"I never expected any sort of success with 'Mockingbird.' I was hoping for a quick and merciful death at the hands of the reviewers, but at the same time I sort of hoped someone would like it enough to give me encouragement."

— Harper Lee in Newquist, 1964

This week quietly marked the 98th birth anniversary of Alabama novelist Harper Lee, born April 28, 1926. 

Her towering work, “To Kill A Mockingbird,” lives in literary perpetuity.  

Published in 1960, the novel has become a classic of modern American literature, winning the Pulitzer Prize. The plot and characters are loosely based on Lee's observations of her family, her neighbors and an event that occurred near her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama. 

The storyline deals with racist attitudes, the irrationality of adult attitudes towards race and class in the South of the 1930s, as depicted through the eyes of two children.

RELATED: 'To Kill a Mockingbird' actor Yaegel Welch on the story's timeless lessons about race and truth

In 2006, British librarians ranked the book ahead of the Bible as one "every adult should read before they die."

It was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film in 1962, starring Gregory Peck. 

“Book collecting is all about scarcity," explained Bob Roarty. "They only published 5,000 copies in the first and second prin

“Book collecting is all about scarcity," explained Bob Roarty. "They only published 5,000 copies in the first and second printing. And this book resonates in the South."

Looking to purchase a copy of “To Kill A Mockingbird” on the occasion of Lee’s birth anniversary week?

Drive to DeKalb County, Clairmont Road near the PDK Airport, not far from Buford Highway. 

There's Atlanta Vintage Books, owned by Bob Roarty and his wife, Jan Bolgia.

Amidst the feral cats darting about the aisles with alarming confidence, the 64-year-old book rests under glass, secured by lock and key. 

If you would like the 35th anniversary edition of “To Kill A Mockingbird,” signed by the author, be prepared to pay $1,300 dollars in Chamblee.

“Book collecting is all about scarcity," explained Roarty. "They only published 5,000 copies in the first and second printing. And this book resonates in the South."

Lee -  in death as in life - was a mysterious figure. She helped her close friend Truman Capote in his research for the book, "In Cold Blood." 

Her second and final novel, "Go Set A Watchman," was published in July 2015 as a sequel of "To Kill A Mockingbird."

Lee would die one year later, in her sleep, at age 89. 

In the twentieth century, her novel is probably the most widely-read book dealing with race in America. The quote from the character Atticus is as relevant now as it was 64 years ago: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view…until you climb in his skin and walk around in it.”

There are two purchase options this week in the vintage book store. Trot out your American Express Card for the $1,300 masterpiece with the great author’s signature, or you can purchase the slightly dog-eared paperback nearby, for $5. 

Um, I’m a simple man. 

Can I get a bag? 

If you would like the 35th anniversary edition of Harper Lee’s —“To Kill A Mockingbird,” signed by the author, be prepared to

If you would like the 35th anniversary edition of Harper Lee’s —“To Kill A Mockingbird,” signed by the author, be prepared to pay $1,300 dollars in Chamblee.