The story of Helen Keller, who triumphed over deafness and blindness and became a symbol of the indomitable human spirit, is now considered one of the hundred most important books of the twentieth century (New York Public Library). Yet the astonishing original version, first published in 1903, has been out of print for many years. In this, the restored classic, Roger Shattuck, in collaboration with Dorothy Hermann, has reedited the book to reflect its original composition. Keller's remarkable transformation is presented in three successive accounts: Keller's own version; the letters of teacher Anne Sullivan, submerged in the earliest edition; and the valuable documentation by their assistant, John Macy. Including opening and closing commentary by Shattuck and notes by Hermann, this volume has already established itself as the definitive edition of a classic work.
The story of Helen Keller, who triumphed over deafness and blindness and became a symbol of the indomitable human spirit, is now considered one of the hundred most important books of the twentieth century (New York Public Library). Yet the astonishing original version, first published in 1903, has been out of print for many years. In this, the restored classic, Roger Shattuck, in collaboration with Dorothy Hermann, has reedited the book to reflect its original composition. Keller's remarkable transformation is presented in three successive accounts: Keller's own version; the letters of teacher Anne Sullivan, submerged in the earliest edition; and the valuable documentation by their assistant, John Macy. Including opening and closing commentary by Shattuck and notes by Hermann, this volume has already established itself as the definitive edition of a classic work.