J.R.R. Tolkien’s book Beren and Lúthien released 100 years after it was conceived

A NEVER-before-seen book by Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien has been published 100 years after it was first conceived.

A NEVER-before-seen book by Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien has been published 100 years after it was first conceived.

Beren and Lúthien, a story that Tolkien recounted in a chapter of his posthumously published The Silmarillion, was edited by his son Christopher Tolkien.

According to BBC, the novel has been described as a “very personal story” the Oxford author created after returning from the Battle of Somme.

One book to rule them all: Tolkien’s story was first conceived 100 years ago. Picture: Supplied

The book also features illustrations by Alan Lee, who won an Academy Award for his work on Peter Jackson’s film trilogy.

Lee was recognised in 2004 for art direction on The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

It was published on Thursday by HarperCollins on the 10th anniversary of the publication of Tolkien’s last Middle Earth book, The Children of Húrin.

The author died in 1973.

Tolkien biographer John Garth told the BBC that the author conceived the story while recovering from trench fever contracted while serving in World War I.

The never-before-seen story was written while Tolkien was recovering from trench fever. Picture: supplied

“He’d lost two of his dearest friends on the Somme, and you can imagine he must have been inside as much of a wreck as he was physically,” Mr Garth said.

It’s believed the story was meant as a tribute to Tolkien’s wife, Edith.

The headstone that marks the grave where Tolkien and his wife are buried is engraved with the names of Beren and Lúthien.

J.R.R. Tolkien's new book, Beren and Luthien. Picture: Amazon

Originally published as J.R.R. Tolkien’s book Beren and Lúthien released 100 years after it was conceived