Assange signs book deal

WIKILEAKS founder Julian Assange has signed a book deal to tell his “fascinating” life story.

Edinburgh-based Canongate Books said it has acquired world rights, apart from North America, to the whistleblower’s story.

Assange, who is on bail facing extradition proceedings to Sweden on charges of sexual assault, leapt into the limelight with a string of headlines as a result of US cables published on his WikiLeaks website.

The “highly personal” book will see Assange discuss his own philosophies, according to Canongate.

Assange said: “I hope this book will become one of the unifying documents of our generation.

“In this highly personal work, I explain our global struggle to force a new relationship between the people and their governments.”

Under the deal, brokered by Caroline Michel at literary agents Peters, Fraser and Dunlop, the book will be published in Ireland in April.

In North America, Alfred A Knopf will publish it.