Harper Lee author of To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee author of To Kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee Sandra Bullock as Harper Lee

H Harper Lee Her real (full) name is Nelle Harper Lee. She was born in 1926.

A Harper Lee was born in Monroeville, Alabama. TKAM is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama.

R Harper Lee studied law for four years at the University of Alabama (dropping out shortly before getting her degree). Her father was also a lawyer. The main character in TKAM, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer!

P Harper Lee became a research assistant to her lifelong friend, Truman Capote (to investigate a violent murder in Kansas so he could write the novel In Cold Blood).

E Harper Lee was 34 years old when she wrote her masterpiece To Kill a Mockingbird. It was thought to be the only novel she ever wrote…until. . .

R Harper Lee In 2014, a forgotten manuscript was found that Harper Lee had written before TKAM. This unpolished, controversial novel was released in 2015 with the title Go Set a Watchman. It details the life of Scout as a 26 year old who returns to Maycomb to confront her father, Atticus, in his later years.

L Harper Lee TKAM was an immediate hit! It won the 1961 Pulitzer Prize for literature, has sold over 30+ million copies, and been translated into 40 languages.

E Harper Lee The Oscar-winning movie starring Gregory Peck received Lee’s blessing: “I think it is one of the best translations of a book to film ever made. ”

E Harper Lee died in February, 2016. Throughout her life, Lee rarely talked about the novel and has refused to talk to the press or make public appearances.