Eddie Richardson was once regarded as one of England's hardest men. In the 1960's he, along with his elder brother Charlie, ruled a large chunk of London. They were respected and feared by both villains and ordinary citizens alike.

Now for the first time he has put his memoirs on paper. In The Last Word: My Life As A Gangland Boss, Eddie explains how he and his family rose to gangland prominence, how his dodgy deals brought him to the attention of the police and how he became a living legend.

The 72-year-old speaks frankly about his rivalry with the Krays, ("they weren't in our league. They knew we were harder than they were") the family feuds, his life in prison, including an enlightening spell in Full Sutton where he learned to paint, and the celebrities, villains and police who shared his life of crime and violence.

It's a gripping, gritty and often shocking read from a man who can still pack a punch.

Updated: 16:31 Friday, December 02, 2005