Sean Connery is one of the world's few true superstars. The screen creator of James Bond has commanded some of the highest fees in Hollywood and is lauded by critics and public alike. In July 2000, his unique contribution to the world of film was recognized when he was accorded a knighthood. No other British actor has had such a high profile.Yet the man himself stands back from all the Hollywood razzmatazz, private, even reclusive. Now John Parker traces the astonishing rise to stardom of a tough street kid from Edinburgh who left school at the age of 13. Arriving in London with gold teeth and tattoos to seek his fortune in the meat market of body-building, Connery fought against snobbery and prejudice to become a self-taught Shakespearian actor. Then came the big break.Auditioning for the part of James bond, he told the producers with typical bluntness how Bond should be played - and his bristling attitude landed him the job. He became an overnight star.The most famous secret agent of them all, 007 became a monster which threatened to kill Connery as an actor. He escaped to establish himself as one of the world's most versatile and highly-paid character actors, winning an Oscar for his part in "The Untouchables."