The Last Days of Letterman: The Final 6 Weeks by Scott Ryan, a meticulously researched account of the final weeks of David Letterman's reign as television's longest-running late night host, will be published by FMP on November 6, 2018. The first book to document the TV titan's historic denouement in such an in-depth fashion, The Last Days of Letterman will leave readers with a poignant, informative, and yes, humorous, look inside one of the most beloved talk shows of all time-and the singular comedic talent behind it.

Focused on the final 28 telecasts of the Late Show as a lens to Letterman's 33-year career as an icon of late night television, Ryan shares nearly two dozen on-the-record interviews with a veritable Who's Who of Letterman's Late Show writing, directing and producing staff. The book features a foreword by longtime Letterman monologue writer Bill Scheft.

"I was kind of shocked at how forthcoming the Late Show staff was with all the deeply personal stories and insights they shared," said author Scott Ryan. "This was their life, this was their family, so they cared a great deal about honoring the show's legacy."

Ryan's insider account takes readers through the halls of the famed Ed Sullivan Theater, from the fateful day Letterman called his inner circle into his dressing room and dropped the retirement bomb up to the emotional final show on May 20, 2015-and all of the star-studded hoopla in-between. From Oprah Winfrey to Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks to Bob Dylan, the book details in spectacular fashion the ultra A-list line of marquee names that traversed the CBS soundstage during those final weeks.

Peppered with carefully curated photographs, the narrative is chock-full of juicy tidbits: how "ultimate fan girl" Sarah Jessica Parker set the tone for what would be a six-week long farewell to Letterman; how Cher personally reached out to the show because she "wanted to do something" for Dave; how Michelle Obama was intent on creating a TV moment in her final Late Show appearance; and the special significance behind Foo Fighters' musical performance at the finale.

Ryan also details a barrage of behind-the-scenes facets of the Late Show's enduring mystique: Letterman's legendary rapport with other comedy giants (Don Rickles, Howard Stern, Jerry Seinfeld, Steve Martin, Tina Fey, Ray Romano, Martin Short, Amy Sedaris-as well as his forever-mentor, Johnny Carson); the exhilarating, maddening, ingenious process of developing the day's infamous "Top Ten" list; and the devilishly clever ways Late Show musical director Paul Shaffer came up with the musical pieces to accompany guests' entrances. There's even a surprise appearance by Rupert Jee, so memorably featured in the show's comedic cutaways to Hello Deli.

"This was one of the most important shows-and one of the greatest performers-in television history," said Ryan. "I wanted whatever story that ended up being told to be a fitting tribute, and to really do it justice."

The Last Days of Letterman marks the debut title from FMP (Fayetteville Mafia Press), a new nonfiction imprint focused on media-themed and pop culture titles.