The death of Stephen Hawking in March 2018 brought to a close one of the most remarkable and inspiring scientific life stories of all time. Struck down in his youth with a terrible disease and given just a few years to live, Hawking defied medical science and the frailties of his twisted body to explore vast cosmic realms, experience adventures and enjoy romance and family lie. This illustrated biography examines his life and work, explaining his breakthroughs at the cutting edge of cosmology, relating the ups and downs of his extraordinary and sometimes turbulent life.