Celebrity Chef Heston Blumenthal is a gastronomic alchemist who sees the kitchen as a laboratory where he loves to experiment with new ways to tantalize diners' taste buds. The story of his life is every bit as colourful and attention-grabbing as his famous snail porridge and bacon-and-egg ice cream.

This biography traces his journey from a life-changing childhood holiday in France, through to his brief apprenticeship in Raymond Blanc's restaurant where he stood up to a kitchen bully. It then follows him as, constantly pushing the boundaries of his work, he reached the top of his profession and was knighted by the Queen.

Here, for the first time, is the full inspirational story of the enthusiastic, self-taught genius who turned the world of cuisine on its head.