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'To Kill a Mockingbird' will be released in e-book format

'Mockingbird' was one of the last classics to be available in paper form only.

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Courtesy of Universal Picture/Photofest/PBS
'To Kill a Mockingbird' author Harper Lee (l.), and actor Gregory Peck (l.), who starred in the film adaptation of 'Mockingbird,' talk.
  • By Molly Driscoll Staff Writer

Author Harper Lee has reportedly agreed to allow an e-book version of her classic novel “To Kill A Mockingbird” to be released.

The e-version of “Mockingbird” will be released on July 8 by HarperCollins, as will a digital audiobook version narrated by actress Sissy Spacek.

“I'm still old-fashioned,” Lee said in a statement. “I love dusty old books and libraries. I am amazed and humbled that Mockingbird has survived this long. This is Mockingbird for a new generation.”

“Mockingbird” was one of the most glaring omissions of classic books made available in electronic format. As pointed out by NPR, now one of the last holdouts of similar stature is the book “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger.

“Mockingbird” was first released in 1960 and won the Pulitzer Prize. The novel follows the Finch family and the life lessons the children, Scout and Jem, learn as their lawyer father Atticus defends an African-American man accused of rape in 1930s Alabama.

Lee was in the news last year when she sued her agent for copyright to “Mockingbird.” The author alleged that the son-in-law of her agent used her failing health to convince her to sign the copyright for “Mockingbird” over to him. The suit was settled, but Lee later sued the Monroe County Heritage Museum in her hometown of Monroeville, Ala. for allegedly exploiting her personality and trademark rights. The lawsuit was also later settled.

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