The Autobiography of a Thief: The Man Behind The Great Train Robbery

I couldn't put this book down! I guess that Bruce Reynolds was probably one of the last 'Gentlmen thiefs' in a way, and whilst one can't condone his lifestyle it is understandable why he went down the path that he did. The Book is thoroughly absorbing and is really well written, and he exposes his lifestyle 'Warts an' all'! If the era of the Great Train Robbery, and the Decade leading up to it is of interest to you I strongly recommend that you buy this Book; I'm sure you won't be disappointed!

The late Bruce Reynolds revealing his life as a career criminal from being a Raffles type crook to his 'Eldorado', the great train robbery of August 1963 when he smoked a Monte Cristo No. 2 cigar while waiting for the high value mail coach to rumble up to Bridego Bridge between Leighton Buzzard and Cheddington. He is often described as the mastermind behind that robbery but for all the bravado and the money that was stolen, he appears to have led a happier and more exciting life before the robbery and a more interesting media role after it. I would like to have known more about the two nights they spent at Leatherslade Farm prior to the robbery because that must be the high spot for the reader, that is where the pent up excitement lies but Bruce Reynolds only touches lightly upon it as do all the films, books and documentaries that have been made about the robbery.It's an interesting read and if you are into true crime, it is hard to put down. They say it's mostly middle-aged women who read books like this, I am saying no more.

Great life story of Bruce Reynolds, the mastermind of the Great Train Robbery, when there was honour amongst villains. Bruce is obviously an intelligent person, and this book comes across as written with no regrets at all.An engaging and clever man, and a very good read indeed. Lots of repetition with some of his exploits, and takes till well past halfway in the book to get what we all want to read, The Great Train Robbery.

Written by a self confessed career thief, it makes good reading. He tells you of his upbringing, how he went into a life of crime, riches, fast lifestyle and his involvement in the biggest heist, in history of UK crime, at the time. He tells you of how the gang were recruited and their roles in the robbery, a life on the run, subsequent arrest and his life during incarceration. Notoriety for his leadership role followed him for life and his love of a good Cigar before "Doing a job"

Oddly, The Great Train Robbery, which was the pinnacle of Bruce Reynolds career get only a brief mention in this book but it does give a fascinating insight into how his criminal lifestyle evolved and also how following the Robbery none of the main players, apart from Biggs got to live the "Riches beyond measure" life they had envisaged. Instead, most of them were captured fairly quickly and even on release the money they had left soon went.Sadly, Reynolds died a few weeks ago and most of the others have also passed away

Quite factual and detailed account of his younger days when he got into crime. Strikes me as a Walter Mitty character and you have to decide what is actually true and what is not. The guy spent an absolute fortune on cars so there is little to doubt why his money ran out....that is if the cars he bought were genuinely purchased. An OK book i suppose.

He might be good at robbing trains but he is not an auther.

Bought as a prrssent. Totally engrossing read about the life of Bruce Reynolds. Woukd highly recommend.