Freddie Mercury: A Life, In His Own Words – French edition

This book is, as far as possible, the closest thing to an autobiography of Freddie Mercury. Meticulously edited by Queen’s long-standing archivists, it brings together touching, funny and often irreverent quotations from the man himself, tracing an extraordinary life. Essential reading not only for fans of Queen and their iconic singer, but for anyone curious to learn more about one of the most endearing and timeless performers.

Freddie rarely spoke about himself to others. The relatively few interviews he agreed to give, carefully compiled in this book and in some cases never previously published, therefore offer a fascinating insight into a man who projected confidence and arrogance, yet beyond his public image spent long periods alone in search of happiness. In truth, Freddie was terribly shy and uncomfortable around anyone who entered his “royal family” of close friends and privileged guests.

The book tells Freddie’s story and traces his origins, explores many different subjects and, of course, recounts Queen’s fascinating journey, all from his unique point of view. Driven by their charismatic, ambitious and difficult-to-control singer, Queen became one of the greatest bands on the planet. The story reveals how they came close to splitting up on numerous occasions, but stayed together through their shared determination to push musical boundaries. Freddie’s own story is one of pursuing a dream, grappling with fame and fortune, looking back on his past without regret, and reflecting on ageing, his legacy and death. Determined to succeed to the point of being “frivolous and ridiculous” to win over an audience, he declared: “I love that feeling, it’s better than sex!” As the pages turn, we see Freddie Mercury gradually shift his priorities towards a quieter and inevitably different life, as the AIDS/HIV virus begins to cast its shadow over the gay community.

For a man who rarely revealed himself, Freddie opens up completely in “A Life, In His Own Words”: “Sometimes I wake up and think, my God, if only I weren’t Freddie Mercury today.”

Across 20 chapters, 209 pages, almost 74000 words and 45 years of history, Freddie addresses every subject and much more. Naturally, he does so in his own way: inimitable, unpredictable, unfailingly funny, often poignant and always entertaining.

“I love the fact that I make people happy, in whatever way. Even if it’s just for half an hour of their lives, if I can make them happy, make them feel good, or bring a smile to a sad face, then that is worthwhile to me.”

A card signed by Simon Lupton and Greg Brooks is included with the book