furniture lorry. Most of the lads in there had newspaper photos of the Krays stuck up on their cell walls. They were the cream of the criminal crop, and that's why I took such an interest in 'em. Once I was put away, it wasn't long before I got to meet them, and over the next 29 years I got closer to the Krays than any self-proclaimed henchman, any autograph hunter. As their trusted friend they let me in on it all - no holds barred behind bars! Since Ronnie and Reggie died, all I've heard is a load of bollocks! 'Reggie shot my cat; Ronnie stabbed my uncle Bert 75 times; Reggie ran over my hamster; I'm Ronnie's son, I'm Reggie's daughter.' Gutless maggots spreading rumours with their sham stories for sale. The shameless rats. Well now the twins are gone and I can talk. And let me tell you, I've got a lot to say and all the time in the world to say it. No bollocks. No silly stories. Just the facts about the time I spent doing porridge with the Krays.

The Krays and Me - Blood, Honour and Respect. Doing Porridge with The Krays

Charlie has taken his 24 years of experience of prison dwelling and condensed it into one handy and comprehensive volume. Moved regularly around the prisons of the British Isles he has sampled all that prison life has to offer, taking in both the historic and pre-historic buildings that comprise Britain's infamous prison system. It's all in here from the correct way to brew vintage prison 'hooch' and how to keep the screws from finding it, to the indispensable culinary methods required to make prison food edible. Read about Charlie's special taming techniques for prison wildlife such as spiders, rats and cockroaches, creatures that may be your only friends on long stretches in solitary. Also Charlie shows how to plan and prepare for marriage inside what can be seen as a less than romantic setting. With over 70,000 people (and rising) currently residing at Her Majesty's pleasure, Charlie Bronson's "Good Prison Guide" is essential for young offenders and 'old lags' alike. Make sure you don't get nicked without it.

Behind Bars – Britain’s Most Notorious Prisoner Reveals What Life is Like Inside

Charlie Bronson has spent three decades in solitary confinement, and yet has stayed as fit as a fiddle, gaining several world strength and fitness records in the process. Now, in this no-nonsense guide to getting fit and staying fit, he reveals just how he's done it. Forget fancy gyms, expensive running shoes and designer outfits, what you need are the facts on what really works and the motivation to get on with the job. From his cell at Wakefield Prison, Charlie has complied this perfect guide to show you the best way to burn those calories, tone your abs and build your stamina giving you the know-how you need to be at the peak of mental and physical form.

Solitary Fitness - You Don't Need a Fancy Gym or Expensive Gear to be as Fit as Me

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 style: 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 words: “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.”

The Autobiography of Britain's Most Notorious Prisoner

Loonyology

Second book of memoirs from long-term prisoner, Charles Bronson. By turns hilarious and tragic, this is a fascinating trip inside the mind of the man dubbed 'Britain's most violent prisoner'.

My Prison Diaries

Diaries from Hell

Tel Currie

Charlie Bronson is Britain's most dangerous convict. He talks tough, and he fights harder. During more than a quarter of a century inside, he has gained a fearsome reputation as the prison system's only serial hostage taker. Yet he is also a man of great warmth and humor, and despite his reputation, he has never killed anyone. Respected and admired by many prison officers as well as prisoners, the cast of characters he has met on the inside is astonishing.

The Good, the Mad, the Bad and the Ugly

Heroes and Villains

Regarded as the UK's most violent prisoner, Charles Bronson has served 34 years in UK prisons, 31 of which have been in solitary confinement. Over the last decade, Charles has successfully turned his life around, and this book celebrates those ten years of his life, not just as a prisoner, but as an artist, a poet and an acclaimed author.

Con-Artist

Charles Bronson, classified as the most dangerous prisoner in the UK penal system, reveals who's who in this A-Z guide of the underworld and beyond. It contains many characters with unusual names who influenced Bronson's life and leave little to the imagination: The Wizard, Semtex Man and Pie Man.

Legends

He's taken more hostages inside of prison than any UK prisoner. He holds awards for his art and writing. He's had more prison rooftop protests than anyone alive or dead. He's the UK's most feared yet most misunderstood prisoner. In Bronson's own words, find out what makes him tick and explode.

Charles Bronson

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