Rolling With The Stones by Bill Wyman (published by Dorling Kindersley. Price £30) - THERE has been so much written about The Rolling Stones, one of the most influential rock 'n' roll bands in the world, that it is bewildering to think that there may be more left to say.

But this book is different. It comes direct from someone very much in the know -- the group's bass player for more than 30 years, Bill Wyman.

For almost four decades the Stones have dominated headlines around the world -- on professional and personal levels.

Wyman quit in the nineties, but his name will be forever linked to the only band to have challenged The Beatles in music history.

This book is big, glossy and looks fantastic on the coffee table.

But more than that it is a truly absorbing read -- one easily accessible that can be picked up and put down at will.

Front man Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards may be the band members who have often stolen the headlines, but Wyman has had his fair share of the spotlight too.

The dour looking bass player may well have appeared as the quiet man of the group, but over the years enjoyed success as a solo artist in his own right . . . and endured the headlines when he infamously married the teenage Mandy Smith.

That marriage was doomed to failure in the full glare of the media.

Since, Wyman has admirably regained his credibility, left The Rolling Stones and formed a new band playing a mixture of jazz and blues. He has remarried and has three young daughters.

In this book he puts the record straight about each of the members of The Rolling Stones and how they progressed through the decades collectively as the world famous group. His account is the definitive one among the collection of other books written by a variety of biographers.

And what sets it apart from other autobiographies is Wyman's breathtaking collection of souvenirs and artefacts picked up and carefully archived along the way.

His legendary collection has become well known over the years -- letters, photographs, posters and tickets that no one other than a band member could have had access too.

The result is a terrific read with wonderful illustrations. It literally brings the history of the band to life.

An unrivalled collection of photographs comes from great names of the genre including David Bailey, Michael Cooper, Gered Mankowitz, Terry O'Neill, Ethan Russell and Dominique Tarle.

But for me, the most effective pictures are those taken by the amateurs -- the photographs which would not look out of place in any family album.

However, do not be fooled. Wyman has not taken the easy way out by simply filling the book with pictures. Nor is it a simple narration or collection of reminiscences.

The pages are crammed with information. A comprehensive account of The Rolling Stones is recorded, coupled with numerous quotes from those involved.

The layout of the pages does not overwhelm with words. Instead, text is broken up by relevant pictures of posters, photographs or general memorabilia, together with comment and different perspectives.

Each page is bright and colourful. It is easily accessible and well split into a variety of sections.

But above all the detail is quite breathtaking -- and of course has the guarantee of being accurate.

This book is not based on hear say or rumour, but on fact . . . actually being there. And it is a fact relayed in straightforward and refreshing manner.

Rolling with the Stones is more than an autobiography. It is a detailed, illustrated record of everything you could want to know about the group -- and more!

It is a MUST for any Rolling Stones fans, and a thoroughly enjoyable read for everyone else.