'There are individuals - not many - who have been hugely influential in shaping the design sense of a nation. But there is only one person who has done all of this and more besides - Sir Terence Conran.' Norman Foster 'He has stitched together excellence, beauty and functionality in food, taste, design and architecture, and then managed to connect that to us and our lives. He has transformed Britain.' Thomas Heatherwick 'His lasting legacy will be his example to other creative people to follow their dreams. His design museum is a constant reminder of that example.' Sir John Hegarty 'Terence Conran was the first person to believe and prove that good design was for everyone. Without his brave example, I would probably never have dared to start out on my own.

' Sir James Dyson A complex and contradictory man, design apostle Terence Conran's influence is everywhere in modern Britain. This unparalleled biography offers the most intimate and candid reflection on an incredible life and legacy. The real story of an authentic creative genius, it is filled with privileged insights, never before published, from Terence's many collaborators, several friends and numerous enemies. Frank, amused, indiscreet, sharp, rude, respectful and knowing, it tells Terence's story as it evolved from before the humble chicken brick to Bibendum's sophisticated poulet de Bresse , via personal successes and corporate calamities, culminating in that peculiar temple to the religion he invented- The Design Museum. Only his many wives knew Terence better than Stephen Bayley and Roger Mavity.