George R R Martin fans will have a new book for Christmas, with HarperVoyager releasing The Wit and Wisdom of Tyrion Lannister.

The book was announced at HarperCollins' showcase of autumn titles to retailers, held on Wednesday evening (1st May).



The small, gift-format hardback title will gather together "clever and naughty quips" from the popular character from the A Song of Ice and Fire series, played in the HBO series by actor Peter Dinklage. It has been compiled by Martin's UK editor, HarperCollins publishing director Jane Johnson, and will be illustrated by caricaturist Jonty Clark.

The publisher noted that while the book is authorised by the novelist, no new material is anticipated for inclusion as Martin is "hard at work on the sixth and penultimate volume of the series, The Winds of Winter."

HarperCollins described it as "the perfect Christmas gift", quoting Tyrion: "My mind is my weapon. My brother has his sword, and I have my mind; and a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone if it is to keep its edge."

Johnson said: "The idea for a humorous gift book featuring quotes from Tyrion seemed irresistible. He is everyone's favourite character from the series and George's fondness for him is evident: he gets all the best lines, even though - perhaps because - he's no one's idea of a traditional hero. He's a dwarf: he's ugly and he has a penchant for whores. He's not gallant or heroic, and he's completely ruthless. But he's also witty, self-deprecating and clever; and he's both a reader and a thinker and in my view that makes him a properly modern hero and a great subject for a little book like this."

UK and Commonwealth (excluding Canada) rights in the book were licensed from agent Christopher Lotts.

Martin's epic A Song of Ice and Fire series, which has so far stretched to five novels split into seven volumes, follows hundreds of characters and the struggle for control of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, and has been adapted into an award-winning TV series by HBO.



Other books announced at the HC retailer showcase include new cookbooks from Lorraine Pascale and Nigel Slater, and Max Hastings' account of the beginning of the First World War, Catastrophe: Europe Goes to War 1914.



Retailers were also told of new projects from David Walliams, including a new novel in autumn, a box set of his books, and his first ever picture book for younger readers.



Celebrity titles will come from entertainers including Johnny Vegas, Chris Evans and John Bishop. HarperCollins will also be publishing the autobiography of 100m sprint world record holder Usain Bolt, titled Catch Me If You Can.

