SEAL Book Publication Date Moved Due to Huge Demand

The publisher of the much-awaited book "No Easy Day," which gives a firsthand account of the Navy SEALs raid that killed Osama bin Laden,  announced the book will be released a week early, The New York Times reports.

Responding to the media attention and "consumers clamoring to buy the book," Dutton, a subsidiary of Penguin, said the book will go on sale Sept. 4, rather than Sept 11.

Editor's Note: Seal Book Rushed to Print, Obama Furious! Get "No Easy Day" for just $4.95 with Special Offer.

“The publisher now feels it is important to put ‘No Easy Day’ on sale and let the book speak for itself,” Dutton said in a statement.

Demand for the book has been significant; it is currently No. 1 on the best-seller lists at Amazon.com and BN.com.

The book's author was identified as Matt Bissonnette, 36, who has been awarded five Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. He intended to keep his identity secret and use the peudonym Mark Owen. He told The Times: "‘No Easy Day’ is a book that I’m proud to have written. My hope is that it gives my fellow Americans a glimpse into how much of an honor it is to serve our country.

"It is written with respect for my fellow service members while adhering to my strict desire not to disclose confidential or sensitive information that would compromise national security in any way.”

Owen is under fire. The Defense Department said last week the author had violated regulations requiring vetting of any official information intended to be published, citing national security concerns. A spokesman for the Pentagon said the agency has a copy of the book now.

Dutton is also increasing the number of books it will release from 300,000 to 500,000.

Editor's Note: Seal Book Rushed to Print, Obama Furious! Get "No Easy Day" for just $4.95 with Special Offer.