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  • King of the Gypsies

  • Memoirs of the Undefeated Bareknuckle Champion of Great Britain and Ireland
  • By: Bartley Gorman, Peter Walsh
  • Narrated by: Alan Turton
  • Length: 9 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (209 ratings)
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King of the Gypsies

By: Bartley Gorman, Peter Walsh
Narrated by: Alan Turton
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Summary

Bartley Gorman was the greatest bareknuckle fighter of modern times. He reigned as King of the Gypsies for 20 years, beating all comers in illegal contests at fairs and racetracks, down mineshafts and in quarries, on campsites and car parks. He fought for honour and pride and became a legend among the travelling community.

In this hard-hitting autobiography, completed shortly before his death, he lays bare the secret world of illicit prize-fighting and recalls his violent clashes with professional boxers, martial artists, streetfighters, wildmen and the lawless "Suicide Fighters" who seek out the top champions of the day. He describes great fighters of the past like the infamous Uriah ‘Big Just’ Burton, the challenges he threw out to London hardmen Lennie McLean and Roy Shaw, and the brutal mob attack that almost cost his life on St Leger Day at Doncaster Races.

As told to best-selling writer Peter Walsh, author of Gang War and Cocky: The Rise and Fall of Curtis Warren, his extraordinary memoir offers not only a rare insight into a hidden world, but also contains many rare photographs and unveils the formidable new breed of fighting travellers.

©2003 Peter Walsh (P)2021 Peter Walsh

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What listeners say about King of the Gypsies

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Brilliant

One of the best autobiographies I've ever engaged with. Bartley Gorman comes across vividly and well. What tops it off is the great, believable narration (which is rare on audio book autobiographies!)

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Great Story teller Mr Bartley Gorman!

Great strory! loved it, digging deep into the underworld of bare knuckle boxing, bringing to life characters by the narrators voice and actions! must read for any boxing fan too! Gives a nice base into Tyson Fury and what it means to being Gypsy King!

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1 person found this helpful

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Great listen

Brilliant story honest wit ups and lows nearly had a tear in my eye at some stage well worth a listen

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Being there.

the story telling makes you feel like you are there its so good the best I have listened to !

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyed listening

Many stories within this read, a very hard life but one that sounded to be enjoyed and a man who was respected by others with many achievements and many friends. Well written and read.

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Fantastic listen

A must listen/read . What a very hard man Mr Bartley Gorman was and a gentleman at that .Feared no man . If you like very tough men then this is the book for you .

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Superb story

Was brought to the legend of Bartley Gorman after hearing Tom Hardy based his voice of Bane on him.
Great story, fascinating insight into traveller life.

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Great book

I've got the paperback copy, it's so good I wanted the audible copy aswell.
Never again will we see the likes of this kind of man. Brilliant book, it would have been some fight against Lenny McLean. A hard as nails gentleman

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Brilliant

One of the best books I’ve ever listened to. I’ve listened to it at least 10 times brilliant.!

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Superb book

This was a great book into to the life of a legend - a must listen for guys who love that sort of thing - a true legend

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