Description
The first issue of the advance reading copy of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, published in 1960.
Octavo, [8], 9-296pp. Original paper wraps, title printed in black on front cover. Stated “first edition” on the copyright page. Solid text block, light toning to spine and edges of covers. A clean, near fine example. Housed in a custom brown cloth clamshell, with title in gilt on black morocco label affixed to spine.
An exceptionally rare piece.
Originally, the uncorrected proof copy of Mockingbird had a tentative publication date of June 20, 1960 listed on the cover page. This advance reading copy of To Kill a Mockingbird is the first issue, with advertisements directed at booksellers. It is printed with Courier typeface, names the publication date as “in July,” and features a note from Hubert A. Johnson, the sales manager at J.B. Lippincott. The second issue is advertised to all readers, printed in Courier typeface and has a publication date of “July 11, 1960” on the front cover. Both advance reading copies feature a quote from Truman Capote, recognizing Harper Lee as “someone rare” who has “the liveliest sense of life, and the warmest, most authentic humor.”
