Harper Lee, born Nelle Harper Lee on April 28, 1926, in Monroeville, Alabama, was an American novelist widely known for her 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird. It won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and has become a classic of modern American literature. Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contribution to literature in 2007.
To Kill a Mockingbird explores themes of racial injustice in the Deep South during the 1930s through the eyes of a young girl named Scout Finch. The book is renowned for its warmth and humor, despite dealing with serious issues.
In 2015, Harper Lee published her second novel, Go Set a Watchman, which was initially written before To Kill a Mockingbird. Lee spent much of her life out of the public eye, living privately in Monroeville until her death on February 19, 2016.
Legacy
Harper Lee's work continues to resonate with readers around the world. Her storytelling not only offers a glimpse into a particular era of American history but also addresses timeless human values and societal concerns.
Explore more about her life and work through our additional resources.