Alfred A. Knopf Canada to publish the definitive biography of Jann Wenner and history of Rolling Stone magazine

TORONTO, March 28, 2014 /CNW/ - Anne Collins, publisher of Knopf Canada and vice-president of Random House of Canada Limited, is pleased to announce that Alfred A. Knopf Canada has acquired the Canadian rights, in concert with Alfred A. Knopf in the United States, to publish acclaimed journalist Joe Hagan's definitive biography of Jann Wenner and history of Rolling Stone magazine. The book will be published in 2017 to coincide with Rolling Stone's fiftieth anniversary. PJ Mark of Janklow & Nesbit completed the deal.

"How rare is it to be able to wrap into one book the first complete portrait of a cultural figure as significant and wildly interesting as Jann Wenner and the biography of a generation: its highs, its lows, its politics, its music, its celebrity obsessions and its political changes," says Anne Collins. "Joe Hagan will deliver the ultimate word on the magazine's maker and his times."

Jann Wenner has been one of the most important figures in popular culture for the last half century. As the founder and publisher of Rolling Stone magazine, Mr. Wenner has often defined the zeitgeist. His groundbreaking publication has introduced generations of readers to the most influential talent in the world of music, film and literature, while also offering unique perspectives on some of the most important political and social issues of our times. John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, the Grateful Dead, the Rolling Stones, U2, Bob Dylan, Hunter S. Thompson, Tom Wolfe and Annie Leibovitz are just a few of the artists whose work has been championed by Mr. Wenner.

One of the many things that will make the project truly remarkable is that Jann Wenner has granted Joe Hagan exclusive access to his vast archive.

"Jann has entrusted me with writing an independent work, in keeping with the best traditions of his magazine," says Joe Hagan. "As a journalist, I'm thrilled to be able to report on his life in full, a life that doubles as a history of the last 50 years in America."

Joe Hagan is a contributing editor at New York Magazine., where he writes about politics, media and business. He has published long-form profiles and investigative exposes on Hillary Clinton, Karl Rove, Henry Kissinger, Bill Maher, Dan Rather, Goldman Sachs, the New York Times, Twitter and the Bush family.

SOURCE: Random House of Canada Limited

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