Details of Publication - Apex Publishing Ltd.

The British Crime and Prison Quiz Book
	Author: Jim Dawkins and Dave Courtney Foreword by: Charles Bronson Classification: True Crime Sorry this book is Out Of Print	Brief Description: Will you be held at gunpoint and find yourself reaching for the panic button or will you be laughing all the way to the bank as you try to answer this quiz book’s 450 testing questions cunningly prepared by former London gangster and nowadays best-selling celebrity author and film-maker Dave Courtney and ex-prison officer Jim Dawkins? Covering all aspects of the British underworld and the heroes and villains that have grabbed media attention and stirred up public interest and imagination, this book is as much an educational treasure trove as it is a quiz book. With a fitting foreword by Charles Bronson, this is definitely a quiz book with an encyclopaedic twist and is guaranteed to provoke hours of reminiscing and discussion about the daring escapades and notorious characters that have stamped an indelible mark on the British crime scene.

Special Note: This book is also available as an ebook.

About the Author: Jim Dawkins: Harlow-born Jim Dawkins left home in Eltham at the age of sixteen to pursue a career in the army and served with the Royal Green Jackets from 1985 to 1991, including tours of Canada and Northern Ireland. Upon leaving the army, he joined the Prison Service and spent the next seven years training and working in Wandsworth, Wormwood Scrubs and Belmarsh prisons. In 1999, Jim left the Prison Service, ill with stress and disillusioned by the abuse levelled out to inmates by many of the staff. Jim eventually settled down with his childhood sweetheart, Natasha, and has two daughters, Lauren and Morgan and one son, Thomas. One of Jim’s goals in life is to fight for the rights of long-term high-security inmate, Charlie Bronson, with whom he has struck up a remarkable friendship. He wants the prison service to pull itself out of the Victorian mentality and give Charlie the chance he deserves to work towards his release and lead the normal life he yearns for. Jim is the author of the widely acclaimed best-selling exposé on the UK Prison System 'The Loose Screw'.
Dave Courtney OBE: ‘Dodgy’ Dave Courtney OBE (‘One Big Ego’), also known in the past as ‘the Yellow Pages of the Underworld’, is a self-proclaimed former London gangster with links to notorious hard men such as the Krays, who has since achieved celebrity status as a best-selling author of six books, as a film producer, director and actor and as an entertaining guest speaker, and will also be releasing a gangster rap single and album in 2007. In addition to his popular book signings and ‘Audience with’ spectaculars, he is also involved in the Prince’s Trust and raising funds for various charitable causes, and is patron of ‘Misunderstood’, a charity that provides support for children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and their families.

Purchasing
Information Reviews by the
Famous and Well Known Newspaper and
Website Reviews Radio and
TV Readers
Comments Signings and
Events Libraries that
stock this book

-- Purchasing Information

	Paperback	Hardback
Publication Date:	14 March 2008
ISBN: ISBN 13:	1-906358-01-X 978-1-906358-01-3
Page Extent:	198
Book Size:
Price:	£7.99
P & P (UK):
P & P (Europe):
P & P (World):
UK:
Purchase from Amazon:
Purchase from Waterstone's *(or check stock at a branch near you):*
Purchase from Play.com:
Purchase from WH Smith:
Purchase from ASDA:
Purchase from Tesco:
USA:
Price (USD):	$15.95
Purchase from Amazon:
Purchase from Borders:
Purchase from Barnes & Noble:
Purchase from Powell's Books:

Downloads:
Publication Date:	14 March 2008
Digital eBook ISBN 13:	978-1-908548-50-4
Digital pdf ISBN 13:	978-1-908382-15-3
eBook Price (UK):	£5.99
eBook Price (USA):	$9.63
	Based on Amazon's Kindle Store
Kindle UK:
Kindle USA:
iTunes:

-- Reviews by the Famous and well Known

I wish I had a copy of this book when I was in jail. It's full of great questions and would have passed the time away. I was delighted when I was shown the book and good luck to Jim and Dave. I hope it makes a million.
George Reynolds, Former Safecracker and Former Chairman of Darlington Football Club

This book is yet another winner from Apex Publishing Ltd. Written by two men who, between them, though from different sides of the screw/con divide, have a lot more knowledge about the prison system than a herd of Home Secretaries. An entertaining and informative addition to the British prison experience genre, and unique in the amount of important information the authors manage to impart about both the history of prison and the mechanics of contemporary incarceration in this country. Featuring plenty of examples of Dave Courtney’s trademark wit along with Jim Dawkins’ qualified perspective on the organisation he was once a part of before coming to his senses.
The British Crime and Prison Quiz Book more than lives up to it’s title, and should be required reading fro every hobbit in the Home Office and Prison Service HQ, maybe it would give them half a clue about the system they are supposed to be running. But for the rest of us it’s just a cracking book, a guided tour through the wings and along the landings of our jails with a couple of tour guides who really know their stuff. And with a foreword by Charlie Bronson, how can it miss? Buy it, read it, test your cellmate!
Noel 'Razor' Smith, Author of 'A Few Kind Words and a Loaded Gun' and 'Warrior Kings'

When I got asked to do this foreword I thought this is an unusual book, The British Crime and Prison Quiz Book ! Then I thought Jim Dawkins and Dave Courtney someone is having a laugh. But then it hit me 'BOSH' like a sledgehammer, this book is awesome, a complete one off, a masterpiece, and I said to myself who better to do it but my old pals Jim and Dave. It is brilliant absolutely magical Dave being an ex-villain and Jim an ex-screw, you just could not make up a partnership like that it is unique it is just fantastic, and I am privileged and lucky enough to personally know both men very well.
I first met Jim in Belmarsh max secure jail on the high risk unit segregation wing, he used to lock me up. To me he was a true diamond , a man who had allot of morals and did not take liberties. He was a 'one off screw' all the 'cons' respected him. But as life goes on we all move on with it and Jim left the job, walked away from the toe rags he worked with and the rest is history with Jim Dawkins. All my 'firm' say the same he is a top geezer we ALL admire the man, the courage it took to write the truth about the state of our prison system in his best selling and widely acclaimed first book and autobiography 'THE LOOSE SCREW' also published by Apex Publishing Ltd was second to none.
Dave is just Dave a complete one off! A flash git but a true man of his word. Over the years Dave has stood by me through some serious shit, nothing is too much for him. He is always in my corner and will not have a bad word said about me. He always spoils my Mum and Sister at all the events and shows and they love him to bits.
I am pleased Dave gave up the crime and moved onto the honest life. He has published double the books than Jeffrey Archer and ALL Dave’s are bestsellers, so who is the daddy.
This book I would say is so special it will become a No 1 bestseller purely because it is so unusual and unique, I would say it will definitely become a collectors item as there is nothing quite like it nor will there be again.
It will be a winner in our prisons all 80,000 'cons' will want one so will the screws, governors, judges, probation staff solicitors even the 'old bill', it will probably become a training manual. It is also historically accurate and will fascinate you with a wealth of information that will both shock and amaze. This is a sure read for all, never mind the UK I say the World, because it is full of questions and answers we all want to know about swell as being a great pass time so enjoy it.
I will end by asking my own question! Can anyone tell me where I buried my loot? As I have forgotten. I have been locked up for so long I just can not remember. If anyone can answer this question you can get in touch with me at http://www.freebronson.co.uk or write to me direct to:
Bronson 1314, C.S.C. (cage), HMP Wakefield, West Yorks, WF2 9AG
Yours in the name of madness!
Charles Bronson
(Picture: Artwork by Charles Bronson)
Charles Bronson, Famous Prisoner & Author - Written the Foreword

A classic combination of ‘two’ top authors in their own right. Dave Courtney renowned to bring a few smiles with his wit and charm. Jim Dawkins renowned to raise a few eyebrows with his truthfulness and sincerity. This is CRIME & PUNISHMENT united in this unusual book of trivia. Only the genius of Chris Cowlin of Apex Publishing Ltd could forge together such authors in a fun packed book leaving many thinking, “I didn’t know that”. An excellent book, a test of knowledge on crime and the prison system. 10 out of 10 ...
Leighton Frayne, Author of 'The Frayne Bros'

An excellent duo of authors for a quiz book on crime and prison, brilliantly written and brilliantly put together.
Lindsay Frayne, Author of 'The Frayne Bros'

An incredible amount of research has gone into this – an excellent book which I will read again and again.
Jason Marriner, Author of 'It's Only A Game'

An ex-screw and renowned convict coming together for a book may seem like a match made in hell – which is not far off the truth according to the goings on within HM Belmarsh exposed in Jim Dawkins’s excellent book The Loose Screw – but this is a heavenly collection of Q&A’s with a difference.
Loveable rogue Dave Courtney has teamed up with Dawkins to produce what can only be described as one of the most unique collection of brain teasers that goes much further than a conventional quiz book. There are questions in here on Her Majesty’s prison service that will have Queen Liz herself scratching her head with her quill.
Much more than a quiz book I say because every answer is backed up with facts and statements so by the time you are done … you can be the font of all knowledge down your local boozer … or the prison exercise yard!
Superb work by two great fellas that have experienced both sides of the ‘iron bar’ divide.
David Williams, Author of 'Desert England'

When I first heard from my good pal Chris Cowlin that he was putting together a crime and prison quiz book, I thought 'He's lost the plot. That will never work' Well, they do say that holding your hands up and admitting you are wrong is the hardest thing to do. Well, that's exactly what I have to do now I'm afraid, I could not of been more wrong if I had said 'Hitler? Wasn't he the nice religious bloke who cured the sick?
This book works, boy does it work! It's the uniqueness and originality of the project that catches one completely off guard, exactly like it did with me.
Over the past two years or so, I have really got to know Chris and it's been a pleasure to say the least. Working with a publisher who doesn't look down his nose at you and a publisher who always answers his phone to you and has time for you is as rare as a moon walking dodo!
Anyone who had been through the author/publisher 'relationship' will identify immediately with that.
Apex Publishing is the way forward, it will just get bigger and bigger ... Mark my words. All the 'CHAPS' that I my friends and have written or are considering writing a book, I put them straight onto Chris at Apex and anyone who knows anything about me will know that's a LOT of 'CHAPS'.. IN fact, most of them. That's what happens when you treat people with that all important word 'Respect'. Chris Cowlin at Apex has this. If you look at the amount of forewords from TOP QUALITY men of honour I put together for the Charlie Bronson book (About 15 of my closest) you will see how far mutual respect can get you... I certainly would not have phoned that little lot of rascals for any other author in the land!
So that was the foundations, what about the project and authors? Is there anyone who has not heard of Dave Courtney? Now, whether you like him or not is another question. But love the rascal or hate him (AS I have said before, most of those who claim to 'Hate' Dave have never actually met him, a point to keep in mind if somebody slags DC off to you just ask "Have you met him then?" "ER, well, not exactly but erm, ya' know like ... Erm" etc, etc.) Dave is like an encyclopedia of crime and criminology. He doesn't read as a fan but more as a student as a result, he is hard to catch out.
Dave's press has been mixed over the last couple of years. 'Mad' Frankie Fraser who was supposed to be one of ours decided that after 52000 000 years in crimes that he would take the side of the police and everything the copper said was spot on and perfect and Frank nodded in approval. He then took preaching's to his oh so ghost written web site (If you know Frank and know how he speaks, It's hilarious. It's like he spent 40 years in Eton instead of Wandsworth!) This man, whose hatred & anger towards screws and police is second to none and kept him going all those years seemed to vaporize.
The silly gangland keyboard feud was finally settled when one Freddie Foreman walked into a café and threw Frank round by his ankles like a smurf in a whirlwind before finally... Well, battering him! (Frank denies of course... And nearly died of course) After that, nobody believed Franks rambling's anymore and 'THE CHAPS' made him a 'CHAP' no longer (HE had also been hinting Fred was a Grass... Oh
Dear!) So Frank who was accusing people of being Grasse's actually ended up ostracized, while those nasty Grasses Dave & Fred go to every part thrown.
Surely, there can't be highly intelligent people out there who know ALL the facts, have studied this case thoroughly and still think Dave Courtney is a Grass!
It's been years now and still nothing in black and white.
No doubt highly controversial little gems like this will pop up in the Quiz book because Dave will not the difficult, controversial ones that are aimed at him... In fact that's DC at his best when he is laughing at himself. So with this book, don't expect a nice safe, comfortable, afternoon knitting type book here.... Dave Courtney doesn't do safe BUT he does do bizarre,manic, unpredictable and extremely funny.. MASSES of Funny. So sit by a load of plants or something so you don't run out of oxygen! (A small rainforest should suffice.)
Jim Dawkins is a man all 'THE CHAPS' have respect for, what's wrong with that? Nothing ... Except that Jim is an ex screw! Dave Courtney and an ex screw! Can you find a more unique, bizarre book that that? This is all so unpredictable, who knows what will happen!
So why is Jim not just like any other retired screw? Because he doesn't act like one for a start. Jim struck up a strong bond with Charlie Bronson. But what disturbed Jim's mind was actually witnessing the barbaric, medieval brutality handed out to the inmates dished out by his fellow screws (The beating were never one on one.. Obviously) Jim left in disgust and by this time what he had witnessed had made him ill.
Jim was so disgusted, that Jim called on his courage he wrote a cracker called 'The Loose Screw' Fully exposing the prison system and it's brutality. Anybody who thinks prison torture only goes on in the film 'Midnight Express' it's happening down the road at you local prison. Read 'The Loose Screw'. It's brave book by author and publisher, I don't think any other publisher apart from apex would have had the spine to write this book. Jim then found the people regarded as 'THE CHAPS' were accepting, had more manners and these 'bad guys' were actually better to be around ten handed bullies.
The move of putting these two characters together (And that's important, they ARE characters) is sheer genius.
This book is full of surprises, it shocks, it twists, it takes you in and out of the underworld and into the nick, it's unpredictable ... IT'S A 100% WINNER! (Photo: Tel Currie with Dave Courtney).
Tel Currie, Famous Boxing Promoter & Author of 'Heroes and Villains'

-- Newspaper and Website Reviews

From two oracles of the true crime genre, with hundreds of astonishing facts on the criminal and prison world, this impeccably researched and flawlessly put together book will have you enthralled, captivated and laughing out loud!
Robin Barratt, Bodyguards and Bouncers Magazine (Editor)

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
Medway Messenger

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
Wales on Sunday

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
Inside Time: The National Monthly Newspaper for Prisoners

This book is an absolute gem. To be honest, when I first looked at the manuscript I honestly thought it would be over-burdened with questions such as, “Who cut so-and-so’s left ear off in Putney in 1963?” Not a chance. Dawkins and Courtney have put together an absolute blinder that covers everything from the finer points of Roman law to Anglo Saxon criminal justice, and the sections dealing with prison regulations are a true eye-opener.
Truth to tell, I HATE reading quiz books, although writing them and reviewing them are different kettles of fish. This volume is one I can honestly say it has been a pleasure to peruse.
Dawkins and Courtney both have an expert insight into the world of crime, although for radically different reasons. They obviously have an incredible rapport with each other when it comes to writing, for their partnership has produced a fact-filled volume that one will never tire of reading.
Trust me, you really WILL enjoy reading the Crime Quiz Book. By the time you get to the end, you’ll probably have forgotten more about Crime than Dixon of Dock Green or Reagan from The Sweeney ever knew! Absolute magic.
Mike Hallowell, The Shields Gazette

WATCH OUT FOR!
Inside Time: The National Monthly Newspaper for Prisoners

Great fun for anyone with an interest in the history of crime and punishment in Britain.
James McCarthy, Wales on Sunday

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
Daily Sport

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
Abergavenny Chronicle

A law-dodging, prison-breaking riot of a quiz that's perfect for those who might have a lot of 'time' on their hands.
Jeff Maysh, Loaded Magazine

An incredible amount of research has gone into this – an excellent book which I will read again and again.
www.jasonmarriner.com

Which is most fascinating - the book or the writing partnership of Dave Courtney and Jim Dawkins?
This book incredibly interesting and crammed full of facts and figures about prison life and characters past and present. Whether you are a prisoner looking for a laugh or somebody just interested in things to do with prison life - or perhaps somebody trying to organise ‘a quiz night with a difference’ and be guaranteed that no "Clever Trevor" will know the all the answers, this is the book for you.
Great fun and really quite educational – a terrific idea, well done to Dave and Jim.
John D Roberts, Inside Time: The National Monthly Newspaper for Prisoners (Operations Director)

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
Abergavenny Chronicle

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
Ayr Advertiser

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
www.getsurrey.co.uk

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
Lincolnshire Free Press

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
www.gethampshire.co.uk

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
Pick Me Up Magazine

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
The Tenby Observer

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
Cambridgeshire Journal Magazine

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
Full House Magazine

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
Hampstead and Highgate Express

THE BRITISH CRIME AND PRISON QUIZ BOOK
Full House Magazine

-- Radio and TV

Colchester Garrison 107 FM reviewed 'The British Crime and Prison Quiz Book' by Jim Dawkins and Dave Courtney on 'The Liz Mullen Show', they also gave a copy away in a radio competition.
Colchester Garrison 107 FM

Apex Media Player

Jim Dawkins was interviewed on 'The Philip Solomon Show'. Jim answered questions about his books 'The British Crime and Prison Quiz Book' and 'The Loose Screw' and what is what like to be a prison officer in some of the UK's most famous prisons.
Wolverhampton City Radio 101.8FM

Apex Media Player

-- Readers Comments

Another incredible book from Jim Dawkins and Dave Courtney. Both men's knowledge from two very different sides of the criminal industry come together here to provide us with a unique and fascinating compilation of just about any event and character to grace our penal system since William the Conquerors day.
Tony Jackson
~

This is far more than just a quiz book it is a piece of history which covers almost all aspects of our almost mystical world of British crime and punishment. Extremely detailed and full of amazing facts and figures this will not only provide you with hours of fun at parties on holidays and other social gatherings, it will provide you with a vast wealth of information to impress your friends with.
Andy Stevens
~

A fascinating compilation of amazing true facts and even more amazing detailed answers covering all aspects of the British criminal world and penal system, from it’s grim beginnings to the present day. This book is laced with history, humour and some great sketches from the infamous prisoner Charlie Bronson. A fantastic concept – brilliant!
Kerry Matthews
~

Having read Jim Dawkins first book 'The Loose Screw' I was eager to get a copy of this his latest book. I have to say the excellence of 'The Loose Screw' would take some beating but I think in a very different way Jim and Dave have pulled it off here. I would class this book more as an encyclopedia than a quiz book due to the detail and in depth information provided in the answers. This book is totally unbiased and I am sure that it will be enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
Janet Williams
~

The questions are brilliant and I really had the family in competition with each other. If definitely provoked discussion and debate within the topics discussed and led to very interesting personal opinions. I would definitely recommend this book to other people and I’m afraid they will have to buy one as no one is borrowing mine! I’m off now to purchase ‘The Loose Screw’ to find out more about the author.
Denise Copland
~

I learnt so much from this book, absolutely everything is covered.
Marian Bellows
~

-- Book Signings and Events

Jim Dawkins signed copies of his books 'The Loose Screw' and 'The British Crime and Prison Quiz Book' at Waterstone's, Merry Hill, West Midlands.
Waterstone's, Merry Hill, West Midlands

Authors Jim Dawkins and Dave Courtney attend Inside Time's 100th issue celebration.
The event took place at the Parliament Chamber, Inner Temple, London.
(Picture: Dave Courtney (left), John Roberts (middle) and Jim Dawkins (right), with 'The Loose Screw' and 'The British Crime and Prison Quiz Book).
Inside Time - 100th Issue Celebration, Parliament Chamber, London

Jim Dawkins and Dave Courtney signed copies of 'The British Crime and Prison Quiz Book' at Waterstone's, Abergavenny.
Waterstone's, Abergavenny.

Dave Courtney signed copies of his book 'The British Crime and Prison Quiz Book' at Waterstone's, Huddersfield.
Waterstone's, Huddersfield

Jim Dawkins signed copies of his books 'The Loose Screw' and 'The British Crime and Prison Quiz Book' at Borders, New Park Shopping Centre, Mid Glamorgan.
Borders, New Park Shopping Centre, Mid Glamorgan

Jim Dawkins signed copies of his books 'The Loose Screw' and 'The British Crime and Prison Quiz Book' at Waterstone's, Camden, London.
Waterstone's, Camden, London

Jim Dawkins signed copies of his books 'The Loose Screw' and 'The British Crime and Prison Quiz Book' at Waterstone's, Carmarthen.
Waterstone's, Carmarthen

Jim Dawkins signed copies of his books 'The Loose Screw' and 'The British Crime and Prison Quiz Book' at Borders, Parc Fforestfach, Swansea.
Borders, Parc Fforestfach, Swansea

-- Libraries that stock this book
The University Library, Cambridge
~

The National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
~

The National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh
~

The Library of Trinity College, Dublin
~

The Bodleian Library, Oxford
~

The British Library, Boston Spa
~