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The Guv'nor In His Own Words

Conversations with the Bare Knuckle Fighting Legend

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The Guv'nor In His Own Words

By: Peter Gerrard
Narrated by: Annie Aldington, David John, Karl Jenkinson
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About this listen

Born in East London in 1949, Lenny McLean grew up in an area that had been ravaged by the Second World War. Although money was scarce and fighting was commonplace, a camaraderie and deep sense of honour and respect remained. A victim of violent abuse at the hands of his stepfather, Lenny spent much of his teenage life in borstal as he began to follow a life of crime. However, it was his ability as a fighter that was to turn his life around.

Lenny McLean inspired fear in many, but respect from all, as he became a bare-knuckle fighting legend. His fame became even greater in later life, appearing in Guy Ritchie's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels just as his autobiography was reaching the top of the bestsellers chart. Lenny's untimely death from cancer in 1998 marked the beginning of the end of the old Cockney way of life and interest in his story has only increased since his passing, inspiring documentaries as well as a feature film, My Name is Lenny.

In these unedited conversations between Lenny and his 'book man' Peter Gerrard, featuring many anecdotes that did not appear in The Guv'nor, we get to see the man behind the public image. As he looks back on his life, these transcripts reveal Lenny's humour and charm as well as the volatility that made him one of the most notorious figures ever to emerge from the East End.

Although the original interview tapes have been lost, this immersive audiobook has replicated Lenny and Peter's conversations as they really happened.

©2017 Peter Gerrard (P)2025 Bonnier Books UK
Boxing Combat Sports & Self-Defense Sports True Crime
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Such a great story of this Legend. It really delves deep into his life and takes you on an immersive voyage.

Pure honesty

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Legendary story combined with flawless narration. Karl Jenkinson and David John are the best around. Having them both on the same production was a real treat. Definitely done Lenny proud 👏

Absolute treat.

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well I have to say that i have over 100 books in my collection and this is the best. the honesty, the story's that keep you gripping to know what happens is just amazing. I will definitely will be listening to this again and will be highly recommending this to everyone.

The honesty.

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