Books

J.B. Lippincott, Philadelphia, PA. 1960. 296 pages. First edition, third printing, stated. Original third printing DJ, stated on front flap, with the rare Harper Lee photo on rear. This photo was removed in subsequent printings. No mention of the Pulitzer Prize anywhere on DJ. Binding and hinges are sound. Brown paper-covered boards quarter-bound in green cloth binding. Book is identical to the first printing, just substituting one word, third for first, on the copyright page. Brown boards are clean. Green cloth binding is clean. Pages and endpapers are clean. Light faint foxing on endpapers. A faint trace of scant foxing on bottom page edges, barely. No BCE/BOMC blindstamp on rear cover. Attractive DJ shows light rubbing along edges and tiny chipping at corners of crown and heel. Minimal soiling to rear of DJ. $3.95 price clipped from flap, however the the front flap states third printing, and Harper Lee's photo is still on rear, which only lasted for the first three printings. Considering the first printing of this title was only 5,000 copies, these early printings remain highly collectible. First edition, third printing in matching original 3rd printing DJ, with the coveted Harper Lee photo on rear. VG/VG.

"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.