Mensch scoops Norman's 'vibrant' memoir of years on Sunday Times Magazine

Mensch Publishing has scooped We Danced On Our Desks, a memoir by writer and journalist Philip Norman about his time at the Sunday Times Magazine.

Founder and publisher Richard Charkin signed world all-language rights for the book from Matthew Smith at Exprimez. The book will be published in paperback and e-book on 12th December.

The book is a sequel to Norman’s memoir Babycham Night: A boyhood at the end of the pier (Pan) and is billed as “an engaging look at Philip’s work with the Sunday Times Magazine, providing a vibrant cultural insight into the swinging ’60s and his own incredible experiences”.

Its synopsis states: “Aged 22, he lands a dream job as a staff writer on the Sunday Times’ hugely wealthy and prestigious colour magazine at the epicentre of newly dubbed Swinging London. Under its indulgent editor, Godfrey Smith, he’s allowed to travel the world on munificent expenses, interviewing the famous and infamous from Stevie Wonder to Libya’s combustible Colonel Gaddafi. And between assignments, he’s caught up in office politics and partying that make the Borgias seem almost civilised by comparison.”

Charkin said: “The Sunday Times Magazine in the 1970s was even more extravagant and wasteful than 1990s trade book publishing in London. The only saving grace was that the magazine made serious money. I am so proud to publish this book which entertains, records a time so much more hopeful than today, settles scores with old colleagues and friends, and lifts the spirits. Philip Norman is a joy to work with—professional and creative simultaneously—and he is already using his extensive network to ensure maximum coverage for the book in all media.”