When she was just two years old, Laura Bridgman lost her sight, her hearing, and most of her senses of smell and taste. But then a progressive doctor, who had just opened the country's first school for the blind in Boston, took her in. Laura learned to communicate, read, and write--and eventually even to teach.

Important people in Laura Bridgman's life -- Introduction -- A delicate plant -- In touch -- Friend and frustrations -- "A very unusually tall [man]" -- Taken away -- What can Laura do? -- Words! words! words! -- Schoolgirl -- Windows open -- Weapon or masterpiece? -- "Is God ever surprised?" -- Famous -- Farewells -- Afterword: if Laura were alive today.