Cassell scores Shaun Williamson's quiz journey

Octopus imprint Cassell has scored a journey into the world of quizzing by actor Shaun Williamson.

Publishing director Trevor Davies acquired world English language rights from Warren Sherman of Cecily Ware Literary Agents. A Matter of Facts: One Man's Journey into the Nation's Quiz Obsession will be published in October 2020.

The synopsis states: “A personal journey into the world of quizzes, at the start Shaun enters the World Quiz Grand Prix, pitching his knowledge against the Nation's finest minds, including Eggheads and Chasers... he fails. Unperturbed, he sets out to improve his skills through memory training, practice and even hypnosis. He reforms his old quiz team and they try to recapture their former glory years and try to work their way through the leagues. As he does so, he meets many characters and experiences the wonderful vagaries of the pub quiz and discovers its place, not just in communities, but in people's lives. It’s an experience that makes him reflect on his life: growing up in suburban Kent, his stint in the Navy, his time on 'EastEnders' and the discovery of a long‐lost son.”

Shaun Williamson is best known for playing Barry Evans in BBC1's “Eastenders” from 1994 to 2004 and for the Ricky Gervais/Stephen Merchant series '”Extras” and “Life's Too Short”. He has also appeared on a string of TV quiz shows and currently hosts the world’s biggest online quiz for Quizzing.tv.

He commented: “I'm thrilled that my first book is being published and excited to share with you my adventures from a year immersed in the world of quizzing. Writing this book has put me in some fascinating and, often, bizarre situations and I've met some incredible characters along the way. It's also unearthed what I suspected all along: NOTHING gets the British as animated as a good quiz as lockdown has proven. I feel honoured to share my story and also very humbled... 'cause there ain't half some clever people out there!”

Davies said “Shaun’s story is an absorbing and timely look at his own and the Nation’s quizzing obsession. It comes at a moment when the country’s hidden love of quizzes has been truly exposed. It’s told with all the joy and energy you’d expect from Shaun and cleverly weaves his quizzing mission with his own life story, which is at times poignant, surprising and hilarious. Anyone who’s ever done a pub quiz will love this book.”