Rudd writes book about 'ultimate betrayal' of Gillard leadership ousting

Former prime minister Kevin Rudd is releasing a new book covering his years in power, with a focus on the "betrayal" of his leadership in 2010.

Kevin Rudd is telling his side of the "ultimate betrayal" in a new book about how his Labor colleagues replaced him with Julia Gillard.

The former prime minister's book "The PM Years" tells Mr Rudd's version of the 2010 leadership challenge that brought him down.

Publisher Pan McMillan describes the book as covering "the coup that killed Australian politics."

"The betrayal of June 2010 is the most significant Australian political event of the century," the publisher says.

The book will be released on October 23 and it covers Mr Rudd's two stints as prime minister, his time as foreign minister, and his challenge of Ms Gillard in 2013.

"The unceremonious removal of a first-term prime minister from office shocked Rudd as much as it did the nation," the publisher says.

"Despite great pain, Rudd continued to serve his party, and his country, as backbencher and foreign minister.

"This is the memoir of a prime minister full of energy and ideals, while battling the greatest trials of the modern age."

The book also covers Mr Rudd's response to the global financial crisis, his backflip on climate change, and the "dark forces" within his own party.