Fig Tree scoops Florence Welch's debut

Singer-songwriter Florence Welch has signed her first book - an illustrated collection of lyrics and poetry.

Penguin Books imprint Fig Tree has scooped rights to the title which will be a full colour hardback entitled Useless Magic and contain art derived from her own sketchbooks.

According to Penguin, it will provide readers with "unique insight" into Welch's creative process. Best known as the vocalist of indie rock band Florence and the Machine, her albums have reached number one across the world, including in the UK and the US, as well as winning multiple awards.

Juliet Annan, publishing director of Fig Tree, who acquired world rights, said: “I have long wanted to persuade Florence to write a book, and this will be a beautiful record of her songs, a glimpse of the ideas that have inspired them, and a first look at her poetry.”

Welch said: “I am so thrilled to be collaborating with Penguin on my first ever book release. It is such an honour.”

The songstress has been following the literary world closely since 2013 with her own book club, Between Two Books, which she has been using to recommend books via Instagram to 80,000 followers. The club is currently reading The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson (Melville House), with previous choices having included Ali Smith's Autumn (Hamish Hamilton) and Amy Liptrot's The Outrun (Canongate).