Philip Letts, international artist, attacks the publishing industry in the name of his art

Philip Letts has caused a stir in the cozy world of book publishing by giving away his sought after debut novel for free over the Internet in the name of promoting his art. After rejecting various offers from renowned book publishers Letts decided that he would rather give his debut novel away to more widely promote his increasingly coveted art and gain wider recognition.

"Death in Girotondo" (at www.deathingirotondo.blogspot.com) was inspired by series that I was shooting in Italy at the time - the book came about thanks to my art. And I would like as many people as possible to read my books, after all so few can afford my art. Giving it away seemed the only thing to do. And lets face it, if a growing band of world renowned musicians are willing to give their music for nothing to promote their concerts - why shouldn't an artist give away his books." Recently, Radiohead and Prince caused a stir by giving their music away for free.

But Letts has a twist to his wonderful novel set in Tuscany about a woman finding her freedom from years of marital abuse and chauvinist chains - he has hidden various of his artworks within the books virtual pages. See if you can find them? And if you love the art he has featured in the book - you can of course buy prints. Some even online!

To read the book go to www.deathingirotondo.blogspot.com and if you like it tell your friends!