Sum: Tales from the Afterlives, the word-of-mouth phenomenon that has already hit the shelves in paperback, is to be released in a variety of exciting formats and experienced in new ways.
David Eagleman’s book caused quite a stir last year when it shot to the No 2 spot on Amazon following a tweet from Stephen Fry. Now Sum has again found itself at the forefront of technological innovation and multimedia publishing.
The slim volume has been adapted for the stage by Brian Eno, in an event which will form a key part of the Brighton Festival on 22nd May. This Is The Afterlives is a multimedia production in which Eagleman’s short, sharp vignettes are ‘reincarnated’ for a live stage encounter by a diverse cast of readers, including the author. The readings will be accompanied by visual images from Wordsalad’s Nick Robertson and live music by Brian Eno.
To coincide with this groundbreaking performance, Canongate Books is releasing a deluxe gatefold edition of the Sum audiobook. Currently only available to buy as a digital download, this audio features a stellar cast of readers: Gillian Anderson, Emily Blunt, Nick Cave, Jarvis Cocker, Jack Davenport, Lisa Dwan, David Eagleman, Noel Fielding, Kerry Fox, Stephen Fry, Clarke Peters, Lemn Sissay and Harriet Walter.
In addition, on May 24th the stories will be released as downloadable paired ‘bundles’, onto Audible.co.uk and iTunes. In additional to the initial release of twenty pairs, there are plans for future releases with reimagined and remixed content.
An enhanced application for iPhone and iPod Touch, developed in conjunction with Enhanced Editions, will also be released on 20th May. This brand new app will contain the full text, the full audiobook and nine videos of David Eagleman discussing the book, its themes, origins and impact.
Alongside these releases, Ridley Scott’s production company RSA have been commissioned to make a number of short films inspired by the scenarios of Sum, as part of a broader partnership with Canongate Books to bring its content to a wider audience in different media and forms.
More information can be found on the book’s website.
David Eagleman will be on tour in the UK at the end of May and is available for interview. For further information contact Anna Frame on 0131 524 9340 or anna.frame[at]canongate.co.uk.
David Eagleman’s Sum 04/06/10
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