Elephant Boys

Elephant Boys recalls the turburlent life of south London's McDonald family, taking us on a journey from the Elephant and Castle in the early '20s, through crime-riddled Los Angeles to London's violent '50s and mid-'60s.
This account brings to life the personal history of Charles 'Wag' McDonald's involvement in the Epsom Riot and in the racecourse gang warfare which led to his hasty departure for America. Wag's diary is used to bring to life the story of the incredible experiences that followed: travelling in Alaska, working as a bodyguard for Charlie Chaplin and operating at the heart of the Los Angles underworld and underbelly of Tinseltown.
Brian McDonald has uncovered much previously unavailable information on the McDonald and Sabini families and provides shocking insights into some of the most notorious criminals, like Billy Kimber, 'Mad' Frankie Fraser and the Richardson Brothers. The author, who was himself involved in the struggle for control of London's underworld, has first-hand knowledge of many villains - past and present - and relates the stories with help from the family archives. Photographs, never before published, add to the flavour of the times. You think you've lived life on the edge? Think again!