Beware of the Dog, by Brian Moore

Brian Moore is not the first sportsman to publish more than one autobiography, but surely no one has produced two so different in tone.

The 1995 version was a conventional, ghosted affair; this one is all the former England hooker's own work and while not exactly a misery memoir it is, to quote the author, "darker than its predecessor". And how; it starts with a graphic account of his sexual abuse at the age of 10, and goes on to analyse how his adoption and feelings of rejection contributed to the self-destructive, nasty streak he freely owns up to.

On the playing side, he reveals that his years with England and the Lions were riven with self-doubt, and the evident relish with which he recalls acts of violence on the pitch is somewhat disturbing. It didn't get any better after he stopped playing; he is eloquent about the uncertainty and sense of loss retirement can provoke.

Now happily married and established in a media career, he confesses he still battles his demons; thankfully for all concerned, he seems to be winning.

Published in hardback by Simon & Schuster, £17.99