To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee was first published on July 11, 1960.

Quick Facts

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (1961) explores racism, morality, and childhood innocence in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression (set 1933–1935). Harper Lee drew from her own Southern upbringing, crafting a story narrated by young Scout Finch about her father Atticus defending a Black man falsely accused of rape. It became an instant bestseller, selling millions and influencing generations through school curricula and a 1962 Oscar-winning film adaptation starring Gregory Peck.

Writing Timeline

  • Mid-1950s : Lee completed an early draft, later published as Go Set a Watchman in 2015.
  • 1957–1959 : Revised extensively with editor Tay Hohoff, transforming flashbacks into the core narrative.
  • July 11, 1960 : J.B. Lippincott & Co. released it to critical acclaim despite mixed initial reviews on its blend of humor and heavy themes.

Cultural Legacy

The book remains one of America's most taught novels, with Atticus Finch as a symbol of integrity amid racial injustice. By 2026, it has sold over 40 million copies worldwide, translated into 40+ languages, and inspired annual plays in Lee's hometown of Monroeville. Recent discussions highlight its 1950s context addressing Southern civil rights tensions, though some modern views critique its portrayal of race.

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." – Atticus Finch

TL;DR : Published July 11, 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird endures as a timeless tale of empathy and justice.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.