Book excerpt: Sean Connery is one of the world’s true superstars, applauded by critics and filmgoers alike. Now, John Parker traces the rise to stardom of the tough Edinburgh street kid, 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 bodybuilding, Connery fought against snobbery to become a self-taught Shakespearean actor. Then came the big break. Auditioning for the part of James Bond, he told producers with typical bluntness how Bond should be played, and it landed him the job—and overnight stardom. Connery went on to become one of the world’s most versatile, highly paid actors, winning an Oscar for his role inThe Untouchables.Here, John Parker offers an engaging portrait of one of the most glamorous, talented, and complex actors in movie history.