Sir Fred Hoyle is one of the century's most eminent scientists, and this work offers an account of his life. Mathematician, physicist, astronomer, cosmologist - Sir Fred is perhaps best known for his brilliant explanation of the origin of the elements from hydrogen nuclei in stars, and for developing (with Sir Hermann Bondi and Thomas Gold) the elegant but controversial Steady-State theory of the universe. This autobiographical account tells how Fred Hoyle's childhood independence enabled him to challenge established thinking, and meet many of the great figures of the age. This book will be of interest both to those who are interested in the development of science this century as well as the general reader with an interest in autobiography.