Autobiography vs. Biography Examples and Definitions – An autobiography is a type of biography that tells the life story of its author. That is, it is a written record of the author’s life. These Autobiography examples guide you to write your own best Autobiography, and you can write a Best Autobiography. Having written about personal experience, a person discovers that.
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| Autobiography vs. Biography Examples and Definitions |
Table of Content
What are Autobiography and examples?
An autobiography, a biography of himself, told by himself. Autobiographical works can take many forms, from personal writings written over a lifetime and not necessarily intended for publication (including letters, diaries, journals, memoirs, and memoirs) to a formal book-length autobiography.
Formal biographies represent a special kind of biographical truth: a life recreated by memories, with all the conscious and unconscious omissions and distortions of memories. The writer Graham Greene stated that for this reason, an autobiography is “one kind of life” and used this phrase as the title of his Autobiography (1971).
Growth of Autobiography
There are also a few scattered examples of autobiographical literature from antiquity and the Middle Ages. In the second century BC, the traditional Chinese antiquarian Sima Qian remembered a short depiction of himself for shiji (“authentic records”). This may bring up the issue of including the Epistle of Cicero (or, in the early Christian time, the Epistle of St. Paul), written in the 1st century BC, and Julius Caesar’s commentaries, although they represent a beautiful picture.
The conquest of Gaul and the use of the Roman war machine to the fullest extent. But the Confessions of Saint Augustine, written around 400 AD, stands out for its uniqueness: although Augustine placed Christianity at the center of his narrative and considered his descriptions of his own life to be only incidental, he produced a powerful personal history. To adulthood. , about his appeal.
The confessions known as Autobiography in its modern, Western sense have much in common, which can be seen as originating in Europe during the 15th-century Renaissance. The Norfolk religious mystic Margaery Kempe built one of the first examples in England. At an advanced age, Kempe wrote an account of his rich, extensive life, which reveals his identity, although linked to religious experience.
One of the first full-scale formal biographies was written a generation later by Ana Silvio Piccolomini, a renowned humanist preacher the Pope appointed Pius II in 1458.
In the first book of his Autobiography – the confusingly titled Commentary, clearly imitating Caesar – Pius II traces his career back to the time he became Pope; the subsequent 11 books (and an excerpt from the 12th, which breaks down a few months before his death in 1464) represent a panorama of the era.
Examples of Autobiography
One of the United States forefathers wrote a lot (it means a lot!) About news, life, and little things. His readings, quotes, and advice are still used today, and his face is depicted on the $ 100 bill. Benjamin Franklin’s good advice is still used in his words: “We are all born ignorant, but we must try very hard not to be fooled.” He also wrote a saying found in many schools: “Tell me, and I will forget. Teach me, and I will remember. Draw me in, and I learn. “His Autobiography is full of his adventures, his philosophy of life, and his knowledge. His Autobiography shows us the importance he attached to education by telling anecdotes (stories) about his constant attempts to learn and improve. He also incorporated many of his ideas into his inventions, working with others to help the United States free itself from England.
Types of Autobiography
There are many types of autobiographies. Writers must decide for what purpose they write about their lives, and then they can choose the format that best tells their story. Most of these types have common goals: to help yourself deal with a problem, to write it down, to help others recover from similar incidents, or to tell your story.
1. Full Autobiography (traditional):
It will be a complete life story, from birth to childhood and puberty, and the book has been written to the present day. Writers could choose it if their life differed from others and could be considered attractive.
2. History
There are many memoirs – spatial, temporal, philosophical (his theory of life), commercial, etc. Memoirs are a snapshot of a person’s life. It focuses on a specific part that is worth learning or sharing.
3. Psychological illness
It is helpful for people with any mental illness to write down their thoughts. Therapists are experts who listen to people’s concerns and help them feel better, but many people find writing their own stories helpful too.
4. Confessions
Just like people with mental illness, people who have done something wrong may find it helpful to write and share their stories. Telling a story can give the person a sense that they are getting better (doing things right), or perhaps it gives hope that others will learn and avoid the same mistake.
5. Spiritual
Spiritual and religious experiences are very personal. However, many consider it their duty and honor to share these stories. They may hope to attract others to their beliefs or improve their lives.
6. Overcoming adversity
Unfortunately, many people do not have a happy and brilliant life. Gruesome incidents such as robbery, assault, kidnapping, murder, gruesome accidents, and fatal diseases are common in some people’s lives. Telling a story can inspire others and help the person express deep feelings of healing.
The Importance of Autobiography
Biographies are an essential part of history. The ability to read one’s thoughts and life stories has acquired the first-person version compared to a third-person version (they said). Journalists turn to a source to get accurate information about an event. It’s the same with life stories. If you like reading a report from a second or third source will not be as reliable. The author may misinterpret and describe events in a person’s life.
Biographies are also crucial because they help other people in similar situations to realize that they are not alone. They can be a motivator for those facing challenges in their lives. For a writer, writing an autobiography allows them to recover by expressing their feelings and thoughts. Biographies are also an essential part of history.
6 Important steps to Include in an Autobiography
Your Autobiography should include all the most important details of your life story. This does not mean that it should contain all the little things; The low-key autobiographer will analyze certain moments of his life that may interest him but not an unfamiliar audience.
Here are a few key elements to include in your Autobiography:
A description of your background story: This may include your hometown, family history, some famous family members and loved ones, and essential points in your education.
Critical Experiences: Summarize each personal experience that has shaped your worldview and outlook on life in the present moment.
Detailed memories of events from your professional life: These are often the turning points that will make your Autobiography known – moments that will primarily inspire someone to purchase your book. Be sure to give them extra care and attention for your biography.
Personal Failure Story: Complement it with a good story of how you reacted to the failure.
Unique and compelling title: Avoid common phrases such as “my autobiography” or “my story, my family story, and the stories of famous people.”
First-person narrative voice: Third-person writing is appropriate for traditional autobiographies, but in an autobiographical format, third-person voice can read like narration.
How to write an autobiography in 8 steps
The task of writing your life story can be daunting task, especially during your first draft. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the art of writing an autobiography:
1. Start with a brainstorming session.
The writing begins by summarizing any life experience you suspect might be attractive to the reader. As you sort your memories, cover all the eras of your life – from childhood and high school to your first job and the most famous episodes. Many of these episodes will not be included in the final version of your book, but for now, keep the process broad and open.
2. Create a plan.
Start organizing the story around the most exciting episodes of your brainstorming session. If you plan important events in your life in your book, you will be able to grab the attention of your readers from start to finish.
3. Do your research.
After you’ve created your first outline of the plan, do a little research to help you remember information related to the period you’re writing about. Interview friends and family to help you remember all the details of the moments you want to place in your Autobiography. No one can recognize their entire life story, especially their childhood, so be prepared to do some cultural research.
4. Write your first draft.
If you’ve come up with critical biographical moments where you can anchor your life story, you’re ready to try your first sketch. This draft can be very long and intimidating, but professional writers know that even the strictest final drafts can lead to a long-term first draft.
5. Take a break.
When your first draft is ready, take a few days off. You will want to read your work from the freshest point of view; Suspension from the process for a few days can help in this matter.
6. Subtract the proofs.
After a short break, start proofreading. Yes, you should look for grammatical errors, but more importantly, you should identify weak points in the narrative and make constructive corrections. Think about what you would see if you read about another person’s life and apply that to your Autobiography.
7. Write your next draft.
Write a second draft based on the notes you took. Then, when the second draft is ready, show it to trusted friends and a professional editor if you have one. Their outside eyes will give you a valuable perspective you may not have in your work.
8. Refine your letter.
Repeat step 7 as needed. The new project should be followed by further reading from newbies. You will improve your writing and autobiographical knowledge throughout the process. Hopefully, you will create a final version many times larger than the one you typed in the first draft, but it stays true to the essential elements and moments of your life, and your truth is mentioned.
Best autobiographies everyone should read at least once in their life
Autobiography is the direct experience of the authors of what they have written, which makes them attractive to readers and allows them to understand the “other,” invisible side of writers.
Biographies are written mainly by famous people. They teach us different stories, the difficulties of the life of writers, and the emotions they experienced, making autobiographers more human. Here are 15 of the best biographies in no particular order.
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin
This book, written from 1771 to 1790, tells the story of the life of one of America’s founding fathers. Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography will tell you how a young, lower-middle-class man became one of the most respected men in the world. He also tells you how Mr. Franklin believed in the American Dream and hints at the possibilities of living in the New World. He proved to the world that hard work has paid off and that great personalities can make a big difference in America. Another reason why this is a classic has to do with historical factors. He describes life in the 18th century with very well-expressed idealism, rationalism, and optimistic convictions. This Autobiography is in four parts and is worth reading!
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela’s Autobiography contains all the elements of wisdom you ever wanted to know about this great leader. From his childhood, growing up as a freedom fighter, spending twenty-seven years in prison, and playing a pivotal role in shaping a new democratic South Africa, this book has it all.
It also includes an in-depth analysis of Mandela’s perception of South Africa’s struggle against apartheid. Simply put, this book is about Mandela’s long journey to freedom!
The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi
The Autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi is a genuine and humble article that sheds light on an outstanding leader’s moral and spiritual side. The book is firmly rooted in the historical background of his forty years in India. It contains all the details of Gandhi’s life, historical and political events, and personal philosophy. This is a beautiful book not to be missed!
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
This diary is entirely different from your regular Autobiography. Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who went into hiding with her family and friends during World War II. This beautiful piece describes everything a thirteen-year-old girl will experience: typical childhood consciousness, friendship with other girls, her crush on boys, and her academic performance.
It also details her life on the run, her emotional roller coaster, her views on other people’s behavior, and her loneliness. Her diary ends shortly after her fifteenth birthday.
Chronicles, Vol 1 by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan needs no introduction. This is the first volume of his Autobiography, consisting of three chapters. Here he talks about his life in New York in 1961, his experiences recording his first album, and his dedication to his two smaller albums.
This is something that all music lovers will love, especially those who love it. He plans to write two more stories due to the massive success of his first volume.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
This Autobiography is the first of Maya’s seven autobiographies, but she made her famous. This book follows the beautiful, emotional journey of a struggling black American woman who had a bitter experience during her first seventeen years.
It begins with how her life changed after her parents divorced, how her mother’s boyfriend raped her, how she overcame the trauma and all the events between them. This beautiful piece of literature teaches us about the hardships and extreme racism that black Americans once faced.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X
This book provides a concrete example of taking stock of 20th-century American life. Malcolm X describes his life in detail, from the poverty of his childhood to his teenage delinquency and rise to a national figure and world leader.
Readers should never forget that the conversion to Islam was a turning point in the life of Malcolm X. Considered a spiritual classic
Agatha Christie: An Autobiography by Agatha Christie
This Autobiography may be best known as one of Agatha Christie’s most intimate secrets. She tells about the joys of her happy childhood, her tender acquaintance with her mother, the tragic events that touched her, the death of her mother and the adultery of her first husband, a wedding with her second husband, and, most importantly, her actions.
Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, this flamboyant man dominated the tennis court with charm, fashion, and athletic talent. This former number one in the world wrote about his life, confessing to contradictions, his personal life, and his “hatred” of sports. The memoirs are hilarious and are considered one of the national bestsellers of the time!
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
This memoir is exceptionally well written and does not contain hints of horror (unlike other King books!). After reading them, you will read about King’s personal life, experiences, and struggle before and after fame. About what makes him such a famous horror writer? The style is distinguished by good humor and promising talent. Each part (three parts in total) is equally informative and engaging.
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
A moving holiday is a story of lost innocence. It tells about the events from the life of the great American writer and journalist, how they influenced his becoming a writer, his love interests, and his views on things. Although the events are scattered, the book is interesting in its way.
Autobiography of Mark Twain by Mark Twain
In this first volume of Mark Twain’s memoirs, we see a colorful glimpse into the long life of this great writer. The book is a classic; every element of the genre, scale, imagination, laughter, and tragedy proves it all. It also reveals his various roles in life – family man, writer, son, brother, and friend.
I Am Ozzy by Ozzy Osbourne
Black Sabbath’s vocals may not have a good reputation, but at the end of the day, he’s human too. And that’s exactly what he’s telling us here. Much can be learned from this person’s experience. This is a book written with humor and description.
Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler
You must read this Autobiography to understand Hitler. If you start reading this book, you will appreciate the “other side” of this dictator and mass murderer. Mein Kampf is a German phrase for my struggle. The book tells about his childhood, early aspirations, struggle with his father, political upsurge, and hatred of Jews. The chronicles are drawn.
Dreams from my Father by Barack Obama
It is a reproduction of struggles, relationships between families, confronting racism, and the love affair of the most powerful man in the world. Obama’s writing style reflects class and uniqueness as he reflects on his personal experiences of racial relations in the United States.
The knowledge gained from reading an autobiography exceeds the knowledge gained from reading several novels. Readers can immerse themselves in the characters’ lives and experience the story firsthand. Also, why don’t you learn from successful people who had gone through all the ups and downs before they became successful?
Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography winners
Louise Bogan: A Portrait
Book by Elizabeth Frank
Look Homeward: A Life of Thomas Wolfe
Text by David Herbert Donald
Margaret Fuller: A New American Life
Book by Megan Marshall
W. E. B. Du Bois, 1919‑1963: The Fight for Equality and the.
Text by David Levering Lewis
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Book by Catherine P. Gilbertson
Eden’s Outcasts
Book by John Matteson
The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt
Text by T. J. Stiles
The Life and Times of Cotton Mather
Book by Kenneth Silverman
W. E. B. Du Bois: Biography of a Race, 1868–1919
Text by David Levering Lewis
Days of Sorrow and Pain: Leo Baeck and the Berlin Jews
Book by Leonard Baker
Woodrow Wilson, American Prophet
Book by Arthur Walworth
The Taft story
Text by William Smith White
Machiavelli in Hell
Book by Sebastian de Grazia
Eleanor and Franklin
Book by Joseph P. Lash
The Most Famous Man in America: The Biography of Henry Ward Beecher
Book by Debby Applegate
The American Leonardo: The Life of Samuel F B. Morse
Book by Carleton Mabee
Master of the Senate: The Years of Lyndon Johnson
Book by Robert Caro
Charles Sumner and the Coming of the Civil War
Text by David Herbert Donald
Growing Up
Book by Russell Bake
Robert Frost
Book by Lawrence Thompson
John C. Calhoun: American Portrait
Book by Margaret Coit
Huey Long
Text by T. Harry Williams
Booker T. Washington: The Wizard of Tuskegee
Text by Louis R. Harlan
A Prince of Our Disorder: The Life of T E. Lawrence
Text by John E. Mack
Vera (Mrs. Vladimir Nabokov)
Book by Stacy Schiff
Jackson Pollock: An American Saga
Text by Gregory White Smith and Steven Naifeh
Grant: A Biography
Text by William S. McFeely
George F. Kennan: An American Life
Text by John Lewis Gaddis
Fortunate Son: The Autobiography of Lewis B. Puller Jr.
Text by Lewis Burwell Puller Jr.
Benjamin Franklin, Self-Revealed
Text by William Cabell Bruce
Lindbergh
Text by A. Scott Berg
De Kooning: An American Master
Book by Annalyn Swan and Mark Stevens
Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Book by David Garrow
Mr. Clemens and Mark Twain: A Biography
Book by Justin Kaplan
Edith Wharton: A Biography
Text by R. W. B. Lewis
God: A Biography
Book by Jack Miles
The Power Broker
Book by Robert Caro
The Autobiography of William Allen White
Text by William Allen White
Washington: A Life
Book by Ron Chernow
The Life And Letters of Walter H. Page
Book by Burton J. Hendrick
Truman
Book by David McCullough