If

Wrestler-turned-film-and-television actor Pat Roach tells his life story to his co-writer Shirley Thompson.

This book traces Pat's life from poverty-stricken childhood to famous celebrity.

It reveals "the man behind the image", and covers his achievements in the field of sport, film and television. "If" also contains several close encounters with death - and Pat's charity work.

The book is designed for an international readership, and a broad range of interests: the "Auf Wiedersehen" series in particular, biographies in general, travel, architecture, sports, television and film buffs, local history and canal enthusiasts; actors, film technicians, stuntmen, photographers and directors.

Pat's travels to the "four corners of the earth" figure prominently: time spent in India wrestling opponents such as Dara Singh, the Asian film and television actor/director.

The range of contributors and subjects is extremely diverse, and includes Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Ryan O'Neal, Steven Spielberg, Martin Shaw, Sheila White, Vic Armstrong, Stanley Kubrick's family, and his former personal assistant, Anthony Frewin. Pat's family and friends feature prominently, alongside former residents of Ladywood, Balsall Heath and other Birmingham districts, where his roots lie.