New Freddie Mercury Book Features Singer’s Personal Notes & Alternative ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Lyrics
The latest book about the Queen frontman was created by his longtime friend, Mary Austin, based on the personal artifacts the singer left to her.
In the year 1991, Freddie Mercury departed this world, leaving behind a legendary voice and a myriad of private creative treasures. A new book, published on September 1, 2026, titled A Life in Lyrics: The Official Creative Legacy of Freddie Mercury, provides an intimate glimpse into the private world behind that enduring legacy. This book is a treasure trove of handwritten drafts, rough ideas, unused verses, and visual notes, spanning Mercury's career from his pre-Queen days to his solo years.
Among the wealth of material in the book are early versions of the iconic song "Bohemian Rhapsody" and several drafts linked to "Don't Stop Me Now." These raw materials offer a fascinating look at the songwriting process that produced the Queen classics. The book also includes complete songs that never made it to the studio, providing a deeper understanding of Mercury's creative range.
To add an extra layer of intimacy, the book is adorned with personal photographs and recollections, offering readers a window into Mercury's life beyond his music. The standard edition of the book is available as a hardback, ebook, and audiobook, while a limited deluxe edition, designed for collectors and devoted Queen fans, comes in a slipcase featuring the first verse of "Bohemian Rhapsody" penned in Mercury's own handwriting, bespoke endpapers, and four gatefolds displaying bonus "Bohemian Rhapsody" archive material and personal photographs.
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