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Century has acquired world rights to two books from "modern true British hero" Matthew Croucher. Croucher was the soldier awarded the George Cross after risking his own life in order to save three of his fellow soldiers while on patrol in Afghanistan.
Century will publish a non-fiction hardback in September 2009 with a military fiction debut to follow. Tim Andrews, commissioning editor at Century acquired the rights from Humfrey Hunter of Hunter Profiles literary agency.
Croucher tried to protect his comrades from a grenade by throwing himself to the ground and wrapping his rucksack and body around it. He was thrown some distance by the explosion, but due to the protection offered by his rucksack and body-armour, suffered only a nose-bleed and some disorientation.
Andrews said: "Matthew Croucher is a true British hero. He has been involved in some extraordinary actions, performed breathtaking acts of bravery and shown courage under fire. At a time when the general public’s bond with the Armed Forces has never been stronger, I believe Matthew will prove to be the most popular and significant soldier author in many years."