Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) set to release memoir

Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) is set to release his long-awaited memoir, Cat On The Road To Findout.

Set for release on September 18, the tome promises to be an "extraordinary soul-baring journey through the triumphs, trials, and transcendental quest of one of music's most enigmatic figures of our time."

A press release continues: "More than a memoir, the Yusuf/Cat Stevens' story is a backstage pass to the mind of a man who has lived a thousand lives. From his folk-troubadour beginnings, to the glamorous chaos of 60s pop stardom, to his 70s reign as a generational voice, his songs formed a musical odyssey that intricately recorded the journey to self-discovery. Then came his unexpected departure from superstardom, embracing Islam and leaving fans heartbroken."

For the first time, fans will be able to delve into the "intimate story of his deeply emotive transformation".

Yusuf/Cat Stevens commented: "I've been on an amazing journey, which began in the narrow streets of London, and led me through the most iconic cities, to perform upon the great stage of Western culture, ascending the dizzying heights of wealth, recognition and artistic pinnacles; freely exploring vast ranges of religions and philosophies, wandering through churches, temples, all the way to the Holy abode in Jerusalem — ignoring myths and warnings — and crossing the foreboded, desert heartlands, to arrive at the House of One God in Abrahamic Arabia. What finally elevated my perspective was a luminous Book that perfectly alchemized my thoughts, beliefs, with human nature. It taught me Oneness, and my place and purpose within the universe."

The '60s star - with hits including Matthew and Son The First Cut Is The Deepest - suffered a near-fatal battle with tuberculosis - which "ignited his quest for peace and understanding".

Now his music is "intertwined with a life of activism and altruism," as a campaigner for faith education, ecological consciousness and humanitarian work.

The tome is illustrated with "dozens of drawings in his own hand and archival imagery, self-penned with raw honesty and poetic insight".

Cat On The Road To Findout will be published in hardback, ebook and audiobook format (narrated by the author). The book will be published by Constable in the UK and Commonwealth on September 18, and by Genesis Publications in North America on October 7.