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William Heinemann to publish a graphic novel adaptation of Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird

William Heinemann Publisher Jason Arthur has acquired UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada, for a graphic novel adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic To Kill a Mockingbird from Jenny Savill at Andrew Nurnberg Associates.

To Kill a Mockingbird
‘Shoot all the Bluejays you want, if you can hit ‘em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.’

Originally published in 1960 by William Heinemann in the UK, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has been translated into more than 40 languages, and sells well over 1 million copies worldwide every year. Now, for the first time, To Kill a Mockingbird will be available as a beautifully illustrated graphic novel, drawn and adapted by Fred Fordham.

Jason Arthur, William Heinemann Publisher said: ‘To Kill a Mockingbird regularly tops polls as the nation’s most loved book and we are delighted that readers will be able to revisit it – or discover it for the first time – in graphic novel form. The art I’ve seen so far from Fred is stunning and his adaptation storyboard is utterly true to the original novel.’

The Estate of Harper Lee said: ‘The Estate is very happy to be working with Fred Fordham on this wonderful project.  Fred’s work has a quality that surpasses time, just like the novel he will bring to life in a new way.  We can’t wait to hear the reaction from old and new fans.’

Fred Fordham said: ‘Adapting a story that means so much to so many – and finding the appropriate art style to give it life in a long-form visual medium – is a great honour and responsibility, and, mercifully, also a great pleasure.’

The graphic novel adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird will be published by William Heinemann on 1 November 2018.

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