The Brotherhoods: Inside the Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs

by Arthur Veno, Ed Gannon

"Based on in-depth interviews, personal stories, and meticulous research, this vivid exploration of biker culture reveals the truth behind Australia's infamous motorcycle clubs. Included are the rules and rituals involved in becoming a club member, landmark incidents in biker folklore, and profiles of famous biker personalities. Unconstrained by the regulations that rule ordinary citizens, the notorious Gypsy Jokers are followed on their controversial New Year run in Western Australia. Written by a top expert on biker culture, this book reveals the true picture of brotherhood among the clubs."

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 28, 2003

Reviews

[Boris · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is written by Professor Arthut Veno and comes across of a self serving, name dropping snooze fest.
This would have to be one of the most boring books I have read on Bike Clubs.
An academics attempt to create his own self importance.
Don't bother with this one.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

An alternate take on outlaw motorcycle clubs and a counter point to what is normally printed in books written from the law enforcement point of view.

[Bookworm McClain · Rating 2 out of 5]

A boring academic bothered to make what should've been an interesting topic tedious. It read like a term paper, complete with unnecessary charts. Call me low class, but I would've enjoyed hearing more dirt on the drama about what goes on between club members. Maybe there's a real housewives of Hell's Angels out there...

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the wrong impression of this book going into it. Just by reading the back-flap years ago, I somehow gathered that this book was written by an uncover journalist or something, and that he was putting his life on the line by releasing all these terrible secrets, and testimonial evidence and stuff, about what goes on inside the notorious bikie clubhouses all over Australia. I thought there was going to be stuff about "presumed-missing" people being tortured (not that I am into that sort of thing, especially, but one likes to be horrified sometimes), and shit about how they rape and pillage towns and shit.

Well, I could not have been more ignorant. Most of this book was actually about how all the Australian "1%er" were founded; how they have developed throughout the the second half of last century; and ultimately, how many of them are now dying out, with the traditional bikie being reduced a middle-aged, grey-bearded man with prostate issues, and the modern clubs being run by Lebanese and Arabian kids who don't aren;t even required to ride bikes.

I noticed that some Goodreads members didn't like Arthur Veno's presentation of the facts, and the way that he often refers to himself and how he has contributed to the political and social relationship between the bikie clubs. But I think Veno gave a very thorough and level-minded insight into how this lifestyle functions, and I personally enjoyed the parts were he was directly involved, because it allowed for more personal stories that zoned into one subject and club in particular. I wouldn't call him either an "outlaw apologist" or a "detached academic who thinks he's a bikie". He have a very fair portrayal of the often violent and hazardous relationship between the motorcycle clubs and the police. Overall, this was a decent a book, even if not quite the harrowing exposé I hoped it would be. It has changed my understanding of the bikie clubs - plus I have garnered some new inspiration and a more enlightened understanding for one of my own novels. But I still shall never mess with these guys. Fuck that.

[Sharon]

I would not usually bother with this book, as it really is not to my taste, but a family member raved about it, and told me I should read it, as it is fantastic.

Well, I'm sorry, I must disagree, the beginning was dull at times, and to be honest, I really couldn't have cared less about the subject, they want to remain a secret society, and that is fine by me, as long as they don't bother me, I'm content to not bother them.

There were some intresting parts, but I'm afraid the author at times ruined this book for me, with his "look at me, I'm a big thing for being a part of this" It is a attitude I do not like in authors.

If you are going to inject yourself into a story, make it relevant to the theme, not "big note" yourself like this guy does.

It may have been recommended to me, but I don't recommend it to anyone else.

[D.A. Cairns · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested/morbidly fascinated with those noisy two wheeled beasts called Harley Davidsons and the intimidating characters who ride them, - like me - then this book is for you. It is filled with interesting and sometimes shocking pieces of information, loads of statistics and myth busting truth telling from a writer who knows his stuff. Veno is a well credentialed and authoritative author who presents a very balanced and honest look at the world of bikies. This is a very good read.

[Kevin Oram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although his wirting was a little too academic at times, it provided a fantastic insight into the raw and brutal biker lifestyle. Getting past the macho leather jackets, this book provided a fantastic insights into the tight brotherhood with the gangs to protect them against the suspicious and fearful public.

[Cate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just finished this one. Veno is a bit naff - his willingness to accept what he's told & the completely benign view of the OMGs just smacks of the nerd allowed to hang with the big boys. He believes the half truths he's told and the bits that he is allowed to see. In a word - "gone native". Very disappointing.

[Iain Parke · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Australian based professor who has studied bikies and it seems participated in the Oz bikie culture for nearly 30 years, The Brotherhoods comes across as a remarkably objective, non sensationalist and above all balanced book about the clubs in Australia and what they mean to their members.

For more biker book reviews visit http://bad-press.co.uk/the-brethren-t...

[Kaz · Rating 1 out of 5]

not worth reading the author is just a name dropper , leave it on the shelf.

[Stephan · Rating 3 out of 5]

meh.

[Shirley Metelmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personally thought this was fair commentary,considering it is written by a Professional Educator