Canongate Signs Ray Winstone Memoir

Jamie Byng and Francis Bickmore at Canongate Books have acquired world rights in a memoir by the British actor, Ray Winstone, via Michael Wiggs at Creative Artists Management. The book will focus on Ray's years growing up around the markets of Walthamstow, his time as a competitive boxer and the remarkable story of how he came to be one of the most revered actors of his generation. The co-writer for the book is Chris Heath, the author of the number one bestselling and highly acclaimed FEEL, which he wrote with Robbie Williams.

Canongate will publish in hardback for Father's day in June 2014.

Says Ray Winstone:

"My work has put me on the screen and made me a recognisable face but, going back to the nitty gritty, we all come from the same place. I am interested in exploring my life from the point of view of my early years in the East End, where I began my journey. I want to write a book that relates to everyone, and explores how simple choices can send us off in extraordinary directions.

"I've been approached a number of times before, with publishers wanting stories about stars on set, but nothing's really grabbed hold of me. Canongate had another angle and their approach seemed a more stylish way of going about it."

Says Francis Bickmore, Editorial Director of Canongate Books:

"Ray Winstone is one of the true giants of contemporary British cinema and his journey from the East End of London to Hollywood is as brave and interesting as the roles he is associated with. Ray's own story is utterly compelling but the book also promises to be a fascinating chronicle of the changing face of London in the second half of the twentieth century. And in Chris Heath, Ray has met his perfect match."