In the final days of his life, Leonard Cohen completed The Flame, a collection of unpublished poetry, selections from his notebooks and lyrics from his albums.

The legendary Canadian singer-songwriter died unexpectedly at the age of 82 on Nov. 7, 2016. Though his health had been declining, finishing The Flame became his "singular focus" in his last months, said Cohen's manager and estate trustee Robert Kory.

"The flame and how our culture threatened its extinction was a central concern," said Kory.

"Those of us who had the rare privilege of spending time with him during this period recognized that the flame burned bright within him to the very end. This book, finished only days before his death, reveals to all the intensity of his inner fire."

Cohen curated the book's selections, which include his insights as an artist and thinker, prose pieces, poetry, illustrations and lyrics from his last three albums and from those he wrote on the album Blue Alert by Anjani.

The book will be published on Oct. 16, 2018, by McClelland & Stewart.

During his lifetime, Cohen published two novels, The Favourite Game and Beautiful Losers, and 10 collections of poetry.

His poetry and songwriting were celebrated around the world, garnering him a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2008 and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.

"It is a solemn honour to publish this profound book, which is full of Leonard Cohen's signature combination of grace, humour, wisdom and heartbreaking insight into the fragility and beauty of this world we all share," said Jared Bland, McClelland & Stewart publisher.