Mr Bush has said he is not writing a traditional memoir but an account of key decisions in his life. The cover features a photo of then-President Bush alone with his thoughts, standing in the Rose Garden Colonnade, wearing a dark suit and holding a briefing book, his head turned slightly from the camera.

According to Crown Publishers, “Decision Points” will offer “gripping, never-before-heard detail” on such historic events as the September 11, attacks and the 2000 presidential election along with Bush’s decision to quit drinking, his relationship with his family and other personal details.