Jason Arday’s memoir “Great and Unfortunate Things,” which came under much public scrutiny amid plagiarism claims against the former Cambridge professor, sold just 433 print copies in its first five days, according to Circana BookScan data provided exclusively to TheWrap.
The sales, which occurred from Aug. 11 to Aug. 15, do not include e-book or audiobook purchases. Arday was found dead on Aug. 14.
Arday stated that Simon & Schuster paid “1.4 million” for the memoir, per The Guardian, but he didn’t specify whether the figure was in pounds or dollars.
The numbers come amid a sprawling media story after Arday was accused of plagiarizing his life story, resigned from Cambridge and was found dead just days later at age 41. Police said his death was unexpected but was not being treated as suspicious.
Arday resigned from Cambridge on Aug. 5 amid public scrutiny over his academic and personal history. He denied intentionally plagiarizing in his work. Simon & Schuster U.S. announced the next day that the company intended to move forward with publishing his memoir, which was released Aug. 11.
Simon & Schuster did not respond to several requests for comment from TheWrap on Monday asking whether it intended to halt sales of “Great and Unfortunate Things” in light of the author’s death and plagiarism claims.
Prior to Arday’s resignation, Simon & Schuster shared a statement with The Guardian defending its position to move forward with the memoir’s publication.
“We have worked closely with Professor Jason Arday on ‘Great and Unfortunate Things’ since acquiring it and can speak to the professionalism and integrity he has brought to every stage of the publication,” the statement reads. “‘Great and Unfortunate Things’ is Arday’s memoir of overcoming remarkable challenges and responding to adversity with resilience. It is told through his own recollections and those of the people closest to him.”
Simon & Schuster added that Arday “worked closely with his co-writer, as well as our editorial and legal teams, to carefully research, write and corroborate the narrative.” Eve Claxton co-wrote “Great and Unfortunate Things” alongside Arday.
Simon & Schuster U.S. reiterated to The Guardian on Aug. 6, one day after Arday’s resignation, that the company was committed to “proceeding with the publication of Great and Unfortunate Things by Jason Arday as planned.”