Book excerpt: Steve Hackett has been at the forefront of inventive music and original playing for almost four decades. After his origins and "apprenticeship" in 70's progressive rock group; Genesis, he moved on through the passing trends of time in a unique and solitary fashion. Since his highly successful debut album in 1975, his music as a solo artist has encompassed a vast array of differing styles. Both influential and inspiring to other guitarists, Hackett has honed his skills, from the exciting techniques he pioneered on the electric guitar, to playing nylon-strung guitar with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on some of his critically acclaimed, classical albums. In this, the first ever fully authorised biography, he reveals through many candid conversations with author and good friend; Alan Hewitt, the twists and turns that led to him being recognised as one of Britain's most revered and respected musicians; with contributions from family and friends, along with past and present collaborators. Following the 2009 hardback edition this 2012 paperback includes additional chapters and expanded appendices and takes us along the journey of his rich, diverse and exceptional musical career right up to the Beyond The Shrouded Horizon and Fire & Ice releases.