Autobiographies, biographies & monographs
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About: Autobiographies, biographies & monographs
Biographies, autobiographies, and monographs are all forms of non-fiction literature that tell the story of a person's life.
Biographies are written by someone other than the subject of the book, while autobiographies are written by the subject themselves. Monographs are scholarly works that focus on a single subject, often in great detail.
History:
Biographies: The earliest known biography is believed to be the "Life of Homer," written by Herodotus in the 5th century BC. Plutarch's "Parallel Lives" (c. 100 AD) is another early example.
Autobiographies: The genre of autobiography began to emerge in the Renaissance, with works such as "The Book of Margery Kempe" (c. 1436) and "The Confessions of Saint Augustine" (c. 400 AD).
Monographs: The first monographs were produced in the 17th century, with the rise of scientific and academic disciplines.
Captivating aspects:
Biographies, autobiographies, and monographs can provide fascinating insights into the lives of remarkable people.
They can also be a source of inspiration and motivation.
These works can help us to understand the past and present better.
Well-known biographies and autobiographies from various fields:
Politics and Leadership
- Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela: An iconic autobiography of the anti-apartheid revolutionary.
- Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy: A Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of biographies of US senators.
- The Years of Lyndon Johnson by Robert Caro: A multi-volume biography of the 36th US President.
Science and Technology
- Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson: A bestselling biography of the Apple co-founder.
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking: A blend of autobiography and scientific explanation.
- The Man Who Knew Infinity by Robert Kanigel: A biography of the Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.
Arts and Entertainment
- Becoming by Michelle Obama: A candid memoir of the former First Lady.
- The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley: A powerful account of the civil rights leader's life.
- Bohemian Rhapsody: The Official Freddie Mercury Biography by Greg Brooks and Simon Lupton: A comprehensive biography of the Queen frontman.
Sports
- Open by Andre Agassi: A candid autobiography of the tennis legend.
- Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times by Thomas Hauser: A definitive biography of the boxing champion.
- Playing It My Way by Sachin Tendulkar: A memoir by the Indian cricket icon.
Business and Entrepreneurship
- Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Walter Isaacson: A biography of the tech entrepreneur.
- Shoe Dog by Phil Knight: The story of the founder of Nike.
- Zero to One by Peter Thiel: A blend of autobiography and business advice.
All Books of Category Autobiographies, biographies & monographs
FAQ
Question:
How does the biographer's own background and beliefs influence the narrative?
Answer:
A biographer's background and beliefs inevitably shape their perspective and, consequently, the narrative they construct. Here's how:
Personal Experiences: A biographer's life experiences can influence how they relate to and understand their subject. For instance, a biographer who has overcome adversity might focus on their subject's struggles and triumphs.
Cultural and Social Background: A biographer's cultural and social upbringing can shape their interpretation of events and characters. For example, a biographer from a different cultural background might offer a fresh perspective on a subject's life.
Ideological Stance: A biographer's political, religious, or philosophical beliefs can influence the emphasis placed on certain aspects of a subject's life. This can lead to a more sympathetic or critical portrayal.
Genre Preferences: Biographers working in different genres (e.g., popular biography, academic biography) will approach their subject with different goals and styles, reflecting their own preferences.
Question: When was the first biography written?
Answer: The earliest biographical texts date back to the 26th century BC. These were primarily funerary inscriptions that recounted the lives of deceased high royal officials.
However, biography as a more formal literary genre emerged in the 5th century BC with the Greek poet Ion of Chios, who wrote brief sketches of famous contemporaries.
Question: When was the first autobiography written?
Answer: The first Western autobiography is generally considered to be "Confessions" by Saint Augustine of Hippo, written around 400 AD. However, it's important to note that earlier forms of autobiographical writing existed, such as personal diaries and letters, but these didn't fully encompass the reflective and introspective nature of the modern autobiography.