`The Official Michael Jackson Opus`
According to USA Today, the first new book about Michael Jackson sanctioned by his estate will be published on December 7, 2009. It will be entitled 'The Official Michael Jackson Opus'. Publisher is Kraken Opus, whose opulent publications focus on major figures and brands in sports and the arts.
The oversized, 400-page tribute will be driven by photos but also will include essays, illustrations and poetry, at least half of it exclusive — all handbound in leather and enclosed in a silk clamshell case.
While books by Kraken Opus usually are very expensive, the price of the book will be US$165. According to Kraken CEO Karl Fowler it was a special request by Michael to keep the price of the book as low as possible:
"Michael wanted this to be accessible to as many people as possible."
Kraken Opus will accept pre-orders for the book at
michaeljacksonopus.com, michaeljackson.com and through Ticketmaster.
Negotiations for the book project started last year already when Kraken reached out to Michael Jackson through attorney Peter Lopez. Initially, the plan was to include the concerts at London's O2 Arena.
"We wanted to tell the behind-the-scenes story of Michael Jackson the entertainer."
While Michael was in rehearsals, he invited Kraken executives to his house in Los Angeles (USA). When Fowler mentioned they were working on a Disney Opus, Michael reacted "like a boy in a sweet shop. He asked if he could contribute and get a copy." Lopez says Michael Jackson was impressed by the Opuses' "sense of grandeur" and "expressed a definite desire to get on board." But Lopez and Kraken were still in negotiations when Michael Jackson died June 25.
They had to make changes to the book`s content and the chronicling of the London shows "will be sorely missed," Fowler says. "But everyone involved in that tour wants to take part." Celebrities and insiders who knew and worked with Michael Jackson also are expected to contribute.
"We're asking people to write a sentence, a paragraph or a chapter," says Kraken's Jeff Wald. "We expect a huge turnout."
All books include Michael Jackson Opus Reality membership,
which provides access to interactive footage with periodic updates.
Additionally, five copies signed by a variety of famous fans will be auctioned to benefit five charities favored by Michael.
Source: MJFC / USA Today