Here this preternaturally gifted deaf and blind young woman closely describes her sensations and the workings of her imagination, while making the provocative argument that the whole spectrum of the senses lies open to her through the medium of language. Standing in the line of the works of Emerson and Thoreau, The World I Live In is a profoundly suggestive exercise in self-invention, and a true, rediscovered classic of American literature.This new edition of The World I Live In also includes Helen Keller's early essay "Optimism," as well as her first published work, "My Story," written when she was twelve.

    In his remarkable narrative, David S. Viscott gives a totally personal account of his training, from medical school through his own analysis, a provocative appraisal of traditional attitudes and techniques, and an insight into the human principles guiding his own practice and philosophy of psychiatry.