To Kill a Mockingbird first edition discovered in London Oxfam shop
A rare 1960 US first edition of Harper Lee's novel was found among donated books and acquired by the British Library.
What to know
- A first edition of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird (1960) was found in a donation box at an Oxfam bookshop in west London, with worn exterior but pages in pristine condition.
- The British Library has acquired the rare book for its national collection.
- The discovery highlights the value of items that can be overlooked in charity shop donations and coincides with Oxfam's Second Hand September campaign.
“It really has been quite a journey, and it's a lovely reminder, during Second Hand September, of the kind of treasures that can be hiding among the shelves and donations in our shops.”
Olivia Haysman-Walker, Oxfam bookshop manager · BBC ↗
Olivia Haysman-Walker Oxfam bookshop managerHarper Lee Author of To Kill a MockingbirdBritish Library National libraryOxfam Charity and bookshop operator
How it unfolded 2 developments, newest first · click a bar or a number to jump articlesposts
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British Library acquires the first edition for national collection
The book, which has a worn dust jacket but pages in beautiful condition, has been acquired by the British Library and will join its permanent national collection.
“It's amazing to think that this book has passed through our Oxfam bookshop and into the national collection at the British Library.”
— Olivia Haysman-Walker -
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To Kill a Mockingbird first edition found in Oxfam donation
A rare first edition of Harper Lee's 1960 novel was discovered among items donated to an Oxfam bookshop in Portobello Road, west London. Shop manager Olivia Haysman-Walker identified it as a genuine first US edition.
“There were lots of books to work through in the donation, but we recognised To Kill A Mockingbird and thought it was worth taking a closer look.”
— Olivia Haysman-Walker