THE WORKS OF HELLEN KELLER include five writings by American deafblind author, lecturer, and suffragist Helen Keller, including her highly moving autobiographies THE STORY OF MY LIFE and THE WORLD I LIVE IN. This collection also includes a selection of other works by Keller, including OPTIMISM: AN ESSAY, a speech opposing war (A STRIKE AGAINST WAR) and one of her most moving poems (THE SONG OF THE STONE WALL)
Helen Keller’s (1880-1968) early and most influential autobiography, THE STORY OF MY LIFE, was first published when Keller was only 23, but it proved to a seminal work and powerful advocacy piece for those with disabilities. The story follows Keller’s loss of sight and hearing at just 19 months, probably from meningitis or scarlet fever. While Keller could communicate through improvised signs with members of her household, it was the arrival of teacher Anne Sullivan which transformed Keller’s life. Sullivan taught Keller to sign by spelling words into her hand, opening up the world to the highly intelligent Keller. Sullivan became a lifelong friend and mentor prior to her death in 1936. Keller passed away in 1968 after spending a lifetime as a public speaker, advocate for the disabled, and gifted writer.
Helen Adams Keller was an American author, political activist and lecturer. She was the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. The story of how Keller's teacher, Annie Sullivan, broke through the isolation imposed by a near complete lack of language, allowing the girl to blossom as she learned to communicate, has become known worldwide through the dramatic depictions of the play and film The Miracle Worker.
A prolific author, Keller was well traveled and was outspoken in her opposition to war. She campaigned for women's suffrage, workers' rights, and socialism, as well as many other progressive causes.
Keller devoted much of her later life to raising funds for the American Foundation for the Blind. On September 14, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded Helen Keller the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the United States' highest two civilian honors.
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