This is the only authorized biography of James A. Michener covering his early education and first jobs as an English and history teacher at two prestigious prep schools in Pennsylvania. The keystone is a collection that the authors' serindipitously purchased at auction of the actual textbooks from which Michener taught and in which he made notations and wrote poems. He contributed and signed seven extensive notes for the biography detailing the usefulness of these books and many emotional memories they evoked of teaching. At an early age, Michener prepared for his life adventures, thus details of the remarkable high school and college education that prepared him for teaching are included, as are many quotes from the authors' interviews and correspondance with him. The book contains over 125 photo and document illustrations, extensive references, bibliography, and index. Printed on coated paper in red and black ink. Limited to 800 copies.