Product Description

Roy Shaw is the ultimate hardman. He has cult status and commands a respect that few, even in the violent world he moves in, can equal. To him, violence is simply an accepted part of his profession. He doesn't exaggerate it, he can't excuse it and he refuses to apologize for it. His name may mean nothing to you - he's no actor, no showman, no wannabe celebrity. He does, however, live by a merciless code, and though he may not have cloven hooves and a tail, if he goes after someone, all hell comes with him.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24566 in Books
• Published on: 2003-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 224 pages

About the Author
Roy Shaw is the ultimate hardman, he has a cult status and commands a respect that few, even in the violent world he moves in can equal.

Customer Reviews

The Violence is shocking but I could not wait to hear more
All my life, living in the East End of London I have heard the two names that have kept me facinated with bare knuckle fighting. "Lenny Mclean and Roy Shaw".

My own Father "Arthur Lee" was a profesional boxer way back in the 50's and was one of seven brothers fighting out of Canning Town East London so I have always followed boxing with interest.

When Lenny brought out his book I imediately went out and bought it, read it in 4 days and was drunk on wanting to hear more of his life. He died soon after I finished the book.

I was always a fan of Lenny Mclean and thought there was no man on earth as tough as the Guvnor. Untill I read about Roy Shaw. The book is excelent and will no doubt signal the start of more books from more wanna be tough guys, but we've had the best two books from the best two fighters, nothing else will come close.

I understand there was to be a film of the life of Lenny Mclean but it fell through..

What a great shame if the lives of these two great rivals were never to appear on the big screen.

You've got LOCK STOCK! AND SNATCH. WHY NOT PRETTY BOY AND THE GUVNOR?

David Lee

GOOD......BUT THE GUVONOR WAS BETTER
Firstly, I would say what an unbelievable story this was, because of the suffering Roy Shaw went through and inflicted throughout his life - even more so because you know it's true !!!.I'd actually read Lenny McLean's book first as most people probably would and thought it was interesting the way both of these characters had crossed the same paths i.e. violent youth,prison,Franky Frazier, but certainly had know love for each other but a definate respect.Both of these men had incredible tempers though Roy Shaw undoubtedly had more trouble keeping his under control - I also wonder how much of the violence was actually toned down by the author.For me the most gripping part of the book was Shaw's description of his lfe in prison - especially Broadmoor.Here, he makes it clear that he, like other 'uncontrollable prisoners, were deliberately drugged up with the aim of turning them into permanent 'cabbages', his words.It certainly opens yours eyes to what actually went on and possibly still does in such places.There are certainly parts of the book that make you feel sorry for Shaw and what he went through but others where you think he should have gotten more than he did.There is one thing I would like to have cleared up though,especially if anyone knows the answer....did he fight Lenny McLean twice or three times?.In Roys book he indicates twice, one a piece; though in Lenny's book he states three times with two to him and one to Shaw.This apart, the two of them speak highly of each other in their own way and you have to respect them both for that as most of us will go through life never having experienced what these two men, especially Roy Shaw, have gone through.I would hope that with what Roy has shared with us in this book,and it must have been painful for him in parts,puts others off going down the same road.

Excellent reading
Living in Bethnal Green, I can visualise what Roy Shaw is trying to portray in his book. It has all the rough stuff you would expect from this type of book, coupled with an insight of the real man inside, his love for his wife and the proud feeling only a father can experience. Roy even shows respect for his enemy in the ring, Lenny Mclean, even though there was no love lost between the two. I am 35 and have lived in Bethnal Green all my life, and have grew up with the so called villans, Roy Shaw is a true hard man in every sense, I have met Lenny Mclean before and it was a pleasure to meet him. It would also be a pleasure to meet Roy just to shake his hand and compliment him on a well written book.