To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel authored by Harper Lee, published in June 1960. It quickly achieved success and has become a staple in American high school and middle school curriculums. The book is considered a classic of modern American literature and won the Pulitzer Prize a year after its release. The narrative and characters are inspired by Lee's own experiences with her family, neighbors, and a significant event that took place in her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama, in 1936, when she was ten years old.
1919: Historical Case Inspiration
In 1919, Harper Lee's father, Amasa Coleman Lee, defended two black men accused of murder. After their conviction and subsequent hanging, he never took another criminal case. This real-life event served as an inspiration for the character of Atticus Finch.
1926: Birth of Harper Lee
Harper Lee was born in 1926 in Monroeville, Alabama. She would later become a close friend of writer Truman Capote and a renowned author herself.
1933: Setting of To Kill a Mockingbird
The story of To Kill a Mockingbird is set during three years of the Great Depression (1933–1935) in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama. The narrator, six-year-old Jean Louise Finch (Scout), lives with her father Atticus Finch and older brother Jeremy (Jem).
1936: Inspiration for To Kill a Mockingbird
In 1936, Harper Lee observed events near her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama, which later inspired the plot and characters of To Kill a Mockingbird. She was ten years old at the time.
1937: Inspiration for Tom Robinson
In 1937, Walter Lett, a black man accused of raping a white woman near Monroeville, Alabama, died in prison after his death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. His case inspired the character of Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird.
1944: Enrollment at Huntingdon College
In 1944, Harper Lee enrolled at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama, where she began to develop her interest in writing.
1945: Transfer to the University of Alabama
In 1945, Harper Lee transferred to the University of Alabama, where she studied law and wrote for campus literary magazines, focusing on themes of racial injustice.
1950: Move to New York City
In 1950, Harper Lee moved to New York City, where she worked as a reservation clerk for British Overseas Airways Corporation and began writing a collection of essays and short stories.
1952: Death of Boo Radley's Inspiration
In 1952, the son of a family who lived down the street from Harper Lee's childhood home, and served as the inspiration for the character Boo Radley, died after being hidden away by his father for 24 years out of shame.
1955: Emmett Till's Murder
In 1955, the murder of black teenager Emmett Till in Mississippi for allegedly flirting with a white woman became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement. This tragic event also served as an inspiration for the character of Tom Robinson.
1956: Racial Tensions and Riots at University of Alabama
In 1956, riots erupted at the University of Alabama after Autherine Lucy and Polly Myers were admitted. Myers eventually withdrew her application while Lucy was expelled, only to be reinstated in 1980. These events are believed to have shaped the themes of racial issues in 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
1957: Completion of Go Set a Watchman Draft
In 1957, Harper Lee completed the draft of 'Go Set a Watchman', an earlier version of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' set 20 years later. This manuscript was controversially released in 2015, sparking debates over its authenticity and intentions.
1957: Presentation of Manuscript
In 1957, Harper Lee presented her manuscript to a literary agent recommended by Truman Capote. The manuscript was bought by an editor at J. B. Lippincott, marking the beginning of her literary career.
June 1960: Publication of To Kill a Mockingbird
In June 1960, Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird was published. The book quickly became successful and is widely read in American high schools and middle schools. It is considered a classic of modern American literature.
July 11, 1960: Publication of To Kill a Mockingbird with Revisions
On July 11, 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird was published with the title chosen by Harper Lee to reflect the story's broader themes beyond a character portrait. The editorial team initially warned her that only several thousand copies would be sold.
1960: Initial Reactions to 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
In 1960, initial reactions to 'To Kill a Mockingbird' varied. The New Yorker praised Harper Lee as a skilled writer, while The Atlantic Monthly found the narrative voice implausible. Time magazine praised the book for its insights into Southern life.
1960: Collaboration with Truman Capote
In 1960, Harper Lee and Truman Capote traveled to Kansas to investigate the murders that would become the basis for Capote's nonfiction novel In Cold Blood. Their collaboration highlighted their enduring friendship and mutual literary support.
1961: Pulitzer Prize Award
In 1961, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' received the Pulitzer Prize during its 41st week on the bestseller list, marking a significant career milestone for Harper Lee.
1962: Brotherhood Award and Paperback of the Year
In 1962, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' won the Brotherhood Award of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and the Paperback of the Year award from Bestsellers magazine.
1962: Film Adaptation
In 1962, To Kill a Mockingbird was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film directed by Robert Mulligan, with a screenplay by Horton Foote. The film has contributed to the novel's lasting impact.
1962: Film Adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird
In 1962, the book To Kill a Mockingbird was adapted into a highly successful film starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch. The film, produced by Alan J. Pakula, became a box office hit, grossing over $20 million from a $2-million budget. It won three Oscars, including Best Actor for Gregory Peck, and was nominated for five more Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
1963: Early Classroom Study and Controversy Beginnings
In 1963, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' began to be included in classroom study, marking the start of its long history of controversy over its content, including racial slurs and discussions of rape.
1964: Refusal of Publicity
In 1964, Harper Lee decided to refuse any personal publicity for herself or her novel To Kill a Mockingbird. She continued to maintain this stance throughout her life.
1964: Lee's Recollection of Hopes
In 1964, Harper Lee recalled her hopes for To Kill a Mockingbird, reflecting on the novel's unexpected success and impact.
1964: Symbolism of Mockingbirds in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
In 1964, writer Edwin Bruell summarized the symbolism of mockingbirds in 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' noting that to kill a mockingbird is to destroy innocence and harmlessness. This theme is central to the moral points made in the novel.
1964: Harper Lee Aspires to be the 'Jane Austen of South Alabama'
In a 1964 interview, Harper Lee expressed her aspiration to be the 'Jane Austen of South Alabama,' highlighting her challenge to the social status quo and her emphasis on individual worth over social standing. This aligns with the themes in 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
1964: Decline of Interviews
Starting in 1964, Harper Lee began turning down interviews, expressing concerns over monotonous questions and the kind of celebrity publicity she was receiving.
1966: Hanover, Virginia Protest and Harper Lee's Response
In 1966, a parent in Hanover, Virginia protested the use of rape as a plot device in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Harper Lee responded by sending $10 to The Richmond News Leader for the Hanover County School Board's enrollment in any first grade class of its choice.
1968: NEA Complaints List
In 1968, the National Education Association placed 'To Kill a Mockingbird' second on a list of books receiving the most complaints from private organizations, following 'Little Black Sambo'.
1980: Autherine Lucy Reinstated at University of Alabama
Autherine Lucy, who was expelled in 1956 following racial riots at the University of Alabama, was reinstated in 1980. This event is considered significant in the historical context of 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
1990: Annual Play Performance
Since 1990, a play based on To Kill a Mockingbird has been performed annually in Harper Lee's hometown of Monroeville, Alabama, further cementing the novel's cultural legacy.
1990: Play Adaptation in Monroeville
In 1990, Christopher Sergel's play adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird debuted in Monroeville, Alabama. The play is performed annually on the county courthouse grounds, with townspeople as the cast and audience members selected to form the jury during the courtroom scene. The event has become a civic ritual for the town.
1991: Influence of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
A 1991 survey by the Book of the Month Club and the Library of Congress found 'To Kill a Mockingbird' to be fourth on the list of books 'most often cited as making a difference.' It is often considered the 'Great American Novel.'
1992: Controversial Editorial on Atticus Finch
In 1992, an Alabama editorial called for the death of Atticus Finch, arguing that despite his liberal stance, he operated within a system of institutionalized racism and sexism. This sparked responses from attorneys who viewed him as a hero.
1994: Claudia Johnson's Analysis
In 1994, Claudia Johnson published To Kill a Mockingbird: Threatening Boundaries, offering a critical analysis of the novel and its themes.
1995: Refusal of Introduction
In 1995, Harper Lee refused to provide an introduction for 'To Kill a Mockingbird', stating that introductions inhibit pleasure and that the book had survived the years without one.
1997: Monument to Atticus Finch Erected
In 1997, the Alabama State Bar erected a monument to Atticus Finch in Monroeville, marking him as a significant figure in the state's judicial history.
2000: Frequently Challenged Books List
From 2000 to 2009, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' was ranked number 21 on the American Library Association's list of the 100 most frequently challenged books, due to complaints about its language and themes.
2003: BBC's The Big Read
In 2003, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' was listed at number 6 on the BBC's The Big Read, the highest-ranking non-British book in a year-long survey of the British public.
2004: Widespread Citywide Reading Programs
By 2004, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' had been selected by 25 communities for citywide reading programs, more than any other novel. It was praised for connecting with readers on multiple levels, including racial interactions and childhood experiences.
May 2005: Harper Lee's Appearance at Los Angeles Public Library
In May 2005, Harper Lee made a rare public appearance at the Los Angeles Public Library, at the request of Veronique Peck, the widow of Gregory Peck. This event was notable due to Lee's typically private nature.
2005: Harper Lee on Tom Robinson's Inspiration
In 2005, Harper Lee stated that while the Scottsboro Boys case served to display Southern prejudices, she had something less sensational in mind for the character of Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird.
2006: Librarians' Recommendation
In 2006, British librarians ranked To Kill a Mockingbird ahead of the Bible as a book every adult should read before they die. The novel, despite its themes of racial inequality, rape, and the use of racial epithets, remains highly regarded.
2006: UK Tour of Sergel's Play
In 2006, Christopher Sergel's play adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird began its tour in the UK, starting at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in Leeds, featuring Duncan Preston as Atticus Finch.
2006: Honorary Doctorate from University of Notre Dame
In 2006, Harper Lee received an honorary doctorate from the University of Notre Dame, where she was given a standing ovation and the graduating class honored her by holding up copies of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.
November 5, 2007: Presidential Medal of Freedom
On November 5, 2007, Harper Lee was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush, who praised the enduring impact of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' on America's character and its global influence.
2008: Most Widely Read Book in U.S. Secondary Schools
A 2008 survey revealed that 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is the most widely read book among U.S. students in grades 9-12. The novel, which has sold over 30 million copies and been translated into more than 40 languages, has never been out of print.
2008: Harper Lee Receives Honorary Special Membership
In 2008, Harper Lee received an honorary special membership to the Alabama State Bar for creating Atticus Finch, who became an exemplar of the ideal lawyer serving the needs of the poor.
2011: UK Tour of Sergel's Play
In 2011, the play adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird returned to the UK, starting at the York Theatre Royal with Duncan Preston again playing Atticus Finch.
2013: Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Production
In 2013, the play adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird opened the season at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in London, starring Robert Sean Leonard as Atticus Finch. The production was well-received and played to full houses.
2014: Regent's Park Production Returns
In 2014, the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre production of To Kill a Mockingbird returned to close the season, prior to embarking on a UK tour.
July 14, 2015: Publication of Go Set a Watchman
On July 14, 2015, Harper Lee published Go Set a Watchman, an earlier draft of To Kill a Mockingbird. This was her second published book, coming several decades after her first novel.
February 2016: Death of Harper Lee
In February 2016, Harper Lee passed away. Until her death, she continued to respond to her work's impact despite refusing personal publicity since 1964.
2016: Removal from Virginia Classrooms
In 2016, following parental complaints about racist language, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' was removed from classrooms in Virginia, sparking further debate over its appropriateness in education.
2017: Biloxi, Mississippi Classroom Ban
In 2017, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' was removed from the required reading list in Biloxi, Mississippi, due to complaints of making people uncomfortable, though it remained available for students with parental consent.
October 2018: Graphic Novel Adaptation
In October 2018, Fred Fordham adapted To Kill a Mockingbird into a graphic novel. This new version retained the essence of Harper Lee's original work while omitting some longer passages to cater to a younger audience.
2018: America's Favorite Book
In 2018, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' was chosen as America's Favorite Book by the American public through PBS's The Great American Read, after remaining at number one throughout the entire five-month-long voting period.
2018: Aaron Sorkin’s Broadway Adaptation
In 2018, a new adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Aaron Sorkin, debuted on Broadway. The production was highly acclaimed, earning nine Tony Award nominations and winning one.
November 5, 2019: 100 Most Influential Novels
On November 5, 2019, BBC News listed 'To Kill a Mockingbird' among its 100 most influential novels, highlighting its lasting impact on literature and society.
2020: NYPL Top Check Outs of All Time
In 2020, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' was ranked number five on the New York Public Library's list of 'Top Check Outs OF ALL TIME', underscoring its enduring popularity.
December 28, 2021: Best Book of the Past 125 Years
On December 28, 2021, The New York Times announced 'To Kill a Mockingbird' as the best book of the past 125 years, solidifying its status as a literary classic.
2021: Mukilteo, Washington Reading List Proposal
In 2021, teachers in Mukilteo, Washington proposed removing 'To Kill a Mockingbird' from the list of required reading and district-approved books due to its focus on whiteness; the school board approved only the former proposal.