Assange book deal collapses: reports

When Julian Assange signed a $1.5 million book deal to write his memoirs, he hoped to recoup some of his legal costs and tell his side of the story.

But the deal has reportedly collapsed, according to the Guardian, after the Wikileaks founder clashed with his publishers.

The book – which was to be published in 35 countries, was purchased by UK publisher Canongate and American Alfred A. Knopf back in December. It would have joined numerous unauthorized biographies on the elusive Australian crowding bookshelves.

Assange said he hoped the book "would become one of the unifying documents of our generation."

But according to a report in the Guardian, Assange had become “unhappy with the process” of writing his book, and was concerned that material in it would be used against him by US prosecutors.

According to what the Guardian terms “publishing sources”, the contract in its original form has fallen through.

A spokeswoman for the Canongate said the publisher would not discuss the book "until it is ready to", and would not make any statement until after next week.

Assange is expected in court next Friday, where he will be appearing before Britain’s High Court to fight extradition charges.

The first draft of the book, to be ghosted by British novelist Andrew O’Hagan, was due in March.

Assange's agent and ghost writer would not comment on the speculation that the book deal had collapsed.

It is uncertain how much of the advance the publishers will be able to recoup should the contract not be honoured, or if the publishers will be able to go ahead with the book using the material Assange has already provided.