Cull and Co. Ltd Latest Deals

SHELF LIFE by Michael Robb lands at The History Press

The History Press have landed SHELF LIFE: A Journey Through the Past, Present & Future of Bookselling and Publishing in Britain by Michael Robb.

This is a meticulously crafted exploration of bookselling and publishing spanning two millennia. This engaging narrative, designed for book lovers of all kinds, unveils the resilience and innovation of key figures who shaped the literary landscape. From the pioneering days of William Caxton to the contemporary influence of Jeff Bezos, the book chronicles the stories of those who transformed the world of books.

Shelf Life not only chronicles the past but also looks ahead, offering insights into the challenges and future possibilities for publishing and bookselling in the twenty-first century. A must-read for anyone passionate about books, bookshops, and the enduring legacy of the written word.

“The story of the UK book trade over our lifetimes has been a rollercoaster of constant change. It’s great to see the story of our lives being captured so effectively in Michael’s closely observed history – a great read both for insiders and for social historians too.” –– Philip Downer, ex-Chief Executive of Borders UK.

“An engaging tour of publishing and bookselling history, enriched by personal anecdotes. Accurately captures industry evolution. Essential for readers and industry newcomers alike.” –– Paul Baggaley, Editor-in-Chief, Bloomsbury Publishing

Michael Robb, a stalwart figure in the bookselling and publishing arena, has experienced first-hand the shifting tides of this well-loved industry over the past 40 years. From successfully running an independent bookshop in Essex for two decades, to transitioning into the publishing domain, his broad network within the book trade gives him a unique insight to the world of books.

The book will publish 17 February 2025.

Cull and Co. Ltd Latest Deals

THE AGE OF AMATEURS by Henry R. Schlesinger to Pegasus Books

North American rights have been snared by Pegasus Books for espionage writer Henry R. Schlesinger’s new book ‘The Age of Amateurs: The Hidden History of Espionage and American High Society’.

This book that traces American intelligence history from the use of upper crust Blue Bloods in largely ad hoc intelligence service to the more professional and egalitarian organisations of WWII up to the Cold War.

Central to this effort was the work of men (and a few women) from some of America’s most prominent families. Many born in the waning days of the Gilded Age, they entered the world of espionage from New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and other bastions of Blue Blood aristocracy.

FDR on Vincent Astor’s yacht “Nourmahal” at the Navy Yard, Washington, DC, Sept. 5, 1933 (Bettmann Archive/Getty Images)

Among these citizen spies were names that would have been familiar to regular readers of the society pages of local papers. Living opulent lives, they transitioned into citizen spies such as Ralph Pulitzer; Griswold Lorillard; Wall Street legend Lawrence Waterbury; Nelson Doubleday, the publisher; Winthrop W. Aldrich, chairman of Chase National Ban; and Vincent Astor, of the prominent Astor family.

Henry R. SchlesingerHenry is the co-author of Spycraft: The Secret History of the CIA’s Spytechs from Communism to Al-Qaeda which was adapted for Netflix; Spy Sites of Washington, D.C., New York City & Philadelphia. His most recent book is Honey Trapped: Sex, Betrayal and Weaponized Love. His work has appeared in Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, Smithsonian, and many trade publications, such as AirMail, Publisher’s Weekly, SpyTalk, The Daily Mail and appeared on podcasts for the International Spy Museum and New York’s Spyscape Museum.

The book will publish in May 2026.

Cull and Co. Ltd In the Media

Authors in the Media – August 2024

A huge response greeted Jake Donoghue‘s debut book Crypto Confidential (Flint Books), which published on August 22.

Reviews, podcasts and features ran in Disruption Banking, American Banker, and DL News, with more on the way in September.

Former IMF Chief Economist Olivier Blanchard says: “A brilliant and fascinating description of crypto. It makes painfully clear that, on the buying side, there is no limit to human credulity, and the faith in magic returns. And, on the selling side, no limit to hubris, deception and scamming. Read the book, and cry.”

Henry R. Schlesinger, author of Honey Trapped (The History Press) wrote an article for AirMail this month, entitled The New York Yacht Club Goes to War.

During World War I, the lavish yachts of New York’s richest families—replete with Tiffany interiors and pipe organs—were commandeered into hunting German submarines.

Stay tuned for more news about Henry’s upcoming project soon.

J. P. Morgan’s yacht Corsair III was leased to the U.S. Navy in 1917. In this photo, the crew spells out the ship’s name in semaphore.

Sarah-Louise Miller featured on Channel 4’s programme WW2: Women on the Frontline telling the stories of some of the most courageous, brilliant women in history – catch it now on demand!

She also was featured by Hawai’i Public Radio, as she is diving into the little-known work of Hawaiʻi women during World War II.

Miller is working on an upcoming book called “Hawaii’s Women at War.” for Pegasus Books. Her previous books include The Lancaster Story (Michael O’Mara) and The Women Behind the Few (Biteback).

U.S. Army Signal Corps / University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Library Digital Image Collections

 

Cull and Co. Ltd In the Media

Authors in the Media – July 2024

A summer feeling about last month’s books in the media, as Ros Belford‘s stunning memoir THE CHILDREN OF THE VOLCANO continues to inspire and made Wanderlust Magazine’s best travel books of 2024 so far, saying ‘the author – fresh from a break-up – relocates to Sicily to give her daughters a childhood to remember, and herself a new go at life. What follows falls into the ‘inspirational’ bracket of books about overcoming the odds, though it paints a portrait of island life that will have travellers intrigued.’

Ed Peppitt‘s book THE BEACON BIKE was listed in Country Living Magazine’s 10 refreshing reads for spring (works in summer, too!).

When Ed Peppitt was diagnosed with MS, nothing would stop him fulfilling his childhood dream: to cycle 3,500 miles visiting the lighthouses of England and Wales.

Daniel Stables, author of the upcoming FIESTA, headed to the Peak District National Park for Hyphen Magazine, to find a new generation is discovering the joys of touching grass.

Britain’s national parks are celebrating a significant birthday, with 2024 marking 75 years since they were established through the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

Photography by Phil Sproson/courtesy of Peak District National Park
Cull and Co. Ltd In the Media

Authors in the Media – June 2024

A bust June for agency author Jake Donoghue in the run-up to the publication of his first book on August 22nd.

He appeared on the Criminal Thoughts podcast in the USA  and wrote a feature article for Amy Castor and for the New Money Review.

Rikki Stein released his memoir in June, with a fabulous launch at the British Library. He was also interviewed by fellow agency author Richard Hamilton for the BBC World Service: Brave, inspiring, crazy – the joy of managing Fela Kuti.

Moving Music: The Memoirs of Rikki Stein is published by Wordville Press and out now.

Ros Belford also launched her memoir at Stanfords Book Store and had a double page feature in The Daily Express.

Ros Belford launching her memoir at Stanfords Book Store
Ros Belford launching her memoir at Stanfords Book Store

She also appeared on Michelle Johnson’s A Writer in Italy podcast. A lovely review also appeared here for Yeah Lifestyle.

Cull and Co. Ltd Latest Deals

FIESTA – A Journey Through Festivity by Daniel Stables goes to Icon Books

Icon Books have snapped up travel writer Daniel Stables’ first full length book.

Photo: Daniel Stables
Photo: Daniel Stables

Fiesta is a journey through human festivity, told through colourful travel narratives set at some of the world’s most eye-catching festivals and interweaved with insights from the fields of anthropology, history, psychology, and folklore, examining why we celebrate festivals in the ways we do.

The work will examine human culture and the natural world through rich, first-person travel narratives, infused with humour and embroidered with background and detail from the worlds of history, psychology, anthropology, and more.

Connor Stait, editor at Icon Books commented, ‘‘Daniel Stables is a terrific writer and the perfect guide for readers looking to learn more about festivals around the world. I’m excited to be publishing his debut book.’

Daniel Stables has been working as a travel writer for the last decade, first writing guidebooks for Rough Guides, and later writing articles for National Geographic, the BBC, and national newspapers. He has won acclaim and recognition for his work, having been shortlisted for Travel Writer of the Year at the Freelance Writing Awards in 2021, and for Travel Feature of the Year at 2023’s British Guild of Travel Writers awards.

“Daniel has the rare ability to seamlessly take fascinating anthropological and psychological perspectives and weave them into exciting travel narratives. A unique insight into the human condition through the lens of gatherings of all description – thought-provoking and inspiring.” Levison Wood

Cull and Co. Ltd In the Media

Authors in the Media – May 2024

As Spring is upon us and the season becomes more colourful, agency author Daniel Stables produced a stunning piece in National Geographic about the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Don’t be deceived by the name – it’s not for the faint-hearted. A 9-day orgy of ritual mutilation, pyrotechnics and meat-free food.

A General Election has been called in the UK, where transparency is one of the buzzword. No better time, then, for Seth Thevoz to write for the Spectator on ‘Why MPs love to hate the register of interests‘. ‘Politicians have long shuddered over a document that provides fertile ground for journalists from which to dig out stories.’ Thevoz says, and cites the seminal journalism of the late Andrew Roth, for exposing such conflicts of interest.

Heading to South America, in the latest issue of National Geogrpahic Travel UK magazine, Shafik Meghji picks out some of his favourite places to stay in Santiago, Chile. Rights to Shafik’s new book, ‘Small Earthquakes’, were recently snapped up by Hurst Publishers.

Ed Peppitt’s uplifting book, The Beacon Bike, was recently published and Ed appeared on BBC Radio 4 twice in the same day. First on Front Row in the morning and then again on Drive in the afternoon. Ed is also on a book tour (not by bike this time!) so catch him in person if you can.

The BBC World Service also interviewed acclaimed music manager Rikki Stein about his memoirs, set to publish in June and now available for pre-order. All About Jazz also described the book as ‘a thrilling page-turner packed with hundreds of stories, vividly told, recounting a life so epic, and one populated by so many extraordinary actors, that a review can only skim across its surface.’

Cull and Co. Ltd Latest Deals

SEASON by George Harrison to Lightning Books

Eye/Lightning Books has netted George Harrison’s debut on the ‘drudgery of fandom’.

The story follows two men who sit in adjacent seats over the course of a football season and form a friendship. Season examines “the healing, unifying but often maddening role of ritualised sport in the lives of ordinary men”.

As quoted in the Bookseller, editor Dan Hiscocks said, “This is an immaculately written, formally original debut novel which captures the agony and expensive drudgery of loyal fandom, as well as those occasional soaring highs that make it all worth while. It’s also about male isolation and friendship. I hope it will touch any reader, whether they care about football or not. George Harrison is an exceptional talent and we’re proud to have him on our list.”

Harrison penned Season as part of the Escalator Talent Development Programme at the National Centre for Writing in Norwich. He was mentored by novelist Michael Donkor.

Harrison commented: “Given the paucity of serious literary novels set in and around our national sport, I feared it might be a long shot to find a publisher willing to take a risk on Season. But right from the beginning, the team at Eye Books have proven that they understand and share my vision for this novel to an almost telepathic degree.”

George has edited and ghostwritten several non-fiction books, and he has also worked as an editorial consultant on other people’s novels. He edited the final memoir of the golfing great Peter Alliss, Reflections on a Life Well Lived, and is also the co-author of Inside Allenwood, an Amazon bestseller about the life of a white-collar criminal in an American prison.

Season, will be published by Lightning Books in January 2025. Pre-order here.

His website can be viewed here.

Cull and Co. Ltd Latest Deals

SMALL EARTHQUAKES by Shafik Meghji to Hurst Publishers

Rights to Shafik Meghji’s new book has gone to Hurst Publishers.

A captivating blend of travel writing, history and reportage, Small Earthquakes: Exploring Britain’s Lost History in Argentina, Chile and Uruguay journeys from the Atacama Desert to Tierra del Fuego, Easter Island to South Georgia, exploring Britain’s forgotten connections with this part of South America.

Drawing on 15 years of experience of living, working and travelling across South America for DK Eyewitness, Lonely Planet, the BBC and Rough Guides, award-winning journalist, travel writer and author Shafik unearths a shared history featuring nitrate kings and tech utopians, footballers and pirates, polar explorers and freedom fighters, cowboys and missionaries.

Small Earthquakes will reveal how these three countries have shaped Britain in profound and unexpected ways, including a meatpacking plant in Fray Bentos that changed the way the world eats and a Buenos Aires waterworks that triggered a London banking crisis. And it explores how they provided an escape for everyone from Welsh nonconformists dreaming of a new life in Patagonia to gold miners seeking their fortunes in
some of the harshest conditions imaginable.

Meghji’s first book, Crossed Off the Map: Travels in Bolivia (Latin America Bureau, 2022), was shortlisted for the Edward Stanford Travel Book of the Year and named one of the travel books of 2022 by the Washington Post, National Geographic Traveller and Wanderlust.

He has co-authored over 45 guidebooks for respected publishers like Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, and DK Eyewitness and his writing has been featured in prominent publications including BBC Travel, National Geographic Traveller, and The Guardian. His work has been recognised with numerous awards, including accolades from the Travel Media Awards, British Guild of Travel Writers Awards, and Freelance Writing Awards. He was shortlisted for Travel Journalist of the Year at the British Journalism Awards in 2022 and 2023.

Cull and Co. Ltd Latest Deals

MOVING MUSIC by Rikki Stein to Wordville Press

Rights to the memoirs of Rikki Stein have gone to Wordville Press.

Renowned music manager Rikki Stein has spent nearly six decades moving musicians around the world, and this book recounts a lifetime of adventure on the road. Always in the right place at the right time, Rikki was part of the great countercultural moments of the last century, from Woodstock and the Vietnam War Moratorium March to the launch of the Glastonbury Festival.

Rikki has toured some of the world’s most iconic musicians and groups, from The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Kinks, The Animals, The Yardbirds, The Moody Blues and the Grateful Dead to managing the Nigerian superstar, Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

Rikki’s journey is also a spiritual one, forged by his experience of living among the community of the Musicians of Joujouka, Morocco, who remain a key connection in his life to this day.

Full of extraordinary, sometimes hilarious, stories of life on the road, this book recounts the joys, frustrations and surprises of juggling logistics, local politics and the whims of his creative clients to deliver true moments of moving music.

‘Rikki took on a huge job to help me when things were really tough. Having discharged what he saw as his duty, he left me in a much better place so that he could continue with his very successful promotion of wonderful African music.’ – Michael Eavis, Founder, Glastonbury Festival.

‘Rikki has been passionate about ensuring Fela’s legacy has been given its rightful place in the music industry. His dedication to Fela’s legacy is proof of his love for Fela and his family.’ – Femi Anikulapo Kuti.

Publication date June 4. Pre-order now.