Gollancz to publish first major Michael Moorcock novel in almost ten years

michael moorcockGollancz is delighted to announce the acquisition of UK and Commonwealth rights to THE WHISPERING SWARM and two sequels by Michael Moorcock.  Named by The Times as one of the best English writers since 1945, the influential writer has won comparisons to, among others, Charles Dickens, James Joyce, Ian Fleming and J.R.R. Tolkien.

In his first full novel in almost ten years, Michael Moorcock returns to the city of his childhood and one of his most successful recurring themes: London.  Set post-Second World War, in a city desperately trying to get back on its feet, THE WHISPERING SWARM follows a young man called Michael Moorcock.

Part-autobiography, part-story, in THE WHISPERING SWARM Moorcock mixes elements of his real life – his first job on Fleet Street, and the initial stirrings of his interest in writing – with adventures in parallel universes peopled with highwaywomen, musketeers and magicians.

In a remarkable coincidence, a number of scenes in THE WHISPERING SWARM take place around Carmelite House on the Victoria Embankment; the very building that will become the head offices for Gollancz and the rest of the Hachette Group in 2015.

Gollancz Commissioning Editor, Marcus Gipps said “THE WHISPERING SWARM is a delight, merging elements of Mike’s life with his traditional brilliant fantasy. He’s the most influential fantasy writer alive, and this is one of his best. We’ve been thrilled to republish 31 books of Mike’s remarkable backlist over the past few years. Now that Gollancz’s Michael Moorcock Collection is complete, it’s brilliant to be publishing a dazzling, mercurial new series that will introduce new readers to the life and works of a legendary figure.”

THE WHISPERING SWARM will be published in hardback, trade paperback and eBook in July 2015, with the following two novels coming over the next three years.