Extinction Rebellion co-founder Hallam strikes book deal from prison cell

Extinction Rebellion co-founder Roger Hallam has signed a book deal with Chelsea Green Publishing from his cell at Wormwood Scrubs. 

The publisher, which scooped world rights (excluding UK and Australia) will rush out climate manifesto Common Sense for the 21st Century for release on 14th November.

Matt Haslum, managing director of the London-based indie, heard that Hallam was self-publishing his manifesto in the UK with books distributor Turnaround and alerted his colleagues in the US.

Senior editor Brianne Goodspeed then worked with Extinction Rebellion, Hallam, and Hallam’s legal counsel to negotiate the contract. The deal was wrapped up just before the group’s international protests kicked off this week.

Hallam was arrested on 14th September over plans to fly a drone over Heathrow. He is currently on remand at Wormwood Scrubs.

Publisher Margo Baldwin said: “It’s always disruptive to rush a book to market. But sometimes disruption is necessary. The urgent call to action that Roger and XR are putting out with Common Sense for the 21st Century needs to be heard - and answered now.”  

A self-published pamphlet edition of the book has just been released in the UK, described by Guardian journalist George Monbiot as “wise, profound and persuasive.”