The notable author who penned "To Kill a Mockingbird" is Harper Lee. Published in 1960, this classic novel addresses themes of racial injustice and moral growth in the Deep South during the 1930s. Lee’s storytelling centers around Atticus Finch, a lawyer who defends an African American man falsely accused of raping a white woman. The book's portrayal of societal issues and its exploration of empathy and understanding have made it a pivotal work in American literature, fostering essential discussions about race, morality, and human behavior.