Dr. Anthony Fauci, the face of America’s battle with Covid-19, is coming out with a book on the lessons learnt from the crisis and more. Some Republican leaders accused him of “profiting” from the pandemic and slammed the planned publication as a “new low”. However, the publisher has clarified that he is not going to earn royalties from the sales, and the proceeds will go to the National Geographic Society.

National Geographic Books announced that it is publishing on Dr. Fauci’s book, ‘Expect the Unexpected: Ten Lessons on Truth, Service, and the Way Forward’, on November 2. Soon, Representatives Andy Biggs of Arizona tweeted: “Profiting from the pandemic with a book deal is truly a new low.” [https://twitter.com/RepAndyBiggsAZ/status/1399739365421686787] Representative Dan Bishop of North Carolina also noted: “His lockdown mandates destroyed livelihoods and threatened our children’s futures. Now he’ll be profiting nicely off it.” [https://twitter.com/RepDanBishop/status/1399821855989637125]

The outburst reflects the fact that some Republicans have been unhappy with Dr. Fauci. The director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the chief medical advisor to the President often found himself countering Donald Trump on Covid-19 advisories.

But National Geographic Books has clarified that Dr. Fauci has not been paid, not for the book and not for an accompanying documentary. The 80-page book, presenting his “life philosophy”, is not “written” by him, but compiled from his speeches and interviews over 37 years in public service as head of the national institute. He has only given permission for the publication, and income from its sales will go to the National Geographic Society for its activities promoting science, exploration, conservation and education.

Meanwhile, as Amazon and Barnes & Noble removed the title from their website, social media rumor mills got to work and a section of the right-wing claimed victory, believing the publication was canceled after the charge of ‘profiting’. However, the publisher clarified that the pre-order notices were taken down only because they were “prematurely posted” – and the November 2 publication plan is very much on.

Also see:

https://thenationalpulse.com/breaking/fauci-to-publish-ten-lessons-book/

https://www.nytimes.com/live/2020/2020-election-misinformation-distortions/anthony-fauci-book-proceeds

https://deadline.com/2021/06/dr-anthony-fauci-book-scrubbed-amazon-barnes-noble-premature-post-1234768402/

https://www.thewrap.com/anthony-faucis-new-book-expect-the-unexpected-is-an-unexpected-80-pages-long/