7 Differences Between Biography and Autobiography
Both biography and autobiography are forms of non-fiction writing that tell the story of someone’s life. However, they differ in terms of authorship, perspective, and purpose. Understanding the difference between a biography and an autobiography helps readers and writers decide which format best suits a particular person’s life story.
While a biography is a story written about another person’s life, an autobiography is written by the subject themselves, providing a first-person account of their experiences. These two forms of writing share similarities, but their differences and similarities define how a life story is told.
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- Redaction Team
- Professional Career, Professional Development
Table of Contents
1. Authorship: Who Writes the Story?
The main difference between autobiography vs biography is who writes the account of a person’s life.
- A biography is written by someone else, often a biographer who researches the subject and compiles a detailed life and accomplishments narrative.
- An autobiography is written by the person themselves, offering a first-person account of their own experiences.
For example, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” was co-written by Malcolm X and journalist Alex Haley, but it remains an autobiographical work because the story is told from Malcolm X’s perspective. On the other hand, “The Life of Johnson” by James Boswell is a biography about the writer Samuel Johnson, making it an account written by someone else.
2. Perspective: First-Person vs. Third-Person
The point of view in which a life story is told plays a key role in distinguishing between a biography and an autobiography.
- Autobiographies and memoirs are always written in the first person using “I”, as the author is also the main subject of the book.
- Biographies are written in the third person, offering a more objective perspective on the subject’s life.
For example, in “The Story of My Life”, Helen Keller narrates her own experiences, making it an autobiography. However, a biographical book like “Florence Nightingale: The Making of an Icon” by Mark Bostridge tells the story of another person’s life, using a third-person approach.
3. Objectivity vs. Subjectivity
- Biographies include facts, historical context, and multiple sources, aiming for an objective portrayal of the subject.
- Autobiographies, on the other hand, are inherently subjective, as they present the author’s life from their own viewpoint, which can lead to personal bias.
For example, political biographies about Biden or other leaders often rely on multiple perspectives to provide a balanced analysis. However, if Biden were to write an autobiography, it would be based entirely on his personal narrative and experiences.
4. Research and Sources
Since biographies are written by someone other than the subject, they require extensive research, interviews, and historical records.
- A biography written by a third party often involves studying old documents, conducting interviews, and consulting multiple sources to ensure accuracy.
- An autobiography is written based on the author’s personal knowledge, making it more intimate but sometimes lacking external validation.
For instance, biographers writing about historical figures like Anne Frank use her diary, family accounts, and historical archives to construct a complete picture. In contrast, Anne Frank’s “The Diary of a Young Girl” is an autobiographical work because it is her personal account of events.
5. Scope and Content
The scope of a biography and an autobiography differs in how the story of someone’s life is presented.
- Biographies take a broad approach, covering the subject’s entire life, including aspects the subject may not have emphasized.
- Autobiographies focus on what the author chooses to share, often highlighting personal achievements, struggles, and experiences.
For example, “The Diary of a Young Girl” captures a specific period of Anne Frank’s life, making it autobiographical. In contrast, a biographical work like “Anne Frank: The Biography” by Melissa Müller provides a comprehensive historical account of Anne Frank’s life before and after her diary entries.
6. Purpose and Audience
Both biographies and autobiographies serve different purposes:
- Biographies aim to illuminate a person’s contributions, triumphs, and impact on history in an informative way.
- Autobiographies focus on personal reflection, offering insights into the author’s emotions, struggles, and inspirations.
For example, the biography of Malcolm X by Manning Marable explores Malcolm’s life through historical analysis, whereas “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” offers Malcolm’s own thoughts and interpretations of events.
7. Permission and Legal Aspects
A biography written by someone else may or may not have the subject’s permission.
- Unauthorized biographies are written without input from the subject, often relying solely on research.
- Autobiographies always have the subject’s direct involvement since the author writes about their own experiences.
For instance, “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson is a biography authorized by Jobs himself, with the writer conducting multiple interviews. However, unauthorized biographies of celebrities may not always portray the subject accurately, as they lack first-hand insight.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between a biography and an autobiography is essential for appreciating these literary genres.
- A biography is a story written about someone’s life by another person and is usually more objective and research-based.
- An autobiography is written by the subject, providing a first-person account of their personal narrative.
Both biographies and autobiographies play significant roles in preserving history, sharing life stories, and providing readers with a deeper understanding of the individual’s journey. Whether you prefer a detailed, researched biography or a personal, autobiographical account, each form of writing offers a unique way to explore a person’s triumphs, struggles, and legacy.
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