Chapters 1 - 2 Summary

Roderick David Stewart was born on January 10, 1945, in a small home on Archway Road, in northern London. The surrounding neighborhood where his mother gave birth had recently been bombed by German air attacks. Stewart rather humorously claims that for all the destruction Hitler brought upon London during the war, he failed miserably in stopping Stewart from entering the world. The Stewart family lived in relative comfort, never going without food, but was undoubtedly working-class. Stewart's father was a plumber and his mother stayed home to care for Stewart and his many siblings. Mary and Peggy were the eldest daughters, Bob and Don, the eldest sons. Rod is the youngest and the last of the so-called "Stewart Clan," an endearing term he uses to illustrate the overall camaraderie and loyalty his family members had for one another. At the same time, he...