George W Bush book to tell of 'flaws and mistakes'

The book will centre on 14 decisions, the publisher says

The memoir of former US President George W Bush will be a candid account of his "flaws and mistakes" as well as his achievements, his publishers said.

The book, Decision Points, will offer "never-before-heard detail" on some of the key events of Mr Bush's presidency, Crown Publishers announced.

Due for release in November, the book also covers Mr Bush's family life.

The former Texas governor left office in 2009 with one of the lowest presidential approval ratings ever.

Correspondents say his legacy has been damaged by unpopular wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the global financial crisis.

In a statement, Crown Publishers said Decision Points would centre on 14 decisions Mr Bush made during his eight years in office.

The attacks of 11 September 2001 and devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina are among key events covered, it adds.

'Candid account'

"Since leaving the Oval Office, President Bush has given virtually no interviews or public speeches about his presidency," the statement said.

"Instead, he has spent almost every day writing Decision Points, a strikingly personal and candid account revealing how and why he made the defining decisions in his consequential presidency and personal life."

The cover features a photograph of Mr Bush standing outside the White House during his presidency, holding a briefing folder.

A publishing industry source told the Associated Press news agency that Mr Bush had finished a first draft and was editing the manuscript in his office in Dallas, Texas.

The book is due to go on sale on 9 November. Mr Bush will promote it with a nationwide tour.

The memoirs of Mr Bush's wife, Laura, are due out on 4 May.