Prince working on book to be published in the fall

NEW YORK - Prince the musical auteur is becoming an author.

"21 Nights," a "photographic essay" that offers "a rare glimpse into the life, lyrics, and mystique" of the maker of such hits as "1999" and "Purple Rain," will be published worldwide come fall, according to Atria Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster.

The book, his first, is based on Prince's 21 sold-out concerts in as many nights at London's O2 Arena in 2007.

"Juxtaposing his dueling worlds of music and solitude, it ('21 Nights') will incorporate Prince's evocative poetry and lyrics to new songs and other selections, and 124 full-color, sumptuous, never-before-published images by celebrated photographer Randee St. Nicholas," Atria announced Monday.

"21 Nights" will include a CD of after-hours jams, "Indigo Nights," unavailable from any other outlet.