Joyous news for book lovers everywhere: Johnny Depp’s HarperCollins book imprint, Infinitum Nihil, will publish its first title on February 5, 2013, when Woody Guthrie’s House of Earth is released. An essay co-written by Johnny and historian Douglas Brinkley will introduce the novel; they worked together to edit Guthrie’s manuscript, which was finished in 1947 but never before published. Amazon.com describes the novel as “a powerful portrait of Dust Bowl America, filled with the homespun lyricism and authenticity that have made his [Guthrie’s] songs a part of our national consciousness. It is the story of an ordinary couple’s dreams of a better life and their search for love and meaning in a corrupt world.”

Early reviews for House of Earth are laudatory. Kirkus Reviews calls House of Earth “an achievement [. . .], yet another facet of Guthrie’s multiplex talents.” Publishers Weekly observes, “With dialogue rich in ‘hillbilly’ vernacular and a story steeped in folk traditions, Guthrie’s drought-burdened, dust-blown landscape swirls with life. His heritage as folksinger, artist, and observer of West Texas strife lives on through these distinct pages infused with the author’s wit, personality, and dedication to Americana.”

House of Earth is available for purchase at Amazon.com for a pre-order price of $15.98 for the hardcover and $14.99 for the Kindle edition. You can see the cover artwork HERE. If you prefer audiobooks, here’s a special treat — the unabridged audiobook version of House of Earth is available from Amazon for $23.09, and the readers are Johnny Depp and Douglas Brinkley!

More happy news . . . House of Earth will be the next selection read by Oprah Noodlemantra’s Book Club! Check the ONBC forum for details HERE.