Events, Readings Planned for To Kill a Mockingbird's 50th Birthday

Posted on May 30, 2010

The New York Times reports that many events are planned at libraries and bookstores for the 50th anniversary of the publication of Harper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. The book was originally published in July, 1960. The Times says HarperCollins, the book's publisher, is behind some of the events.

Its publisher, HarperCollins, is trying to tap into what appears to be a near-endless reserve of affection for the book by helping to organize parties, movie screenings, readings and scholarly discussions. The publisher has recruited Tom Brokaw and other authors to take part by reading from the novel - which tells the story of the small-town lawyer Atticus Finch, who defends a black man accused of rape, and his family - in their hometowns.
Of course, there is also the hope that the events, which are scheduled to run through Sept. 22, will drum up more sales of the book. HarperCollins plans to issue four new editions of the novel next month, each with a different cover and all to be placed on special "Mockingbird" -themed floor displays in bookstores.

Author Harper Lee, 84, is not expected to attend. The Times article says she is a very private person. HarperCollins recently released a 50th anniversary edition of the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, which is pictured above. It is available for purchase on Amazon.com.