Hodder & Stoughton to publish guide to life by Sir Michael Caine

Hodder & Stoughton will publish a guide to life by the legendary actor Sir Michael Caine which shows "anyone can blow the bloody doors off". 

World English language rights, including audio, ebook and serial to Don’t Look Back, You’ll Trip Over: My Guide to Life, were acquired from Caroline Michel at Peter Fraser & Dunlop. It will be published on 7 November 2024.  

Caine’s 2018 memoir, Blowing the Bloody Doors Off: And Other Lessons in Life, sold 270,000 copies and was a Sunday Times top 10 bestseller for 12 weeks. His first novel, Deadly Game, published in Autumn 2023, sold 60,000 copies. 

Caine said: "I’m always asked questions—by fans, by other actors and friends, by my grandchildren. They want to know how I’ve lasted so long, how I handle fame, why I chose to do some of my films, which films and actors I like best and so forth. They also want to know what makes me tick, what makes me get up in the morning in my 90s, and whether I’ll ever retire (The answer to that one is ‘No!’). Over a long life, I’ve learnt a lot and had the opportunity to reflect. I’ve seen a new generation grow up, among them my own grandchildren, facing the world with all its challenges and problems. I hope they’ll find Don’t Look Back, You’ll Trip Over: My Guide to Life helps them to be optimistic—and shows that anyone can blow the bloody doors off."

Caine worked on the book with his friend, journalist and author Matt d’Ancona, said: "Some of the most enjoyable conversations of my life have been with Sir Michael. He’s not only a brilliant storyteller, but also a man who’s been there and seen it all, whether it’s the Korean War or adventures in Hollywood. And, as we know, he’s a wonderful actor who never stops learning his craft. So Don’t Look Back, You’ll Trip Over: My Guide to Life is an enthralling distillation of wit and wisdom from a life rich in incident and anecdote." 

Publisher Rupert Lancaster said: "I grew up watching Michael Caine films so it’s a special honour and a privilege for Hodder & Stoughton to be publishing his new book—just in time for Christmas."