Capote died in 1984 aged 59

Capote wrote his novel Summer Crossing, about socialite Grady McNeil in the 1940s, but the writer claimed to have destroyed the manuscript.

After its discovery, his biographer Gerald Clarke said if the writer did not consider it worth publishing, his wishes should be respected.

But the executors of his will decided to go ahead and publish it.

Publishers Random House suggested readers will see a similarity between the heroine of Summer Crossing and his most famous creation, Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's, played by Audrey Hepburn in the film adaptation.

The book is due to be published in October.

The manuscripts were originally found on the street in the 1960s

The manuscript for Summer Crossing was found in a box of his writings by a relative of the late writer's Brooklyn housesitter. It was later sold at auction.

It tells the story of a 17-year-old girl who is left in New York when her parents go on holiday.

Interest in the author, who died in 1984 is likely to be heightened following the release of the movie Capote, about the period of his life when he wrote his non-fiction book In Cold Blood.