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Helen Keller

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Story of My Life (Dover Thrift Editions: Biography) Paperback – February 1, 1996

by Helen Keller (Author), Candace Ward (Editor)

1,075 ratings

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The Story of My Life (Dover Thrift Editions: Biography)

When she was 19 months old, Helen Keller (1880–1968) suffered a severe illness that left her blind and deaf. Not long after, she also became mute. Her tenacious struggle to overcome these handicaps — with the help of her inspired teacher, Anne Sullivan — is one of the great stories of human courage and dedication. In this classic autobiography, first published in 1903, Miss Keller recounts the first 22 years of her life, including the magical moment at the water pump when, recognizing the connection between the word "water" and the cold liquid flowing over her hand, she realized that objects had names. Subsequent experiences were equally noteworthy: her joy at eventually learning to speak, her friendships with Oliver Wendell Holmes, Edward Everett Hale and other notables, her education at Radcliffe (from which she graduated cum laude), and-underlying all-her extraordinary relationship with Miss Sullivan, who showed a remarkable genius for communicating with her eager and quick-to-learn pupil. These and many other aspects of Helen Keller's life are presented here in clear, straightforward prose full of wonderful descriptions and imagery that would do credit to a sighted writer. Completely devoid of self-pity, yet full of love and compassion for others, this deeply moving memoir offers an unforgettable portrait of one of the outstanding women of the twentieth century.

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Debuting in 1990, the Thrift Editions library of classic literature is a top choice for teachers, students, librarians, and recreational readers around the world. Dover’s longstanding mission of exceptional value has consistently offered excellence in classic fiction, nonfiction, plays, and poetry.

Dover Thrift Editions are low priced, compact (5"x8"), complete and unabridged.
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In addition to single title books, Dover offers books of anthologies in fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Check out our Thrift Editions of short stories, literary collections, poetry, gothic and horror, SciFi/Fantasy, crime/mystery/thrillers and more. Happy Reading!

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From the Publisher

She spoke not only for herself and others with physical disabilities but also for an array of progressive causes, including women's suffrage, pacifism, and socialism.

"From a still, dark world she has brought us light and sound; our lives are richer for her faith and her example."

“Do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow”

Deaf and blind from infancy, Helen Keller (1880–1968) prevailed over seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

A great story of human courage and dedication recounted in autobiography of a remarkable woman.

From the magical moment when Miss Keller first recognizes the connection between words and objects, her joy at learning how to speak, friendships with notable figures, her education at Radcliffe and an extraordinary relationship with her inspired teacher, Anne Sullivan.

Dovers Thrift Edition Library of classic literature - a long standing mission of exceptional value

WARNING: California’s Proposition 65

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From the Back Cover

When she was 19 months old, Helen Keller (1880–1968) suffered a severe illness that left her blind and deaf. Not long after, she also became mute. Her tenacious struggle to overcome these handicaps—with the help of her inspired teacher, Anne Sullivan—is one of the great stories of human courage and dedication. In this classic autobiography, first published in 1903, Miss Keller recounts the first 22 years of her life, including the magical moment at the water pump when, recognizing the connection between the word "water" and the cold liquid flowing over her hand, she realized that objects had names.Many other aspects of Helen Keller's life are presented here in clear, straightforward prose full of wonderful descriptions and imagery that would do credit to a sighted writer. Completely devoid of self-pity, yet full of love and compassion for others, this deeply moving memoir offers an unforgettable portrait of one of the outstanding women of the twentieth century.

About the Author

Deaf and blind from infancy, Helen Keller (1880-1968) prevailed over seemingly insurmountable obstacles. She spoke not only for herself and others with physical disabilities but also for an array of progressive causes, including women's suffrage, pacificism, and socialism. Keller received an honorary degree from Harvard, the first ever granted to a woman, that proclaimed, From a still, dark world she has brought us light and sound; our lives are richer for her faith and her example.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dover Publications; Unabridged edition (February 1, 1996)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 80 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0486292495
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0486292496
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 1150L
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.4 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.28 x 0.24 x 8.35 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #19,918 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #230 in Women's Biographies
- #750 in Memoirs (Books)
- #1,891 in Literary Fiction (Books)

Customer Reviews:
1,075 ratings

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Customer reviews

1,075 global ratings

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Customers find the book well-written and inspirational, describing it as an excellent autobiography that provides insight into Helen Keller's life. They appreciate the author's intelligence, with one customer highlighting her remarkable accomplishments throughout her life. The book receives positive feedback for its pacing, being appropriate for young readers, and its sturdiness, with customers noting it's in good condition. While many find it enjoyable and worth the price, opinions about the print size are mixed, with several customers finding it too small.

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Readability Storyline Woman's intelligence Pacing Sturdiness Value for money Enjoyment Print size

61 customers mention "Readability"54 positive7 negative

Customers find the book readable and well-written, describing it as a miracle and an interesting read.

"This book is a miracle...." Read more

"...Quick read. Definitely recommend." Read more

"...She learned to read lips by touching them, learned to speak well enough for those who were around her enough and cared enough could understand her...." Read more

"...And it’s biography rather than autobiography. A good starter book to begin one’s journey in “knowing” Miss Keller." Read more

28 customers mention "Storyline"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the autobiography inspiring and uplifting, describing it as an excellent and informative read that provides insight into the author's life.

"...at age 23 such virtuous wisdom, such knowledge of beauty, such integrity of soul? Other than Jesus, Helen is my favorite person...." Read more

"Chronicles her life from childhood to adult. Her exploits are amazing and more numerous that I knew...." Read more

"This book is a testament to the human will, and to the ability of the human body to compensate...." Read more

"Definitely geared for younger readers. And it’s biography rather than autobiography...." Read more

22 customers mention "Woman's intelligence"22 positive0 negative

Customers praise Helen Keller's intelligence, describing her as a remarkable and all-around smart woman, with one customer noting her unbelievable accomplishments throughout her life.

"...did not see or hear express in such elegant words at age 23 such virtuous wisdom, such knowledge of beauty, such integrity of soul?..." Read more

"...What a brave and clever person she was, who managed to look on the bright side even when most of us would be certain there wasn't a bright side...." Read more

"...She’s an amazing woman." Read more

"so much to love. a real hero!" Read more

8 customers mention "Pacing"6 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing, with several noting it is appropriate for young readers.

"Definitely geared for younger readers. And it’s biography rather than autobiography...." Read more

"Arrived quickly and in excellent condition. Required book for ASL class." Read more

"The book, while very well written, is definitely not child-friendly...." Read more

"...11yr old daughter for summer reading, so far no complaints, appropriate for young reader. The book arrived on time and in great condition." Read more

8 customers mention "Sturdiness"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's sturdiness, noting it arrives in good condition and is very strong.

"...What a brave and clever person she was, who managed to look on the bright side even when most of us would be certain there wasn't a bright side...." Read more

"Arrived quickly and in excellent condition. Required book for ASL class." Read more

"It came in perfect condition, not a single scratch, error with the text, or flaw on it!..." Read more

"...Just in time for my brother to read it and test on it! Product in good condition as promised! Very pleased!" Read more

5 customers mention "Value for money"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book worth its price.

"This is a very low cost economy paperback very well worth the couple of dollars for a brand new copy of Helen Kellers life story it’s very well..." Read more

"...THis is SO worth the price, and my daughter and I are enjoying our reading time. HIGHLY recommend this book!!" Read more

"...I can't say that I blame her. I appreciate the price, which is why I bought this version, but it would be worth more to have one my daughter would..." Read more

"...and all-around smart woman, the Dover Thrift Edition makes it really affordable to have a copy of your own!" Read more

6 customers mention "Enjoyment"3 positive3 negative

Customers have mixed feelings about the book, with some finding it enjoyable, while one customer found it not as interesting as hoped, and another considered it a waste of time and money.

"I found this an enjoyable, enlightening look into Hellen Keller's life from her perspective. I have not read anything about her up to this point." Read more

"...at a third grade reading level, but this book is completely unusable for that purpose as it uses language far beyond their capabilities...." Read more

"Enjoyable!!..." Read more

"...This book is a waste of time and money." Read more

16 customers mention "Print size"4 positive12 negative

Customers criticize the book's print size, noting that the text is small and the book is shorter than expected, with one customer mentioning it contains only 75 pages.

"...It is tiny print and my 6th grader was not happy trying to read." Read more

"nice book but words are very small and together. hard to read for more than a few minutes" Read more

"Very small print." Read more

"Was a pretty ok book. It was a very short book, and not one that I would probably read again. I finished it only because I hate not finishing books." Read more

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Terran T. Steinhart
The Beauty of Virtue
Reviewed in the United States on April 14, 2024
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This book is a miracle. How did someone who did not see or hear express in such elegant words at age 23 such virtuous wisdom, such knowledge of beauty, such integrity of soul? Other than Jesus, Helen is my favorite person. She wrote this book as a servant of God to help enlighten the souls of others.

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7 people found this helpful

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KM Ferry
Excellent autobiography by Hellen Keller
Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2024
Verified Purchase
Chronicles her life from childhood to adult. Her exploits are amazing and more numerous that I knew. She met so many prestigious people in her lifetime that helped perpetuate her mission to help educate the blind. Quick read. Definitely recommend.

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2 people found this helpful

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Amazon Customer
You will be surprised!
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book is a testament to the human will, and to the ability of the human body to compensate. Helen's sense of smell and touch being her only way to check out her surroundings rose to the challenge. She learned to read lips by touching them, learned to speak well enough for those who were around her enough and cared enough could understand her. She evidently sensed the humidity in the air, obviously the warmth of the sun, but even leaves blowing in the wind. Her command of the English language is absolutely remarkable
It's a great read revealing read.

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2 people found this helpful

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Katinka
Came on time. For a younger reader
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2023
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Definitely geared for younger readers. And it’s biography rather than autobiography. A good starter book to begin one’s journey in “knowing” Miss Keller.

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5 people found this helpful

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Amy's Bookshelf Reviews
Helen Keller writes an intriguing memoir about her life in The Story of My Life
Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
If you aren't familiar with Helen Keller, she was an author and advocate for disability rights. She was born in 1880, and at the age of 19 months, she got ill, and this illness (the actual illness has never been diagnosed), it left her being blind and deaf. I learned of Helen Keller when I was in grade school, and I read a book about her life, her first years of her life, and how hard it was for her and her family. People thought a deaf and blind child was dumb and could not learn, but she proved them all wrong. Helen wrote this story that takes place about her early years, but more importantly, the years after when she accepted Ann Sullivan as her teacher, and later, her companion and support. If you have read or seen the movie variations of The Miracle Worker, you have witnessed the first years of her life, her tantrums, her learning to spell and converse with her hands, and learn about life. In this book, the readers gets an understanding of why Helen was having tantrums, and how her family just let her do what she wanted, when all she wanted is to communicate with the world, and understand it. Helen Keller has written books and essays, and some fiction stories, and she was an advocate for the Blind, and she and Ann Sullivan started the American Foundation for the Blind. It had been a while since I had read anything she wrote, and this just renewed my interest in her other writings. The Story of My Life is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book to also write a review.

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2 people found this helpful

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Insightful book. Although this feels more like a Sunday night study read!
Needed for a school project
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2025
Verified Purchase
Needed for a school project. Fast delivery and exactly what I needed

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Laura Whalen
Review of the book by Helen Keller
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2024
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Have not finished reading this book yet but so far it is a decent read .

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Gentle Reader
Inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2023
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I would never imagine that a person unable to see or hear could possibly be happy ... Yet Helen finds joy in so many things. I remember hearing about her when I was young and of course watching the Hollywood version of her life, starring Patty Duke. None of that prepared me for this though - hearing her story in her own words. What a brave and clever person she was, who managed to look on the bright side even when most of us would be certain there wasn't a bright side. Bravo!!

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4 people found this helpful

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てんママ
文字が・・・
Reviewed in Japan on December 9, 2013
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文字が小さすぎて読めない。安いのでしょうがないでしょうが・・・。

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Mom of four
Bad paper quality, prices above mrp, typeset bad quality
Reviewed in India on July 30, 2018
Verified Purchase
This is a review of Dover Thrift Editions sold by uRead-Shop. Sold to me at 167 but has a price tag of 125 HarperCollins is printed on the price tag.
Paper quality really bad. Can easily tear. Typeset bad quality will bore oneself.

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Mom of four

Bad paper quality, prices above mrp, typeset bad quality

Reviewed in India on July 30, 2018
This is a review of Dover Thrift Editions sold by uRead-Shop. Sold to me at 167 but has a price tag of 125 HarperCollins is printed on the price tag.
Paper quality really bad. Can easily tear. Typeset bad quality will bore oneself.

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Amazon Customer
Hellen Keller, grandes lecciones ...
Reviewed in Mexico on March 30, 2020
Verified Purchase
Hellen Keller, historia de vida conmovedora y con grandes lecciones por compartir. Muy satisfecha con el texto. El libro es una versión económica, letra pequeña, hojas muy delgadas, por el costo, es excelente!

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Mel
Fascinating Read
Reviewed in Canada on October 5, 2013
Verified Purchase
Short but sweet book about the fascinating and inspiring life story of Helen Keller. If you need some inspiration or want to give some to someone else, buy this book and read about the life of this women who both blind and deaf managed to learn to communicate and became an author and so much more herself. Great for teachers, she had a teacher who didn't give up on her!

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Bess
unfortunately not on sale in the UK I got it via Amazon
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 25, 2012
Verified Purchase
A fascinating 75-page autobiography by an extremely disabled, yet highly gifted, sensitive, likeable, very literate deaf-blind young woman of 23, she tells how she has managed to make the progress she has. (Later in her life she campaigned for the rights of disabled people and went round the world lecturing about the blind and deaf.) This is an inspiring read, both for the disabled and able-bodied.

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Story of My Life (Dover Thrift Editions: Biography) Paperback – February 1, 1996

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Are there any collections of stories or poetry in the Dover Thrift Editions?

What formats are the Thrift Editions available in?

American History/History

Biography and Autobiography

Black History

Classic Novels

Crime, Mystery and Thrillers

Gothic and Horror

Literary Collections

Philosophy

Plays

Political Science

Poetry

Psychology

Religion

SciFi and Fantasy

Short Stories

Speeches and Quotations

From the Publisher

She spoke not only for herself and others with physical disabilities but also for an array of progressive causes, including women's suffrage, pacifism, and socialism.

Deaf and blind from infancy, Helen Keller (1880–1968) prevailed over seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

A great story of human courage and dedication recounted in autobiography of a remarkable woman.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

About the Author

Product details

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Helen Keller

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1.0 out of 5 stars 文字が・・・

2.0 out of 5 stars Bad paper quality, prices above mrp, typeset bad quality

Bad paper quality, prices above mrp, typeset bad quality

Images in this review

5.0 out of 5 stars Hellen Keller, grandes lecciones ...

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Read

5.0 out of 5 stars unfortunately not on sale in the UK I got it via Amazon

文字が・・・

Bad paper quality, prices above mrp, typeset bad quality

Hellen Keller, grandes lecciones ...

Fascinating Read

unfortunately not on sale in the UK I got it via Amazon