Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Prison Diaries: From the Concrete Coffin

Rate this book
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’.

416 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2011

9 people are currently reading
51 people want to read

About the author

Charles Bronson

42 books83 followers
English criminal and former bare knuckle boxer.

Bronson is often referred to in the British press as the "most violent prisoner in Britain".Bronson wasa petty criminal before being sentenced to seven years imprisonment in 1974.

While in prison, he began making a name for himself as a loose cannon, often fighting convicts and prison officers. He also embarked on one-man rooftop protests. He was released on 30 October 1988, but spent merely sixty-nine days as a free man before he was arrested again.

Upon his release, he began a bare-knuckle boxing career in the East End of London. His promoter was unhappy with his name and suggested he change it to Charles Bronson. He was returned to prison for planning another robbery and continued to be a difficult inmate, instigating numerous hostage situations.

While in jail in 2001, he married his second wife, Fatema Saira Rehman, a Bangladeshi-born divorcée who inspired him to convert to Islam and take the name of Charles Ali Ahmed.

This second marriage lasted four years before he divorced Rehman and renounced Islam.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
17 (51%)
4 stars
5 (15%)
3 stars
8 (24%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
3 (9%)
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Profile Image for Jo Cleobury.
506 reviews7 followers
October 26, 2018
"Hopefully love will now see me through whats left. It would be so nice to live the rest of my days being loved "..... What a book, what a misunderstood man. I hope and pray he gets his freedom. Rapists , paedophiles, even murderers spend less time behind bars than Charlie has. Stay Strong Charlie #FreeCharlieBronson
Profile Image for Kristopher Cyrus.
30 reviews1 follower
February 3, 2022
I love this book I have this at home with his letters and post cards he has sent to me
Profile Image for Rees  Fleming.
80 reviews
April 13, 2022
Bronson the notorious prisoner.

Most dangerous prisoner in the British system.

I can assure you, Bronson is not the most dangerous.
Well, I can't assure but the Prison office I've spoken to can.

And I believe it, just a charismatic individual that has stories.

But by no means is this man not intelligent, the books themselves detail serious issues within the system and this man has gone through all of them.

I would give credit to anybody that has lived through that level of pain and austerity.

Definate read, great books to read for entertainment. Especially crime related.
Profile Image for Tanya.
47 reviews
June 12, 2016
Wow!
This is interesting to read. Obviously the writing is bias to Bronson's point of view so it may not be completely accurate with regards to treatment etc. it's an interesting read to see the perspective of an inmate, and ways that prison staff can consider how their treatment/decisions may be interpreted by inmates.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.