Press Release
Source: Penguin Group (USA) Inc.
Bill Richardson, Chairman of the 2004 Democratic National Convention and Governor of New Mexico, to Author Richardson's Rules: The Making of a Political Life
Monday March 29, 4:19 pm ET
United Nations Ambassador, International Hostage Negotiator and Four-Time Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Will Share Details of his Political Career and Personal Life in a New Book
NEW YORK, March 29
PRNewswire-FirstCall -- Carole Baron, President of G.P. Putnam's Sons, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), today announced the acquisition of a new book by Bill Richardson, Chairman of this summer's 2004 Democratic National Convention and Governor of New Mexico. Richardson is one of only a few politicians who has earned the respect and trust of his Washington, D.C. colleagues in both parties. The book will be called RICHARDSON'S RULES: The Making of a Political Life and will be written with award-winning journalist Michael Ruby. G. P. Putnam's Sons' Senior Editor David Highfill acquired world rights to the book from literary agent Philippa Brophy of Sterling Lord Literistic. G. P. Putnam's Sons will publish the title in hardcover in 2005, with a paperback edition to be published by Plume in 2006.
In making the announcement, Ms. Baron said, "The road Richardson has traveled as he has ascended to this country's top political circles is just as interesting as what he has accomplished along the way. His fascinating rise within the Democratic Party comes as no surprise to those who know him. Richardson's future holds no bounds, and if public opinion is correct he will most certainly be among the list of candidates vying for the presidency at some point in the future."
Baron added, "In this time of serious debate and division on key domestic and international issues, at home and abroad, it is the vision and wisdom of a global insider like Richardson that many will turn to for perspective and comment. In his roles as Special Presidential Envoy and United Nations Ambassador, he was in many instances the "go-to-guy" in matters of world crisis. He will sit down with anyone, listen to any adversary and meet conflict head-on. When Bill Richardson talks, people listen. We are proud to be his publisher."
Richardson's life -- a fascinating combination of covert adventures, behind-the-scenes diplomatic missions and personal dreams realized on a national and international stage -- will be chronicled in his own voice in the book. Described by Washington insiders as "The most charismatic figure in the Democratic Party today, bar none," Richardson has been nominated four times for the Nobel Peace Prize. His knowledge on matters relating to Iraq, Saddam Hussein, Afghanistan, the Taliban, Al Qaeda, and North Korea makes him one of America's most sought after experts on our international alliances and affairs. He is fearless and determined in his efforts to safeguard America's interests in matters involving international relations. He talks with Colin Powell on North Korea, he is the man who negotiated face-to-face with Saddam Hussein in Iraq for the release of two U.S. hostages, he was the last American official to meet with the Taliban and he is on every shortlist for this year's prospective Democratic vice presidential candidate.
NOTE TO THE PRESS:
Bill Richardson has been active in public service since being elected as a congressman from New Mexico in 1982. He was re-elected eight times and rose to the position of Democratic whip. During the Clinton administration, Mr. Richardson was directly involved with a number of hostage negotiations before and during his time as a United Nations ambassador and was the last American official to meet with the Taliban. He also served as Secretary of Energy in the Clinton administration, and piloted a project to safely dispose of nuclear waste.
After one year in the private sector as a business consultant, corporate board member and lecturer, he was elected governor of New Mexico in 2002 by a 17 percent margin, the largest in 28 years. Most recently, Mr. Richardson played host to the first of the official debates among the Democratic candidates running for president. The candidates were on the stage, but, as The Washington Post acknowledged, "Bill Richardson was the star of the show."
Michael Ruby, co-author of this book, is an award-winning journalist who has previously edited several nonfiction books, including War Crimes by Aryeh Neier (1998) and Man Without A Gun by Giandomenico Picco (1999). In addition, Mr. Ruby collaborated with 60 Minutes creator and executive producer Don Hewitt on his memoir, Tell Me a Story (2001). Mr. Ruby began his journalism career at Business Week, where he became Wall Street correspondent. He also worked for Newsweek and was co-editor of U.S. News and World Report before occupying his current post as Editorial Page Editor of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Penguin Group (USA) Inc. is the U.S. member of the internationally renowned Penguin Group. Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. adult and children's trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks, including Berkley Books, Dutton, Frederick Warne, G.P. Putnam's Sons, Grosset & Dunlap, New American Library, Penguin Books, The Penguin Press, Philomel, Plume, Puffin, Riverhead Books and Viking, among others. The Penguin Group is part of Pearson plc, the international media company.