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Blag, Steal, Borrow: The Unconventional Life of Gary Raymond

Harold Powell

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Gary Raymond, Author Of Blag, Steal, Borrow Blag Steal Borrow Gary Raymond

In his 2000 memoir, Blag, Steal, Borrow, Gary Raymond chronicles his extraordinary life as a tramp, prison inmate, and author. The book is a compelling read, filled with humor and sharp observations.

Blag, Steal & Borrow

by Gary Raymond

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2016 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	425 pages

Raymond was born in 1941 in London's East End. He left school at the age of 14 and began working as a laborer. However, he soon found himself drawn to a life of crime. He spent his early 20s in and out of prison, serving time for a variety of offenses, including theft, burglary, and assault.

In 1969, Raymond was sentenced to seven years in prison for armed robbery. While in prison, he began to write. He published his first novel, The Long Arm of the Law, in 1974. After his release from prison, Raymond continued to write, and he published several more novels, as well as Blag, Steal, Borrow.

Blag, Steal, Borrow is a fascinating account of Raymond's life. He writes about his experiences as a tramp, a prison inmate, and an author with honesty and humor. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the British criminal underworld or the life of a vagrant.

Raymond's Life as a Tramp

Raymond spent many years of his life living on the streets. He traveled around England, sleeping rough and begging for money. He also spent time in squats and hostels.

In Blag, Steal, Borrow, Raymond describes his life as a tramp with both humor and pathos. He writes about the challenges of living on the streets, as well as the camaraderie he found among other tramps.

Raymond's experiences as a tramp gave him a unique perspective on life. He learned to be resourceful and resilient. He also developed a strong sense of compassion for those who are less fortunate.

Raymond's Life as a Prison Inmate

Raymond spent a total of 12 years in prison. He served time for a variety of offenses, including theft, burglary, and assault. He also spent time in solitary confinement.

In Blag, Steal, Borrow, Raymond describes his experiences in prison with unflinching honesty. He writes about the violence, the boredom, and the brutality. He also writes about the friendships he made in prison and the ways in which he managed to survive.

Raymond's experiences in prison had a profound impact on him. He learned to be tough and resourceful. He also developed a deep understanding of the criminal justice system.

Raymond's Life as an Author

Raymond began writing in prison. He published his first novel, The Long Arm of the Law, in 1974. After his release from prison, he continued to write, and he published several more novels, as well as Blag, Steal, Borrow.

Raymond's writing is characterized by its honesty, its humor, and its sharp observations. He writes about the criminal underworld with a insider's knowledge, and he has a gift for capturing the lives of those who live on the fringes of society.

Raymond's writing has been praised by critics and readers alike. He has been compared to other great writers of the criminal underworld, such as Jack London and Jimmy Boyle. His work has also been adapted for film and television.

Gary Raymond's Blag, Steal, Borrow is a must-read for anyone interested in the British criminal underworld or the life of a vagrant. The book is filled with humor, sharp observations, and unflinching honesty. Raymond is a gifted writer who has a unique perspective on life. His work is a valuable contribution to the literature of crime and deviance.

Blag, Steal & Borrow

by Gary Raymond

4.6 out of 5