One blood - John Heale

The riots of 2011 brought into stark focus the increasing lawlessness and desperation among Britain's disadvantaged young people. Against this background Britain's gangs have changed radically over the past 15 years, becoming more aggressive, more territorial -- and younger. Seemingly senseless 'postcode wars' and feuds over trivial issues are claiming the lives of scores of young men every year, and knife crime and gun crime amongst young people have become commonplace in Britain's cities. The fallout affects every community.

One Blood- originally published in 2008 - explains many of the reasons behind the shocking events of summer 2011. This new edition has been brought up to date with new material that analyses the riots. The author has talked to dozens of gang members from high-ranking to low, and every chapter is based on first-hand testimonies of their day-to-day reality, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive analysis of what gang life does to society and to individuals. With a strong narrative that travels the country from London to Liverpool and beyond, One Bloodprovides a terrifying account of what life is like for those who belong to a gang. It also investigates how the authorities are attempting to combat the problem, and analyses the social evils of which gang life is a symptom, not a cause. Fearless, uncompromising and compulsively readable, this explosive book is an abiding portrait of an unfortunate section of British society, how it ended up this way, and what can be done to help it.