A revelatory, all-embracing portrait of the bizarre superstar Elton John, as his fans have never seen him. For twenty years Elton John has been one of the most consistently successful musicians in the world. Overweight, unattractive, and bisexual, he is also quite unlike the typical superstar. Here is the startling story of how he traveled the road to stardom, a journey as surreal as his flamboyant stage performances.

The Many Lives of Elton John is the enlightening story of Reg Dwight. A child who longed to be loved, he was mentally abused by his father and bullied by his classmates. In his character Elton John, Reg's dream became reality... at least on the surface. He could hide behind extravagant costumes. And he found solace in giving expensive gifts to friends, enjoying afternoon teas with Queen Elizabeth, indulging in mammoth shopping sprees at Cartier's, collecting art and antiques, and alternating between eating binges and fad diets.

A confessed alcoholic, he was prompted to stop drinking only by the death of AIDS victim and close friend Ryan White. Prone to mood swings and depression, Elton has made many enemies. He considered suicide rather than marry fianc&eecute;e Linda Woodrow. And the only dialogue he has had with his father is their bitter exchanges on the tabloids. "Quite frankly, some of his songs are rubbish," Stanley Dwight says.

Elton's professional life has also been tainted by anger and enmity. Ray Williams, the talent scout who paired him with songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, was fired as a result of Elton's irrational tantrums. Steve James lays the responsibility for the death of his music publisher father, Dick James, on Elton, blaming John's prolonged and venomous litigation. Elton's relathionship with Taupin has had many highs and lows as well.

Stanley Dwight has said that his son's career is based largely on luck, but The Many Lives of Elton John shows how real talent and determination can overcome countless obstacles.

The authors' extensive research included personal interviews with friends, family, and colleagues.