Donald Rumsfeld to publish memoirs

Former U.S. defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld, who will go down in history as the architect behind the war in Iraq, is getting set to tell his story.

Rumsfeld announced Monday that he is working on a memoir, which will be released by Penguin Group's conservative imprint, Sentinel.

The as-yet-untitled book is slated for release in 2010.

Rumsfeld, 75, described the book as "a story that will span my lifetime," from his childhood to his work in the private sector to his long government service, most recently under U.S. President George W. Bush.

"I don't plan to write any kind of a 'quickie Washington book.' I plan to take my time," he said in an interview on Monday.

Rumsfeld, who stepped down as defence secretary in 2006, decided against receiving an advance for the project; instead, he will receive money only for his expenses.

Also, he has chosen to direct profits from the forthcoming book to his fledgling, namesake foundation.

One of the foundation's goals is to encourage public service among young people and provide grants and fellowships to promising young academics studying public policy or to talented individuals interested in pursuing government service.