Never-before published photos of Marilyn Monroe being released

Never-before seen photographs of Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe are being published in a new book, depicting the star over 20 years of her life.

The photographs by Cecil Beaton and Richard Avedon were taken between 1942 and 1962 and showcase the actress's evolving style, reports the Daily Mail.

Images included in the 262-page-long book include ones from the sets of some of her best-known films, such as 'Some Like It Hot', 'Seven Year Itch', 'The Misfits' and 'Something's Got To Give'.

The collection was amassed by curator and preservationist David Wills who wrote in the Huffington Post that Monroe rarely said no to anyone if they wanted to take her picture.

He also explained why she became such a big star: "Her porcelain face looking back at us from countless posters, calendars, coffee mugs and mouse pads, we take comfort in such nostalgia."

The book also contains quotes from Monroe's co-stars, friends, fans and colleagues, such as Cary Grant stating she was very, very shy.

After a fatherless childhood, Monroe started her career as a model and quickly became a movie star and Hollywood legend.