QUICK TAKES - April 9, 2009

Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has signed a deal to publish his memoir -- a close-up look at his encounters with major world figures and events. The Nobel Peace Prize-winning statesman says “a lot has been said and written” about his 10 years as secretary-general, but now he will finally get to tell his own story.

The book will feature accounts of the 71-year-old Ghanaian diplomat’s interactions with world figures, including George W. Bush, Vladimir Putin, Saddam Hussein, Nelson Mandela and Yasser Arafat.

The Penguin Press announced its acquisition of the memoir Wednesday. The publication date has yet to be set.