High-profile names from the worlds of publishing, entertainment and technology are among those who have paid tribute to US author Harper Lee.

The writer behind Pulitzer Prize-winner To Kill A Mockingbird has died aged 89.

Her family called her a "generous soul" and "one of the last century's most beloved authors".

Apple chief Tim Cook tweeted: "Rest in peace, Harper Lee" and quoted a line from her famous book, saying: "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."

Rest in peace, Harper Lee. "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) February 19, 2016

Lee's literary agent Andrew Nurnberg said: "When I saw her just six weeks ago, she was full of life, her mind and mischievous wit as sharp as ever.

"We have lost a great writer, a great friend and a beacon of integrity."

Tom Weldon, chief executive of Penguin Random House UK, said: "She was an extraordinary writer and readers around the world will always be thankful for her legacy."

Fifty Shades Of Grey author, E L James, tweeted: "RIP Harper Lee."

Actress Reese Witherspoon tweeted: "She revealed it all...the glory and the fear and the hate and the beauty. May she rest in peace. #HarperLee #RIP."

Actor Matthew Modine tweeted a tribute evoking her book: "Bless you #HarperLee Thank you for the chance to get inside the skin of Atticus. You made us all more conscious."

Selma director Ava DuVernay quoted another famous line: "You never really understand a person ... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it. Thank you, #HarperLee."

Hollywood star Daryl Hannah said: "Thank you Harper Lee for Atticus Boo Scout & the rest .... Peace."

Modern Family actress Ariel Winter tweeted a picture of a quote from the book: "People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for."

David and Victoria Beckham said in 2011 they named their daughter Harper after the author.