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Specialist theatre publisher Oberon Books has acquired the world English rights to the memoirs of Bafta award-winning actress Virginia McKenna OBE.
James Hogan, publisher at Oberon, struck the deal for an undisclosed sum via David Riding of MBA Literary Agents. After starring in the 1966 classic "Born Free" alongside her husband Bill Travers, the pair become committed campaigners for animal conservation and established the international charity Born Free Foundation, which aims to prevent animal suffering and protect threatened species.
The as-yet-untitled book has been brought forward in Oberon’s publishing schedule for an April launch, to coincide with a number of events to kick off six months’ celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Foundation. It is thought the hardback will carry an r.r.p. of £25 and will be launched at an event at the National Theatre.
McKenna, who also won an Olivier award for her performance in "The King and I", is writing the memoirs herself. “Although the book is about all of her career, it will have a lot about 'Born Free'. We will have colour pictures throughout the book, so quality is very important," said Hogan.
“Every movie she made - whether it was about animals or fighting the Nazis -had a strong cause behind it, and the book is going to be no different."
Hogan added the "Born Free" connection would allow the book to “reach an audience that, regrettably, the book trade won’t take me to". He said: “This book will excite people around the world so we will be plugging it online, because certain book chains won’t let us in - they are driving us to the internet."