TLS, two pages, 7 x 11, October 31, 1925. Letter to Edward Bok. Keller’s first book, The Story of My Life, appeared in serialized form in six successive issues of the Ladies’ Home Journal in 1902 when she was 22-years-old. Bok, then the editor of the Ladies’ Home Journal, had convinced Helen to pen her autobiography which was published in book form in 1903. In full: “Notwithstanding that the greatness of your heart has been known to me for many years, yet it made me choke up when they told me all that you had done to help start the work for the blind in Philadelphia ‘for Helen Keller’s sake.’ I do not know how to thank you. The chasm between the thing I am able to say and the thing I would say would be too dispiriting if the thought of your sympathy and friendship did not give me courage to go on with my letter. I know how crowded every hour of your day is. I have followed in the newspapers the splendid work you are doing for world peace. It is a task which seems to me not unworthy of your life and spirit. I have joined my prayer to the prayers of millions that out of your efforts a way may be found to deliver mankind from the barbarism of war.
That you should have given the work for the sightless your attention is another proof of the many-sidedness of your sympathies. What you have done for the Foundation will, I am confident, insure against our failing in Philadelphia. I realize that the task before me is a very difficult one. The end of the trail is not yet in sight; but we are on the road, and in good time we shall arrive.
I hope that when I come to the City of Brotherly Love to speak for the blind, you will not be too busy to see me, I should so like to feel the warm clasp of your hand again. I have never forgotten the happy time my teacher and I had when we were the guests of you and Mrs. Bok years ago. Do you recall the time I refer to, and how dear Mr. Jefferson was? How brightly the visit comes back to me, --and the many kindnesses you and Mrs. Bok showered upon us! And O, that check you sent me for the story of my life! It was the first money I had earned, and naturally the most prized. I remember how I wanted to tell everyone I met that I had a check for three thousand dollars in my pocket, I thought the whole world would rejoice in my good fortune, --and perhaps it did. The world can be very kind now and then. I hope you sometimes remember pleasantly how much happiness you have created and distributed among your fellow-beings. Thanking you again for your assistance to the blind, and anticipating the joy of seeing you and Mrs. Bok before long.”
Letter is housed in blue half-morocco folding case with gilt-stamped on spine. In fine condition, with paperclip impression to top edges, a few creases, and a uniform shade of mild toning.
Keller shows great appreciation here as she recalls Bok’s kindness in publishing her autobiography. More than 20 years later, she still enthusiastically recalls “that check you sent me for the story of my life! It was the first money I had earned, and naturally the most prized. I remember how I wanted to tell everyone I met that I had a check for three thousand dollars in my pocket.” She later reiterates her good fortune of having encountered the magazine editor: “The world can be very kind now and then. I hope you sometimes remember pleasantly how much happiness you have created.” Having helped change many lives, this letter is a refreshing look at how Keller truly appreciated those who helped change hers. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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