Jonathan Taylor, the publishing director of Harper NonFiction, bought world rights in a deal brokered with Bolt's representatives by Chris Nathaniel of NVA Management.

Taylor said: "Welcoming Usain into the HarperSport fold is a huge thrill and a real privilege.

"He is the most iconic sports star on the planet and our global publishing plans for him are exciting and extensive."

The first book will be an illustrated title, due to be published in October 2010.

Described as "an illustrative narrative celebration", it will look at Bolt's record breaking career to date, his Caribbean roots and what inspires and motivates him.

The second book will be a full-length autobiography, which will be published in autumn 2012, shortly after London, where he is set to be the star of the Games.

The 23-year-old Bolt burst onto the scene at the 2002 World Junior Championships in Kingston when he became the youngest ever winner of the 200 metres.

But it was at Beijing in 2008 he really made his mark, claiming gold medals in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m, setting a world record in all three events.

At the World Championships in Berlin last year he improved his marks in the 100 and 200m, setting times of 9.58sec and 19.19sec.

He was also a member of the Jamaican 4x100m relay team that won the gold medals.

Bolt said: "I'm delighted to be publishing my two books with the guys at HarperCollins and I'm determined to give my fans all over the world a great insight into me and my life."

HarperSport has previously published books by Sir Chris Hoy, Fernando Torres and John Daly.