It did OK in the market based on pre-release hype alone, though critics (and most others who read it) hated it. Not only because of the KKK stuff, but also because it just wasn't very good (at least as compared to the original).
It seems pretty clear that the book should never have been released (and that Lee was very likely manipulated into agreeing to release it)
“It seems pretty clear that the book should never have been released (and that Lee was very likely manipulated into agreeing to release it) “
I see nothing wrong with releasing weaker works by writers whose works have passed the test of time.
It is interesting to see and provides a perspective for readers who respect the masterpieces.
I would agree that it oughtn’t have been released a couple years after. But after 50, in a fully understood context, it’s of value and interest.