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One of the Family
John Pearson's "The Profession of Violence" created the myth of the Kray twins and remains a classic of "True Crime", the best book ever written on East London villians and a book that started a mini publishing industry. Pearson knows the London crime scene as well as anyone, which is why he was surprised while attending Ronnie Kray's funeral to see a man to whom all the other villians deferred, but whom he didn't recognise. Investigation revealed that this man, the Englishman, never mentioned in any of the previous books on villiany because everyone was scared to mention his name was as legendary a figure on the streets of New York as on the streets of London. When the Englishman learned that someone was asking about him, he introduced himself to Pearson, who persuaded him to write his story - a story even more extraordinary than that of the Krays. Because the Englishman is the only man of non-Italian blood to be admitted to the heart of the Mafia. He became the adopted son of Joey Pagano, the head of one of the major New York families and his adventure included gun battles fighting shoulder to shoulder with John Gotti, capo du tutti capi. Here the Englishman tells the story that no-one else dared to tell.
320 pages, Paperback
First published November 6, 2003
16 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
John George Pearson
30 books24 followersJohn Pearson was a writer best associated with James Bond creator Ian Fleming. He was Fleming's assistant at the London Sunday Times and would go on to write the first biography of Ian Fleming, 1966's The Life of Ian Fleming. Pearson also wrote "true-crime" biographies, such as The Profession of Violence: an East End gang story about the rise and fall of the Kray twins.
Pearson would also become the third official James Bond author of the adult-Bond series, writing in 1973 James Bond: The Authorized Biography of 007, a first-person biography of the fictional agent James Bond. Although the canonical nature of this book has been debated by Bond fans since it was published, it was officially authorized by Glidrose Publications, the official publisher of the James Bond chronicles. Glidrose reportedly considered commissioning Pearson to write a new series of Bond novels in the 1970s, but nothing came of this.
Pearson was commissioned by Donald Campbell to chronicle his successful attempt on the Land Speed Record in 1964 in Bluebird CN7, resulting in the book Bluebird and the Dead Lake.
Pearson wrote the non-fiction book, The Gamblers, an account about the group of gamblers who made up, what was known as the Clermont Set, which included John Aspinall, James Goldsmith and Lord Lucan. The film rights to the book were purchased by Warner Bros. in 2006. He also wrote Façades, the first full-scale biography of the literary Sitwell siblings, Edith, Osbert and Sacheverell, published in 1978.
Pearson also wrote five novels:
Gone To Timbuctoo (1962) - winner of the Author's Club First Novel Award
James Bond: The Authorised Biography of 007 (1973)
The Bellamy Saga (1976)
Biggles: The Authorized Biography (1978)
The Kindness of Dr. Avicenna (1982).
Pearson passed away on November 13, 2021. He was ninety one at the time of his death.
Pearson would also become the third official James Bond author of the adult-Bond series, writing in 1973 James Bond: The Authorized Biography of 007, a first-person biography of the fictional agent James Bond. Although the canonical nature of this book has been debated by Bond fans since it was published, it was officially authorized by Glidrose Publications, the official publisher of the James Bond chronicles. Glidrose reportedly considered commissioning Pearson to write a new series of Bond novels in the 1970s, but nothing came of this.
Pearson was commissioned by Donald Campbell to chronicle his successful attempt on the Land Speed Record in 1964 in Bluebird CN7, resulting in the book Bluebird and the Dead Lake.
Pearson wrote the non-fiction book, The Gamblers, an account about the group of gamblers who made up, what was known as the Clermont Set, which included John Aspinall, James Goldsmith and Lord Lucan. The film rights to the book were purchased by Warner Bros. in 2006. He also wrote Façades, the first full-scale biography of the literary Sitwell siblings, Edith, Osbert and Sacheverell, published in 1978.
Pearson also wrote five novels:
Gone To Timbuctoo (1962) - winner of the Author's Club First Novel Award
James Bond: The Authorised Biography of 007 (1973)
The Bellamy Saga (1976)
Biggles: The Authorized Biography (1978)
The Kindness of Dr. Avicenna (1982).
Pearson passed away on November 13, 2021. He was ninety one at the time of his death.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 22, 2020
John George Pearson (better known as just John Pearson) wrote the The Profession of Violence: The Rise and Fall of the Kray Twins which is, apparently, the most widely read book in British prisons.
I came across a reference to One of the Family: The Englishman and the Mafia whilst reading the wonderful Jumpin' Jack Flash: David Litvinoff and the Rock’n’Roll Underworld, and it's been on my shelf for a few years now.
It's about a British villain called Wilf Pine, although villain might be doing him a disservice as, in addition to any villainy, he had a very successful career in the music industry which included a stint of a few years managing Black Sabbath.
Despite an appallingly harsh upbringing characterised by fearsome beatings from his violent father, and a period in reform school where he learned to survive by being even more violent, ruthless and effective than his tormentors, he had the happy knack of making friends. He had an eventful and extraordinary life, not least his relationship with leading figures in the Genovese crime family in New York.
If you enjoy True Crime books and/or interesting biographies then I recommend it.
4/5
Here's the blurb....
At Ronnie Kray's funeral, London crime expert John Pearson saw a man he didn't recognise - but who all the notorious criminals present deferred to.
This is the remarkable true story of that man: 'the Englishman'.
Investigations revealed that the Englishman was never mentioned in any of the previous books on organised crime, not because he wasn't involved, but because everyone was too scared to speak his name. Moreover, he was as legendary a figure on the streets of New York as on the streets of London.
Pearson persuaded the mysterious criminal leader to talk to him - and the result was a story even more extraordinary than that of the Kray twins. Here Pearson reveals the true story of the Englishman who became the adopted son of Joey Pagano, the head of one of the major New York crime families. Here the Englishman tells the story that no-one else dared to tell.
I came across a reference to One of the Family: The Englishman and the Mafia whilst reading the wonderful Jumpin' Jack Flash: David Litvinoff and the Rock’n’Roll Underworld, and it's been on my shelf for a few years now.
It's about a British villain called Wilf Pine, although villain might be doing him a disservice as, in addition to any villainy, he had a very successful career in the music industry which included a stint of a few years managing Black Sabbath.
Despite an appallingly harsh upbringing characterised by fearsome beatings from his violent father, and a period in reform school where he learned to survive by being even more violent, ruthless and effective than his tormentors, he had the happy knack of making friends. He had an eventful and extraordinary life, not least his relationship with leading figures in the Genovese crime family in New York.
If you enjoy True Crime books and/or interesting biographies then I recommend it.
4/5
Here's the blurb....
At Ronnie Kray's funeral, London crime expert John Pearson saw a man he didn't recognise - but who all the notorious criminals present deferred to.
This is the remarkable true story of that man: 'the Englishman'.
Investigations revealed that the Englishman was never mentioned in any of the previous books on organised crime, not because he wasn't involved, but because everyone was too scared to speak his name. Moreover, he was as legendary a figure on the streets of New York as on the streets of London.
Pearson persuaded the mysterious criminal leader to talk to him - and the result was a story even more extraordinary than that of the Kray twins. Here Pearson reveals the true story of the Englishman who became the adopted son of Joey Pagano, the head of one of the major New York crime families. Here the Englishman tells the story that no-one else dared to tell.
Want to read
May 6, 2020I was fortunate enough to have the pleasure of knowing and working for Wilf back in 2000 when i was head doorman at the Old Coach House in Salisbury, Wilts, When i first met him i was informed by one of his security that he wanted to have a chat with me in the office, We sat and chatted for a while he complimented me on the job i was doing baring in mind this was a pound a pint pub mostly occupied by locals and gypsies who i got on really well with we also had a Gentlemen's club above the pub but that was not my scene. After a view visits from Wilf he handed me a set of Dusters that were given to him from Dave Courtney, It was a true honor to have known such a Gentleman as Wilf, R.I.P
December 8, 2021
OK, interesting, but more of a biography of a person than the story of an underworld giant. Lot of time spent on his time in the music industry, and his personal relationships, mainly with the Pagliano family. Apart from getting into a few violent scrapes, there's not really much to suggest he was actually much of a criminal himself, but must have had something to be respected by all the major underworld names mentioned in the book.
October 2, 2019
Rollercoaster of a life
Such a richly varied and extraordinary human being is Wild Pine. His life being so vividly diverse and full, a life which many of us would find inconceivable. I thought the author did a wonderful job of immersing the reader in this world. Definately a recommendation from me. I look forward to reading more of his work.
Such a richly varied and extraordinary human being is Wild Pine. His life being so vividly diverse and full, a life which many of us would find inconceivable. I thought the author did a wonderful job of immersing the reader in this world. Definately a recommendation from me. I look forward to reading more of his work.
August 24, 2020
Harry Roberts killed three policemen - not one! How could a “well-researched book” get it so wrong?
Apart from the above, an amusing read but the authenticity of which is bound to be questionable. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it.
Apart from the above, an amusing read but the authenticity of which is bound to be questionable. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it.
January 20, 2023
John Pearson is a very good writer. He is very good at making even one business meeting after another sound interesting. This book goes down very easily. Perhaps because it's told from the POV of Wilf Pine it glosses over a lot of the actual crime that all his good and loving friends are doing. I don't doubt that either Pine didn't tell Pearson half of what actually went on or Pearson didn't print it to avoid waking up to a horse head staring at him from the foot of his bed.
December 20, 2019
I had no idea who Wilf Pine was but after reading this book all I can only say WOW, what a lifestory this man has full of honesty and truthfully the best underworld biography book I have had the pleasure to read and learn so much from, thank you for your memories Wilf Pine you have been an education on many things not just the Mafia or the Kray's but the music industry too.
March 15, 2020
Very interesting
This biography of a man who has been at the centre of the Music promotion business as well as the criminal underworld is well written and researched. Exactly as you would expect from John Pearson. He has a uncanny knack of drawing the truth from his subjects and this book is no exception. A fantastic read about a fascinating man and the life he has lead.
This biography of a man who has been at the centre of the Music promotion business as well as the criminal underworld is well written and researched. Exactly as you would expect from John Pearson. He has a uncanny knack of drawing the truth from his subjects and this book is no exception. A fantastic read about a fascinating man and the life he has lead.
November 10, 2018
If Carlsberg wrote memoirs......
The combination of the subject's astonishing life events, natural authority and style coupled with the authors classy and daring delivery dovetail perfectly to present a story you simply must recommend.
The combination of the subject's astonishing life events, natural authority and style coupled with the authors classy and daring delivery dovetail perfectly to present a story you simply must recommend.
March 19, 2020
Good read
Iv read all the other books from the Kray era and Wild Pine is mentioned in a few. Was good to finally learn more about the bloke. Should have kept his shares in Saboth though !! Fool!! Lol
Iv read all the other books from the Kray era and Wild Pine is mentioned in a few. Was good to finally learn more about the bloke. Should have kept his shares in Saboth though !! Fool!! Lol
May 5, 2020
Worth a read,quite interesting but Wilf keeps his cards to his chest most of the time and didn't
go into detail when talking about himself. Other than that the author John Pearson appears to know his stuff and is very knowledgeable
go into detail when talking about himself. Other than that the author John Pearson appears to know his stuff and is very knowledgeable
February 19, 2021
Just ok too much harmonisation of this type of person has the world the way it is today
Good riddance to all these bully boys especially the kray twins men of violence the scum of the earth how many people have suffered just so these types can have books written about their lifes
Good riddance to all these bully boys especially the kray twins men of violence the scum of the earth how many people have suffered just so these types can have books written about their lifes
March 19, 2020
Not bad
Decent read of a villain of the old school. Doesn't glamorise it like some of the other books out there.
Decent read of a villain of the old school. Doesn't glamorise it like some of the other books out there.
August 29, 2025
Great book and really good stories from a true crime legend!
April 28, 2023
I purchased this book as part of research I'm doing for a fiction series. I was compelled to learn about Wilf Pine, someone I had never heard of before finding this tome by John Pearson. He sounded intriguing, so I added the book to my pile of "to read" when starting the research leg of my story. In fact, it was the first I decided to read.
Wilf Pine is a fascinating, fully three-dimensional man. Complex. Connected. And frankly, someone I wish I had the opportunity to speak with directly. On a great level, John Pearson catalogs Wilf's life and his character. On a greater level, Pearson seems more enamored of the characters Wilf encounters and befriends. At times, the book feels "choppy" and fragmented. For my purposes, I was fairly satisfied, though I feel the book could have been more smoothly penned.
In some instances, such as Wilf's teen years in an English approved school, there is much detail. Other places, weeks, months, and years pass without clear definition - leaving the reader to repeatedly wonder "where" they are in the story. Is it still the late '60s? The mid-'70s? The title suggests the book is predominantly centered on Wilf's affiliation with the American Mafia, but comes across at times (due to the way it's laid out) as a name dropping fest on the part of the writer. It feels incomplete, though I did not dislike the book as a whole.
The nuggets I did find within its pages were pure gold. Wilf and Joe Pagano's friendship is detailed to the point you genuinely feel it and are saddened by its end. That's good. Don Arden and Wilf's one-time involvement? Just short of adequately addressed. But his fairly well-known involvement with the Krays feels like it creeps up on you from nowhere and acts like an anti-climatic end to something that could have been better received had there been less "Oh yes, and Wilf met up with 'this' person, whom he had known a long time" when the reader had not heard of them until that moment. Given that the book ends less with the American Mafia and more with the Krays, it felt "off."
Clearly there is a lot to include in a biography and not everything can make the cut. Add to that the sensitive nature of these associations. I get it. I truly do. But I think it would be less obvious had the author attempted to better demonstrate a timeline of events and at least offer a paragraph here or there to the effect of "...it was during this time Wilf became acquainted with 'x,' 'y,' and 'z.'" Even in passing. It would have felt infinitely less confusing.
Kudos to Pearson for gaining the trust of these private people. And cheers for sharing Wilf's story. It gave me quite a bit of insight, even if I wish there had been more. I also wish his editor had paid closer attention to the various typos, missing words, and other routine mistakes all writers make (they're not perfect). Nothing fatal, but there are quite a few noticeable errors that should have been caught before the book went to print. Distracting, but forgivable.
Not trying to be too hard. I would recommend the book to readers looking for a glimpse into the life of an extraordinary man whose life has been one encounter after another with "good friends" across two continents. As for the biographical content, I'd have liked more Wilf.
Wilf Pine is a fascinating, fully three-dimensional man. Complex. Connected. And frankly, someone I wish I had the opportunity to speak with directly. On a great level, John Pearson catalogs Wilf's life and his character. On a greater level, Pearson seems more enamored of the characters Wilf encounters and befriends. At times, the book feels "choppy" and fragmented. For my purposes, I was fairly satisfied, though I feel the book could have been more smoothly penned.
In some instances, such as Wilf's teen years in an English approved school, there is much detail. Other places, weeks, months, and years pass without clear definition - leaving the reader to repeatedly wonder "where" they are in the story. Is it still the late '60s? The mid-'70s? The title suggests the book is predominantly centered on Wilf's affiliation with the American Mafia, but comes across at times (due to the way it's laid out) as a name dropping fest on the part of the writer. It feels incomplete, though I did not dislike the book as a whole.
The nuggets I did find within its pages were pure gold. Wilf and Joe Pagano's friendship is detailed to the point you genuinely feel it and are saddened by its end. That's good. Don Arden and Wilf's one-time involvement? Just short of adequately addressed. But his fairly well-known involvement with the Krays feels like it creeps up on you from nowhere and acts like an anti-climatic end to something that could have been better received had there been less "Oh yes, and Wilf met up with 'this' person, whom he had known a long time" when the reader had not heard of them until that moment. Given that the book ends less with the American Mafia and more with the Krays, it felt "off."
Clearly there is a lot to include in a biography and not everything can make the cut. Add to that the sensitive nature of these associations. I get it. I truly do. But I think it would be less obvious had the author attempted to better demonstrate a timeline of events and at least offer a paragraph here or there to the effect of "...it was during this time Wilf became acquainted with 'x,' 'y,' and 'z.'" Even in passing. It would have felt infinitely less confusing.
Kudos to Pearson for gaining the trust of these private people. And cheers for sharing Wilf's story. It gave me quite a bit of insight, even if I wish there had been more. I also wish his editor had paid closer attention to the various typos, missing words, and other routine mistakes all writers make (they're not perfect). Nothing fatal, but there are quite a few noticeable errors that should have been caught before the book went to print. Distracting, but forgivable.
Not trying to be too hard. I would recommend the book to readers looking for a glimpse into the life of an extraordinary man whose life has been one encounter after another with "good friends" across two continents. As for the biographical content, I'd have liked more Wilf.
January 5, 2009
This book provides an interesting biography of the infamous Wilf Pine, covering his life within the UK and his visits to the USA. It also includes an intriguing insight into the Mafia connection and the darker aspects of the pop music industry.
The excellent book cover and 3 other reviews can be seen at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/18...
The excellent book cover and 3 other reviews can be seen at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/18...
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews