W F Howes signs Lee Miller biography for first time audio publication

W F Howes has bagged The Lives of Lee Miller by Antony Penrose, an “intimate and touching” biography of the author’s mother, originally published in 1985. 

Acquisitions manager Laura Smith acquired audio rights at auction from Ben Hayes and Clare Tillyer at Thames & Hudson Ltd. Publication will coincide with the release of the film adaptation “Lee”, starring Kate Winslet in the titular role, in September 2024 and will mark the first time the title has been made available in audio. 

Penrose’s biography traces Miller’s “evolution from a pioneering fashion model to a groundbreaking photographer and finally to a trailblazing war correspondent”. The publisher added that “listeners will witness [Miller’s] defiance of conventions, her resilience in the face of adversity and her enduring legacy as an icon of female empowerment and artistic innovation”. 

“I am so thrilled to acquire this biography; a gripping and thoughtful chronicle of Lee Miller’s extraordinary life,” said Smith. “Heralded by critics and the literary world when it was first released in 1985, we can finally bring it to life in audio format. Given the upcoming film release, this acquisition couldn’t be more timely and we are honoured to help bring Lee Miller’s story to as many people as possible.”

Penrose added: “Since The Lives of Lee Miller was first published, I have been working hard to celebrate my mother’s legacy and honour her life’s work. We established the Lee Miller Archives, regularly showcasing her work through public exhibitions worldwide, and have also opened the family home as a Historic Artist’s House. Publishing has always played such a vital role in this endeavour, so I am delighted to finally witness The Lives of Lee Miller being produced in audiobook format and I’m really looking forward to working with W F Howes to give this book its new presentation.”