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 notable, her education at Radcliffe (from which see graduated "cum laude" ), and --underlying all--her extraordinary relationships with Miss Sullivan, who showed a remarkable genius for communicating with her eager and quick-to-learn pupil.