Fanny Crosby's Life-story

by Fanny J. Crosby

Fanny Crosby's life-story, compiled from notes and interviews with Will Carleton, NOT her eventual autobiography, titled: Memories of Eighty Years

Genres: Autobiography, Nonfiction

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1903

Reviews

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the memoir that Fanny Crosby, prolific hymnist and poet, wrote at age 83. Liveliest when it describes her youth, girlhood, and education, her personality is more puckish than I expected. Upon maturation, her story devolves into descriptions of the times that she's met numerous famous persons. There is an amusing anecdote about Grover Cleveland, the brother of the head teacher at the New York Institute for the Blind, where Crosby worked as a teacher. As a young man, he did her the favor of copying out poems for her, but was berated for doing so by the new Superintendent there. Cleveland found this amusing, and advised Crosby what to say the next time it happened, which she did, to excellent effect. Crosby leaves out most of her marriage to Alexander Van Alstyne, though the facts of it are tantalizing, since he was a former student placed into her care by his mother, and eleven years younger than she. Other sources on the web mention Crosby's philanthropy to the poor and her residence on the lower east side, a terrible slum at the time, but she does not mention this either. An author of over 5,000 Christian hymns, including "Blessed Assurance" and "Rescue the Perishing," her poetry is still performed by gospel musicians and choirs. For deeper insight about her life as well as discussion about its historical and cultural context, see Her Heart Can See: The Life and Hymns of Fanny J. Crosby by Edith L. Blumhofer.

Fanny Crosby's Life Story is available in digital form from Open Library.

[Tracey Mason]

I actually found this little gem in an old bookstore - the one I have is published in 1905 and a cherished treasure of mine. its pages feel like construction paper and it even smells musty. It is entitled "Fanny Crosby's life-story By Herself"- Oh what a story!! the introduction is written by Will Carleton which is-- I am honored to say --a relative of mine... he is quite a poet and writer- and WOW he was a friend to Fanny Crosby! This is an excellent book of a blind woman that has inspired hearts and lives with her hymns and poetry across the world. she is said to be the greatest living writer of hymns. This book greatly inspired me to see with my heart -not my eyes!

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated seeing life through Fanny Crosby's "eyes", but I read the book on my kindle. The electronic version of this book is so filled with typographical errors that it was frustrating and distracting. It definitely diminished any enjoyment and appreciation that would have otherwise been had.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have sung Fanny Crosby's hymns all my life and still love them as much today as when I was young. I pastor two United Methodist Churches, most of my parishioners are 50+ to 96 and when we sing her hymns it is 'revival' in itself.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is indeed a beautiful life story of a beautiful soul. Fanny Crosby was humble, despite her popularity. She attributes all glory to her God! What a blessed day it will be when “where together and forever we shall roam from star to star!”

[Jeffrey Bush · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm tremendously inspired by her life's story. Instead of becoming bitter about a doctor causing her to lose her eyesight, she sees it as a gift from God. What a testimony. She later writes hundreds, if not thousands, of poems and hymns for all occasions. What a testimony!

[Lucienne Ouellette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fanny Crosbie's life story

such a great woman of our past.Her great works of literature lives on. I love listening to her hymns such a godly woman.

[Nance Roepke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is actually very short and simple but I am fascinated by this woman so I appreciated being able to read something in her own words.

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing lady. A truly remarkable individual who worked for the Lord and gave Him everything she had.

What a testament she leaves. Don't get me wrong, the book is a little slow, and Fanny really doesn't DO a whole lot. Still it is remarkable to see her give her life to Christ and to trust on His provision.

You could make an argument that she is the greatest American Hymn Writer (if not song writer) of all time.

She met 3 or 4 presidents and numerous other men of great standing. She wrote over 5,000 hymns and under over 100 pseudonyms. For a "poor blind girl" as she calls herself, who wasn't able to start schooling until well into her teens, it is amazing what she accomplished and the legacy she left behind. All because she trusted in God, and gave her work to Him.

[Sheba Philip · Rating 3 out of 5]

The biography I read is written by Dr.O.A. Koshy.

The book is put together pretty well. Reduction in the use of figurative language would make it a better read.

The writing skills of the narrator anyway does not take away the richness of content i.e. the story of Fanny Crosby. She was indeed a woman of substance.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty short. It kind of just gives a couple paragraphs or brief thoughts on parts of her life. I gave it three stars because I did learn some things and it is her story but it’s not something I would probably read again. I’d maybe look for something more although would be good if I knew more about her to begin with probably.

[Jen Burley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although Danny Crosby was a great lyricist and poet, her autobiography could be improved. It would have been easier to follow if the storyline followed a chronological order, she often bounced back and forth. Otherwise it was a great resource for my research project