*Includes pictures *Includes Polanski's own quotes about his life and career *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading *Includes a table of contents “I can only say that whatever my life and work have been, I'm not envious of anyone, and this is my biggest satisfaction.” – Roman Polanski “Polanski claims in Roman By Polanski, his autobiography, that for him the line between reality and fantasy has always been blurred.” - Daniel Bird, Roman Polanski: The Pocket Essential Guide (2009). Few figures in Hollywood’s history have been as acclaimed and controversial as director Roman Polanski, whose legendary films would stand out if not for the fact that they’re often eclipsed by the turbulent life he’s led. The son of Polish parents, Polanski survived World War II despite having both parents transferred to concentration camps during the Holocaust, but his mother was killed at Auschwitz. Despite the terrible ordeal and the loss of his mother, Polanski would grow up to become one of Europe’s best directors, and over the course of a career spanning about 50 years, his films have been nominated for too many awards to count.