New York: T. Y. Crowell & Co., 1903. First Edition. 8vo (5¼” x 7¼”). pp. [76].

Binding design of titles in gold and red on vertically ribbed aqua cloth. Title page in red and black; text with rubricated initial caps; a.e.g.

Includes contemporary frontis. portrait of the author in cap and gown reading a document in braille.

Written while Keller was a student at Radcliffe, Optimism was her second book, and offers eloquent observations on acquiring and maintaining a sense of happiness. The book is dedicated to Keller's teacher, Anne Sullivan. Keller graduated from Radcliffe the year following the publication of this book to become the first deaf blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

A near fine copy with a contemporary gift inscription on the ffep and a ½” piece of paper adhered to the front pastedown near the signature.