Excellent fundamental game approach, 19 Dec 2008
Now if your the type of person that wants book on ultra cool, super flying armbar and other assorted flashy submissions and techniques, you might not want to read this book. Nor is it an MMA manual.

This is not a 'technique' book, it is a work book laying the foundations of a fundamental and functional BJJ game. What impressed me most is his attitude towards training and the mentality the athlete/practitioner/student should have towards their training (it's all just a game, loose the ego!!). Saulo then goes into what he believes the person should be focusing on during their progression through the belt ranks, and how you'll be on your black belt for the rest of your life so you need to set a solid foundation through the ranks.

It is well explained and Saulo presents a rational for everything he demonstrates in a concise and easy to assimilate language. What really impressed me was that he shows you what happens when you do other variations or poor escapes/techniques which reinforces what he demonstrates and improves you level of understanding of the game.

I've read books by other authors, which can be a bit more technique orientated rather than attempt to improve your understanding, and while I have enjoyed some of them, this is the first 'complete' workbook that I've come across.

Thoroughly recommended, and not a bad word to say about it.

Excellent fundamental game approach, 19 Dec 2008
Now if your the type of person that wants book on ultra cool, super flying armbar and other assorted flashy submissions and techniques, you might not want to read this book. Nor is it an MMA manual.

This is not a 'technique' book, it is a work book laying the foundations of a fundamental and functional BJJ game. What impressed me most is his attitude towards training and the mentality the athlete/practitioner/student should have towards their training (it's all just a game, loose the ego!!). Saulo then goes into what he believes the person should be focusing on during their progression through the belt ranks, and how you'll be on your black belt for the rest of your life so you need to set a solid foundation through the ranks.

It is well explained and Saulo presents a rational for everything he demonstrates in a concise and easy to assimilate language. What really impressed me was that he shows you what happens when you do other variations or poor escapes/techniques which reinforces what he demonstrates and improves you level of understanding of the game.

I've read books by other authors, which can be a bit more technique orientated rather than attempt to improve your understanding, and while I have enjoyed some of them, this is the first 'complete' workbook that I've come across.

Thoroughly recommended, and not a bad word to say about it.

A "common sense" guide to self-defence, 25 Nov 2008
I am new to the world of self-defence but I found nothing in this book which isn't obvious common sense. For example, the book could be summarised as follows: if someone looks like they want to fight you, get away from that situation as quickly as possible. People who look weak are more likely to get attacked. Stay away from dangerous situations.

We all get taught this growing up, right?

I have serious problems with the authors writing ability and how the book is formatted. For example, the first chapter is like a thesaurus on acid! Every other chapter is poorly structured and there is no flow to the writing. As someone who reads a lot of books, I found this irritating and distractful.

Overall I regret purchasing this book and I found it somewhat juvenile. I was expecting a serious book - well written and informative. This is not that book.

OK, but be wary., 25 Oct 2008
This is not a bad book, not at all. But be wary of all these "5 star reviews," as the authour leads a bit of a "cult," and people will flock to praise to the skies more or less anything and everything that he does.

The book is a good introduction to some sound self protection ideas, but it fails to effectively teach any techniques, with stilted photos and poor explanations. It also misses the mark a little on the "interviews with criminals" section, and it does read as if it has been made up.

I would recommend that the book forms part of your library if you're into self protection. But read it for what it is, and don't fall into the trap of becoming one of these "everything is positive, let's get in tune with the universe" types that like to throw money at Geoff.

The best self defence book I've read, 15 Oct 2008
Having read a few self defence books, this is by far the best that I've encountered. It contains straight forward practical advice which could potentially save you from serious harm or even save your life one day.

Alot of self defence advice can seem pretty obvious and a bit of a no-brainer but sometimes the obvious often gets overlooked and needs to be pointed out-and this is what Geoff does brilliantly.

Having been the victim of crime myself on two occasions (a mugging and an assault), I was able to identify through this book, what was making me such a vulnerable target, and I was subsequently able to avoid getting attacked a third time, literally, which makes this probably the best investment I've ever made.

informative and great read and insight , 30 Sep 2008
im a big fan of goeff thompson he knows what he's on about i was impressed with this book ad along with streetwise peter consterdine the only self defense books you'll need,
Insights from the criminal mind not many books would go to that length but this 1 goes there

The best all round guide , 25 Aug 2008
As a not very good amateur martial artist I have purchased many books to try and assist and inspire me in my training. By some margin this is by far the best. Sure there are better books that give more detail on specific topics, however no others deal with as many areas as this one. Thompson is ex-doorman/nightclub bouncer and martial artist in many disciplines. A 1st dan in judo, 6th dan in Karate together with qualifications in wrestling and many others.

In this book he covers 24 areas of 'self-protection' from 1. avoidance and awareness to 24. Self-Defence and the law. There isn't sufficient time to review all the these areas in a short review like this. However what I will say is that this book has given me some new insights into just how to criminal mind works, as well as some useful information on practical martial arts. See for example chapter 12 which is devoted solely to the application, advantages and disadvantages of chokes and strangles.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the book is where he interviews several victims of violent crime as well as several muggers and looks at several case histories from serial killers. Some of the case histories are hard to read (as their crimes are described in graphic detail by the criminal), however the interviews with the muggers are a fascinating insight into how the criminal mind works and a lot of useful information can be gained from reading these.

Some will say that studying martial arts and reading this sort of material is a complete waste of time. However for those of us that do, it is enlightening to know that people who are switched off to their surroundings and their environment are the ones most likely to fall victim to a mugger or criminal.

This book does duplicate some material from Geoff Thompsons other books. So if you only want to buy one book that covers the entire spectrum of his philosophy - this is the one.

Excellent fundamental game approach, 19 Dec 2008
Now if your the type of person that wants book on ultra cool, super flying armbar and other assorted flashy submissions and techniques, you might not want to read this book. Nor is it an MMA manual.

This is not a 'technique' book, it is a work book laying the foundations of a fundamental and functional BJJ game. What impressed me most is his attitude towards training and the mentality the athlete/practitioner/student should have towards their training (it's all just a game, loose the ego!!). Saulo then goes into what he believes the person should be focusing on during their progression through the belt ranks, and how you'll be on your black belt for the rest of your life so you need to set a solid foundation through the ranks.

It is well explained and Saulo presents a rational for everything he demonstrates in a concise and easy to assimilate language. What really impressed me was that he shows you what happens when you do other variations or poor escapes/techniques which reinforces what he demonstrates and improves you level of understanding of the game.

I've read books by other authors, which can be a bit more technique orientated rather than attempt to improve your understanding, and while I have enjoyed some of them, this is the first 'complete' workbook that I've come across.

Thoroughly recommended, and not a bad word to say about it.

A "common sense" guide to self-defence, 25 Nov 2008
I am new to the world of self-defence but I found nothing in this book which isn't obvious common sense. For example, the book could be summarised as follows: if someone looks like they want to fight you, get away from that situation as quickly as possible. People who look weak are more likely to get attacked. Stay away from dangerous situations.

We all get taught this growing up, right?

I have serious problems with the authors writing ability and how the book is formatted. For example, the first chapter is like a thesaurus on acid! Every other chapter is poorly structured and there is no flow to the writing. As someone who reads a lot of books, I found this irritating and distractful.

Overall I regret purchasing this book and I found it somewhat juvenile. I was expecting a serious book - well written and informative. This is not that book.

OK, but be wary., 25 Oct 2008
This is not a bad book, not at all. But be wary of all these "5 star reviews," as the authour leads a bit of a "cult," and people will flock to praise to the skies more or less anything and everything that he does.

The book is a good introduction to some sound self protection ideas, but it fails to effectively teach any techniques, with stilted photos and poor explanations. It also misses the mark a little on the "interviews with criminals" section, and it does read as if it has been made up.

I would recommend that the book forms part of your library if you're into self protection. But read it for what it is, and don't fall into the trap of becoming one of these "everything is positive, let's get in tune with the universe" types that like to throw money at Geoff.

The best self defence book I've read, 15 Oct 2008
Having read a few self defence books, this is by far the best that I've encountered. It contains straight forward practical advice which could potentially save you from serious harm or even save your life one day.

Alot of self defence advice can seem pretty obvious and a bit of a no-brainer but sometimes the obvious often gets overlooked and needs to be pointed out-and this is what Geoff does brilliantly.

Having been the victim of crime myself on two occasions (a mugging and an assault), I was able to identify through this book, what was making me such a vulnerable target, and I was subsequently able to avoid getting attacked a third time, literally, which makes this probably the best investment I've ever made.

informative and great read and insight , 30 Sep 2008
im a big fan of goeff thompson he knows what he's on about i was impressed with this book ad along with streetwise peter consterdine the only self defense books you'll need,
Insights from the criminal mind not many books would go to that length but this 1 goes there

The best all round guide , 25 Aug 2008
As a not very good amateur martial artist I have purchased many books to try and assist and inspire me in my training. By some margin this is by far the best. Sure there are better books that give more detail on specific topics, however no others deal with as many areas as this one. Thompson is ex-doorman/nightclub bouncer and martial artist in many disciplines. A 1st dan in judo, 6th dan in Karate together with qualifications in wrestling and many others.

In this book he covers 24 areas of 'self-protection' from 1. avoidance and awareness to 24. Self-Defence and the law. There isn't sufficient time to review all the these areas in a short review like this. However what I will say is that this book has given me some new insights into just how to criminal mind works, as well as some useful information on practical martial arts. See for example chapter 12 which is devoted solely to the application, advantages and disadvantages of chokes and strangles.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the book is where he interviews several victims of violent crime as well as several muggers and looks at several case histories from serial killers. Some of the case histories are hard to read (as their crimes are described in graphic detail by the criminal), however the interviews with the muggers are a fascinating insight into how the criminal mind works and a lot of useful information can be gained from reading these.

Some will say that studying martial arts and reading this sort of material is a complete waste of time. However for those of us that do, it is enlightening to know that people who are switched off to their surroundings and their environment are the ones most likely to fall victim to a mugger or criminal.

This book does duplicate some material from Geoff Thompsons other books. So if you only want to buy one book that covers the entire spectrum of his philosophy - this is the one.


Distressing, yet important, 14 Feb 2008
This is a superb book. The author manages to cover the facts of the case, and highlight the unfortunate causes. It not only clarifies the story, but makes the reader feel "dirty". It's frightening to discover how one could possibly understand what happened. It's shocking, in a good way. Everyone should read this.

Thought-provoking and fair, 10 Jan 2008
I was interested in this as the Bulger case was one of the cases I covered in my dissertation on the link between violent media and violent acts. I wasn't disappointed.

Although it did touch on the media violence angle, I was pleased that this was a detailed look at the case and our society as a whole.

Starting with a lengthy ramble through the children's crusades, I wondered where this was going, but it made sense once he started talking about the case.

Blake Morrison was at the trial of Robert Thompson and Jon Venables in Preston, and looks at their backgrounds, influences, the nature of childhood and evil to find out what I wanted to know at the time: why?

There are a few passages I found hard to read (especially one that reads like a sex scene but turns out to be a description of him putting his daughter to bed) but this is a complex book that covers a lot but never strays too far that it loses your attention.

As Morrison illustrates, children can be, and often are cruel.

Through personal anecdotes, fables and factual examples, he looks at why children are portrayed as innocent, when they are far from that, and sets out a calm and fair conclusion that is far more thought-provoking than anything else I've read on the subject.


Truly, an inconvenient truth, 23 Jul 2007
Can a book about the brutal murder of a child and the trial of the killers be considered a favourite?

This is one of mine.

The Bulger case is famous and so few will come to this without a preconceived idea about the killers, but this is a book which makes you think in a way you probably never thought you would. Could it be that the two boys who brutally killed another child are not monsters, but just children?

The author not only writes exceptionally well, he offers an eye-witness account of the trial and the key figures, putting himself - and so you - in awkward places, asking awkward questions to search for a truth about us as humans as much as why this terrible thing happened that day.

Highly recommended, but be warned: once read your view might become a minority one and far removed from the screaming Daily Mail mob mentality next time a similar case arises.


The Simple Wonder of Compassion and Empathy, 17 Jul 2007
I have long believed that 'To understand all is to forgive all' (Voltaire). Many people don't agree but I often wonder how those adults braying for two ten year old boys to be locked up as 'evil animals' would feel if they could see a video of the boys lives. What must they have been subjected to - we must ask ourselves as adults - to have been able to commit such a murder?

Morrison goes further than this... in order to understand he looks inside himself... as any good actor, Buddhist, Christian, believer or humanist must do. Every good actor that seeks to play a murderer must find the seeds of a murderer inside himself. It's only then when we truly see how, had the dice fallen differently, any one of those three boys could have been our sons - that we can have the compassion and empathy that such a case cries out for.

It is 2007 now and yet STILL emails circulate asking us to add our names to complaints that the judge had compassion and offered them new lives and new identities. So if you get such an email, and feel inclined to add your name - read this book first.

And if, like me, you are saddened by the lack of understanding and compassion displayed by humanity, read Blake Morrison's book. As he says so wonderfully - even if you don't agree that 'To understand all is to forgive all' you may agree that to understand nothing is to forgive nothing. This is all around us. The alternative, the way of peace and of forgiveness has to be worked hard for.

So thank you Blake Morrison - for this exceptionally brave piece of writing. And for teaching us about wisdom and compassion.

The Courage to ask why - of oneself, 29 Jun 2005
To question the 'Why' of the murder of James Bulger is to revisit, an inch at a time with complete honesty. The importance of Blake Morrison's book is his compassion for each person immediately involved without sinking into sentimentality and easy self righteousness. However just as important his unflinching return to his own childhood, his remarkable insight into the unformed minds of children - for our pressuposition that the age of ten is old enough to know 'right from wrong' in any adult sense - and his small but telling details of just how profoundly this killing affected him, listening to the taped evidence day after day.

This is a hard book to take unless you morally place your childhood self above others - in which case it will not be of sufficient interst to merit the demands that morrison places on his readers. I was reminded a lot about my own childhood - though it neither resembled Morrison's or Thompson and Venables.

This is a searingly honest, engrossing book about a terrible and still rare phenomena - the ideal antidote to the screaming pages of the tabloids and to the quick desire to dissociate oneself from a crime which is an indictment of our country's attitude to children, class, poverty and the sheer drudgery suffered by so many children - a burning fuse that, when it reaches its end blasts away our preconceptions and smug assumptions.

Excellent fundamental game approach, 19 Dec 2008
Now if your the type of person that wants book on ultra cool, super flying armbar and other assorted flashy submissions and techniques, you might not want to read this book. Nor is it an MMA manual.

This is not a 'technique' book, it is a work book laying the foundations of a fundamental and functional BJJ game. What impressed me most is his attitude towards training and the mentality the athlete/practitioner/student should have towards their training (it's all just a game, loose the ego!!). Saulo then goes into what he believes the person should be focusing on during their progression through the belt ranks, and how you'll be on your black belt for the rest of your life so you need to set a solid foundation through the ranks.

It is well explained and Saulo presents a rational for everything he demonstrates in a concise and easy to assimilate language. What really impressed me was that he shows you what happens when you do other variations or poor escapes/techniques which reinforces what he demonstrates and improves you level of understanding of the game.

I've read books by other authors, which can be a bit more technique orientated rather than attempt to improve your understanding, and while I have enjoyed some of them, this is the first 'complete' workbook that I've come across.

Thoroughly recommended, and not a bad word to say about it.

A "common sense" guide to self-defence, 25 Nov 2008
I am new to the world of self-defence but I found nothing in this book which isn't obvious common sense. For example, the book could be summarised as follows: if someone looks like they want to fight you, get away from that situation as quickly as possible. People who look weak are more likely to get attacked. Stay away from dangerous situations.

We all get taught this growing up, right?

I have serious problems with the authors writing ability and how the book is formatted. For example, the first chapter is like a thesaurus on acid! Every other chapter is poorly structured and there is no flow to the writing. As someone who reads a lot of books, I found this irritating and distractful.

Overall I regret purchasing this book and I found it somewhat juvenile. I was expecting a serious book - well written and informative. This is not that book.

OK, but be wary., 25 Oct 2008
This is not a bad book, not at all. But be wary of all these "5 star reviews," as the authour leads a bit of a "cult," and people will flock to praise to the skies more or less anything and everything that he does.

The book is a good introduction to some sound self protection ideas, but it fails to effectively teach any techniques, with stilted photos and poor explanations. It also misses the mark a little on the "interviews with criminals" section, and it does read as if it has been made up.

I would recommend that the book forms part of your library if you're into self protection. But read it for what it is, and don't fall into the trap of becoming one of these "everything is positive, let's get in tune with the universe" types that like to throw money at Geoff.

The best self defence book I've read, 15 Oct 2008
Having read a few self defence books, this is by far the best that I've encountered. It contains straight forward practical advice which could potentially save you from serious harm or even save your life one day.

Alot of self defence advice can seem pretty obvious and a bit of a no-brainer but sometimes the obvious often gets overlooked and needs to be pointed out-and this is what Geoff does brilliantly.

Having been the victim of crime myself on two occasions (a mugging and an assault), I was able to identify through this book, what was making me such a vulnerable target, and I was subsequently able to avoid getting attacked a third time, literally, which makes this probably the best investment I've ever made.

informative and great read and insight , 30 Sep 2008
im a big fan of goeff thompson he knows what he's on about i was impressed with this book ad along with streetwise peter consterdine the only self defense books you'll need,
Insights from the criminal mind not many books would go to that length but this 1 goes there

The best all round guide , 25 Aug 2008
As a not very good amateur martial artist I have purchased many books to try and assist and inspire me in my training. By some margin this is by far the best. Sure there are better books that give more detail on specific topics, however no others deal with as many areas as this one. Thompson is ex-doorman/nightclub bouncer and martial artist in many disciplines. A 1st dan in judo, 6th dan in Karate together with qualifications in wrestling and many others.

In this book he covers 24 areas of 'self-protection' from 1. avoidance and awareness to 24. Self-Defence and the law. There isn't sufficient time to review all the these areas in a short review like this. However what I will say is that this book has given me some new insights into just how to criminal mind works, as well as some useful information on practical martial arts. See for example chapter 12 which is devoted solely to the application, advantages and disadvantages of chokes and strangles.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the book is where he interviews several victims of violent crime as well as several muggers and looks at several case histories from serial killers. Some of the case histories are hard to read (as their crimes are described in graphic detail by the criminal), however the interviews with the muggers are a fascinating insight into how the criminal mind works and a lot of useful information can be gained from reading these.

Some will say that studying martial arts and reading this sort of material is a complete waste of time. However for those of us that do, it is enlightening to know that people who are switched off to their surroundings and their environment are the ones most likely to fall victim to a mugger or criminal.

This book does duplicate some material from Geoff Thompsons other books. So if you only want to buy one book that covers the entire spectrum of his philosophy - this is the one.


Distressing, yet important, 14 Feb 2008
This is a superb book. The author manages to cover the facts of the case, and highlight the unfortunate causes. It not only clarifies the story, but makes the reader feel "dirty". It's frightening to discover how one could possibly understand what happened. It's shocking, in a good way. Everyone should read this.

Thought-provoking and fair, 10 Jan 2008
I was interested in this as the Bulger case was one of the cases I covered in my dissertation on the link between violent media and violent acts. I wasn't disappointed.

Although it did touch on the media violence angle, I was pleased that this was a detailed look at the case and our society as a whole.

Starting with a lengthy ramble through the children's crusades, I wondered where this was going, but it made sense once he started talking about the case.

Blake Morrison was at the trial of Robert Thompson and Jon Venables in Preston, and looks at their backgrounds, influences, the nature of childhood and evil to find out what I wanted to know at the time: why?

There are a few passages I found hard to read (especially one that reads like a sex scene but turns out to be a description of him putting his daughter to bed) but this is a complex book that covers a lot but never strays too far that it loses your attention.

As Morrison illustrates, children can be, and often are cruel.

Through personal anecdotes, fables and factual examples, he looks at why children are portrayed as innocent, when they are far from that, and sets out a calm and fair conclusion that is far more thought-provoking than anything else I've read on the subject.


Truly, an inconvenient truth, 23 Jul 2007
Can a book about the brutal murder of a child and the trial of the killers be considered a favourite?

This is one of mine.

The Bulger case is famous and so few will come to this without a preconceived idea about the killers, but this is a book which makes you think in a way you probably never thought you would. Could it be that the two boys who brutally killed another child are not monsters, but just children?

The author not only writes exceptionally well, he offers an eye-witness account of the trial and the key figures, putting himself - and so you - in awkward places, asking awkward questions to search for a truth about us as humans as much as why this terrible thing happened that day.

Highly recommended, but be warned: once read your view might become a minority one and far removed from the screaming Daily Mail mob mentality next time a similar case arises.


The Simple Wonder of Compassion and Empathy, 17 Jul 2007
I have long believed that 'To understand all is to forgive all' (Voltaire). Many people don't agree but I often wonder how those adults braying for two ten year old boys to be locked up as 'evil animals' would feel if they could see a video of the boys lives. What must they have been subjected to - we must ask ourselves as adults - to have been able to commit such a murder?

Morrison goes further than this... in order to understand he looks inside himself... as any good actor, Buddhist, Christian, believer or humanist must do. Every good actor that seeks to play a murderer must find the seeds of a murderer inside himself. It's only then when we truly see how, had the dice fallen differently, any one of those three boys could have been our sons - that we can have the compassion and empathy that such a case cries out for.

It is 2007 now and yet STILL emails circulate asking us to add our names to complaints that the judge had compassion and offered them new lives and new identities. So if you get such an email, and feel inclined to add your name - read this book first.

And if, like me, you are saddened by the lack of understanding and compassion displayed by humanity, read Blake Morrison's book. As he says so wonderfully - even if you don't agree that 'To understand all is to forgive all' you may agree that to understand nothing is to forgive nothing. This is all around us. The alternative, the way of peace and of forgiveness has to be worked hard for.

So thank you Blake Morrison - for this exceptionally brave piece of writing. And for teaching us about wisdom and compassion.

The Courage to ask why - of oneself, 29 Jun 2005
To question the 'Why' of the murder of James Bulger is to revisit, an inch at a time with complete honesty. The importance of Blake Morrison's book is his compassion for each person immediately involved without sinking into sentimentality and easy self righteousness. However just as important his unflinching return to his own childhood, his remarkable insight into the unformed minds of children - for our pressuposition that the age of ten is old enough to know 'right from wrong' in any adult sense - and his small but telling details of just how profoundly this killing affected him, listening to the taped evidence day after day.

This is a hard book to take unless you morally place your childhood self above others - in which case it will not be of sufficient interst to merit the demands that morrison places on his readers. I was reminded a lot about my own childhood - though it neither resembled Morrison's or Thompson and Venables.

This is a searingly honest, engrossing book about a terrible and still rare phenomena - the ideal antidote to the screaming pages of the tabloids and to the quick desire to dissociate oneself from a crime which is an indictment of our country's attitude to children, class, poverty and the sheer drudgery suffered by so many children - a burning fuse that, when it reaches its end blasts away our preconceptions and smug assumptions.

A good handy and concise book for assisting with studies, 04 Mar 1999
This is a good book that will assist any student of the British Criminal Justice System. From defining crime to prison, its got it all. A concise book with a good glossary and student exercises. Think of it as a suplement rather than a substitute and it will greatly assist your studies.

Excellent fundamental game approach, 19 Dec 2008
Now if your the type of person that wants book on ultra cool, super flying armbar and other assorted flashy submissions and techniques, you might not want to read this book. Nor is it an MMA manual.

This is not a 'technique' book, it is a work book laying the foundations of a fundamental and functional BJJ game. What impressed me most is his attitude towards training and the mentality the athlete/practitioner/student should have towards their training (it's all just a game, loose the ego!!). Saulo then goes into what he believes the person should be focusing on during their progression through the belt ranks, and how you'll be on your black belt for the rest of your life so you need to set a solid foundation through the ranks.

It is well explained and Saulo presents a rational for everything he demonstrates in a concise and easy to assimilate language. What really impressed me was that he shows you what happens when you do other variations or poor escapes/techniques which reinforces what he demonstrates and improves you level of understanding of the game.

I've read books by other authors, which can be a bit more technique orientated rather than attempt to improve your understanding, and while I have enjoyed some of them, this is the first 'complete' workbook that I've come across.

Thoroughly recommended, and not a bad word to say about it.

A "common sense" guide to self-defence, 25 Nov 2008
I am new to the world of self-defence but I found nothing in this book which isn't obvious common sense. For example, the book could be summarised as follows: if someone looks like they want to fight you, get away from that situation as quickly as possible. People who look weak are more likely to get attacked. Stay away from dangerous situations.

We all get taught this growing up, right?

I have serious problems with the authors writing ability and how the book is formatted. For example, the first chapter is like a thesaurus on acid! Every other chapter is poorly structured and there is no flow to the writing. As someone who reads a lot of books, I found this irritating and distractful.

Overall I regret purchasing this book and I found it somewhat juvenile. I was expecting a serious book - well written and informative. This is not that book.

OK, but be wary., 25 Oct 2008
This is not a bad book, not at all. But be wary of all these "5 star reviews," as the authour leads a bit of a "cult," and people will flock to praise to the skies more or less anything and everything that he does.

The book is a good introduction to some sound self protection ideas, but it fails to effectively teach any techniques, with stilted photos and poor explanations. It also misses the mark a little on the "interviews with criminals" section, and it does read as if it has been made up.

I would recommend that the book forms part of your library if you're into self protection. But read it for what it is, and don't fall into the trap of becoming one of these "everything is positive, let's get in tune with the universe" types that like to throw money at Geoff.

The best self defence book I've read, 15 Oct 2008
Having read a few self defence books, this is by far the best that I've encountered. It contains straight forward practical advice which could potentially save you from serious harm or even save your life one day.

Alot of self defence advice can seem pretty obvious and a bit of a no-brainer but sometimes the obvious often gets overlooked and needs to be pointed out-and this is what Geoff does brilliantly.

Having been the victim of crime myself on two occasions (a mugging and an assault), I was able to identify through this book, what was making me such a vulnerable target, and I was subsequently able to avoid getting attacked a third time, literally, which makes this probably the best investment I've ever made.

informative and great read and insight , 30 Sep 2008
im a big fan of goeff thompson he knows what he's on about i was impressed with this book ad along with streetwise peter consterdine the only self defense books you'll need,
Insights from the criminal mind not many books would go to that length but this 1 goes there

The best all round guide , 25 Aug 2008
As a not very good amateur martial artist I have purchased many books to try and assist and inspire me in my training. By some margin this is by far the best. Sure there are better books that give more detail on specific topics, however no others deal with as many areas as this one. Thompson is ex-doorman/nightclub bouncer and martial artist in many disciplines. A 1st dan in judo, 6th dan in Karate together with qualifications in wrestling and many others.

In this book he covers 24 areas of 'self-protection' from 1. avoidance and awareness to 24. Self-Defence and the law. There isn't sufficient time to review all the these areas in a short review like this. However what I will say is that this book has given me some new insights into just how to criminal mind works, as well as some useful information on practical martial arts. See for example chapter 12 which is devoted solely to the application, advantages and disadvantages of chokes and strangles.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the book is where he interviews several victims of violent crime as well as several muggers and looks at several case histories from serial killers. Some of the case histories are hard to read (as their crimes are described in graphic detail by the criminal), however the interviews with the muggers are a fascinating insight into how the criminal mind works and a lot of useful information can be gained from reading these.

Some will say that studying martial arts and reading this sort of material is a complete waste of time. However for those of us that do, it is enlightening to know that people who are switched off to their surroundings and their environment are the ones most likely to fall victim to a mugger or criminal.

This book does duplicate some material from Geoff Thompsons other books. So if you only want to buy one book that covers the entire spectrum of his philosophy - this is the one.


Distressing, yet important, 14 Feb 2008
This is a superb book. The author manages to cover the facts of the case, and highlight the unfortunate causes. It not only clarifies the story, but makes the reader feel "dirty". It's frightening to discover how one could possibly understand what happened. It's shocking, in a good way. Everyone should read this.

Thought-provoking and fair, 10 Jan 2008
I was interested in this as the Bulger case was one of the cases I covered in my dissertation on the link between violent media and violent acts. I wasn't disappointed.

Although it did touch on the media violence angle, I was pleased that this was a detailed look at the case and our society as a whole.

Starting with a lengthy ramble through the children's crusades, I wondered where this was going, but it made sense once he started talking about the case.

Blake Morrison was at the trial of Robert Thompson and Jon Venables in Preston, and looks at their backgrounds, influences, the nature of childhood and evil to find out what I wanted to know at the time: why?

There are a few passages I found hard to read (especially one that reads like a sex scene but turns out to be a description of him putting his daughter to bed) but this is a complex book that covers a lot but never strays too far that it loses your attention.

As Morrison illustrates, children can be, and often are cruel.

Through personal anecdotes, fables and factual examples, he looks at why children are portrayed as innocent, when they are far from that, and sets out a calm and fair conclusion that is far more thought-provoking than anything else I've read on the subject.


Truly, an inconvenient truth, 23 Jul 2007
Can a book about the brutal murder of a child and the trial of the killers be considered a favourite?

This is one of mine.

The Bulger case is famous and so few will come to this without a preconceived idea about the killers, but this is a book which makes you think in a way you probably never thought you would. Could it be that the two boys who brutally killed another child are not monsters, but just children?

The author not only writes exceptionally well, he offers an eye-witness account of the trial and the key figures, putting himself - and so you - in awkward places, asking awkward questions to search for a truth about us as humans as much as why this terrible thing happened that day.

Highly recommended, but be warned: once read your view might become a minority one and far removed from the screaming Daily Mail mob mentality next time a similar case arises.


The Simple Wonder of Compassion and Empathy, 17 Jul 2007
I have long believed that 'To understand all is to forgive all' (Voltaire). Many people don't agree but I often wonder how those adults braying for two ten year old boys to be locked up as 'evil animals' would feel if they could see a video of the boys lives. What must they have been subjected to - we must ask ourselves as adults - to have been able to commit such a murder?

Morrison goes further than this... in order to understand he looks inside himself... as any good actor, Buddhist, Christian, believer or humanist must do. Every good actor that seeks to play a murderer must find the seeds of a murderer inside himself. It's only then when we truly see how, had the dice fallen differently, any one of those three boys could have been our sons - that we can have the compassion and empathy that such a case cries out for.

It is 2007 now and yet STILL emails circulate asking us to add our names to complaints that the judge had compassion and offered them new lives and new identities. So if you get such an email, and feel inclined to add your name - read this book first.

And if, like me, you are saddened by the lack of understanding and compassion displayed by humanity, read Blake Morrison's book. As he says so wonderfully - even if you don't agree that 'To understand all is to forgive all' you may agree that to understand nothing is to forgive nothing. This is all around us. The alternative, the way of peace and of forgiveness has to be worked hard for.

So thank you Blake Morrison - for this exceptionally brave piece of writing. And for teaching us about wisdom and compassion.

The Courage to ask why - of oneself, 29 Jun 2005
To question the 'Why' of the murder of James Bulger is to revisit, an inch at a time with complete honesty. The importance of Blake Morrison's book is his compassion for each person immediately involved without sinking into sentimentality and easy self righteousness. However just as important his unflinching return to his own childhood, his remarkable insight into the unformed minds of children - for our pressuposition that the age of ten is old enough to know 'right from wrong' in any adult sense - and his small but telling details of just how profoundly this killing affected him, listening to the taped evidence day after day.

This is a hard book to take unless you morally place your childhood self above others - in which case it will not be of sufficient interst to merit the demands that morrison places on his readers. I was reminded a lot about my own childhood - though it neither resembled Morrison's or Thompson and Venables.

This is a searingly honest, engrossing book about a terrible and still rare phenomena - the ideal antidote to the screaming pages of the tabloids and to the quick desire to dissociate oneself from a crime which is an indictment of our country's attitude to children, class, poverty and the sheer drudgery suffered by so many children - a burning fuse that, when it reaches its end blasts away our preconceptions and smug assumptions.

A good handy and concise book for assisting with studies, 04 Mar 1999
This is a good book that will assist any student of the British Criminal Justice System. From defining crime to prison, its got it all. A concise book with a good glossary and student exercises. Think of it as a suplement rather than a substitute and it will greatly assist your studies.

A comprehensive research book into drugs and crime., 10 Jan 2002
This is a book primarily for those who work to tackle drug abuse and crime. It presents a comprehensive account of the information concerning the people who are drug abusers, the measures currently taking place to reduce drug dependancy, particularly where this dependancy is accompanied by criminal behaviour. The author attempts to cut through the confusion and pessimism that currently exists. He exposes the assumption that the successful treatment of the criminal's drug abuse will necessarily result in the reduction of his criminal activities. He is quite clear on what doesn't work and suggests a way forward that will work. This is a must book for all criminal justice and health care workers.

Excellent fundamental game approach, 19 Dec 2008
Now if your the type of person that wants book on ultra cool, super flying armbar and other assorted flashy submissions and techniques, you might not want to read this book. Nor is it an MMA manual.

This is not a 'technique' book, it is a work book laying the foundations of a fundamental and functional BJJ game. What impressed me most is his attitude towards training and the mentality the athlete/practitioner/student should have towards their training (it's all just a game, loose the ego!!). Saulo then goes into what he believes the person should be focusing on during their progression through the belt ranks, and how you'll be on your black belt for the rest of your life so you need to set a solid foundation through the ranks.

It is well explained and Saulo presents a rational for everything he demonstrates in a concise and easy to assimilate language. What really impressed me was that he shows you what happens when you do other variations or poor escapes/techniques which reinforces what he demonstrates and improves you level of understanding of the game.

I've read books by other authors, which can be a bit more technique orientated rather than attempt to improve your understanding, and while I have enjoyed some of them, this is the first 'complete' workbook that I've come across.

Thoroughly recommended, and not a bad word to say about it.

A "common sense" guide to self-defence, 25 Nov 2008
I am new to the world of self-defence but I found nothing in this book which isn't obvious common sense. For example, the book could be summarised as follows: if someone looks like they want to fight you, get away from that situation as quickly as possible. People who look weak are more likely to get attacked. Stay away from dangerous situations.

We all get taught this growing up, right?

I have serious problems with the authors writing ability and how the book is formatted. For example, the first chapter is like a thesaurus on acid! Every other chapter is poorly structured and there is no flow to the writing. As someone who reads a lot of books, I found this irritating and distractful.

Overall I regret purchasing this book and I found it somewhat juvenile. I was expecting a serious book - well written and informative. This is not that book.

OK, but be wary., 25 Oct 2008
This is not a bad book, not at all. But be wary of all these "5 star reviews," as the authour leads a bit of a "cult," and people will flock to praise to the skies more or less anything and everything that he does.

The book is a good introduction to some sound self protection ideas, but it fails to effectively teach any techniques, with stilted photos and poor explanations. It also misses the mark a little on the "interviews with criminals" section, and it does read as if it has been made up.

I would recommend that the book forms part of your library if you're into self protection. But read it for what it is, and don't fall into the trap of becoming one of these "everything is positive, let's get in tune with the universe" types that like to throw money at Geoff.

The best self defence book I've read, 15 Oct 2008
Having read a few self defence books, this is by far the best that I've encountered. It contains straight forward practical advice which could potentially save you from serious harm or even save your life one day.

Alot of self defence advice can seem pretty obvious and a bit of a no-brainer but sometimes the obvious often gets overlooked and needs to be pointed out-and this is what Geoff does brilliantly.

Having been the victim of crime myself on two occasions (a mugging and an assault), I was able to identify through this book, what was making me such a vulnerable target, and I was subsequently able to avoid getting attacked a third time, literally, which makes this probably the best investment I've ever made.

informative and great read and insight , 30 Sep 2008
im a big fan of goeff thompson he knows what he's on about i was impressed with this book ad along with streetwise peter consterdine the only self defense books you'll need,
Insights from the criminal mind not many books would go to that length but this 1 goes there

The best all round guide , 25 Aug 2008
As a not very good amateur martial artist I have purchased many books to try and assist and inspire me in my training. By some margin this is by far the best. Sure there are better books that give more detail on specific topics, however no others deal with as many areas as this one. Thompson is ex-doorman/nightclub bouncer and martial artist in many disciplines. A 1st dan in judo, 6th dan in Karate together with qualifications in wrestling and many others.

In this book he covers 24 areas of 'self-protection' from 1. avoidance and awareness to 24. Self-Defence and the law. There isn't sufficient time to review all the these areas in a short review like this. However what I will say is that this book has given me some new insights into just how to criminal mind works, as well as some useful information on practical martial arts. See for example chapter 12 which is devoted solely to the application, advantages and disadvantages of chokes and strangles.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the book is where he interviews several victims of violent crime as well as several muggers and looks at several case histories from serial killers. Some of the case histories are hard to read (as their crimes are described in graphic detail by the criminal), however the interviews with the muggers are a fascinating insight into how the criminal mind works and a lot of useful information can be gained from reading these.

Some will say that studying martial arts and reading this sort of material is a complete waste of time. However for those of us that do, it is enlightening to know that people who are switched off to their surroundings and their environment are the ones most likely to fall victim to a mugger or criminal.

This book does duplicate some material from Geoff Thompsons other books. So if you only want to buy one book that covers the entire spectrum of his philosophy - this is the one.


Distressing, yet important, 14 Feb 2008
This is a superb book. The author manages to cover the facts of the case, and highlight the unfortunate causes. It not only clarifies the story, but makes the reader feel "dirty". It's frightening to discover how one could possibly understand what happened. It's shocking, in a good way. Everyone should read this.

Thought-provoking and fair, 10 Jan 2008
I was interested in this as the Bulger case was one of the cases I covered in my dissertation on the link between violent media and violent acts. I wasn't disappointed.

Although it did touch on the media violence angle, I was pleased that this was a detailed look at the case and our society as a whole.

Starting with a lengthy ramble through the children's crusades, I wondered where this was going, but it made sense once he started talking about the case.

Blake Morrison was at the trial of Robert Thompson and Jon Venables in Preston, and looks at their backgrounds, influences, the nature of childhood and evil to find out what I wanted to know at the time: why?

There are a few passages I found hard to read (especially one that reads like a sex scene but turns out to be a description of him putting his daughter to bed) but this is a complex book that covers a lot but never strays too far that it loses your attention.

As Morrison illustrates, children can be, and often are cruel.

Through personal anecdotes, fables and factual examples, he looks at why children are portrayed as innocent, when they are far from that, and sets out a calm and fair conclusion that is far more thought-provoking than anything else I've read on the subject.


Truly, an inconvenient truth, 23 Jul 2007
Can a book about the brutal murder of a child and the trial of the killers be considered a favourite?

This is one of mine.

The Bulger case is famous and so few will come to this without a preconceived idea about the killers, but this is a book which makes you think in a way you probably never thought you would. Could it be that the two boys who brutally killed another child are not monsters, but just children?

The author not only writes exceptionally well, he offers an eye-witness account of the trial and the key figures, putting himself - and so you - in awkward places, asking awkward questions to search for a truth about us as humans as much as why this terrible thing happened that day.

Highly recommended, but be warned: once read your view might become a minority one and far removed from the screaming Daily Mail mob mentality next time a similar case arises.


The Simple Wonder of Compassion and Empathy, 17 Jul 2007
I have long believed that 'To understand all is to forgive all' (Voltaire). Many people don't agree but I often wonder how those adults braying for two ten year old boys to be locked up as 'evil animals' would feel if they could see a video of the boys lives. What must they have been subjected to - we must ask ourselves as adults - to have been able to commit such a murder?

Morrison goes further than this... in order to understand he looks inside himself... as any good actor, Buddhist, Christian, believer or humanist must do. Every good actor that seeks to play a murderer must find the seeds of a murderer inside himself. It's only then when we truly see how, had the dice fallen differently, any one of those three boys could have been our sons - that we can have the compassion and empathy that such a case cries out for.

It is 2007 now and yet STILL emails circulate asking us to add our names to complaints that the judge had compassion and offered them new lives and new identities. So if you get such an email, and feel inclined to add your name - read this book first.

And if, like me, you are saddened by the lack of understanding and compassion displayed by humanity, read Blake Morrison's book. As he says so wonderfully - even if you don't agree that 'To understand all is to forgive all' you may agree that to understand nothing is to forgive nothing. This is all around us. The alternative, the way of peace and of forgiveness has to be worked hard for.

So thank you Blake Morrison - for this exceptionally brave piece of writing. And for teaching us about wisdom and compassion.

The Courage to ask why - of oneself, 29 Jun 2005
To question the 'Why' of the murder of James Bulger is to revisit, an inch at a time with complete honesty. The importance of Blake Morrison's book is his compassion for each person immediately involved without sinking into sentimentality and easy self righteousness. However just as important his unflinching return to his own childhood, his remarkable insight into the unformed minds of children - for our pressuposition that the age of ten is old enough to know 'right from wrong' in any adult sense - and his small but telling details of just how profoundly this killing affected him, listening to the taped evidence day after day.

This is a hard book to take unless you morally place your childhood self above others - in which case it will not be of sufficient interst to merit the demands that morrison places on his readers. I was reminded a lot about my own childhood - though it neither resembled Morrison's or Thompson and Venables.

This is a searingly honest, engrossing book about a terrible and still rare phenomena - the ideal antidote to the screaming pages of the tabloids and to the quick desire to dissociate oneself from a crime which is an indictment of our country's attitude to children, class, poverty and the sheer drudgery suffered by so many children - a burning fuse that, when it reaches its end blasts away our preconceptions and smug assumptions.

A good handy and concise book for assisting with studies, 04 Mar 1999
This is a good book that will assist any student of the British Criminal Justice System. From defining crime to prison, its got it all. A concise book with a good glossary and student exercises. Think of it as a suplement rather than a substitute and it will greatly assist your studies.

A comprehensive research book into drugs and crime., 10 Jan 2002
This is a book primarily for those who work to tackle drug abuse and crime. It presents a comprehensive account of the information concerning the people who are drug abusers, the measures currently taking place to reduce drug dependancy, particularly where this dependancy is accompanied by criminal behaviour. The author attempts to cut through the confusion and pessimism that currently exists. He exposes the assumption that the successful treatment of the criminal's drug abuse will necessarily result in the reduction of his criminal activities. He is quite clear on what doesn't work and suggests a way forward that will work. This is a must book for all criminal justice and health care workers.

Essential reading for all mental heath professionals, 15 Sep 2008
Tony Maden's book is excellent, well written, easy to finish and where appropriate funny- not an easy combination in the growing world of books on violence risk assessment. I recommend it to all the junior doctors who are placed at our hospital- for them it simply deals with all the main issues regarding risk assessment. Here in the UK that means that it is as much about believing that there is a reason to do that as much as a how. For forensic consultants and more senior forensic trainees the book may/should not add any more information but is does very eloquently set out the forensic stall.

That said I found the title a bit misleading I was expecting a book that dealt with the specific treatment of violence (which I think was reasonable). Of course what I got was more of a comprehensive reason why patients presenting with violence as a problem should or rather must be treated and given access to care rather than excluded on spurious grounds.

Excellent fundamental game approach, 19 Dec 2008
Now if your the type of person that wants book on ultra cool, super flying armbar and other assorted flashy submissions and techniques, you might not want to read this book. Nor is it an MMA manual.

This is not a 'technique' book, it is a work book laying the foundations of a fundamental and functional BJJ game. What impressed me most is his attitude towards training and the mentality the athlete/practitioner/student should have towards their training (it's all just a game, loose the ego!!). Saulo then goes into what he believes the person should be focusing on during their progression through the belt ranks, and how you'll be on your black belt for the rest of your life so you need to set a solid foundation through the ranks.

It is well explained and Saulo presents a rational for everything he demonstrates in a concise and easy to assimilate language. What really impressed me was that he shows you what happens when you do other variations or poor escapes/techniques which reinforces what he demonstrates and improves you level of understanding of the game.

I've read books by other authors, which can be a bit more technique orientated rather than attempt to improve your understanding, and while I have enjoyed some of them, this is the first 'complete' workbook that I've come across.

Thoroughly recommended, and not a bad word to say about it.

A "common sense" guide to self-defence, 25 Nov 2008
I am new to the world of self-defence but I found nothing in this book which isn't obvious common sense. For example, the book could be summarised as follows: if someone looks like they want to fight you, get away from that situation as quickly as possible. People who look weak are more likely to get attacked. Stay away from dangerous situations.

We all get taught this growing up, right?

I have serious problems with the authors writing ability and how the book is formatted. For example, the first chapter is like a thesaurus on acid! Every other chapter is poorly structured and there is no flow to the writing. As someone who reads a lot of books, I found this irritating and distractful.

Overall I regret purchasing this book and I found it somewhat juvenile. I was expecting a serious book - well written and informative. This is not that book.

OK, but be wary., 25 Oct 2008
This is not a bad book, not at all. But be wary of all these "5 star reviews," as the authour leads a bit of a "cult," and people will flock to praise to the skies more or less anything and everything that he does.

The book is a good introduction to some sound self protection ideas, but it fails to effectively teach any techniques, with stilted photos and poor explanations. It also misses the mark a little on the "interviews with criminals" section, and it does read as if it has been made up.

I would recommend that the book forms part of your library if you're into self protection. But read it for what it is, and don't fall into the trap of becoming one of these "everything is positive, let's get in tune with the universe" types that like to throw money at Geoff.

The best self defence book I've read, 15 Oct 2008
Having read a few self defence books, this is by far the best that I've encountered. It contains straight forward practical advice which could potentially save you from serious harm or even save your life one day.

Alot of self defence advice can seem pretty obvious and a bit of a no-brainer but sometimes the obvious often gets overlooked and needs to be pointed out-and this is what Geoff does brilliantly.

Having been the victim of crime myself on two occasions (a mugging and an assault), I was able to identify through this book, what was making me such a vulnerable target, and I was subsequently able to avoid getting attacked a third time, literally, which makes this probably the best investment I've ever made.

informative and great read and insight , 30 Sep 2008
im a big fan of goeff thompson he knows what he's on about i was impressed with this book ad along with streetwise peter consterdine the only self defense books you'll need,
Insights from the criminal mind not many books would go to that length but this 1 goes there

The best all round guide , 25 Aug 2008
As a not very good amateur martial artist I have purchased many books to try and assist and inspire me in my training. By some margin this is by far the best. Sure there are better books that give more detail on specific topics, however no others deal with as many areas as this one. Thompson is ex-doorman/nightclub bouncer and martial artist in many disciplines. A 1st dan in judo, 6th dan in Karate together with qualifications in wrestling and many others.

In this book he covers 24 areas of 'self-protection' from 1. avoidance and awareness to 24. Self-Defence and the law. There isn't sufficient time to review all the these areas in a short review like this. However what I will say is that this book has given me some new insights into just how to criminal mind works, as well as some useful information on practical martial arts. See for example chapter 12 which is devoted solely to the application, advantages and disadvantages of chokes and strangles.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the book is where he interviews several victims of violent crime as well as several muggers and looks at several case histories from serial killers. Some of the case histories are hard to read (as their crimes are described in graphic detail by the criminal), however the interviews with the muggers are a fascinating insight into how the criminal mind works and a lot of useful information can be gained from reading these.

Some will say that studying martial arts and reading this sort of material is a complete waste of time. However for those of us that do, it is enlightening to know that people who are switched off to their surroundings and their environment are the ones most likely to fall victim to a mugger or criminal.

This book does duplicate some material from Geoff Thompsons other books. So if you only want to buy one book that covers the entire spectrum of his philosophy - this is the one.


Distressing, yet important, 14 Feb 2008
This is a superb book. The author manages to cover the facts of the case, and highlight the unfortunate causes. It not only clarifies the story, but makes the reader feel "dirty". It's frightening to discover how one could possibly understand what happened. It's shocking, in a good way. Everyone should read this.

Thought-provoking and fair, 10 Jan 2008
I was interested in this as the Bulger case was one of the cases I covered in my dissertation on the link between violent media and violent acts. I wasn't disappointed.

Although it did touch on the media violence angle, I was pleased that this was a detailed look at the case and our society as a whole.

Starting with a lengthy ramble through the children's crusades, I wondered where this was going, but it made sense once he started talking about the case.

Blake Morrison was at the trial of Robert Thompson and Jon Venables in Preston, and looks at their backgrounds, influences, the nature of childhood and evil to find out what I wanted to know at the time: why?

There are a few passages I found hard to read (especially one that reads like a sex scene but turns out to be a description of him putting his daughter to bed) but this is a complex book that covers a lot but never strays too far that it loses your attention.

As Morrison illustrates, children can be, and often are cruel.

Through personal anecdotes, fables and factual examples, he looks at why children are portrayed as innocent, when they are far from that, and sets out a calm and fair conclusion that is far more thought-provoking than anything else I've read on the subject.


Truly, an inconvenient truth, 23 Jul 2007
Can a book about the brutal murder of a child and the trial of the killers be considered a favourite?

This is one of mine.

The Bulger case is famous and so few will come to this without a preconceived idea about the killers, but this is a book which makes you think in a way you probably never thought you would. Could it be that the two boys who brutally killed another child are not monsters, but just children?

The author not only writes exceptionally well, he offers an eye-witness account of the trial and the key figures, putting himself - and so you - in awkward places, asking awkward questions to search for a truth about us as humans as much as why this terrible thing happened that day.

Highly recommended, but be warned: once read your view might become a minority one and far removed from the screaming Daily Mail mob mentality next time a similar case arises.


The Simple Wonder of Compassion and Empathy, 17 Jul 2007
I have long believed that 'To understand all is to forgive all' (Voltaire). Many people don't agree but I often wonder how those adults braying for two ten year old boys to be locked up as 'evil animals' would feel if they could see a video of the boys lives. What must they have been subjected to - we must ask ourselves as adults - to have been able to commit such a murder?

Morrison goes further than this... in order to understand he looks inside himself... as any good actor, Buddhist, Christian, believer or humanist must do. Every good actor that seeks to play a murderer must find the seeds of a murderer inside himself. It's only then when we truly see how, had the dice fallen differently, any one of those three boys could have been our sons - that we can have the compassion and empathy that such a case cries out for.

It is 2007 now and yet STILL emails circulate asking us to add our names to complaints that the judge had compassion and offered them new lives and new identities. So if you get such an email, and feel inclined to add your name - read this book first.

And if, like me, you are saddened by the lack of understanding and compassion displayed by humanity, read Blake Morrison's book. As he says so wonderfully - even if you don't agree that 'To understand all is to forgive all' you may agree that to understand nothing is to forgive nothing. This is all around us. The alternative, the way of peace and of forgiveness has to be worked hard for.

So thank you Blake Morrison - for this exceptionally brave piece of writing. And for teaching us about wisdom and compassion.

The Courage to ask why - of oneself, 29 Jun 2005
To question the 'Why' of the murder of James Bulger is to revisit, an inch at a time with complete honesty. The importance of Blake Morrison's book is his compassion for each person immediately involved without sinking into sentimentality and easy self righteousness. However just as important his unflinching return to his own childhood, his remarkable insight into the unformed minds of children - for our pressuposition that the age of ten is old enough to know 'right from wrong' in any adult sense - and his small but telling details of just how profoundly this killing affected him, listening to the taped evidence day after day.

This is a hard book to take unless you morally place your childhood self above others - in which case it will not be of sufficient interst to merit the demands that morrison places on his readers. I was reminded a lot about my own childhood - though it neither resembled Morrison's or Thompson and Venables.

This is a searingly honest, engrossing book about a terrible and still rare phenomena - the ideal antidote to the screaming pages of the tabloids and to the quick desire to dissociate oneself from a crime which is an indictment of our country's attitude to children, class, poverty and the sheer drudgery suffered by so many children - a burning fuse that, when it reaches its end blasts away our preconceptions and smug assumptions.

A good handy and concise book for assisting with studies, 04 Mar 1999
This is a good book that will assist any student of the British Criminal Justice System. From defining crime to prison, its got it all. A concise book with a good glossary and student exercises. Think of it as a suplement rather than a substitute and it will greatly assist your studies.

A comprehensive research book into drugs and crime., 10 Jan 2002
This is a book primarily for those who work to tackle drug abuse and crime. It presents a comprehensive account of the information concerning the people who are drug abusers, the measures currently taking place to reduce drug dependancy, particularly where this dependancy is accompanied by criminal behaviour. The author attempts to cut through the confusion and pessimism that currently exists. He exposes the assumption that the successful treatment of the criminal's drug abuse will necessarily result in the reduction of his criminal activities. He is quite clear on what doesn't work and suggests a way forward that will work. This is a must book for all criminal justice and health care workers.

Essential reading for all mental heath professionals, 15 Sep 2008
Tony Maden's book is excellent, well written, easy to finish and where appropriate funny- not an easy combination in the growing world of books on violence risk assessment. I recommend it to all the junior doctors who are placed at our hospital- for them it simply deals with all the main issues regarding risk assessment. Here in the UK that means that it is as much about believing that there is a reason to do that as much as a how. For forensic consultants and more senior forensic trainees the book may/should not add any more information but is does very eloquently set out the forensic stall.

That said I found the title a bit misleading I was expecting a book that dealt with the specific treatment of violence (which I think was reasonable). Of course what I got was more of a comprehensive reason why patients presenting with violence as a problem should or rather must be treated and given access to care rather than excluded on spurious grounds.

Precise and well presented, 01 Oct 2003
The book is well presented and explains the operational procedures as well as some of the philosophy behind the tactics used by Counter Terrorist personnel around the world, the author is honest and explains clearly in the preface that tactics will always differ from country to country, Government to Government.

The diagrams and non-jargon explanations of single/multiple room clearing methods, Using a two or 5 man entry team, correct positioning of snipers and puts a great emphasis on the use of a Hostage Negotiator. The tactics mentioned in this book are better then most of the manuals I have studies, even tough they don’t go into to much depth they could be used as a foundation upon which you could further enhance or improve on.

The Author has set-out to explain how Counter Terrorist Operators carry out their duties and why it is becoming all the more necessary to try and pursue a non-lethal resolution to a barricaded or hostage scenario. The Author also goes on to use previous operations carried out by various Military and Police Special Operations and uses them as guide’s on what to and not to do. Among these are the world famous SAS embassy rescue and the Royal Dutch Marines Train &School Rescue Operation.

Overall I would give this book a Two Thumbs up… For being a no nonsense introductory guide into the workings of the worlds counter terrorist teams and their tactics, and would happily recommend that the layman buy this book before seeking out to buy the more cumbersome and boring US Army Field Manuals.

Excellent fundamental game approach, 19 Dec 2008
Now if you