John Lennon's letters to be published

NEW YORK, April 9 (UPI) -- The first collection of letters by John Lennon is due out next year, more than 30 years after the former Beatle was gunned down in New York.

The book was edited by Hunter Davies, author of "The Beatles," the only authorized biography of the British group, which was published in 1968, the Los Angeles Times reported. Davies, who worked with Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, on the letters, also wrote the introduction.

Lennon was a prolific letter writer, to strangers, newspapers and organizations as well as family and friends. He often made small drawings in the margins.

Some of the letters in the book are produced in facsimile in Lennon's handwriting.

Little Brown, the publisher, announced Friday the book is scheduled for release in October 2012.