Books

First Printing, one of ca.5,000 copies. Octavo (20.75cm); brown paper over light green cloth, with titling and decorations stamped in brown on spine; dustjacket; [8],9-296pp. Pictorial bookplate of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. (1909-1988) mounted to front pastedown. Two tiny foxed spots to upper front board edge along the backstrip, else a fresh, Fine copy. In the correct first printing dustjacket, priced $3.95, with 4-line Truman Capote quote on the front flap and Jonathan Daniels quote on the rear flap; mild wear to spine ends, and to a lesser degree, along the joints and front flap fold, with a few pinpoint rubbed spots to front panel; a bright, Near Fine example, rich in color, and entirely unrestored. Housed in a custom half-morocco clamshell case. The author's first published book, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1961 and basis for Robert Mulligan's Oscar-winning 1962 film starring Gregory Peck.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee is a coming-of-age novel set in the racially segregated Southern United States during the 1930s. Narrated by Jean Louise "Scout" Finch, it follows her childhood experiences in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, where her father, Atticus Finch, a principled lawyer, defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. Scout, along with her brother Jem and their friend Dill, becomes engrossed in the trial and witnesses the deep-seated racism and prejudice prevalent in their community. Despite Atticus' compelling defense and evidence proving Tom's innocence, the deeply ingrained racial bias leads to Tom's unjust conviction. Throughout the novel, Lee weaves a tapestry of themes such as racial injustice, moral growth, empathy, and the loss of innocence. Atticus serves as a moral compass, imparting valuable lessons about courage, integrity, and standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. The children also encounter the reclusive Boo Radley, a neighbor shrouded in mystery and superstition. Through their curiosity and empathy, they come to realize Boo's humanity, challenging the prejudices and preconceived notions within their society. Lee's eloquent narrative captures the complexities of human nature and societal norms, examining how prejudice and ignorance can breed injustice. The novel poignantly illustrates the harsh realities of racism while advocating for empathy and understanding. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a timeless masterpiece, celebrated for its poignant portrayal of moral courage, the loss of innocence, and the resilience of the human spirit. It remains a powerful indictment of social inequality and a testament to the enduring importance of compassion and empathy in confronting prejudice and injustice.