Beyond reaching the pinnacle of success in his field, the preeminent physicist Stephen Hawking also has made a name for himself as a best-selling author. His books bring the wonders of the universe to the masses. Hawking himself is revealed to the public in this book, which follows his rise from apathetic schoolboy to respected scientist and writer. Along the way readers discover how Hawking has dealt with having ALS, and what critics have said about his commercial writings.