Criminal, murderer, raconteur, author . . . mythmaker? Mark Brandon "Chopper" Read is undoubtedly Australia's best-known criminal. He is the author of many successful books about the underworld he inhabited and subject of a smash-hit film--Read certainly knew how to spin a yarn. Here, Adam Shand investigates how Chopper took over Read's life, made him famous but then refused to let him go. From Read's religious upbringing and youthful escapades to his 23 years in jail and later careers in the spotlight, he delves into Read's life to reveal the truth for the first time. With unparalleled access to lovers, friends and enemies, Shand learns that "Uncle Chop Chop," Australia's favorite stand-over man, was much more than the "earless monster" he created.