The Real John Wren by Hugh Buggy is a biographical account written to present a more balanced view of John Wren (1871–1953), an influential and controversial Australian businessman and political powerbroker. Who was John Wren? John Wren was a self-made multi-millionaire from Melbourne who rose from humble beginnings to become one of Australia's wealthiest and most powerful figures. He famously founded the "Collingwood Tote," an illegal betting operation, and later became a major promoter of boxing, wrestling, and horse racing. He was a significant behind-the-scenes force in the Australian Labor Party and a prominent figure in Irish-Catholic circles His diverse interests spanned newspapers, cinemas, and gold mining.
