A novel penned by Saddam Hussein in the run-up to the 2003 invasion that ended his dictatorship will be released for the first time abroad in a Japanese translation, the publisher said.

The Arabic cover of saddam Hussein's book "Damned One, Get Out of Here." The novel penned by the former Iraqi leader in the run-up to the 2003 invasion that ended his dictatorship will be released for the first time abroad in a Japanese translation. [AFP]

The heavily symbolic novel, about an outsider who plots to overthrow a town before eventually being defeated by an Arab warrior, has only been released in Iraq, but with its author's name removed.

The book, whose Arabic title translates as "Damned One, Get Out of Here," will go on sale in Japan under the title "The Dance of the Devil" on May 19.

Translated by a Japanese journalist, it will cost 1,500 yen (13.60 dollars).

"This is not a mere novel. This is an accusation and a prediction," major Japanese publisher Tokuma Shoten said in announcing the release.

"Through this book, you will feel the pride and the lifestyle of the men who possess the world's oldest civilization."

Saddam, 69, who is being tried on charges of crimes against humanity, finished writing the novel just before the US-led military attack in March 2003.

The book went on sale in Iraq but said only "by its author" with no mention of Saddam, the deposed dictator's family lawyer Ziad Najdawi said.

The novel had been expected to be out in Jordan last year but the government prevented publication on the grounds it could hurt relations with neighboring Iraq.

Saddam is known to have written at least two other novels, "Zabiba and the King" and "The Impregnable Fortress."

"Zabiba and the King," which has been published in English and other languages, is no less heavy in the political symbolism.

It related the love between of a mighty king of Mesopotamia and a simple girl -- a metaphor for modern-day Iraq -- who is violated by a heartless husband, apparently representing the United States.

Japan, a close US ally which also has strong political and commercial ties to the Islamic world, is a major financial backer of post-Saddam Iraq and has 600 troops in the country on a reconstruction mission.