Biography genre

Main

A biography is a detailed, non-fiction account of a person's life story, experiences, and personality, written by someone else. It portrays the subject's life from birth to death (or the present), highlighting pivotal moments and analyzing their impact on the individual and society.Biographies come in various types, including:

• Authorized biographies, written with the permission and cooperation of the subject or their heirs

• Unauthorized biographies, written without the subject's permission or cooperation

• Biographical novels, which are fictional accounts of a person's life with reimagined details for artistic purposes

• Collective biographies, exploring the lives of a group of people who share unique characteristics

• Historical biographies, focusing on subjects from the past and requiring extensive research from primary sources and historical accounts

For example, "The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" by Edmund Morris is an authorized biography that chronicles the life of the 26th U.S. President, from his childhood to his presidency, detailing his struggles with asthma, his passion for the outdoors, and his political ambitions.

Terms

• Autobiography: A biography written by the subject themselves, covering their life up to the point of writing.

• Authorized biography: Written with the permission, cooperation, and sometimes participation of the subject or their heirs.

• Biographical novel: A fictional account of a contemporary or historical person's life, with details sometimes reimagined for artistic purposes.

• Collective biography: Explores the lives of a group of people who share unique characteristics.

• Historical biography: Focuses on subjects from the past, requiring extensive research from primary sources and historical accounts.

• Memoir: A type of autobiography focused on a specific but vital aspect of one's life.

Analogy

Biographies are like mirrors that reflect the lives of their subjects. Just as a mirror shows you your reflection, a biography reflects the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of the person being written about, allowing readers to see the world through their eyes and learn from their journey.

Misconception

Many people believe biographies are only written about famous or influential figures. However, anyone with a compelling life story can be the subject of a biography, regardless of fame or status. Ordinary people who have lived extraordinary lives or overcome significant challenges can also be the focus of captivating biographies.

History

1. Ancient times: Plutarch's "Parallel Lives" and Suetonius' "The Twelve Caesars" set the foundation for biographical writing.

2. Middle Ages: Hagiographies, or biographies of saints, became popular in Europe.

3. Renaissance: Secular biographies of artists, politicians, and scholars emerged, such as Giorgio Vasari's "Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects."

4. 18th-19th centuries: The modern biography developed, with works like James Boswell's "Life of Samuel Johnson" and Elizabeth Gaskell's "The Life of Charlotte Brontë."

5. 20th century: Biographies diversified, covering a wide range of subjects and styles, from traditional cradle-to-grave narratives to more focused, thematic approaches.

6. Early 21st century: Biographies continue to evolve, with an increased focus on previously marginalized figures and the use of multimedia elements to enhance storytelling.

How to use it

1. A high school student reads a biography of a famous scientist to learn about their life, struggles, and contributions to their field, gaining inspiration for their own career aspirations.

2. A book club selects a biography of a historical figure for their monthly reading, using the book as a starting point for discussions about the subject's life, the time period they lived in, and the lessons that can be learned from their experiences.

3. A researcher writing a paper on a specific event or period in history consults biographies of key figures involved to gain insight into their motivations, actions, and impact on the course of events.

Facts

• The longest biography ever written is the 24-volume "Winston S. Churchill" by Randolph Churchill and Martin Gilbert, covering the life of the British Prime Minister.

• The best-selling biography of all time is "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson, which has sold over 3 million copies worldwide.

• The first modern biography is considered to be "The Life of Samuel Johnson" by James Boswell, published in 1791.

• The most expensive biography ever sold at auction was a first edition of "The Life of Samuel Johnson" by James Boswell, which sold for $218,500 in 2010.

• The Pulitzer Prize for Biography has been awarded since 1917, recognizing distinguished biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs by American authors.