W&N to publish Sir Trevor McDonald’s autobiography: AN IMPROBABLE LIFE

Alan Samson, Chairman & Publisher, Weidenfeld & Nicolson, has acquired UK & Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada,from Robert Caskie at Caskie Mushens Ltd (in association with Anita Land Ltd) to the autobiography of Sir Trevor McDonald, AN IMPROBABLE LIFE, for a significant six figure sum, for publication on 17 October 2019.

Sir Trevor McDonald is an extraordinary man – and he has led an improbable life. Approaching his 80th birthday, he is known and loved by people of all ages, the epitome of a ‘National Treasure’. His wit and intelligence, combined with his humility, charm and natural ease, make him a brilliant natural raconteur and communicator. All of this he transfers to the page in his fascinating autobiography. Sir Trevor will also narrate the unabridged audio edition of the book.

In AN IMPROBABLE LIFE, Sir Trevor carefully constructs his life story through his personal experience of world events and interviews with globally famous – or notorious – figures. He has witnessed war and death and risked his own life to meet and talk with despots and liberators. We read about his first trip to South Africa, encountering Nelson Mandela and obtaining the first British television interview with him; his reflections on the Windrush generation; and experiencing Barack Obama’s momentous inauguration as President of the USA. We also witness his dramatic meetings with Saddam Hussein (the first and only one by a British television correspondent) and Muammar Gaddafi, as well as his first-hand experiences of the Troubles in Northern Ireland and Death Row in an American prison.

Engaging, intimate and moving, this is the story of a uniquely special man – an exceptional journalist and broadcaster who over decades has expertly revealed to us history in the making.

Born in Trinidad in 1939, Sir Trevor McDonald has worked for ITN, Channel 4 and the BBC. He became the sole presenter of ‘News at Ten’ in 1992. He was awarded the OBE in 1992 and a knighthood in 1999. AN IMPROBABLE LIFE will be published in the year of Sir Trevor’s 80th birthday.

Alan Samson, Chairman & Publisher, Weidenfeld & Nicolson said: ‘Integrity, authority and powerful storytelling – the hallmarks of Sir Trevor’s long and distinguished career as an international reporter and broadcaster – anchor and illuminate his memoir. All of us at Weidenfeld & Nicolson and the Orion Publishing Group are proud to be his publisher.’

Sir Trevor McDonald said: ‘I am absolutely thrilled to have finally completed an account of my life that I have long wanted to write; I count myself very fortunate to have done all these things. And I am equally thrilled that Weidenfeld & Nicolson are excited to be publishing it.’

Robert Caskie of Caskie Mushens said: ‘It is such a privilege to work with Sir Trevor, a man full of wit and wisdom – utterly modest and a true gentleman. This book vividly captures great moments in history as well as revealing very personal reflections and stories. W&N are the perfect home for this very special book and I am thrilled it will be published by them.’

AN IMPROBABLE LIFE by Sir Trevor McDonald will be published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson on 17 October 2019 in hardback, eBook and audio.