Fanny & Joshua: The Enigmatic Lives of Frances Caroline Adams and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

by Diane Monroe Smith

Joshua Chamberlain has fascinated historians and readers ever since his service in the Civil War caused his commanding officers to sit up and take notice when the young professor was on the field. What makes a man a gifted soldier and natural leader? In this compelling book, Diane Monroe Smith argues that finding the answer requires a consideration of Chamberlain’s entire life, not just his few years on the battlefield. Truly understanding Chamberlain is impossible, Smith maintains, without exploring the life of Joshua’s soul mate and wife of almost fifty years, Fanny. In this dual biography, Fanny emerges as a bright, talented woman who kept Professor, General, and then Governor Chamberlain on his toes. But you don’t have to take Smith’s word for it. Liberally quoting from years of correspondence, the author invites you to judge for yourself.

Genres: Civil War, History, Biography, American History

432 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[Peggy Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

My four stars mostly reflect my admiration for the subjects of this dual biography, and my gratitude to the author for the copious use of their own voices, mostly through JLC’s correspondence. I found Smith’s own writing somewhat disjointed and not especially helpful at understanding the lives and times of this memorable couple. As other reviewers note, Fanny begins to fade away in the narrative right after the war and we know her only through the words of others. Were her letters and papers lost or destroyed? Smith doesn’t explain the absence of Fanny’s side of the Chamberlain’s correspondence.

We have a solid and vivid idea of Joshua (or more correctly, Lawrence) after reading this but Fanny remains a mystery. Perhaps what we need is a novelist to bring some responsible creativity to the game. Fanny was an ambitious, independent-minded and talented woman who seems to have been crushed by the expectations of her day - that women sacrifice themselves to home and family. She had the additional challenge of being married to a public hero. She was always consigned to the background. I suspect she resented that bitterly. I am puzzled that Smith was too cautious to speculate on what often troubled the Chamberlain marriage. Sometimes biographers can be TOO circumspect.

So, there is still room for a better book on Fanny.

[Troy Ancona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before my review begins my background is important to consider. I have been connected with the Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum In Brunswick for over 24 years, serving currently as one of the two site managers.

There are now (with White’s book) four major Chamberlain biographies. Soul of a Lion (1960) by Wallace; In the Hands of Providence (1992) by Trulock; Fanny and Joshua (1999) by Smith; and On Great Fields (2023) by White.

I will be completing my reviews of all biographies shortly and encourage reviewing each one. (An honorable mention to Joshua Chamberlain, a heroes life and legacy, by Pullen)

Before White’s book, On Great Fields, Smith’s book was the most current biography.

Cons - Smith is not as strong on the military aspect of Joshua Chamberlain’s service but it is good.

Pros - She does provide a good balance of family following the lives of Chamberlain, his wife Fanny, and their children. Her effort does a nice job of presenting a different view of Fanny, which prior to this work was largely negative. Though Fanny seems to slowly fade as the book progresses.

She employs a heavy use of letter quotes throughout the book. Overall it is easy to read through, though Wallace’s and White’s books are stronger on the reading aspect
(not by much), and this is definitely an opinion.

STRENGTHS: If you want a balanced biography that focuses more on the family aspect of Joshua Chamberlain this is your book.

I give this book a solid four but not as strong as White’s which may be a 4.5

[William Keyser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique look at husband and wife through and after the Civil War

This is an amazing and well researched book on the lives of Fanny and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. It is honest and true to both there character and devotion to one another. There many separations and trials bonded them deeper together.

One can not read this and be amazing to the depth and breathe of their moral character. Well done!

[Jessica Jewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is absolutely my favorite book of all time. Smith paints a very human picture of the Chamberlain family and tears down the ivory tower complex built up around Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. The best part is Fanny Chamberlain is given the attention she deserves as a human being, not just a footnote in history.

[Jessica Jewett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very happy to find a newer edition of this book. This is absolutely my favorite book of all time. Smith paints a very human picture of the Chamberlain family and tears down the ivory tower complex built up around Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. The best part is Fanny Chamberlain is given the attention she deserves as a human being, not just a footnote in history.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot but, even as a Maine native, I just couldn't finish it. I know Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain deserves an incredibly detailed biography, and understanding the relationship between Fanny and Joshua is key to understanding the man and his motives, but I just couldn't finish it. Too detailed.....I'm sorry........

[Sherrie House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my first time at this rodeo!!! This is the third time I've read through this book. I enjoy seeing both the human side of JLC and a much more rounded & sympathetic portrait of Fanny than appears in most earlier biographies.