Virago Modern Classics acquires Barber's Amazing Mr Blunden

Virago Modern Classics has acquired world English language rights in The Amazing Mr Blunden by Antonia Barber, ahead of a Sky Original Christmas film this year.

Donna Coonan, editorial director, signed the deal with Caroline Walsh at David Higham.

The forthcoming adaptation of the 1969 Carnegie-shortlisted novel is directed by and stars Mark Gatiss, with Simon Callow and Tamsin Greig.

Coonan said: “This haunting, beautifully written novel has stayed with me since I read it years ago – ghosts, time-travel, a haunted house – it’s completely enthralling, and I can’t wait for readers to discover it.”

Virago will publish on its classics list for younger readers on 9th December in paperback, e-book and audio.