Fanny J. Crosby: An Autobiography

Here, in Fanny Crosby’s own words, is the story of her life, from birth and the event that caused her blindness at six weeks of age, to her eighty-sixth year. With warmth and sensitivity she recounts how she began to write poetry and went on to become the most prolific hymn writer of the late 1800s. Fanny Crosby writes, By including even some incidents that, in themselves, may seem trivial, I have tried to make this account a full and accurate biography. In modesty, however, I have also desired to render my story as simple as possible, in fact, to give a vivid picture of my work, my opinions and my aspirations, not only as a teacher but also as a writer of sacred songs. In her first chapter Fanny Crosby describes her own story as flowers plucked from the garden of memory. Her recollections are truly a bouquet of memories. Both text and photos capture the multicolored hues of nineteenth-century life and the career of a beloved hymn writer who was wholly dedicated to her craft. Included are personal insights about noted politicians, generals, evangelists, and fellow hymn writers.