Elvis Costello has agreed to a two-book deal with US publishing giant Simon & Schuster – but do not expect any juicy music industry gossip.
In a statement issued today, the publisher said Costello had “resisted the rewards for writing a traditionally scurrilous and scandalous biographical memoir”.
The first book, scheduled for autumn 2005, will be a ”series of intimate narrative chapters taking their cue from the styles, themes and characters found in a number of Costello’s lyrics”.
The second book will be a “work of comic philosophy” entitled How to Play the Guitar, Sing Loudly and Impress Girls … or Boys.
Costello, inducted in 2003 into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, is known for songs including Watching the Detectives, Alison and What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace Love and Understanding.
Earlier this year, Costello and T Bone Burnett were nominated for an original song Oscar for Scarlet Tide, from the film Cold Mountain.
The 49-year-old British singer married jazz musician Diana Krall in December.
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