The original book, of course, was published in
1960. It has sold over five million copies in many countries.
Written by Harper Lee, it chronicles the tale of Scout Finch over several years of her childhood. Providing the backdrop and much of the material for the novel is Scout's father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer, and a major trial in which he defends a black man; at the time, a social taboo.
This book is indispensible reading for anyone even considering college English. It's on almost every recommended reading list that can be found. Unfortunately, controversy over the use of the term 'nigger' has marred the book's name, although not as badly as in the case of Huck Finn.