The Story of My Life, Part 2 (Letters 1887 - 1901)

Helen Keller (1880 - 1968) and John Albert Macy (1905 - 1932)

When Helen Keller's autobiography was first published in 1903, Part 1 of this 3 part book, she was just a young woman studying at Radcliffe College. In it, she shares memories of her childhood, describes how Miss Sullivan rescued her from complete darkness, and reflects on her experiences as a college student.

Part 2 is a collection of Helen's letters from age 8 through 1901, addressed to various teachers, friends and mentors. This is interspersed with introductory commentary by her editor John Albert Macy. It is fascinating to see how her awareness of the world expanded as she matured, how much she relied on "teacher" (Anne Sullivan) to be her eyes ears, and interpreter of life, and displays her extraordinary graciousness, and ability to paint word pictures from an early age.

Part 3 of this book includes in-depth writings by her teacher, Anne Mansfield Sullivan, on her teaching methods, their experiences learning together; and additional insightful commentary by editor John Albert Macy on Helen’s extraordinary education, personality, giftedness, and literary style.

The 1962 hit movie "The Miracle Worker" (nominated for 5 academy awards), starring Anne Bancroft (won Best Actress) and Patty Duke (won Best Supporting Actress), was based upon information in this book. (Summary by Michele Fry)

Genre(s): Letters

Language: English

Section Chapter Author Source Reader Time Language
Play 01 01. Introduction Etext Wayne Cooke
00:05:22
Play 02 02. Letters 1-12 Etext Wayne Cooke
Victoria Neely
00:22:09
Play 03 03. Letters 13-19 Etext Wayne Cooke
Victoria Neely
00:19:32
Play 04 04. Letters 20-27 Etext Wayne Cooke
Victoria Neely
00:19:51
Play 05 05. Letters 28-34 Etext Wayne Cooke
Victoria Neely
00:21:48
Play 06 06. Letters 35-43 Etext Wayne Cooke
Victoria Neely
00:19:55
Play 07 07. Letters 44-53 Etext Wayne Cooke
Victoria Neely
00:21:29
Play 08 08. Letters 54-63 Etext Wayne Cooke
Victoria Neely
00:21:57
Play 09 09. Letters 64-73 Etext Wayne Cooke
Victoria Neely
00:20:14
Play 10 10. Letters 74-87 Etext Wayne Cooke
Victoria Neely
00:20:46
Play 11 11. Letters 88-95 Etext Wayne Cooke
Victoria Neely
00:18:06
Play 12 12. Letters 96-103 Etext Wayne Cooke
Victoria Neely
00:20:00
Play 13 13. Letters 104-110 Etext Wayne Cooke
Victoria Neely
00:14:34