Simon & Schuster UK acquires memoir from Cambridge professor Jason Arday

Simon & Schuster UK has pre-empted Great and Unfortunate Things, a memoir by Jason Arday.
Kris Doyle, publishing director, non-fiction, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Jennifer Gates at Aevitas Creative Management in association with Ben Clark at the Soho Agency. Dawn Davis at 37 Ink, an imprint of Simon & Schuster USA, simultaneously acquired world rights, excluding UK and Commonwealth. The book will publish in all formats on 27th August 2026.

Arday made international news in 2023 by becoming the youngest Black professor at the University of Cambridge and one of the youngest academics ever appointed to a professorial chair in Oxbridge’s almost 1,000-year history. "Diagnosed with autism and global developmental delay at the age of three, he spent much of his non-verbal childhood navigating a system that struggled to understand him," the synopsis says. "Jason’s mother, Giff, refused to accept the limits others placed on her son. With the faith of his family and the support of a handful of extraordinary friends and mentors, Jason slowly found his voice […] Great and Unfortunate Things is an unforgettable book about resilience and love – and the transformative power of someone who believes in you when the world does not."

Doyle said: "During the editorial process, I laughed and cried many times at this extraordinary book. I can promise you’ve never read a story like this – even the viral news headlines don’t do it justice. Jason’s a humble man, but he’s got a generous heart and he’s a tireless advocate for harnessing everyone’s unique potential. This book is going to start some much-needed conversations and resonate with a lot of people."

Arday added: "I am hugely indebted to Jennifer Gates, Eve Claxton, Dawn Davis and Kris Doyle for their unwavering support throughout, and the entire Simon & Schuster family for their immense belief in me and this project. It is my sincerest hope that this book has been able to illuminate the importance of faith, hope, dignity and unconditional love for neurodivergent communities all around the world."