Nelle Harper Lee, born on April 28, 1926, in Monroeville, Alabama, was an iconic American novelist. Her groundbreaking novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, published in 1960, won the 1961 Pulitzer Prize and is celebrated as a classic of modern American literature. Lee's contributions to literature extended beyond her own writing, as she assisted her close friend Truman Capote in his research for the book In Cold Blood (1966). In July 2015, her second and final novel, Go Set a Watchman, was published. Initially drafted before Mockingbird, it was released as a sequel, offering readers a new perspective on the familiar characters and themes.

The essence of To Kill a Mockingbird is rooted in Lee's observations of her family, neighbors, and the societal dynamics of Monroeville, Alabama. Through the narrative, she tackles the complex issues of racism, class, and the loss of innocence, all from the viewpoint of two children navigating the Deep South of the 1930s. Lee's ability to weave these themes into a compelling story has left an indelible mark on American literature.

In addition to her celebrated literary career, Lee received numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2007, in recognition of her contribution to literature.