Constable snaps up Suchet's 'must have' photographic memoir

Constable has snapped up the “must-have book of Christmas 2019” by David Suchet, charting the actor’s 50-year entertainment career through his photographs and commentary.

Claire Chesser, commissioning editor at the Little, Brown imprint, bought world rights to Behind the Lens: My Life in Photos from Michael Alcock at Johnson & Alcock Literary Agency. The hardback will be published in October.

Its synopsis explains: “From Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde, Freud to Poirot, Edward Teller to Dr Who, Harold Pinter to Terence Rattigan, ‘Questions of Faith’ to ‘Decline and Fall’, right up to 2019’s ‘The Price’, David has done it all. Throughout this spectacular career, David has never been without a camera, enabling him to vividly document his life in photographs. Seamlessly combining photo and memoir, Behind the Lens is the story of David’s remarkable life, showcasing his wonderfully evocative photographs and accompanied by his revelatory and engaging commentary.”

Alongside his work, Suchet will discuss his London upbringing and love of the city, his Jewish roots and how they have influenced his career, the importance of his faith, how he feels about fame, his love of photography and music, Poirot, reflections on his career, personal highs and lows and how he wants to be remembered.

He explained: “I’ve been asked many times over the years whether I would write my autobiography, but I have never been sufficiently tempted to put pen to paper until now. Behind the Lens is not just an autobiography but an opportunity for readers to really get to know me and the sort of person I am. Through my photographs, and the accompanying stories, you will see the world through my eyes.”

Chesser said: “Behind the Lens is a wonderful celebration of David’s fifty years as an actor. Evocative and insightful, this will be David Suchet as you’ve never seen him before – from behind the lens. An autobiography with a difference, this will be the must-have book of Christmas 2019.”