A new exhibition which will look into the editing process of renowned writers is set to be presented at the University of Oxford.

The Bodleian Libraries exhibition, 'Write, Cut, Rewrite', will start on February 29 in Weston Library.

It will use the University's collection of 18th-century modern manuscripts to reveal the craft of literature revision often described as "killing your darlings".

Professors Dirk Van Hulle and Mark Nixon, the exhibition's curators, said: "The exhibition reveals ideas that did not make it into some of our best-known novels, poems or plays – ideas that can only be recovered in manuscripts, held in archives and special collections."

The exhibition will display works such as Jane Austen’s abandoned 'The Watsons' and Samuel Beckett’s 'Waiting for Godot', exploring discarded ideas, deletions, additions, and notes from literary figures such as Mary and Percy Shelley, Ian Fleming, Samuel Beckett, and John le Carré.

Richard Ovenden, Bodley’s Librarian, said: "The editorial process, an integral step in the creation of great works of literature, is invisible to the reader when they are enjoying a favourite novel or poem.

"Our exhibition attempts to bring these cuts and rewrites back from obscurity. It invites avid readers along on a journey with some of the greatest writers."

The exhibition forms part of the Season of Great Writers at the Bodleian Libraries, offering public displays and events.