The first new book about Michael Jackson sanctioned by his estate will be published Dec. 7, and it promises to be as razzle-dazzling as the late pop icon himself.

Kraken Opus, whose opulent publications focus on major figures and brands in sports and the arts, begins accepting pre-orders today for “The Official Michael Jackson Opus” at michaeljacksonopus.com, michaeljackson.com and through Ticketmaster. The oversized, 400-page tribute will be driven by photos but also will include essays, illustrations and poetry, at least half of it exclusive — all handbound in leather and enclosed in a silk clamshell case.
Where other projects have been priced at more than $2,000, the Jackson book will cost $165. “Michael wanted this to be accessible to as many people as possible,” says Kraken CEO Karl Fowler.
Kraken reached out to Jackson last year through the singer’s attorney Peter Lopez. “We wanted to tell the behind-the-scenes story of Michael Jackson the entertainer,” Fowler says. The plan was to include Jackson’s concerts at London’s O2 Arena, which were set to start in July.
While Jackson was in rehearsals, he invited Kraken executives to his house in Los Angeles. When Fowler mentioned they were working on a Disney Opus, Jackson reacted “like a boy in a sweet shop. He asked if he could contribute and get a copy.”
Lopez says Jackson was impressed by the Opuses’ “sense of grandeur” and “expressed a definite desire to get on board.” But Lopez and Kraken were still in negotiations when Jackson died June 25, which required the company to seek approval from his estate — and amend its strategy.
The chronicling of the London performances “will be sorely missed,” Fowler says. “But everyone involved in that tour wants to take part.”
Celebrities and insiders who knew and worked with Jackson also are expected to contribute. “We’re asking people to write a sentence, a paragraph or a chapter,” says Kraken’s Jeff Wald. “We expect a huge turnout.”
All books include Michael Jackson Opus Reality membership, which provides access to interactive footage with periodic updates.
Five copies signed by a variety of famous fans will be auctioned to benefit five charities favored by Jackson.