Essential Elton charts the highs and lows in the expanding career of one of Pop's most dazzling characters. Collected together here are the stories behind the forty defining songs of the former Reg Dwight's career; from Skyline Pigeon to Tantrums and Tiaras, from Your Song to Candle In The Wind '97.

And it's not just slices of pure pop like Daniel, Crocodile Rock and Sacrifice which make Essential Elton compelling reading - there are also the moments of shameless extravagance, charity and vanity which made headlines around the world.

These are the reasons why Sir Elton John truly is Rock Royalty.