WikiLeaks 'unauthorised' book published

London - A long-awaited memoir by WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is finally being published - without his approval.

British publisher Canongate says the book, billed as an "unauthorised autobiography", will be for sale in stores and online on Thursday.

Last year Canongate paid Assange a large sum for the rights to the memoir and Assange began working with a ghostwriter on the book.

But the publisher said on Wednesday Assange became increasingly troubled by the prospect, and declared that "all memoir is prostitution".

Canongate says Assange tried to cancel his contract, but since he has not repaid his advance it is publishing the first draft that Assange delivered to the publisher in March.

WikiLeaks did not immediately respond to requests for comment.