Lot # 1814: 1960 Harper Lee Signed and Inscribed with Sketch “To Kill A Mockingbird” First Edition, Fourth Impression Book from Home State of Alabama – Full JSA LOA

Check out a classic best-seller, with this Harper Lee signed and inscribed “To Kill A Mockingbird” first edition, fourth impression book. Perhaps the most famous book about racial inequality during the “Jim Crow” era, Lee’s renowned work of fiction tells the tale of a rape trial set in Alabama during the early-1930s. The Civil Rights movement was in full swing in 1960, and the sensitive material was touchy, so publisher J.B. Lippincott of Philadelphia and New York advised Lee not to expect much in the way of sales. Well, that was wrong. The first printing rolled out on July 11, 1960, with a reported 5,000 copies in the run. Sales were brisk, and an additional thirteen more printings were done in 1960.

This fourth printing book is stated as being a “Fourth Impression” example, with standard brown cover boards, and a green spine. The spine is sturdy, though moderately faded, while the spine lettering and graphics retain a strong degree of integrity. Fledgling author Lee has signed gracefully on the flyleaf page, and she has included the gracious personalization “To Helen Lillis with the best wishes of Harper Lee”, along with the date inscription “September 14, 1960”, and a sketch of a mockingbird accompanied by another inscription which reads “Here is something cute about Alabama”. Opposite the signed page, the inside of the front cover is affixed with a gold foil bookseller label that reads “The Book & Art Shop, Dothan, Alabama”. Located on the title page, is a gifting presentation note that reads “Love always to Helen From Lou –“, suggesting Lou had Lee sign this book for the object of his affection, Helen.

It has been reported that Lee (d.2016) was reluctant to sign her book, and she was definitely a reluctant author, as she did not have her second book published until 2015. Her first book “To Kill A Mockingbird” is considered a true classic of American fiction. Lee won the 1961 Pulitzer Prize for this novel, which served as the basis for a 1962 hit film of the same title, starring Gregory Peck in the lead role of "Atticus Finch".

 Full LOA from James Spence/JSA.