Book excerpt: He was one of the world's true superstars, and the silver screen's most beloved James Bond. Sir Sean Connery - a proud Scotsman born in 1930 to a working-class family - died at home in the Bahamas on October 31, 2020. He left behind him a legacy to rival any actor. Connery bestrode Hollywood like a Colossus. He commanded some of the highest fees in the industry and was lauded by critics and the public alike. In July 2000, his unique contribution to the world of film was recognized when he was accorded a knighthood. John Parker traces the astonishing rise to stardom of a tough street kid from Edinburgh. The part of 007 became a monster that threatened to kill Connery as an actor; he escaped to establish himself as one of the world's most magnetic and commanding character actors, winning an Oscar for his role in iconic crime drama The Untouchables. The author has drawn on reminiscences of famous friends and colleagues, including Honor Blackman, Robert Hardy and Eric Sykes, to create an authoritative and entertaining portrait of a talented, complex actor - and, above all else, a magnificent man.