First Edition of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' Found in Oxfam Shop

A first‑edition copy of Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird was discovered in an O X F A M shop in west London, sparking interest among collectors and literary enthusiasts. The book, originally published in the United States in 1960, is a rare find for a charity shop that typically sells donated titles at low prices.

The volume was uncovered by staff while sorting a donation bin in the Hampstead branch. It bears the original dust jacket and the publisher’s imprint, indicating it is an unaltered first edition. O X F A M’s policy on rare books requires such items to be reported to a specialist; the charity has already contacted a rare‑book dealer to assess its condition and value.

While the shop plans to keep the book in its inventory, it is also considering a public auction to raise funds for its charitable work. The discovery underscores the occasional treasure trove that can emerge from second‑hand bookshops and highlights the enduring appeal of Lee’s classic.