A Letter from Harper Lee

by Pete
(Michigan)

Two years ago, I read an unauthorized biography of Harper Lee called "Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee". It was well researched and not sensational in its depiction of the author, who refused to participate in the work. It left me curious as to what Harper Lee may have thought of the portrait presented, and as to how accurate some of the details were. I wrote to her asking her opinion of it.

To my surprise, I received a hand written reply from Ms. Lee, on her initialed stationary (NLH for Nell Harper Lee). She stated that she had read the book and found the depiction of her to be "unrecognizable, even to myself." She thanked me for my letter, and was very warm overall in her response to what I'd written. I was very honored to have been sent a reply, let alone one that was in her own hand.

Given that the biography was well received, and that Harper Lee has never published another novel - before or after "To Kill A Mockingbird", and that she has shunned interviews, I am curious as to what sort of value this letter may hold. Anyone have any ideas?

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A Letter from Harper Lee

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May 10, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Harper Lee Signed Letter
by: Bill

Congratulations on getting that letter. I know of one more person who wrote a sincere letter to Harper Lee. She responded, but did so harshly. That person had her feelings hurt and she trashed the letter, not thinking about monetary value.

I suppose Harper Lee has more time on her hands to answer letters than a lot of people think. But it is probable that she only answers the ones that strikes a nerve one way or the other.

With celebrity authored letters, content is king. Yours sounds like it has great content. My best estimate, if it is written entirely in her hand, is $1000+, and it will no doubt increase in value over time.

Harper Lee Autographs on eBay
Nov 21, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Harper Lee Letters
by: Beth

Dear Pete,
Congratulations on the special letter. I also own a letter from Miss Lee but she wrote it in 1965 to my father. (Please reference my page on this site, entitled "Harper Lee Signed Book, Personal Letter & Photo".)
Although my father died with many medals and other honors, the day he spent escorting Miss Lee was one of his very highest personal honors. Although he enjoyed a successful career in the Army, his greatest passion (and post-USMA academic focus) truly was American Literature.
I would love to write Miss Lee and communicate how profoundly her time and kindness affected my father, and the special place she and her writing had in his heart throughout his life. Although it would certainly be a great honor, my intent is not to merely seek a return letter.
Would you be so kind as to advise how you reached Miss Harper? (The return address on her thank-you note to my father is now over 45-years old.) I certainly understand if you prefer to maintain privacy, but if you decide otherwise, please contact me via e-mail, at beth.cousland@gmail.com. It would mean a great deal to me.
Sincerely,
Beth Anne
Nov 21, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thanks
by: Pete Meade

Thanks for your response. I had read the biography and was truly curious as to the accuracy and sympathized with her unwillingness to cooperate. I made no opinion of the what was written, and made no specific references, only asking her overall take on it.

I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Harper Lee and her desire for privacy. I'd love nothing more than to have seen many more works from her over the years, but for whatever reason, she has chosen not to follow up in print with any other endeavors. I'm certain she's made solid plans for how her estate is to handle any possible manuscripts she may or may not have pursued in the decades following "To Kill a Mockingbird". But I do hold out hope that there will yet be some sort of release of work from her, though no doubt it will be posthumous. Why would she want to endure having anything she might write be compared to, as it inevitably would, her masterpiece?

PM
Apr 28, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Selling
by: Anonymous

I don't mean to be rude or judgmental, but Lee wrote to you in response to a letter you wrote that obviously made an impression on her. For you to then go and ask about the value of the letter, to me it seems you aren't that genuine. I think Lee wonders who is trying to make money from her and carefully selects who she writes to. If someone got a reply from her, and then sold it for no other reason that to gain profit (when they don't need it e.g. they are not in poverty), then I can see why Lee might be selective.
May 25, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Dear Harper Lee
by: Anonymous

Dear Harper Lee,

I doubt you will read this, but I hope that maybe you or another of your admirers will see this letter and read it. I am a big fan of "To Kill a Mockingbird" and I especially like the character of Miss Maudie. (I even found her Lane Cake recipe with the help of Google and made it for my English class.) I wanted to know how you thought of the character, Miss Maudie Atkinson.

She has made me realize that although I always think about making sure I give people a second glance before judging them, I don't always set aside the first glance, looks or age difference, before I develop an opinion of someone. She inspired me to get to know people better before I make any judgements.

Harper Lee, we are twins born seventy years apart. I was born April 28, 1996. Many people wonder why you didn't write a sequel to your famous best seller. I think I have an answer. You obviously left room for the reader to figure some things out on their own to give that book more mystery, but you also make the reader think a little more about himself and about the world.

Writing a sequel would fill in the gaps left for the reader to fill in with their own thoughts and imagination.
May 25, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		To Anonymous
by: Pete

So my curiosity makes me disingenuous? Curious, yes, probably crass, but I don't recall ever offering the letter for sale, only seeking an idea of what it might possibly be worth to collectors.

Over the years, Ms. Lee has signed copies of "To Kill a Mockingbird" which people have sent to her for that sole purpose, and I'm sure she knew that many would turn around and cash them in. I wrote a straightforward letter to Ms. Lee, asking her thoughts about a well-received biography of her life, written by someone who never spoke with her. She wrote back with her assessment of it, which was the only comment I've yet to see from her regarding the Shields book. She never sought out the press to correct his inaccuracies. That she wrote back and told me was a great gift, and I wanted somehow to share it.

She had obviously read the book, and why wouldn't she? Curiosity!

PM

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