Publication Set for Forster Novel

New York Times Service

LONDON Novel by E. M. Forster, withheld by him for 55 years because of its homosexual theme, is now to be published. He himself was a homosexual.

The manuscript was found among Forster's papers after his death last June at 91. Across the top he had written: "Publishable but is it worth it?"

The novel, entitled "Maurice," was written between 1913 and 1915. Forster told his London publishers years ago that he did not want it to appear during his lifetime.