Press Release
Weidenfeld & Nicolson to publish novel by Michael Palin14/07/2009
The Orion Publishing Group is delighted to announce that Michael Palin will be writing a contemporary novel, to be published under the Weidenfeld & Nicolson imprint. The novel is due for publication in May 2011.
Michael Palin’s previous novel Hemingway’s Chair was published by Methuen in 1995.
Michael Palin established his reputation with Monty Python’s Flying Circus and Ripping Yarns. His work also includes several famous films with Monty Python, as well as The Missionary, A Private Function, A Fish Called Wanda, American Friends and Fierce Creatures. His television credits include two films for the BBC’s Great Railway Journeys, the plays East of Ipswich and Number 27 and Alan Bleasdale’s GBH.
He has written bestselling books to accompany his seven very successful travel series, Around the World in 80 Days (an updated edition of which was published in 2008, twenty years later), Pole to Pole, Full Circle, Hemingway Adventure, Sahara, Himalaya and New Europe. He is also the author of a number of children’s stories, and the play The Weekend. In 2006 the first volume of his acclaimed diaries, 1969 – 1979: The Python Years, spent several weeks on the bestseller lists.
The second volume of Michael Palin’s diaries Halfway to Hollywood, Diaries: 1980-1988 will be published in hardback by Weidenfeld & Nicolson on 17th September 2009 at £20.00
Michael Palin says: ‘I’ve enjoyed writing my travel books enormously but I feel it is time to give the imagination a bit of exercise.’
Kirsty Dunseath, Publisher of W&N Fiction says: ‘Michael Palin is a fine and observant writer who has a terrific eye for unusual stories and a natural gift for characterization. Publishing his novel will be a privilege.’
For further information please contact Elizabeth Allen on 020 7520 4474 or email: elizabeth.allen@orionbooks.co.uk