Penguin Life acquires Micromaster at auction

Penguin Life has acquired world rights to a book on the power and joy of learning small, specific skills by author and adventure traveller Robert Twigger.

The publisher acquired world rights at auction to Micromaster from Matthew Hamilton at Aitken Alexander.

Twigger is author of several titles including the prizewinning Angry White Pyjamas (W&N).

The publisher said: “Whether it's making a perfect soufflé, dancing a tango or lighting a fire, when we take the time to cultivate small and quantifiable areas of expertise, we change everything. We become faster and more fearless learners, spot more creative opportunities, improve our brain health and boost our happiness. We see knowledge itself completely differently. The skills acquired in painting a door flawlessly or growing delicious chillies will unexpectedly transform your life.”

Joel Rickett, publisher of Viking, Portfolio and Penguin Life, said: “Since being captivated by Robert Twigger’s refreshing idea, the Penguin Life team have become obsessive micromasters. We’re sure the rest of the world will follow suit.”

Twigger added: “Nobel prize winning scientists - the ultimate 'specialists' if you like - are 25 times more likely to study an art, play a musical instrument, be skilled in a craft or write poetry than an ordinary academic scientist. Superior performance involves being creative, having a polymathic perspective on life and above all being a fast learner. Micromastery is the key to all three, enabling you to rapidly hone the basic skill set essential in any new learning enterprise.”

Micromastery: The Hidden Path to Success by Robert Twigger will be published in Spring 2017.