Adele's powerful voice and breathtaking songs have seen her top the charts around the planet, collect millions of admirers and win dozens of top awards. When she became a mother, in 2012, her fans rejoiced n a fairytale moment for a young woman who has known so much pain in her personal life. At last, it seemed, she had it all. But who is Adele? Adele: The Biography traces her story from a humble childhood in London, where she began singing at the age of four, through to the phenomenal success of her first two albums, 19 and 21. It then brings her remarkable story up to date, examining her health scare, motherhood and triumphant comeback, singing Skyfall at the 2013 Oscars ceremony. Along the way, this unique book uncovers how her troubled private life influenced her heartbreaking tracks and how she gamely overcame a string of obstacles that threatened to derail her career. Here, you will discover he fascinating truth behind all the highs and the lows experienced by this fun, formidable woman, whose songs have become national anthems for the heartbroken. Adele has won well over 70 major musical prizes including Grammys, Brits and an Oscar - all before she turned 25. Yet she remains fully grounded, and regards the glitzy world of show business with an old-fashioned English combination of amusement and healthy suspicion. So here is Adele in all her glory - the curvy girl next door who conquered the world.

Chas Newkey-Burden is a leading celebrity biographer whose subjects include Amy Winehouse, Simon Cowell, Justin Bieber, Brangelina, The Wanted and Stephenie Meyer. His books have been translated into 12 languages. He is a regular guest on BBC Radio London, a columnist for the Jewish Chronicle and you can follow him on Twitter: @AllThatChas.