The most complete account yet of one of the most original and stimulating film-makers of the post-war years: Paths of Glory, Dr Strangelove, Lolita, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, Barry Lindon, Full Metal Jacket ?

That Stanley Kubrick has maintained his mystique for nearly forty years is both a tribute to his exceptional powers as a film-maker and a consequence of his decision to live and work on his own terms, whatever the price. For decades his films have distilled the essence of the age: from 'Paths of Glory' (1957), 'Lolita' (1962), 'Dr Strangelove' (1964) and '2001: A Space Odyssey' (1968) to 'A Clockwork Orange' (1971), 'Barry Lyndon' (1975), 'The Shining' (1980) and 'Full Metal Jacket' (1987). With his latest film ('Eyes Wide Shut'), Kubrick has added to the gallery of indelible images that will last as long as the cinema.

With the help of actors, writers, directors, technicians and childhood friends, John Baxter offers the most complete account yet of Kubrick's extraordinary life and work.

'Baxter has spoken to everyone... Of proven excellence in cinema biographies, he spares us extensive analysis for the sake of the wondrous narrative... and does a stupendous job of putting together the parts of the famous monster.'
BRIAN ALDISS, 'Daily Telegraph'

'John Baxter's highly readable biography makes Kubrick maddening, endearing and paranoid in equal portions...Many of the stories are riveting.'
NIGEL ANDREWS, 'Financial Times'

'In this superbly readable biography, John Baxter traces Kubrick's career from the day this spoilt Jewish boy from the Bronx was given a camera for his thirteenth birthday to his present situation as an eccentric recluse hiding away in a remote Hertfordshire mansion.'
GERALD KAUFMAN, 'Sunday Telegraph'