Books

Philadelphia and New York: J. B. Lippincott Company, 1960. First edition. Very Good+/Near Fine. First edition, first printing of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. A fantastic presentation copy signed by Harper Lee and warmly inscribed to close family friends in the year of publication on the front free endpaper, "To Evlyn and Bill with my love and best wishes, Nelle Harper Lee December 1960." Evlyn Samford (née Barrett) and Lee grew up together in Monroeville, Alabama. Evlyn was close friends with Harper's sister, Alice Lee; Alice being Harper's confidante, housemate and gatekeeper, as well as one the two dedicatees of To Kill a Mockingbird. Bound in publisher's original brown paper-covered boards over green cloth spine. Very Good+ with spine lean, light wear and spots of soiling to binding. Foxing to cloth, textblock edge and endsheets. Hinge at title page slightly over-opened. In a Near Fine unclipped dust jacket with quote from Jonathan Daniels on rear flap; with faint…

"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.

The first edition dust jacket shows $3.95.