One of rock's more interview-shy luminaries, Van Morrison has always preferred to let his songs speak for themselves -- and they'll do just that this fall, when he debuts 'Lit Up Inside,' a collection of selected lyrics spanning his entire career.

"The lyrics in this book span 50 years of writing and as such are representative of my creative journey," Morrison says of the book, due Oct. 2 via City Lights Publishers. The company promises that the 230-page collection represents a singular window into his creative process, saying, "This personal selection of what Morrison himself has judged to be his most important and enduring lyrical work will stand as a landmark public statement from an otherwise intensely private artist, an intimate and very intentional view onto what Morrison himself esteems as his creative contribution."

ABC News Radio reports that in addition to Morrison's lyrics, 'Lit Up Inside' includes an introduction by literary professor Dr. Eamonn Hughes as well as a foreword by poet David Meltzer. Hughes will also be on hand Nov. 17, when Morrison is scheduled to make a promotional appearance at London's Lyric Theatre. Joined by a handful of guests that includes Hughes, poet Michael Longley, and authors Edna O'Brien and Ian Rankin, Morrison's site says he'll be "reading, discussing and performing his work ... creating a night that will be unique for any fan."

Morrison's most recent album, 'Born to Sing: No Plan B,' was released in Oct. 2012.

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