Woody Allen memoir released in US by indie Skyhorse

Woody Allen's memoir has been released by US indie Skyhorse Publishing after the title was dropped by Hachette Book Group in the US.

Apropros of Nothing was released on Monday (23rd March) after world rights were acquired by the Arcade imprint.

Hachette's Grand Central imprint abandoned its publication of the title earlier this month after facing a storm of critcism and walkout protest by up to 100 HBG employees.

According to the Associated Press, a postscript to the book now added by Allen said Hachette had wanted to publish his book despite him “being a toxic pariah and menace to society.” However, he claimed once they faced a outcry, they “dumped the book like it was a hunk of Xenon 135”.

Skyhorse billed the book as "a candid and comprehensive personal account by Woody Allen of his life, ranging from his childhood in Brooklyn through his acclaimed career in film, theater, television, print and standup comedy, as well as exploring his relationships with family and friends."

Arcade's acquiring editor Jeannete Seaver said: “In this strange time, when truth is too often dismissed as ‘fake news’ we as publishers prefer to give voice to a respected artist, rather than bow to those determined to silence him.

"We firmly believe in upholding the right to freedom of speech in the world of publishing and, as a result, we're pleased support not only this terrific book but also - and even more importantly - this democratic principle.”

The book had been controversial for Hachette because of accusations, long denied by Allen and unproven, that he molested Mia Farrow’s adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow, in 1992. HBG division Little, Brown US was also the publisher of Ronan Farrow, Allen's estranged son and Dylan Farrow's adoptive brother, who wrote Catch and Kill. He severed ties with the publisher on learning of its intentions to publish Allen.

The Bookseller has aprpoached Skyhorse for a comment.