Neddy: The Life and Crimes of Arthur Stanley Smith – An Autobiography

Autobiography Australian History Social History Biography True Crime Organized Crime Outlaw Literature

Neddy: The Life and Crimes of Arthur Stanley Smith is the blunt, fast-moving autobiography of one of Sydney’s most colourful underworld identities. Written in Smith’s own voice and first released in 1993, this 317-page paperback takes readers from the waterfront streets of Woolloomooloo to the back rooms of Kings Cross, recounting how a knockabout kid became the man police called “Neddy” and criminals called “the boss.” Along the way Smith names names, dates events and explains how the city’s vice economy really operated during the 60s, 70s and 80s—making the book a primary-source treasure for anyone interested in Australian true-crime history.

What sets this copy apart is its condition: very good, unmarked pages from a smoke-free home, with all of the original illustrations still crisp. Because the first edition has been out of print for three decades, clean copies are increasingly scarce, especially ones that have not been ex-library, personalised or inscribed. Collectors looking for a readable, shelf-ready example of modern Australian outlaw literature will appreciate that this volume needs no restoration.

For general readers, Neddy is more than a gangster memoir; it is a social document of working-class Sydney before casino licences and lock-out laws. Smith’s humour, self-mythology and unapologetic candour make the narrative accessible to young adults studying post-war Australian history while still gritty enough for seasoned true-crime fans. Add the 1993 publication year and the book doubles as a period artefact—complete with contemporary news photos and Smith’s own sketches—offering a tangible link to the headlines that once dominated Sydney’s tabloids.

Refer to our eBay listing for a full condition report and many more high-quality pictures of this item.

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