He defined an era and still helps define a nation, Michael Caine is a cult figure, an icon and a cinematic heavyweight, who has given some of the greatest big-screen performances on either side of the Atlantic. This book is a celebration, documentation, and fascinating insight into the performances that made that icon - the story behind the roles, the reactions, the influences, and - in some cases - the backlash, plus quotes from the man himself on his performances and from those he worked with. Caine has made over 80 films in his career, and all are covered here, from the early British successes of Zulu, The Italian Job, and his hugely influential gangster portrayal in Get Carter through the maturity of Hannah and her Sisters, the doomed stinkers such as The Swarm and back to his best with Cider House Rules and The Quiet American. Author Matthew Field, who has interviewed Caine, shows his enthusiasm and detailed research of the actor's work in a book that is not only for the fans of the man himself, but for those with a love of cinema and the craft of acting itself.

'You're a big man, but you're out of shape. With me, it's a full time job.' Jack Carter in Get Carter

Matthew Field is freelance writer on film. He is author of The Making of The Italian Job.