General Discussion

Omaha Steve

(108,982 posts)

38. It was rumored for years

Wed Apr 30, 2014, 09:55 PM

Apr 2014

But it seems now the rumor was only a rumor.

Truman's best book was "A Christmas Memory". I've read it to my kids and grandkids grade school classes many times.

OS

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5244492

Letter Puts End to Persistent 'Mockingbird' Rumor

by MELISSA BLOCK
March 03, 2006 4:00 PM ET

New evidence may end the decades-old speculation that Truman Capote — not Harper Lee — wrote the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Dr. Wayne Flynt, retired professor of history from Auburn University discusses the basis for the persistent rumor and explains why it is indeed false.

MELISSA BLOCK, Host:

From NPR News, this is ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. I'm Melissa Block.

In the decades since Harper Lee published TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD in 1960, her novel has been shadowed by a persistent rumor. The speculation has been that Lee's long time friend Truman Capote either wrote or heavily edited the book, which would go on to be a bestseller and win the Pulitzer Prize.

Well, now a letter from Truman Capote to his aunt, dated July 9, 1959, should help put that rumor to rest. Joining us to talk about it is Wayne Flynt. He is a retired history professor at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. And he has researched the writings of both Harper Lee and Truman Capote. Welcome.

WAYNE FLYNT: Thank you.

FULL story at link.

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Highlight:

4 Awesome Things Harper Lee Did After 'Mockingbird' [View all] sheshe2 Apr 2014 OP

What a shame she never wrote another book. SheilaT Apr 2014 #1

"I have said what i wanted to say" JI7 Apr 2014 #3

I like this part, J17~ sheshe2 Apr 2014 #5

I'd rather she be a one-hit wonder (in a literary sense) alp227 Apr 2014 #4

I always heard that Truman wrote a lot of TKAM. Is this true? I dont know. zonkers Apr 2014 #6

she wrote the book but Dill was based on Capote JI7 Apr 2014 #7

That was the rumor but it really doesn't make sense. pamela Apr 2014 #12

I think that Ms Lee was terrified of the public spotlight that she implored Capote not to use her; greiner3 Apr 2014 #26

I think you misunderstood. pamela Apr 2014 #43

Their writings styles are very different The Second Stone Apr 2014 #33

I doubt that there is really any such thing as "the great American novel" Glorfindel Apr 2014 #13

Amazing woman.. Mahalo, she! Cha Apr 2014 #2

I went to Monroeville, Alabama, her home town. trof Apr 2014 #8

Thanks for the info trof. sheshe2 Apr 2014 #10

they have just added a sculpture to the lawn of the courthouse. dixiegrrrrl Apr 2014 #11

I have heard she is not doing well, so glad she is being cared for. sheshe2 Apr 2014 #16

Only image I found was in our weekly paper. dixiegrrrrl Apr 2014 #17

I grew up in Grove Hill, about 35 miles from Monroeville Frances Apr 2014 #27

I have cousins in Grove Hill and Gainestown. trof Apr 2014 #31

My mother and father are buried in Grove Hill, but Frances Apr 2014 #37

Hadn't heard of the Mitchum War. I'll look it up. trof May 2014 #45

Atticus Finch. A great and noble character. kairos12 Apr 2014 #9

I once lived close to Monroeville dinger130 Apr 2014 #14

I have always though Truman wrote To Kill a Mockingbird Omaha Steve Apr 2014 #15

Why did you think that? yardwork Apr 2014 #36

It was rumored for years Omaha Steve Apr 2014 #38

Mockingbird - one of my favorite books ever. Everything about it is wonderful. Sarah Ibarruri Apr 2014 #18

I have read this book so many times BrotherIvan Apr 2014 #19

reading books again, especially the classics is one of the most enjoyable things i have found JI7 Apr 2014 #21

I also like reading them as I age BrotherIvan Apr 2014 #28

I have to wonder if such a book exboyfil Apr 2014 #20

you have to consider the times and other context, plus in this book he was not able to save him JI7 Apr 2014 #22

As a person of color, I will never take offense when someone stands up for what is right BrotherIvan Apr 2014 #30

Lee looks like an older Scout... FailureToCommunicate Apr 2014 #23

She does! sheshe2 Apr 2014 #25

"To Kill a Mockingbird", prophetic genius madame Lee. saidsimplesimon Apr 2014 #24

She played drums for The Clash lovemydog Apr 2014 #29

Am honored to have an autographed 35th Anniversary copy of indepat Apr 2014 #32

My father died when I was ten. TNNurse Apr 2014 #34

I am so sorry you lost your dad so young. sheshe2 Apr 2014 #42

Thanks TNNurse May 2014 #44

She rules shenmue Apr 2014 #35

Atticus Egnever Apr 2014 #39

I love that name, Egnever! sheshe2 Apr 2014 #40

It is a big name. Egnever Apr 2014 #41