Eyewear bags Monkman and Seagull quiz book

Eyewear Publishing has secured the rights to publish a new book of quizzes from University Challenge stars and Internet "phenomena" Eric Monkman and Bobby Seagull, following "fierce competition from several major publishers".

Eyewear acquired world rights from agent Robert Gwyn Palmer. 

Ultimate Challenge! The Monkman And Seagull Quiz Book will contain a variety of quiz questions, connections, tricks and tests; from puzzles to pop quizzes and picture rounds. Monkman and Seagull, who have a combined Twitter following of over 21k, host events together and have previously written quizzes for national newspapers, will be including questions aimed at a range of levels.

Eyewear acquired rights to publish simultaneously in the UK, Ireland and USA, and the book will be available worldwide from Eyewear’s website and transatlantic distributors. The book will be published in November and Monkman and Seagull are planning various live events and media appearances to promote the book. 

Best known from this March's semi-final of "University Challenge", which saw Seagull and Monkman go head-to-head in a Cambridge derby between Emmanuel and Wolfson colleges, the duo have made appearances on national TV and newspapers including the Guardian and Radio Times. Their BBC Radio 4 show featuring guests including Stephen Fry will air on 24th August. 

Monkman is from Oakville, Ontario, and did his Master's in Economics at Wolfson College, Cambridge. Seagull was born in Newham, London and has a Master’s in Education and Maths from Emmanuel College, Cambridge. 

Director of Eyewear, Todd Swift, said: "These two young men are not only two of the brightest minds of their generation, they are also an extraordinary double act. Bouncing off each other on the page as they did in front of the camera, they never lose any of the self-deprecating natural charm which makes up their appeal to an audience tired of manufactured media personalities. With Eyewear’s attention to detail and our focus on quality editing and production, this book will endure as a classic of its genre."