BBC Books picks up Brandreth’s History of Britain in Just a Minute

Ebury imprint BBC Books has signed Gyles Brandreth’s A History of Britain in Just a Minute, a “celebration of key moments, people and places from our past” that accompanies the long-running Radio 4 comedy series “Just a Minute”.

Albert DePetrillo, publishing director at Ebury, acquired world rights from Jonathan Lloyd at Curtis Brown and Ellie Caddell at the BBC, for publication on 22nd September. It will be supported by a full publicity campaign, including broadcast and live events with Brandreth.   

From Stonehenge and Boudicca to Peppa Pig and the London Olympics, each topic is written in 60-second instalments, without hesitation, repetition or deviation, the publisher says. It features illustrations from award-winning artist Steven Appleby, and additional contributions from “Just a Minute” friends, including Sue Perkins, Shaparak Khorsandi and Josie Lawrence.

DePetrillo said: “Gyles Brandreth is a true gentleman, and brilliant in everything he does – it’s been a total pleasure working with him on this project. ‘Just a Minute’ is in his blood, and his wit and charm shine through on every page of this unique and hilarious book. Prepare yourself for the story of Britain as you’ve never experienced it before.”

Brandreth is a writer, performer, former MP, a reporter on BBC1’s “The One Show” and a regular panellist on Radio 4’s “Just a Minute”.  As a journalist he writes for the Telegraph and the Daily Mail and is a columnist for the Oldie. The founder of the National Scrabble Championships, he is the author of numerous books, including Have You Eaten Grandma?, Dancing by the Light of the Moon and recent memoir Odd Boy Out, all published by Penguin Michael Joseph. 

He said: “I’m up for a challenge and recounting the entire history of Britain in just a minute has certainly been that! I’ve had so much fun giving it a go. ‘Just a Minute’ is my favourite radio show – to listen to and be part of – and it’s great that Sue Perkins and some of the JAM crew are part of the book. History is what I read at university, so I ought to be qualified for the task.”