Sphere to publish Duran Duran rock icon John Taylor’s Autobiography

Little, Brown and Sphere are delighted to announce the acquisition of a major new project – the autobiography of Duran Duran co-founder and bassist John Taylor.

Little, Brown's Editor-in-Chief Antonia Hodgson acquired UK and Commonwealth rights (excluding Canada) at auction from Jonathan Conway. John Taylor will write the book himself with support from co-writer, Tom Sykes. Sphere plans to publish in hardback in autumn 2012, alongside Penguin US.

Duran Duran were of course the pop group of the 1980s, but unlike most of their peers they have enjoyed hit albums and singles in each of the last three decades, and are as vital today as they were when they first broke onto the scene. They have sold over eighty million records, and had a staggering twenty-one Top 20 singles. They have a global presence that guarantees them huge live audiences across five continents. John Taylor formed Duran Duran with Nick Rhodes in 1978, when he was just 18 years old, and he continues to be a driving force in the band today.

John Taylor says: "This book recounts the million tiny seductions that are required to make the journey from English suburbia to selling out Madison Square Garden – seductions that go by a hundred different names; family, friendship, romances, collaborations and strategic alliances. Here is my journey and where it took me; into fantastic success, more than a little decadence, darkness, and finally, I like to think, a little enlightenment."

Antonia Hodgson says: "We're so excited about this project. John Taylor is a warm, witty and engaging writer with an incredible story to tell. His book will be an honest and frank account of his life – good times and bad. It will also capture all the joy and glamour and craziness of being in Duran Duran – surely one of the greatest and best-loved bands of all time."