the similarities between biography and autobiography

Biography vs Autobiography: Similarities and Differences

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

biography vs autobiography, explained below

A biography is an account of someone’s life story that is written by an author who is not the subject of the nook. An autobiography, on the other hand, involves an individual narrating their own life experiences.

The differences between biographies and autobiographies relate most prominently to the authorhship:

Autobiography: When you read an autobiography, you’re getting the author’s own interpretation of their life.
Biography: When you read a biography, you experience the subject’s life through someone else’s lens (Schiffrin & Brockmeier, 2012).

Biography vs Autobiography

1. biography.

A biography is a detailed account of a person’s life, scripted by an author who is not the person who is featured in the text itself.

This type of life story focuses both on factual events in the person’s life, such as birth, education, work, and death, but often also delves into personal aspects like experiences, relationships, and significant achievements.

It may also weave-in cultural and contextual factors that help illuminate the person’s motivations and core values .

Origins of Biographies

The concept of biography as a literary genre dates back to antiquity. Such works were primarily used to capture the lives of dignified individuals, mainly rulers and war heroes.

Suetonius’s Lives of the Caesars and Plutarch’s Parallel Lives are landmark examples from this ancient period (Sweet, 2010).

The popularity of biographical works only grew in the ensuing centuries, and they became a prominent part of many cultures’ literary traditions.

Into the 18th century and during the Enlightenment, biographies began to present a more balanced portrayal of the subject. They would present both their strengths and flaws, providing a holistic perspective on the subject.

Dr. Samuel Johnson’s compilation of English poets biographies, Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets (1779-1781) ushered in a new era of biography writing by focusing on examining human nature (Ditchfield, 2018).

In the modern era, the genre has evolved and broadened, encompassing a diverse range of figures from all walks of life – there’s a biography in every niche imaginable, with each offering readers an in-depth exploration of their lives, their struggles, and their triumphs.

This demonstrates the enduring appeal of biographies and their value in providing snapshots of history through individual lenses.

Key Characteristics of Biographies


	The author of the biography is not the person who the story is about. The writer is an observer who collects, verifies, and narrates the life story of the person in focus (Smith et al., 2012).
	A biography doesn’t have the of an autobiography. So, a biography is often more trustworthy, but we still need to examine the incentives of the actual author (Jones, 2015).
	A biography covers all the significant aspects of the person’s life. From birth to death, or their most noteworthy accomplishments, it encompasses a wide array of life events (Johnson & Johnson, 2017).
	A biography prioritizes facts and major milestones in an individual’s life, such as , careers, relationships, and more. It does not delve into trivial details unless they are relevant to the person’s life story (Williams, 2019).

Examples of Biographies

Title: The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets Author: Dr. Samuel Johnson Description: Dr. Johnson’s work profiles the lives of 52 poets from the 17th and 18th centuries, including John Milton and Alexander Pope. He critiques not just the works, but also explores their personal lives and the sociopolitical contexts of their times (Johnson, 1781). Johnson’s study is invaluable for its integrated historic and biographic approach.

Title: The Life of Samuel Johnson Author: James Boswell Description: This work by Boswell explores, in great depth, the life of his friend and mentor, Dr. Samuel Johnson. The biography offers a compelling portrayal of Dr. Johnson’s life, character, eccentricities, and intellectual prowess (Boswell, 1791). Boswell’s vivid account creates a near-physical presence of Johnson to the readers, making it one of the greatest biographies in English literature.

Title: The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt Author: Edmund Morris Description: In this Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, Morris chronicles the early life of Theodore Roosevelt until his ascension to the U.S presidency. The work brilliantly captures Roosevelt’s extraordinary career and his transformation from a frail asthmatic boy into a robust and vigorous leader (Morris, 1979). Morris accurately represents Roosevelt’s indomitable spirit, making it an engaging and educational read.

Title: Steve Jobs Author: Walter Isaacson Description: This comprehensive biography provides a deep-dive into the life and career of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple. Isaacson had unparalleled access to Jobs and those closest to him, thus presenting an intimate and detailed account. He explores Jobs’ professional endeavors as well as his personal life, revealing his ambition, intensity, and visionary mind that revolutionized several high-tech industries (Isaacson, 2011).

Title: Alexander Hamilton Author: Ron Chernow Description: Ron Chernow provides a sweeping narrative of one of America’s most compelling founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton. Chernow combines extensive research with a flair for storytelling, charting Hamilton’s evolution from an orphan into a political genius. The book sheds light on Hamilton’s crucial role in the formation of the United States’ financial system and his political ideologies (Chernow, 2004).

2. Autobiography

An autobiography is a self-written record of someone’s own life. It is a personal narrative in which the author writes about their life from their own perspective.

Autobiographies are usually centered around the author’s personal experiences, including key milestones, challenges, and achievements (Eakin, 2015).

They’re also often a defense of the person’s perspective (especially in political autobiographies) or insight into their thought processes, which can make them very intimate.

Origins of Autobiographies

The term ‘autobiography’ was first used deprecatingly by William Taylor in 1797 in the English periodical The Monthly Review, when he suggested the word as a hybrid but condemned it as ‘pedantic’.

Pioneering examples of the genre form include Thomas De Quincey’s Confessions of an English Opium-Eater (1821) and the memoirs by veterans of the Napoleonic Wars (Lejeune, 2016).

However, apart from these early instances, autobiographies have been composed by a wide array of individuals from history.

In the early 20th century, the genre witnessed major transformations, and autobiographies started to cover a broader spectrum of experiences, including trauma, struggles, and successes.

‘Black Boy’ by Richard Wright, for instance, shares the author’s experiences with racism and his journey towards developing a literary career (Wright, 1945).

This was followed by a host of autobiographies by public figures sharing their diverse stories, such as Ernest Hemingway’s ‘A Moveable Feast’, depicting his days as a struggling young writer in Paris (Hemingway, 1964).

Autobiography as a genre has continued to evolve over the years, and a variety of forms have emerged to communicate individual experiences globally.

As history has progressed, we see more and more people with diverse perspectives sharing their stories, broadening our understanding of the human experience (Smith & Watson, 2010).

Key Characteristics of Autobiographies


	The author of the autobiography is the person the story is about. They are the principal actor and the of the information (Miller, 2014). As a result, we can get a deeper ‘insider’ insight into their mentality and expereinces.
	An autobiography emphasizes the personal viewpoint adopted by the author. The story is told from their own emotions, biases, and interpretations, providing a very personal perspective. However, we also need to be aware that it’s going to only present one self-serving perspective on the matter.
	Autobiographies go beyond factual accounts and include the author’s internal thoughts, emotions, and introspections about their experiences (Baker et al., 2013).
	Unlike a biography, an autobiography may not cover the entirety of the author’s life. Instead, they’re more likely to concentrate on specific themes (like resilience) or significant periods (like childhood or a specific career phase) (Brown & Brown, 2018).

Examples of Autobiographies

Title: Long Walk to Freedom Author: Nelson Mandela Description: “Long Walk to Freedom” provides an in-depth exploration of ex-President Nelson Mandela, his political journey, and his stand against apartheid in South Africa. The biography offers a unique perspective into Mandela’s noble character, his indomitable spirit, and his commitment to justice when faced with grave adversities (Mandela, 1995). Mandela serves as one of our times’ great moral and political leaders through this biography.

Title: The Diary of a Young Girl Author: Anne Frank Description: This biography provides a startling firsthand account of a young Jewish girl named Anne Frank, who with her family, hid from the Nazis in Amsterdam during World War II. Her diary entries offer profound insights into the fear, hope, and resilience she demonstrated during her two years in hiding (Frank, 1947). Frank’s posthumous biographical record serves as a reminder of the injustices of the past and as a symbol of endurance in the face of oppression.

Title: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Author: Maya Angelou Description: This moving autobiography charts Maya Angelou’s early life, from experiencing racial discrimination in the South to becoming the first black streetcar conductor in San Francisco. Angelou portrays her journey of self-discovery and overcoming traumatic experiences, including racial prejudice and personal trauma, with remarkable strength and grace. Her story is one of resilience, and it speaks powerfully about finding one’s voice (Angelou, 1969).

Title: Night Author: Elie Wiesel Description: “Night” is Wiesel’s personal account of his experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II with his father. This heartbreaking narrative describes not only physical hardship and cruel atrocities but also examines the loss of innocence and the struggle to maintain faith in humanity. It stands as a testament to human resilience in the face of unimaginable horror (Wiesel, 1960).

Title: Dreams from My Father Author: Barack Obama Description: In this engaging memoir, the 44th President of the United States narrates the story of his diverse background and early life. The narrative extends from his birth in Hawaii to his first visit to Kenya, from dealing with racial identity to self-discovery. “Dreams from My Father” not only provides personal insights about Obama’s life and values but also discusses issues of race, identity, and purpose (Obama, 1995).

Similarities and Differences Between Biographies and Autobiographies


1. Authorship	Written by a third party. The author and subject are different individuals (Smith et al., 2012).	Written by the subject themselves. The author is the person the story is about (Miller, 2014).
2. Perspective	Presents an objective perspective, offering a balanced view of the subject’s life (Jones, 2015).	Emphasizes a subjective perspective, providing a very personal view of the author’s life.
3. Content	Focuses on facts and major life events, offering a comprehensive account of an individual’s life (Johnson & Johnson, 2017).	Often includes personal reflections and feelings, may focus on specific themes or periods in the author’s life (Baker et al., 2013; Brown & Brown, 2018).
4. Personal Reflections	Contains limited personal reflections or emotions of the subject.	Contains an abundance of personal reflections and emotions from the author (Baker et al., 2013).
5. Subjectivity / Objectivity	More objective due to the distance between the author and the subject (Jones, 2015).	More subjective due to the close relationship between the author and the subject – they’re the same person.
6. Strengths	Provides an impartial and factual account of a person’s life, which can be helpful for historical or academic study (Williams, 2019).	Gives a deeper insight into a person’s thoughts and emotions, providing a unique perspective on their life experiences (Baker et al., 2013).
7. Weaknesses	May lack personal insight or emotional depth due to its objective approach (Williams, 2019).	May be biased or overly emotional due to its subjective approach, and may not cover the entirety of the author’s life (Brown & Brown, 2018).

While both biographies and autobiographies are excellent sources of information and entertainment about significant figures in history (or the present!), they serve different purposes. By knowing the different purposes of each, we can develop stronger media literacy , understanding what the intention of the author is, and how we should approach the text.

Angelou, M. (1969). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings . Random House.

Baker, J., Davis, E., & Thompson, K. (2013). Reflection and Emotions in Autobiography . Chicago University Press.

Boswell, J. (1791). The Life of Samuel Johnson . J.R. Taylor.

Brown, J., & Brown, S. (2018). Thematic Focus in Autobiography Writing . Princeton University Press.

Chernow, R. (2004). Alexander Hamilton . Penguin Books.

Ditchfield, S. (2018). Extracting the Domestic from the Didactic: Transmission and Translation of the Sacred in The Lives of the Ancient Fathers (1672–1675). Church History and Religious Culture, 98 (1), 28-50.

Eakin, P. J. (2015). How Our Lives Become Stories: Making Selves . Cornell University Press.

Frank, A. (1947). The Diary of a Young Girl . Contact Publishing.

Hemingway, E. (1964). A Moveable Feast . Charles Scribner’s Sons.

Isaacson, W. (2011). Steve Jobs . Simon & Schuster.

Johnson, M., & Johnson, S. (2017). A Comprehensive Guide to Biography Writing . New York: Penguin.

Johnson, S. (1781). The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets . Printed by C. Bathurst, J. Buckland [and 28 others in London].

Jones, B. (2015). The Art of Writing Biographies: An Objective Approach . Oxford University Press.

Lejeune, P. (2016). On Autobiography . University of Minnesota Press.

Mandela, N. (1995). Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela . Macdonald Purnell.

Miller, R. (2014). The Self as the Subject: Autobiography Writing . Stanford University Press.

Morris, E. (1979). The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt . Coward, McCann & Geoghegan.

Obama, B. (1995). Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance . Crown Publishing Group.

Schiffrin D., & Brockmeier J. (2012). Narrative Identity and Autobiographical Recall. Royal Institute of Philosophy Supplements, 70 , 113-144.

Smith, J., Davis, M., & Thompson, S. (2012). Third Party Narratives: An Exploration of Biography Writing . Cambridge University Press.

Smith, S., & Watson, J. (2010). Reading Autobiography: A Guide for Interpreting Life Narratives . University of Minnesota Press.

Sweet, R. (2010). Biographical Dictionaries and Historiography. Bibliothèque d’Humanisme et Renaissance, 72 (2), 355–368.

Wiesel, E. (1960). Night . Hill & Wang.

Williams, T. (2019). The Importance of Facts in Biographies . HarperCollins.

Wright, R. (1945). Black Boy: A Record of Childhood and Youth . Harper & Brothers.

Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

Autobiography vs Biography: Differences and Similarities

the similarities between biography and autobiography

So you want to learn more about your favorite influential figure. Should you read an autobiography or a biography about them?

It depends on what you’re looking for!

Need A Nonfiction Book Outline?

In this guide, we’ll explain autobiography vs biography and help you choose which one you want to read. We’ll also touch on where memoirs fit in with these genres. Let’s dive in!

The similarities between biographies and autobiographies

Both biographies and autobiographies are written accounts of a person’s life. They typically recount the person’s life experiences, challenges, and accomplishments.

Usually, each of these genres is written in a narrative style. In other words, it uses storytelling techniques to convey information about its subject.

Autobiographies and biographies both feature context about the subject’s life by discussing the time in which the subject lived (or is living), the culture and location in which they live(d), and more.

Like any good story, the best biographies and autobiographies often feature narratives about trials that are overcome and lessons that are learned. They may also focus on the influence and impact of the book’s subject.

Difference between biography and autobiography

The biggest difference between an autobiography and a biography is that an autobiography is written by the subject of the book about their own life, while a biography is written by another person.

For example, actress Lucille Ball wrote an autobiography about her life called Love, Lucy . Meanwhile, an author named Kathleen Brady wrote a biography about Lucille Ball called Lucy: The Life of Lucille Ball .

Here are a few other key differences between the two genres:

1. Different perspectives

Naturally, an autobiography is written from the first-person perspective, which means the author is providing a personalized point of view on their own life.

Meanwhile, a biography is written from a third-person perspective , meaning the author is writing from an external point of view, with limited insight into the subject’s personal thoughts or feelings.

2. Control of the narrative

When someone writes their autobiography, they control which parts of their life story they include and which they omit. They can choose which perspective they share and which parts of themselves they want to spotlight.

Meanwhile, a biography relies on research, interviews and sources to construct a complete picture of a subject’s life. A biographer is likely to be more objective in their presentation of a person—perhaps even including unsavory details about their subject that the subject themselves wouldn’t include.

3. Levels of objectivity

Even the best autobiography will be subjective because it’s based on the author’s personal memories and feelings.

On the other hand, many biographers strive to be more objective in their writing. They tend to consult multiple sources, conduct a variety of interviews, and more to make sure they’re writing an accurate portrayal of their subject.

4. Sources used

Because an autobiographer is writing a story about their own life, their sources will primarily be self-generated. Though they may rely on those close to them, like family members, to verify or recount certain memories they hold.

That said, many autobiographers still need to do research to add context and depth to their life stories, whether that’s learning about the town they grew up in, their family history, or something else.

Meanwhile, biographers rely on archival materials, research, interviews, historical documents, and more to help them write the story about their subject .

5. Writing style

Because autobiographies are more personal, they often reflect the author’s unique writing style and personality. You can use an autobiography template to help map out the structure of your book, but ultimately, the flow and details will be dictated by your personal story.

On the other hand, biographies generally strive to be more objective, with a focus on a cohesive, well-researched narrative. (But to be clear: they can still be very engaging!)

Where do memoirs fit in?

We’ve learned about the differences and similarities between autobiographies and biographies, so where do memoirs fit into the puzzle?

Like an autobiography, a memoir is written by the subject of the book. Both genres tend to focus on the author’s personal life, are written in the first person, and can be highly subjective.

However, where autobiography vs memoir differs is partially in the scope of the book. An autobiography often encompasses most of the author’s life, while a memoir is likely to focus on one specific event, theme, or period in the author’s life.

Memoirs also adhere less to chronological storytelling than autobiographies do. They can jump around in time and tend to be centered more on themes, reflection, or specific, impactful moments in the author’s life.

In summary, you can think of memoirs as even more personal than autobiographies, focusing on a selected part of the writer’s life. They’re also more likely than autobiographies to be written by folks who aren’t famous.

Related: Examples of Memoirs

Final thoughts

While biographies, autobiographies and memoirs all tell a subject’s life story, they do it in different ways. The type of genre you’d like to read (or write) will be contingent on what you’d like to learn about your chosen subject.

If you’re interested in writing your own memoir, autobiography or memoir, we can help you do it. Simply schedule a book consultation to get started.

Biography vs autobiography: Similarities, differences, examples

7 March 2024

Magda Wojcik

Biography vs autobiography — two genres that share similarities yet have distinct differences in their approach to portraying the lives of individuals. A biography is a written account of a person’s life, highlighting key events, experiences and achievements. It typically provides a chronological narrative, offering insights into the individual’s character, contributions and the context of their life. In contrast, an autobiography is a written account of a person’s own life written by that individual. Unlike a biography, an autobiography is a first-hand narrative where the subject reflects on their own experiences, memories and perspectives.

Biography: Key characteristics
Bestselling biographies examples

Autobiography: Key characteristics

Bestselling autobiographies examples

Biography vs autobiography: Similarities

Biography vs autobiography: differences.

Biography vs autobiography: How to prepare them for editing?

Biography : Key characteristics

Overall, biographies aim to provide readers with an informative and engaging portrait of a person’s life, contributing to a better understanding of historical figures, influential personalities or individuals who have significantly impacted society.

The key characteristics of a biography as a genre include:

Chronological account : Biographies typically present a chronological narrative of the subject’s life, organising events and experiences in the order in which they occurred.
Factual information : Biographies aim to provide accurate and factual information about the subject, supported by thorough research and verification of details.
Objective perspective : While biographers strive for objectivity, the interpretation of events can vary. However, the goal is to present a balanced and fair portrayal of the subject.
Contextualisation : Biographies often place the subject’s life within the broader historical, cultural or social context, helping readers understand the influences that shaped the individual.
Insight into character : A good biography delves into the subject’s character, motivations and personality, offering readers a deeper understanding of the individual beyond mere facts.
In-depth research : Biographers conduct extensive research, relying on personal documents, interviews, letters and historical records to compile a comprehensive account.
Authenticity : Biographies strive to convey the authentic voice and essence of the subject, capturing their uniqueness and the complexity of their life.
Critical evaluation : Some biographies include critical analysis and interpretation, discussing the impact of the subject’s actions and contributions on their time and subsequent generations.

10 bestselling biographies worth reading

Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges explores Turing’s contributions to computer science and his tragic life.
Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance offers insights into the entrepreneur’s ambitious ventures.
Frida by Hayden Herrera unravels the tumultuous life of the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
Hamilton by Ron Chernow delves into the life of America’s Founding Father.
Malcolm X by Manning Marable offers a new perspective on the influential civil rights leader.
Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson is a comprehensive biography of Apple co-founder, providing insights into his leadership and innovations.
The Lost City of Z by David Grann conveys explorer Percy Fawcett’s quest for a mythical ancient city in the Amazon.
The Queen: A Life in Brief by Robert Lacey chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the changing dynamics of the British monarchy.
The Revenant by Michael Punke is the true story of frontiersman Hugh Glass, who survived a grizzly bear attack in the American wilderness during the 1820s.
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand is based on the incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete turned World War II bombardier who survived Japanese prison camps.

"Alan Turing: The Enigma" by Andrew Hodges illustrates the biography vs autobiography similarities and differences.

Autobiographies provide readers with a first-hand account of an individual’s life, allowing for a unique and personal exploration of the author’s experiences, challenges and triumphs.

The key characteristics of autobiography as a genre include:

First-person perspective : Autobiographies are written in the first person, with the author recounting their own experiences, thoughts and emotions, offering a direct and personal account of their life.
Subjective interpretation : Autobiographies reflect the author’s subjective viewpoint, providing insights into their perceptions, feelings and reflections on various life events.
Intimate and personal : Autobiographies often delve into personal details, emotions and private moments, creating a more intimate connection between the author and the reader.
Reflective tone : Authors of autobiographies often engage in self-reflection, analysing the significance of their experiences and the lessons learned throughout their life journey.
Emphasis on personal growth : Autobiographies frequently explore the author’s personal development, highlighting moments of growth, change and self-discovery throughout their life.
Selective memory : Authors may emphasise specific events, memories or themes in their life, shaping the narrative according to their perspective and priorities.
Narrative structure : Autobiographies may follow a chronological order, but some authors opt for a thematic or episodic structure, organising the narrative around key themes or significant life events.
Purposeful storytelling : Autobiographers often have a purpose or message they wish to convey: to inspire, educate or share a unique perspective. The storytelling is often purposeful and shaped by the author’s intentions.
Authentic voice : Autobiographies aim to capture the author’s authentic voice, allowing readers to connect with the narrator on a personal level and gain a deeper understanding of their individuality.
Integrity and truthfulness : While autobiographies are subjective, readers expect honesty and truthfulness from the author, even if the narrative is shaped by personal interpretation.

10 bestselling autobiographies worth reading

Being Henry by Henry Winkler shares the disheartening truth of Happy Days , Arrested Development and Barry star’s childhood, the difficulties living with dyslexia and the pressures of a role that takes on a life of its own.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou explores the poet’s early life, struggles and triumphs.
Is This Ok? by Harriet Gibsone is a funny and honest account of trying to find a connection in the Internet age.
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony exposes the wild tales of the culinary industry: from his lowly position as a dishwasher to cooking at some of the finest restaurants in the world, Bourdain tells it all.
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela is an inspiring journey from anti-apartheid activist to South Africa’s first black president.
My Life So Far by Jane Fonda chronicles the actor’s life in Hollywood, activism and personal growth.
Open by Andre Agassi reveals his triumphs, struggles and the personal costs of success in professional sports.
Spare by Prince Harry exposes the experiences of the royal life in the public eye, including trauma and mental health struggles.
The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku is a lesson in how happiness can be found in the darkest of times, such as the author’s survival at the hands of the Nazis.
The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi reflects on his life, principles and role in India’s struggle for independence.

Biography vs autobiography share several similarities, given that they both belong to the non-fiction genre and provide insights into the lives of individuals. Here are the main similarities:

Non-fiction nature : Both biographies and autobiographies are forms of non-fiction literature, presenting factual information about real people and events.
Focus on individual lives : The central theme of both genres is a specific person’s life. They aim to explore and document the subject’s experiences, achievements, challenges and personal growth.
Narrative structure : Biographies and autobiographies typically follow a narrative structure, organising events coherently and meaningfully. The storytelling can be chronological or structured thematically.
Character exploration : Both genres delve into the individual’s character, personality and motivations, providing readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Historical and cultural context : Biographies and autobiographies often place the individual’s life within a broader historical, cultural or social context. This context helps readers comprehend the influences that shaped the person and the significance of their contributions.
Authenticity and truthfulness : Readers expect authenticity and truthfulness in both biographies and autobiographies. While the author’s perspective may influence the interpretation of events, there is an underlying expectation of factual accuracy.
Reflection on life events : Like memoirs , both genres may involve reflection on significant life events, personal growth and the impact of various experiences on the individual.
In-depth research : Authors of biographies and autobiographies often conduct extensive research to gather information from various sources, ensuring a comprehensive and well-informed portrayal of the subject’s life.

Despite these similarities, a key distinction is the writing perspective. A biography is typically written by someone other than the subject, offering an external viewpoint. On the other hand, an autobiography is self-written, providing a first-hand account of the author’s life.

The differences between biography vs autobiography highlight the distinct characteristics and approaches of biography and autobiography as literary genres:

Biography is written by an external author who researches and compiles information about the subject.
Autobiography is written by the subject of the narrative, providing a first-hand account.

Perspective

Biography presents an external, third-person perspective on the subject’s life.
Autobiography offers a first-person perspective, allowing the author to share personal thoughts and experiences directly.

Objective vs subjective

Biographies aim for objectivity, presenting a balanced and factual account.
Autobiographies are inherently subjective, allowing the author’s interpretation and emotions to shape the narrative.

Point of view

Biographies are written from an outsider’s viewpoint, relying on research and interviews.
Autobiographies are written from the author’s own viewpoint, providing an intimate and personal narrative.
Biographies maintain an objective tone, avoiding personal bias or emotional involvement.
Autobiographies may exhibit a more emotional and personal tone, reflecting the author’s subjective experiences.

Research method

Biographers conduct external research, relying on various sources beyond the subject’s personal accounts.
Autobiographers draw on personal experiences, memories and reflections without relying on external research to the same extent.

Comprehensive coverage

Unlike memoirs , biographies often cover various aspects of the subject’s life, including personal, professional and public dimensions.
Autobiographies may focus on specific themes or periods, offering a more selective exploration of the author’s life.

Intended audience

Biographies cater to a broad audience interested in learning about significant individuals.
Autobiographies appeal to readers seeking a personal and intimate connection with the author’s life.

Narrative control

Biographers control the narrative and interpretation of the subject’s life.
Autobiographers have complete control over how their own life story is presented.

Biography vs autobiography: How can editing services prepare them for publication?

Editing services are crucial in preparing biographies and autobiographies for publication, ensuring the manuscript is well-structured and effectively communicates the author’s story. Here are different types of editing services and how they contribute to the publication process:

Developmental editing

Focus : Examining the overall structure and content.
Goal : Identifying areas that need improvement regarding organisation, clarity and coherence.
Result : Ensuring that the narrative flows logically, character development is robust, and key events are effectively portrayed.

Line editing

Focus : Polishing the manuscript line by line.
Goal : Addressing style, tone and language issues to improve overall writing quality.
Result : Enhancing the author’s writing style, making it more consistent and compelling.

Copyediting

Focus : Correcting grammar, punctuation and spelling errors.
Goal : Ensuring the manuscript adheres to language conventions and is free from technical errors.
Result : Ensuring the professional presentation of the text and minimising distractions caused by grammatical mistakes.

Fact-checking

Focus : Verifying the accuracy of information presented in the manuscript.
Goal : Ensuring that names, dates, events and other details are correct and consistent.
Result : Guarantying the reliability of the information presented and maintaining the integrity of the narrative.

Proofreading

Focus : Reviewing the final version for typos and minor errors.
Goal : Providing a last check to catch any remaining mistakes before publication.
Result : Ensuring a polished and error-free manuscript for the final stages of production.
Focus : Ensuring the visual presentation of the text.
Goal : Formatting the manuscript for consistency and preparing it for publication.
Result : Creating a professional and visually appealing layout, optimising the reading experience.
Focus : Creating an index for easy reference.
Goal : Compiling an organised index of names, events and topics mentioned in the biography.
Result : Enhancing the usability of the biography as a reference tool.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, although biography vs autobiography offer unique perspectives on the lives of individuals, they differ in their approach and style. A biography provides an objective and informative account of a person’s life. On the other hand, an autobiography offers a subjective and personal exploration of the author’s experiences. In sum, biography vs autobiography — each genre has its strengths and limitations.

Moreover, professional editing services, including developmental, line, copyediting and proofreading, play a vital role in preparing these genres for publication. The editing process ensures coherence, readability and accuracy, allowing biographies and autobiographies to connect with readers effectively.

Contact me for a free sample edit of your manuscript (and remember to use my early bird discount ). I am an experienced editor working with non-fiction, academic and business texts. I can help prepare your text for publication, from a big-picture analysis through bringing to the fore your authorial voice to ensuring the correctness and consistency of the language.

I'm a freelance editor and indexer with a PhD in literary history. I work with non-fiction, academic and business texts.

Memberships

Incorporated in England and Wales. Company number: 10809565. Registered office: 124 City Road, London, England, EC1V 2NX

Autobiography vs. Biography

What's the difference.

Autobiography and biography are both forms of non-fiction writing that focus on the life of an individual. However, there is a key distinction between the two. Autobiography is a self-written account of one's own life, where the author narrates their personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions. It provides an intimate and subjective perspective, allowing readers to gain insight into the author's unique journey. On the other hand, biography is a written account of someone's life, written by another person. It involves extensive research and interviews to gather information about the subject's life, achievements, and impact on society. Biography offers a more objective and comprehensive view of the individual, often including historical context and analysis. Both genres serve as valuable sources of inspiration, knowledge, and understanding of the human experience.

Attribute	Autobiography	Biography
Author	Written by the person themselves	Written by someone else about a person
Perspective	First-person	Third-person
Subject	The author's own life	Another person's life
Accuracy	Subjective, influenced by the author's memory and perspective	Objective, based on research and interviews
Intimacy	Can provide personal insights and emotions	May lack personal insights and emotions
Reliability	May be biased or selective in presenting events	Strives for objectivity and balance
Writing Style	May reflect the author's unique voice and style	Depends on the biographer's writing style
Scope	Focuses on the author's life experiences	Explores a broader range of events and influences

Further Detail

Introduction.

Autobiography and biography are two distinct genres of literature that provide insights into the lives of individuals. While both share the common goal of documenting someone's life, they differ in terms of perspective, authorship, and narrative style. In this article, we will explore the attributes of autobiography and biography, highlighting their unique characteristics and discussing their significance in understanding the lives of notable individuals.

Autobiography

An autobiography is a literary work in which the author writes about their own life experiences, providing a first-person account of events, emotions, and reflections. As the author and subject are the same person, autobiographies offer a direct and intimate perspective on the individual's life. The author has the freedom to express their thoughts, feelings, and personal interpretations of events, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of their motivations and experiences.

Autobiographies often cover a wide range of topics, including childhood, education, career, relationships, and personal growth. They can be highly subjective, as the author's memories and perceptions shape the narrative. Autobiographies also provide an opportunity for self-reflection and self-analysis, allowing the author to explore their own identity and share their life lessons with readers.

One of the key advantages of autobiographies is the authenticity they offer. Since the author is the primary source of information, readers can trust that the events and emotions described are based on the author's personal experiences. Autobiographies can be incredibly powerful, as they allow readers to connect with the author on a personal level and gain insights into their unique journey.

However, it is important to note that autobiographies may also be influenced by the author's biases, selective memory, or desire to present themselves in a certain light. While they provide a personal perspective, they may not always provide a completely objective account of events. Readers should approach autobiographies with a critical mindset, considering the author's motivations and potential biases.

Unlike autobiographies, biographies are written by someone other than the subject of the book. Biographers extensively research the life of the individual they are writing about, gathering information from various sources such as interviews, letters, diaries, and historical records. Biographies aim to present an objective and comprehensive account of the subject's life, providing a broader perspective that goes beyond the author's personal experiences.

Biographies often delve into the historical and cultural context in which the subject lived, offering insights into the societal influences and events that shaped their life. They provide a detailed examination of the subject's achievements, struggles, relationships, and impact on the world. Biographers strive to present a balanced portrayal of the individual, considering multiple perspectives and analyzing the significance of their actions.

One of the key advantages of biographies is their ability to provide a more objective and well-rounded view of the subject's life. By drawing on a wide range of sources, biographers can present a comprehensive narrative that takes into account different viewpoints and historical context. Biographies also allow readers to explore the lives of individuals they may not be familiar with, expanding their knowledge and understanding of different eras and cultures.

However, it is important to acknowledge that biographies may also be influenced by the biographer's own interpretations and biases. Despite their efforts to present an objective account, biographers may still make subjective judgments or interpretations based on the available information. Readers should approach biographies critically, considering the biographer's expertise, sources, and potential biases.

While autobiographies and biographies have distinct characteristics, they also share some similarities. Both genres aim to provide insights into the lives of individuals, allowing readers to learn from their experiences and gain a deeper understanding of their motivations and impact. Both genres can be highly informative and engaging, offering valuable lessons and inspiration.

Autobiographies and biographies also have the potential to inspire empathy and connection. By exploring the lives of others, readers can develop a sense of empathy and understanding for different perspectives and experiences. Both genres offer opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection, as readers can relate their own lives to the challenges and triumphs of the individuals they are reading about.

However, the key difference between autobiographies and biographies lies in the perspective and authorship. Autobiographies provide a first-person account, allowing readers to directly engage with the author's thoughts and emotions. On the other hand, biographies offer a third-person perspective, providing a more objective and comprehensive view of the subject's life.

Autobiographies are often more subjective, as they are influenced by the author's personal memories, interpretations, and motivations. Biographies, on the other hand, strive to present a balanced and well-researched account, drawing on multiple sources and perspectives. While autobiographies offer a more intimate connection with the author, biographies provide a broader understanding of the subject's life within a historical and cultural context.

Autobiographies and biographies are two valuable genres of literature that offer unique insights into the lives of individuals. Autobiographies provide a personal and subjective perspective, allowing readers to connect with the author on a deeper level. Biographies, on the other hand, offer a more objective and comprehensive view, drawing on extensive research and multiple sources.

Both genres have their own strengths and limitations, and readers should approach them with a critical mindset. Autobiographies can be powerful in their authenticity, while biographies provide a broader understanding of historical and cultural contexts. By exploring both genres, readers can gain a well-rounded perspective on the lives of notable individuals and find inspiration in their stories.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference between Biography and Autobiography

Both of these two presents the view of, what happened in the past where the author lived. These are non-fiction books, written in chronological order, tells a story about the person who made a significant contribution in a specific field. Many think that the two writing forms are one and the same thing, but there are noticeable difference between the two, that are presented in the given article.

Content: Biography Vs Autobiography

Comparison chart.

Basis for Comparison	Biography	Autobiography
Meaning	Biography refers to an account that tells someone else's life story.	Autobiography means an account that tells your life story.
Authorization	Can be written, with or without the authorization of the subject.	Not required
Written in	Third person	First person
Purpose	To inform	To express and inform
Outlook	Based on facts collected by the author.	Full of emotions and thoughts.

Definition of Biography

A biography also referred as ‘bio’ is a detailed account of a person’s life written or produced by another person. It gives an elaborate information regarding the birthplace, educational background, work, relationships and demise of the person concerned. It presents the subject’s intimate details about life, focusing on the highs and lows and analysing their whole personality.

A biography is usually in the written form but can also be made in other forms of a music composition or literature to film interpretation.

It is the recreation of the life of an individual composed of words by another person. The author collects every single detail about the subject and presents those facts in the biography, which are relevant and interesting, to engross the readers in the story.

Definition of Autobiography

An autobiography is the life sketch of a person written by that person himself or herself. The word auto means ‘self.’ Therefore, autobiography contains all the elements of a biography but composed or narrated by the author himself. He/She may write on their own or may hire ghostwriters to write for them.

An autobiography presents the narrator’s character sketch, the place where he is born and brought up, his education, work, life experiences, challenges, and achievements. This may include events and stories of his childhood, teenage, and adulthood.

Key Differences Between Biography and Autobiography

The difference between biography and autobiography are discussed in detail in the following points:

Biography is a detailed account of a person’s life written by someone else, while an autobiography is written by the subject themselves.
Biography can be written with (authorised) or without permission (unauthorised) from the person/heir’s concerned. Therefore, there are chances of factual mistakes in the information. On the other hand, autobiographies are self-written and therefore doesn’t require any authorization.
Biographies contain information that is collected over a period of time from different sources and thus, it projects a different outlook to the readers. On the other hand, autobiographies are written by the subject themselves, therefore, the writer presents the facts and his thinking in his own way, thus providing an overall narrow and biased perspective to the readers.
In an Autobiography, the author uses the first narrative like I, me, we, he, she, etc. This, in turn, makes an intimate connection between the author and the reader since the reader experience various aspects as if he/she is in that time period. As opposed a biography is from a third person’s view and is much less intimate.
The purpose of writing a biography is to introduce and inform the readers about the person and his life whereas an autobiography is written in order to express, the life experiences and achievements of the narrator.

Video: Biography Vs Autobiography

There are several autobiographies which are worth mentioning like ‘The Story of My Life’ by Helen Keller, ‘An Autobiography’ by Jawaharlal Nehru, ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ by Anne Frank, ‘Memoirs of the Second World War’ by Winston Churchill, ‘Wings of Fire’ by A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and much more.

Examples of some famous biographies are- Tolstoy: A Russian Life by Rosamund Bartlett, His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis, Einstein: The Life and Times by Ronald William Clark, Biography of Walt Disney: The Inspirational Life Story of Walt Disney – The Man Behind “Disneyland” by Steve Walters, Princess Diana- A Biography Of The Princess Of Wales by Drew L. Crichton.

You Might Also Like:

May 4, 2017 at 12:13 am

This website is amazing because my class is reading over it

Joseph says

February 21, 2023 at 8:18 am

I have gotten the answers I really needed at this site

Mukesh Kumar Guar says

February 12, 2019 at 1:52 pm

Little and complete information I was looking for.

Abdul Rahim Muhammad Latif says

February 26, 2019 at 6:09 pm

nice wake well done

Hanady says

October 18, 2019 at 5:51 pm

Amazing! Very helpful and useful. Thank you!

May 7, 2023 at 6:47 am

your article is very well explained

Manish Bhati says

June 21, 2023 at 11:51 am

Great explanation by Surbhi S, it clears confusion between biographies and autobiographies.

Difference Between Biography and Autobiography (With Table)

Biography and autobiography are two literary genres that revolve around the life stories of individuals. Despite sharing a common subject matter, there are distinct differences between these two forms of literature. While both biography and autobiography aim to tell the life story of an individual, they differ in terms of authorship and perspective. In this article, we will discuss the similarities and differences between biography and autobiography with the help of a table and other key differences.

Table of Contents

Biography Vs Autobiography (Chart)

Biography	Autobiography
Biography refers to a written account of someone else’s life, usually written by a third-party author.	An autobiography refers to a written account of one’s own life, written by the person themselves.
It is written in the third person point of view	It is written in the first-person point of view
For biography, research is required to gather information from primary and secondary sources	In this case, the author writes from their own perspective and relies on their own memory
Biography is intended for a general audience interested in learning about the subject’s life.	It is intended for a specific audience interested in learning about the author’s life
It can be written anytime.	It is usually written later in life.
“Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson, and “Becoming” by Michelle Obama.	“The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Malcolm X and Alex Haley, “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank.

Difference Between Fiction and Nonfiction
Difference Between Race and Ethnicity
Difference Between Technical and Creative Writing

What is Biography?

A biography is a written account of a person’s life story, written by another person. It is an objective account of the life of an individual, including significant events, accomplishments, and notable contributions. A biographer conducts extensive research to gather information about the individual, including interviews with family members, friends, and colleagues. Biographers often use primary sources such as diaries, letters, and other personal documents to gain a deeper understanding of the subject’s life.

A biography can be written in various formats, including a chronological account of the subject’s life, a thematic approach that focuses on specific aspects of the individual’s life, or a combination of both. Biographies can be written for a wide audience or targeted to a specific demographic. Biographies can also be written in different styles, such as academic or popular, depending on the intended readership.

What is Autobiography?

An autobiography is a written account of a person’s life story, written by the individual themselves. It is a first-person account of one’s life experiences, providing insights into the author’s thoughts, feelings, and personal perspectives. Autobiographies often provide a deeper understanding of the subject’s life, as they offer unique insights into the individual’s thought processes and motivations.

Autobiographies can also be written in various formats, including a chronological account of the author’s life, a thematic approach that focuses on specific events or experiences, or a combination of both. Like biographies, autobiographies can be written for a wide audience or targeted to a specific demographic.

Key Differences Between Biography and Autobiography

While comparing biography and autobiography, here we have included some of the key differences between them. They are as follows.

Authorship: The most significant difference between biography and autobiography is authorship. A biography is written by another person, while an autobiography is written by the individual themselves. Biographies are therefore objective accounts of the subject’s life, while autobiographies are subjective accounts of the author’s experiences.
Perspective: Biographies offer an outsider’s perspective on the subject’s life, while autobiographies offer a first-person perspective. Autobiographies provide unique insights into the author’s thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences. On the other hand, biographies rely on interviews and primary sources to gain a deeper understanding of the subject’s life.
Purpose: Biographies are often written to provide an objective account of an individual’s life. On the other hand, autobiographies are often written to offer a personal perspective on the author’s life experiences. Biographies can also be written to provide insights into historical events or cultural movements. In contrast, autobiographies are often written for therapeutic or personal reasons.

The following comparison table also shows the difference between biography and autobiography in a brief manner.

comparison table for difference between biography and autobiography

3 Similarities between Biography and Autobiography

Both genres aim to tell the life story of an individual. Whether written by an author or the individual themselves, both biographies and autobiographies aim to provide a comprehensive account of the subject’s life experiences.
Both genres rely on extensive research to gather information about the subject’s life. Biographers conduct interviews and use primary sources to gain a deeper understanding of the individual’s life, while autobiographers draw on their personal experiences and memories to create a first-person account.
And finally, both genres can be written in various formats, including a chronological account of the subject’s life or a thematic approach that focuses on specific events or experiences.

In conclusion, biography and autobiography are two distinct genres that share a common subject matter. whether you prefer reading about the lives of others or writing about your own experiences, both biography, and autobiography offer rich and engaging narratives that can inspire, educate, and entertain readers for generations to come.

Basir Saboor

Wood Sorrel Vs Clover : Understanding Their Differences

Accountability Vs Responsibility : Differences and Similarity (Table)

Art Vs Craft: Understanding the Key Differences?

Revenue Marketing Vs Demand Generation : Key Differences

One comment.

Pingback: Fact Vs Opinion : Examples and 7 Differences (With Table)

How To Write An Autobiography

Autobiography Vs Biography

Autobiography vs. Biography - Learn the Differences

13 min read

Published on: May 24, 2023

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

Autobiography

An autobiography is a written account of one's life, written by the person themselves. It is a form of personal narrative where the author reflects on their experiences, challenges, accomplishments, and growth throughout their life.

Writing an autobiography can be a powerful way to reflect on one's life and share their story with others. It can provide insight into the human experience and inspire others to reflect on their own lives and experiences.

Purpose of Writing an Autobiography

People may choose to write an autobiography for a variety of reasons, including:

To reflect on their life and experiences
To share their story with others
To inspire and motivate others
To preserve their legacy
To come to terms with difficult experiences

Examples of Famous Autobiographies

Some of the best-known autobiographies include:

" The Diary of a Young Girl " by Anne Frank
" Long Walk to Freedom " by Nelson Mandela
" I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings " by Maya Angelou
" The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin " by Benjamin Franklin
" The Story of My Experiments with Truth " by Mahatma Gandhi

Benefits of Writing an Autobiography

There are many benefits to writing an autobiography, including:

Self-reflection and personal growth: Writing an autobiography involves reflecting on one's life experiences, leading to personal growth and self-awareness.
Preservation of personal history and legacy: Writing an autobiography helps preserve the author's personal history and legacy for future generations.
Healing and closure: Writing an autobiography can be a healing and cathartic experience that leads to closure and acceptance of past traumas or struggles.
Increased self-awareness and understanding: Writing an autobiography increases self-awareness and understanding of oneself and others.
Inspiring and motivating others: Sharing one's life story can inspire and motivate others by providing a model for personal growth and reflection.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

A biography is a written account of a person's life, detailing their experiences, accomplishments, and challenges. Biographies can be written about anyone, from historical figures to contemporary celebrities.

They offer readers a glimpse into the lives of individuals who have had a significant impact on the world around them. By documenting a person's legacy, biographies ensure that their contributions are not forgotten.

Purpose of Writing a Biography

There are various reasons why people may opt to write a biography including:

To provide an accurate and detailed account of a person's life.
To inspire and educate readers about the accomplishments and challenges of a person's life.
To document and preserve the legacy of a person for future generations.
To provide insight into the historical and cultural context in which a person lived.
To shed light on the personal and emotional experiences of a person's life.

Examples of Famous Biographies

Here are some of the most renowned biographies that are widely recognized:

" Steve Jobs " by Walter Isaacson
" The Autobiography of Malcolm X " by Malcolm X and Alex Haley
" Becoming " by Michelle Obama
" The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks " by Rebecca Skloot
" The Diary of Anne Frank " by Anne Frank

Benefits of Writing a Biography

Letâs take a look at some benefits of writing biographies:

Provides a deeper understanding of a person's life and legacy: Biographies offer readers a better understanding of who a person was, what they stood for, and what they achieved.
Offers insights into the historical and cultural context: Biographies shed light on the societal norms, political climate, and cultural trends of the time. It helps readers understand the challenges and opportunities a person faced.
Preserves a person's legacy for future generations: Biographies ensure that a person's legacy is preserved for future generations to learn from and be inspired by.
Provides inspiration and education for readers: Biographies offer insights into how successful individuals achieved their goals. It inspires readers to achieve their own goals and make a positive impact.
Can offer a cathartic release for the author: Writing a biography can be a healing and transformative experience for the author. It can help authors come to terms with their own experiences and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others.

Check out this blog if you are interested to learn about different types of autobiography !

Autobiography vs Biography - Differences

Here's a detailed table outlining the differences between an autobiography and a biography:


	A written account of one's own life, written by oneself	A written account of someone else's life, written by another person
	Written in the first-person perspective, from the author's point of view	Written in the third-person perspective, from the biographer's point of view
	Can be subjective, as the author may have a personal bias or emotional connection to the events described	Generally more objective, as the biographer is not directly involved in the events being described
	Can be more emotional and personal, reflecting the author's own experiences and perspectives	Generally more neutral and factual, focusing on the subject's life and accomplishments
	Covers the author's entire life or a specific period of their life, as determined by the author	Can cover a person's entire life, or a specific period of their life, as determined by the biographer

Autobiography vs Biography - Similarities

This table outlines the similarities between autobiography and biography:


	Both are written accounts of a person's life, experiences, and achievements	Both offer readers insight into the life and legacy of a person
	Both can offer insights into the historical and cultural context of the time in which the person lived	Both can be used to study history and culture
	Both can inspire and educate readers about how individuals overcame challenges and made a difference in the world	Both can provide insights into how individuals achieve their goals
	Both can be cathartic experiences for the author or biographer, as they reflect on the life of the subject or themselves	Both can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and others

How to Write an Autobiography?

Here are some steps to follow when writing an autobiography:

Step#1: Determine The Purpose and Scope of Your Autobiography Before you start writing, consider why you want to write your autobiography and what you hope to achieve. Decide on the scope of your autobiography, such as whether you will cover your entire life or a specific period of time.

Step#2: Choose Your Perspective As the author of your autobiography, you can choose to write it from a first-person point of view. It allows readers to experience the events and emotions from your perspective.

Alternatively, you could choose to write it from a third-person perspective, providing a more objective and detached account of your life.

Step#3: Decide on the Tone The tone of your autobiography will depend on your purpose and perspective. It could be emotional and personal, or more neutral and factual.

Step#4: Organize Your Thoughts Before you start writing, create an outline of the key events and experiences you want to include in your autobiography. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you cover all the important aspects of your life.

Step#5: Write Your Autobiography Start with an engaging introduction that captures the reader's attention and sets the tone for your autobiography. Then, move on to the main body of your autobiography, covering the key events and experiences of your life. Finally, conclude your autobiography with a reflection on your life and what you have learned.

Step#6: Edit and Revise Once you have completed your first draft, take a break and come back to it later with fresh eyes. Edit and revise your autobiography, ensuring that it is well written and organized.

Step#7: Publish or Share Your Autobiography Depending on your goals, you could choose to publish your autobiography as a book or share it with friends and family. There are different types of books you could consider, such as a memoir, a personal history, or a collection of essays.

Explore our blog to get inspiring autobiography examples !

How to Write a Biography?

When writing a biography, there are several steps you can follow to ensure that your work is well-researched, engaging, and informative. Here are some tips:

Step#1: Choose Your Subject: Select a person to write about whose life story you find interesting and who has made significant contributions in their field or community.

Step#2: Research Conduct thorough research on the person you have chosen. Gather information from various sources such as books, articles, interviews, and primary sources.

Step#3: Outline Create an outline of your biography, deciding on the structure, the key events you will cover, and the themes you will explore.

Step#4: Determine Your Point of View Decide on the point of view you will take when writing the biography, whether it will be first-person or third-person.

Step#5: Choose the Type of Book Determine the type of biography you will write. Will it be a comprehensive, cradle-to-grave biography? Will it focus on a specific period of the person's life or a particular aspect of their work?

Step#6: Write the First Draft Begin writing your biography, using your research and outline to guide your writing. When writing, try to make the biography engaging, informative, and accessible to a broad audience.

Step#7: Edit and Revise After completing the first draft, edit and revise your work. This ensures that your biography is free of errors and effectively communicates the life and legacy of your subject.

Step#8: Consider a Subject-Written Biography If possible, consider using a subject-written biography as a source of information. For example, if you are writing a biography about George Washington, you could read "His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellisâ. It will help you gain insights from the perspective of the subject.

Autobiography Vs. Biography Vs. Memoir

The below table compares three different types of nonfiction: autobiography, biography, and memoir. You'll find that they all have their own distinct differences from one another and share many similar qualities.


Written by the subject	Written by an author	Written by the subject
Covers the subject's entire life story	Covers a specific person's life story	The memoir focuses on a specific period or theme in the author's life
Written in chronological order	Written in chronological order or by theme	Written in chronological order or by theme
Personal and introspective	Objective and informative	Personal and introspective

Explore the provided link to access a wealth of information on writing a memoir .

In conclusion, understanding the difference between an autobiography and a biography is crucial for any writer. While both genres aim to tell the story of someone's life, they have distinct differences that should be acknowledged.

Autobiographies are firsthand accounts written by the subject themselves, while biographies are written by someone else about the subject's life. It is important to consider the purpose and audience of your writing when deciding which genre to pursue.

Our essay writer AI can be helpful in clarifying these differences and assisting you with your writing.

If you need help with your biography writing, don't hesitate to say ' write my essay ' and let our experts handle the rest.

At CollegeEssay.org, our trusted service has helped thousands of students worldwide.

Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

Privacy Policy
Cookies Policy
Terms of Use
Refunds & Cancellations
Our Writers
Success Stories
Our Guarantees
Affiliate Program
Referral Program
AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

Difference between Accounting Profit and Economic Profit

Difference between accounting and bookkeeping, difference between entrepreneur and businessman.

Difference Between Biography and Autobiography

The written accounts of people’s lives have always been a source of inspiration, knowledge, and understanding of history and human experiences. Two common forms of such literary works are biography and autobiography. While they both delve into the lives of individuals, there are significant differences between the two genres. In this article, we will explore the dissimilarities between biography and autobiography, understanding their definitions, characteristics, and significance as unique forms of storytelling.

Table of Contents

The main difference between Biography and Autobiography is that a biography is a written account of a person’s life written by someone else, while an autobiography is a written account of a person’s life written by the individual themselves.

Below is a table highlighting the possible differences between a Biography and an Autobiography:

Aspect	Biography	Autobiography
Authorship	Written by someone else about a person’s life	Written by the person about their own life
Perspective	Third-person narrative	First-person narrative
Source of Information	Relies on research, interviews, and records	Based on the author’s memory and experiences
Accuracy	Subject to potential biases and interpretations	May reflect the author’s personal bias
Knowledge of Subject	Limited to available information	Offers unique insights and personal experiences
Perspective on Events	External view of the subject’s life	Internal view from the subject’s own viewpoint
Personal Feelings	Author’s emotions may not be as prominent	Author’s emotions and feelings are prominent
Objectivity	Strives for objectivity and impartiality	Subjective and reflective
Author’s Involvement	External observer	Active participant in the events
Writing Style	Often more formal and detached	Can be more intimate and emotional
Confidentiality	May reveal personal details with permission	May disclose intimate details without consent
Completeness	May not cover the subject’s entire life	Covers the author’s life comprehensively

What is a Biography?

A biography is a written account of a person’s life, typically written by someone else. It is an objective narrative that delves into the person’s background, experiences, achievements, challenges, and impact on society. Biographies often aim to provide a comprehensive and unbiased view of the subject’s life, capturing the essence of their character and accomplishments.

Characteristics of Biographies

Third-Person Perspective: Biographies are usually written in the third person, maintaining a degree of detachment between the author and the subject.
Research and Fact-Based: Biographers extensively research and verify the information presented, ensuring accuracy and authenticity.
External Insight: Biographers analyze the subject’s life from an outsider’s perspective, often incorporating historical and cultural context.

Importance of Biographies

Biographies hold significant value in various ways:

Preserving History: Biographies document the lives of notable individuals, preserving their legacy for future generations.
Inspiration: Reading about the lives of accomplished individuals can inspire and motivate readers to overcome challenges and achieve greatness.
Understanding Human Nature: Biographies provide insights into human emotions, behaviors, and decision-making processes.

What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography, on the other hand, is a self-written account of a person’s life. It offers a first-hand perspective as the author narrates their own experiences, memories, and reflections. Autobiographies are deeply personal and provide an intimate understanding of the author’s thoughts and emotions.

Characteristics of Autobiographies

First-Person Perspective: Autobiographies are written in the first person, offering a direct connection between the author and the reader.
Subjective Narration: Authors infuse their personal feelings, perspectives, and interpretations into the narrative.
Reflection and Introspection: Autobiographies often include self-reflection and introspection, allowing readers to understand the author’s growth and development.

Importance of Autobiographies

Autobiographies hold significance for various reasons:

Personal Connection: Readers can emotionally connect with the author’s experiences and empathize with their journey.
Insight into Personal Development: Autobiographies provide insights into how life experiences shape an individual’s character and choices.
Authenticity: Being a firsthand account, autobiographies are considered highly authentic and genuine.

Key Biography vs. Autobiography Differences

Perspective.

The primary difference between biography and autobiography lies in the perspective of the narrative. Biographies are written by someone else, providing an external view of the subject’s life, while autobiographies are self-written, offering a subjective and personal viewpoint.

In biographies, the author is an outsider who researches and writes about the subject’s life. In contrast, autobiographies are authored by the individual whose life is being depicted.

Reliability

Biographies are often regarded as more reliable since they are based on extensive research and multiple sources. Autobiographies, while authentic, may carry some degree of bias and subjectivity.

Biographies typically cover the entire life of the subject, including early life, achievements, and later years. Autobiographies, on the other hand, may focus on specific life events or periods.

Biographies target a broader audience, offering an impartial account of the subject’s life. Autobiographies may attract readers who seek a personal connection with the author’s experiences.

Writing Styles of Biography and Autobiography

Narrative approach.

Biographies often use a chronological approach, presenting events in the order they occurred. Autobiographies may use a more fluid and reflective approach, emphasizing personal experiences and emotions.

Third-Person vs. First-Person

Biographies adopt the third-person perspective, providing objectivity. Autobiographies, as a first-person account, offer a sense of intimacy and direct involvement.

Impact and Significance of Biography and Autobiography

Both biography and autobiography play crucial roles in literature and history:

Impact: Biographies provide insights into the lives of historical figures, leaders, and influential individuals, offering valuable lessons and inspiration for readers.
Significance: They contribute to preserving and understanding the past, shaping collective memory, and promoting empathy and understanding of diverse experiences.

Autobiography:

Impact: Autobiographies offer a direct and personal perspective, enabling readers to connect intimately with the author’s life journey, struggles, and achievements.
Significance: Autobiographies empower individuals to share their unique stories, inspiring others, fostering self-reflection, and promoting the importance of personal narratives in human history.

Examples of Famous Biographies and Autobiographies

Famous biographies.

Nelson Mandela: “Long Walk to Freedom”
Steve Jobs: “Steve Jobs”
Albert Einstein: “Einstein: His Life and Universe”

Famous Autobiographies

Maya Angelou: “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”
Benjamin Franklin: “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin”
Malala Yousafzai: “I Am Malala”

In conclusion, the difference between biography and autobiography lies in the perspective, authorship, and focus of the narrative. Biographies are written by others, providing an objective account of a person’s life, while autobiographies are authored by the subject, offering a subjective and personal viewpoint. Both genres contribute significantly to literature and history, presenting diverse perspectives on the lives of remarkable individuals and providing readers with valuable insights into the human experience. Whether it is the impartiality of biographies or the intimate self-reflection of autobiographies, these literary forms enrich our understanding of the world and the people who shape it.

Editor Recommendations

Incall vs Outcall: What’s the Difference in Their Services?
Difference Between Abridged and Unabridged Birth Certificate
Ignorance vs Stupidity: What’s the Difference?
Blink Armed vs Disarmed: Everthing You need to Know

Meet Raees Ahmad, the founder and CEO of KnowDifferences.com. He's like a superhero with different skills. One part of him manages content, another part is an expert at organizing and planning writing tasks, and two parts of him lead a team of talented content creators. By working together, they make amazing content for everyone to enjoy.

Cobalt blue vs. royal blue: what’s the difference, difference between rape and molestation, difference between cyber bullying and cyber savvy.

Comments are closed.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Now Avaliable on Whatsapp

+1 (800) 685-6772

Online 24/7

How To Write An Autobiography

Autobiography Vs Biography

Last updated on: Sep 10, 2024

Autobiography vs. Biography - What are the Differences?

By: Cordon J.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Aug 7, 2024

Have you ever picked up a book thinking it’s an autobiography, only to find it’s a biography instead? Do you not understand the difference between the two?They are two different categories of the same genre. This can be confusing for a lot of people as both of these share the life story of an individual. This blog will clear up these confusions and help you understand exactly what sets each of these genres apart.Let's dive in and make sense of it all!

On this Page

What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography is a story of a person's life written by that person. It gives a personal view of their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Unlike biographies, which are written by others, autobiographies are a direct reflection of the author's own life.

Elements of an Autobiography

To understand what makes an autobiography, let's look at its main parts:

Personal Experience : The core of an autobiography is the author's own experiences. It covers their daily life, important events, and personal stories.
Self-Reflection : Autobiographies often include the author's thoughts and feelings about their experiences.
First-Person Narrative : Written using "I" and "my," making the story very personal.
Chronological Order : Many autobiographies follow the order of events as they happened in the author's life.

Here is an autobiography example for your understanding:

Famous Autobiography Example PDF

If you want to know how to write an autobiography , then check out this easy step-by-step blog.

Now that we know what an autobiography is, let’s move on to biographies.

What is a Biography?

A biography is a story of someone's life written by another person. This genre aims to give an objective view of the subject’s life, achievements, and impact. Biographies are based on thorough research, including interviews, letters, and historical records, to ensure accuracy.

Elements of a Biography

To understand what makes a biography, let's look at its main parts:

Research-Based: Biographies are built from various sources like interviews, letters, and documents to give a full picture of the subject's life.
Third-Person Narrative : Written using "he," "she," or "they," providing an outside perspective.
Objective Account : Biographies aim to present a balanced view of the subject’s life without personal bias.
Contextual Details : They often include information about the subject's impact on society and historical events.

Take a look at this biography example for your understanding:

Famous Biography Example PDF

Having covered autobiographies and biographies, let's see how they compare and contrast.

Comparison Between Autobiography vs. Biography

Both autobiographies and biographies explore the lives of individuals but from different perspectives. Knowing these differences can help you choose which one best suits your interests or needs.

Differences Between Autobiography vs. Biography

Take a look at this table to understand the difference:


	First-person perspective from the author	Third-person perspective from the biographer
	Written by the subject themselves	Written by another person
	Personal and introspective, reflecting the author’s personal voice	Objective and factual, focusing on accuracy
	Includes personal experiences, emotions, and reflections	Covers the subject’s life events, achievements, and context

Next, let’s look at how autobiographies and biographies are similar.

Similarities Between an Autobiography and a Biography

This table clearly explains the similarities between the two:


	Focus on an individual's life	Focus on an individual's life
	To tell a life story and share personal insights	To tell a comprehensive life story with historical context
	Typically chronological, covering significant life events	Typically chronological, covering significant life events

With a clear view of how autobiographies and biographies compare, let’s now explore how they relate to memoirs.

Here is an example of an autobiography vs biography side by side for your understanding:

These examples highlight the main difference between an autobiography and a biography.

In the autobiography, the writer uses "I" to tell their own story, making it personal. The biography, on the other hand, uses "he" or "she" because someone else is telling the story.

The autobiography shares the writer’s own thoughts and feelings, while the biography gives a more factual, outside view of the person’s life.

Autobiography vs. Biography Worksheet

Now that you have a clear idea of what the difference between the two concepts is, you can test your knowledge by using this worksheet:

Autobiography vs. Biography Worksheet PDF

Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoir

While autobiographies and biographies cover a person’s entire life, memoirs focus on specific events or periods. Understanding these differences can help you know what to expect from each genre.


A comprehensive view of the entire life	A comprehensive view of the entire life	Focuses on specific events or periods in life
First-person	Third-person	First-person
Complete life story including personal reflections	Detailed life account including achievements and impact	Personal experiences, emotions, and reflections on specific events

To further understand these genres, let's compare autobiographies, biographies, and bibliographies.

Check out this professionally written blog if you want to know the difference between an autobiography vs. memoir .

Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Bibliography

A bibliography is different from autobiographies and biographies. It is a list of sources and references used in research, not a narrative of personal life stories.


To tell a life story from the author's perspective	To tell a life story from an external perspective	To provide a list of sources and references used
Narrative with a personal touch	Narrative with research and analysis	List format with citation details
Personal anecdotes, reflections, and life events	Detailed accounts of the subject’s life and contributions	Citations, references, and source details

So there you have it!

Understanding the differences between autobiographies, biographies, memoirs, and bibliographies can help you appreciate these genres better. Each serves a unique purpose and offers different insights into life stories and research.

Whether you are reading or writing, knowing these differences can guide you in choosing the right genre and approaching each work with the right perspective.

And if you need any help with your autobiographies or any other writing task, then we are here for you. Our assignment writing service is trusted by thousands of students online.

At MyPerfectPapers.net we are proud of our team of expert writers. They aim to provide the best paper writing service for every student. So what are you waiting for? The time you spend thinking won’t be back. Order now!

Law, Education

Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

Learn How To Write An Autobiography With Easy to Follow Steps

Different Types of Autobiography Writing With Examples

How to Write an Autobiography Format Easily?

Autobiography vs. Memoir - What’s the Difference?

Autobiography Examples: Inspiration & Guidelines to Get You Started

What’s the difference between a biography and an autobiography?

If you’ve ever set foot in a bookstore, you’ve likely come across both autobiographies and biographies that tell about the lives of notable individuals. Let’s take a look at the most important differences between these non-fiction books.

A picture of Steve Jobs and his autobiography

What is a biography?

Typically written in the third person, a biography is a detailed story about a living or deceased person’s life. A third party writes this non-fiction account of someone’s life. Let’s say Person A is a famous singer who recently passed away. Person B researches and writes a fact-based story on the famous singer’s life from start to finish. Person B’s factual story of Person A’s life is a biography.

Types of biographies

Biographies don’t always take the same approach or follow the same structure. Some are more official, while others get more creative. Writers can choose from a few common biography types, including:

Authorized biographies, which received the subject’s input and/or permission.
Unauthorized biographies, which were written without the subject’s approval or input.
Biographical novels, which were inspired by a real person’s life, but feature embellishments that may make the story more interesting.
Group biographies, which focus on groups of people rather than a single person.

Get the most out of your documents with Word

Elevate your writing and collaborate with others - anywhere, anytime

Examples of biographies

Each biography is a window into someone’s life, offering unique insights and perspectives. From the struggles of historical figures to the triumphs of artistic icons, biographies are not just informative but can also be deeply inspiring. Here are a few examples:

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is a biography that describes the life of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells were extremely important for medical research.
Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie is a biography that describes Catherine the Great’s origins and rise to power as a Russian empress.
Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera details the painter’s life and famous works.

What is an autobiography?

Usually written in the first person, an autobiography is when the author writes about their own life. This subjective account is unique because it allows the author to share details of their life that another writer might not have been able to uncover.

Types of autobiographies

There are two main types of autobiographies: complete autobiographies and memoirs. In a complete autobiography, the author begins their story with their roots or birth and ends the autobiography at their current age. In a memoir, the author writes about a specific period of their life. For example, a famous actor may begin a memoir by sharing their first role in a movie, rather than sharing details about the beginning of their life or their childhood.

Examples of autobiographies

Autobiographies offer a unique lens into the lives of their authors, providing firsthand accounts of their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Here are a few examples of notable autobiographies:

In Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, Yogananda provides a first-hand account of his life and spiritual growth.
In The Story of My Life by Helen Keller, Keller shares her life from birth until she was 22. She shares how she learned to communicate despite being blind and deaf.
In The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X, he shares his life from childhood through adulthood and how he impacted the civil rights movement.

In summary, a biography is a story of someone’s life, written by a different person, versus an autobiography where an author writes about their own life.

Why should you read biographies (or autobiographies)?

Biographies and autobiographies are a great way to get an in-depth look at the lives of politicians, musicians, historical figures, innovators, and more. If there’s a famous person that you admire, there’s likely a biography written about them or an autobiography that they wrote themselves that can teach you more about their accomplishments.

If you’re interested in writing a biography or autobiography, see how you can write, research, and organize a book using OneNote . Whether you’re just putting together your first draft or you’re still outlining your story , you can elevate your writing in real time with Microsoft Editor .

Get started with Microsoft 365

It’s the Office you know, plus the tools to help you work better together, so you can get more done—anytime, anywhere.

Topics in this article

Is it 'dragged' or 'drug'?

Do you mix up the words "drug" and "dragged"? Learn the difference and when to use each word so you'll never mistake them again

A woman sitting at a table with a notebook

How to write a plot twist in your story

When executed carefully, a plot twist has the power to shock and dazzle your reader. Learn how you can incorporate one into your writing.

Woman sitting on a rock writing in a journal

What's the difference between a memoir and an autobiography?

Explore the differences between memoirs, autobiographies, and biographies.

When to use 'while' vs. 'whilst'

“While” and “whilst” are usually interchangeable, but not always. See how they differ and learn how to use them effectively.

Everything you need to achieve more in less time

Get powerful productivity and security apps with Microsoft 365

Assignments

Term Papers
Research Papers
Case Studies
Dissertation
Presentation
Editing Help
Cheap Essay Writing
How to Order

How To Write An Autobiography

Autobiography Vs Biography

Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoirs: The Differences & Similarities

Understanding Autobiography

Writing an autobiography is different from a biography, although both describe the character of the story of one's life.

An autobiography is a description of a person’s life written by that person. As the book is written by the author, they are the main characters.

The aim of writing an autobiography is to describe the achievements and life experiences of the narrator. The autobiography format typically starts with early childhood and chronologically lists down life experiences.

These include information about a person’s childhood, career, life choices, achievements, and the difficulties they face.

Key Traits of an Autobiography

Written in the first person
More subjective than biographies
Broad in scope often covers the writer’s entire life up to the present
Inform and explain the motive behind the subject’s actions

The “ Story of My Life” by Helen Keller is a famous example of an autobiography.

Here is another example of an autobiography for you to understand the key traits:

Journey Through My Lens, A Life Unveiled - Autobiography Example

You can also refer to some more autobiography examples online to get inspiration and write about your life.

Understanding Biography

A biography is the story of a person’s life written by someone else. Usually, people write biographies about famous personalities.

Since the writer is telling the story of someone, that’s why biographies include a third-person perspective.

Like an autobiography, biographies also cover the entire subject’s life. So, it is important to include details about birthplace, education, childhood, relationships, etc.

Key Traits of a Biography

Written in the third person point of view
Follows chronological order
More formal than autobiographies
Cover the subject’s entire life
Requires more research and fact-checking to ensure all the details are correct

“His Excellency: George Washington” by Joseph J. Ellis and “Steve Jobs” by Walter Isaacson are some of the key examples of a biography.

Look at an example to help you understand:

The Life of Marie Curie - Biography Example

Key Difference Between Autobiography and Biography - H2

Look at the key differences between autobiography and biography in the following table:


	Written by someone else	Written by the subject
	May or may not require permission	No permission required
	Derived from various sources, offers different angles	Biased, a narrow perspective from the author's view
	Third person	First-person
	Less intimate connection	Intimate connection
	Inform readers about the person's life	Share the author's life experiences and perspective

Autobiography vs. Biography Examples

Here are some examples below to get a better understanding of the concepts:

Autobiography Example

Biography Example

While Maya's autobiography offers an intimate and personal narrative, Thompson's biography provides a more comprehensive view, incorporating external perspectives and societal contexts to present a multi-faceted portrayal of Maya Johnson's life.

How are they Different from a Memoir?

A memoir is similar to an autobiography as it is also the story of a person’s life written by that person.

The main difference between autobiography vs. memoir is that a memoir focuses on reflecting and establishing an emotional connection.

Writing a memoir not only presents the facts but also provides a personal and intimate story about the major happenings in their life.

Whereas a biography provides full contextual information that reads like a novel but is non-fiction in nature.

“The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank is a famous example of a historic memoir.

Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoir: Comparison Chart

Want to know more about autobiography vs. biography vs. memoir meaning and the key differences and similarities?

Here is a comparison chart for your help:


An account of the author’s life story	An account of a person’s life story by someone else	An account of personal experience or event
Express or Inform	Inform	Express
First-person	Third-person	First-person
Based on emotions and thoughts	Based on facts from different sources	Based on personal thoughts, feelings, and reactions.

Hopefully, the above guide helps you understand the difference between an autobiography, a biography, and a memoir.

For a successful autobiography, you need to tell your story in a way to make your readers feel in your place.

Writing a captivating autobiography is not an easy task. You need to plan your time, read books for inspiration, and search for information about various writing styles and formats.

If this seems like an overwhelming task to you, then just hire expert writers.

Can I pay to do my essay ? Yes, we can! Our writers at MyPerfectWords.com will handle it, delivering a top-quality essay. Plus, our essay editing service will refine your essay to make sure it's error-free.

So, what are you waiting for? Get the help you need today by placing your order,

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

How To Write An Autobiography

Autobiography Vs Biography

Last updated on: Sep 25, 2024

Similarities & Differences of Autobiography vs Biography

By: Cathy A.

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Jan 4, 2023

Autobiographies are a great way to share your story with the world. It can be tough, funny and emotional all at once!

Biography is usually more about telling facts than it is about writing in a third-person voice like an autobiography does but both have their own unique qualities that make them worth reading for anyone.

We're committed to making sure that each and every one of our customers have the best experience possible.

Do you enjoy reading autobiographies or biographies? Are you unsure of the difference between these two? In this blog post, we will explore the key differences between these two types of books.

Keep reading to find out more!

On this Page

Autobiography vs Biography - Definition

Key Elements of a Good Autobiography

These are the main characteristics of an autobiography:

It always presents the facts in a 1st-person narrative.
More detailed & subjective than a biography.
Discusses the life of the character in much detail.
It also tells the reason behind the actions of the main character.

Popular Examples of Autobiographies and Biographies

Here are many examples that you can read and use samples for writing your stories:

Autobiographies

The famous autobiographies include:

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The Story of My Life by Helen Keller
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
M Train by Patti Smith
Not Yet by Wayson Choy
This Is Happy by Camilla Gibb
My Prizes by Thomas Bernhard

Biographies

The famous biographies include:

The Life and Times by Ronald William Clark
His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis and Einstein
A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar
Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston
Churchill: A Life by Martin Gilbert
E=mc²: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation by David Bodanis
Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario
Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Main Differences between & Autobiography

There are many key differences between autobiography and biography, some of them are:

Biography is the story of someone’s life written by some other writer. Autobiographies are usually written by the subjects themselves.
Biographies can be an interesting read whether or not you have permission to use the subject's life story. Autobiographics are self-written accounts, so they do not require any form of legal clearance before publication.
The information in a biography is based on the information collected from various sources. On the other hand, the information is narrowed down in an autobiography.
Autobiography uses first-person pronouns, whereas biographies use third-person pronouns.
Biography aims to provide readers with an in-depth look into the life experiences of a person, whereas in an autobiography, the author simply writes about themself.

Autobiography vs Biography vs Memoir

The story of one's life is an interesting and captivating read, but how can we not put it in writing? Memoirs are just like autobiographies and they are also written by the person himself.

Memoirs are a great way to explore your life and memories from every angle. You can go back in time with these written accounts, or look at how you felt about certain events when they happened because there is no limit on what type of memory an author could choose for their memoir.

Memoirs are a unique form of literature that offers the reader an immersive and detailed look into one person’s life. On the other hand, biographies provide more information about someone than just their story; they often include background details to help paint context for what you're reading.

Comparison Chart-Autobiography vs Biography vs Memoir


Narrates the account of a person’s life	Tells about life of one’s own self.	Talks about specific times and events of a person.
Uses third-person point of view	Person’s life story written in first-person point of view	Person’s life written with a first-person point of view
Objective in nature	Subjective in nature	Subjective in nature
Information is collected from sources	Tells motivation behind their actions	Memoir focuses on the exploration of the emotions
Restricted to only feelings and thoughts of the subject	Aims at feeling and personal thoughts	Focus on feelings, thoughts, reactions & reflections
It can be written at any time period	Mostly written in the latter years of life	It can be written any time period

Wrapping Up!

The difference between an autobiography and a biography is often unclear. The two genres tend to be interchangeable, but there are some key differences you should know if your goal is writing of these.

When writing your own life story, it's important to take the time and make sure that you are telling a compelling tale in which readers can feel like they're right there alongside you. We hope that this guide is helpful for you.

In case, you need help writing these kind of books you can contact SharkPapers.com for professional essay writer service .

You can hire professional writers who will help you write anything you need. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today and let go of our writing worries.

Natural Sciences, Life Sciences

Cathy has been one of our most reliable authors for more than five years. With extensive knowledge in mass communication gained from her Master's degree, she always produces high-quality work that meets the needs of her clients. In fact, they often leave her 5-star reviews for being an outstanding writer who is very passionate about her craft.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

How to Write an Autobiography In Simple Steps

Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Contact Us

Your phone no.
Confirm Password
I have read Privacy Policy and agree to the Terms and Conditions .

FORGOT PASSWORD

SEND PASSWORD

Home » Writing » Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoir

What is a Biography?

A biography, also called a bio, is a non-fiction piece of work giving an objective account of a person’s life. The main difference between a biography vs. an autobiography is that the author of a biography is not the subject. A biography could be someone still living today, or it could be the subject of a person who lived years ago.

Biographies include details of key events that shaped the subject’s life, and information about their birthplace, education, work, and relationships. Biographers use a number of research sources, including interviews, letters, diaries, photographs, essays, reference books, and newspapers. While a biography is usually in the written form, it can be produced in other formats such as music composition or film.

If the target person of the biography is not alive, then the storytelling requires an immense amount of research. Interviews might be required to collect information from historical experts, people who knew the person (e.g., friends and family), or reading other older accounts from other people who wrote about the person in previous years. In biographies where the person is still alive, the writer can conduct several interviews with the target person to gain insight on their life.

The goal of a biography is to take the reader through the life story of the person, including their childhood into adolescence and teenage years, and then their early adult life into the rest of their years. The biography tells a story of how the person learned life’s lessons and the ways the person navigated the world. It should give the reader a clear picture of the person’s personality, traits, and their interaction in the world.

Biographies can also be focused on groups of people and not just one person. For example, a biography can be a historical account of a group of people from hundreds of years ago. This group could have the main person who was a part of the group, and the author writes about the group to tell a story of how they shaped the world.

Fictional biographies mix some true historical accounts with events to help improve the story. Think of fictional biographies as movies that display a warning that the story is made of real characters, but some events are fictional to add to the storyline and entertainment value. A lot of research still goes into a fictional biography, but the author has more room to create a storyline instead of sticking to factual events.

Examples of famous biographies include:

His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis
Einstein: The Life and Times by Ronald William Clark
Princess Diana – A Biography of The Princess of Wales by Drew L. Crichton

What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography is the story of a person’s life written by that person. Because the author is also the main character of the story, autobiographies are written in the first person. Usually, an autobiography is written by the person who is the subject of the book, but sometimes the autobiography is written by another person. Because an autobiography is usually a life story for the author, the theme can be anything from religious to a personal account to pass on to children.

The purpose of an autobiography is to portray the life experiences and achievements of the author. Therefore, most autobiographies are typically written later in the subject’s life. It’s written from the point of view of the author, so it typically uses first person accounts to describe the story.

An autobiography often begins during early childhood and chronologically details key events throughout the author’s life. Autobiographies usually include information about where a person was born and brought up, their education, career, life experiences, the challenges they faced, and their key achievements.

On rare occasions, an autobiography is created from a person’s diary or memoirs. When diaries are used, the author must organize them to create a chronological and cohesive story. The story might have flashbacks or flashforwards to describe a specific event, but the main storyline should follow chronological order from the author’s early life to their current events.

One of the main differences between an autobiography vs. a biography is that autobiographies tend to be more subjective. That’s because they are written by the subject, and present the facts based on their own memories of a specific situation, which can be biased. The story covers the author’s opinions on specific subjects and provides an account of their feelings as they navigate certain situations. These stories are also very personal because it’s a personal account of the author’s life rather than a biography where a third party writes about a specific person.

Examples of famous autobiographies include:

The Story of My Life by Helen Keller
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson

What is a Memoir?

Memoir comes from the French word mémoire , meaning memory or reminiscence. Similar to an autobiography, a memoir is the story of a person’s life written by that person. These life stories are often from diary entries either from a first-person account or from a close family member or friend with access to personal diaries.

The difference between a memoir vs. an autobiography is that a memoir focuses on reflection and establishing an emotional connection, rather than simply presenting the facts about their life. The author uses their personal knowledge to tell an intimate and emotional story about the private or public happenings in their life. The author could be the person in the story, or it can be written by a close family member or friend who knew the subject person intimately. The topic is intentionally focused and does not include biographical or chronological aspects of the author’s life unless they are meaningful and relevant to the story.

Memoirs come in several types, all of which are written as an emotional account of the target person. They usually tell a story of a person who went through great struggles or faced challenges in a unique way. They can also cover confessionals where the memoir tells the story of the author’s account that contradicts another’s account.

This genre of writing is often stories covering famous people’s lives, such as celebrities. In many memoir projects, the celebrity or person of interest needs help with organization, writing the story, and fleshing out ideas from the person’s diaries. It might take several interviews before the story can be fully outlined and written, so it’s not uncommon for a memoir project to last several months.

Memoirs do not usually require as much research as biographies and autobiographies, because you have the personal accounts in diary entries and documents with the person’s thoughts. It might require several interviews, however, before the diary entries can be organized to give an accurate account on the person’s thoughts and emotions. The story does not necessarily need to be in chronological order compared to an autobiography, but it might be to tell a better story.

Examples of famous memoirs include:

Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant by Ulysses S. Grant

Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoir Comparison Chart


An account of a person’s life	An account of one’s own life	A personal account of a specific time or experience
Written in the third person	Written in the first person	Written in the first person
Objective	Subjective	Subjective
Presents information collected from the subject, their acquaintances, or from other sources	Presents facts as they were experienced by the person	Presents facts as they were experienced by the person
Written to inform and establish a context	Written to inform and explain the motivation and thoughts behind actions and decisions	Written to reflect on and explore the emotion of an experience
Has restricted access to the subject’s thoughts and feelings	Offers access to personal thoughts and feelings	Offers access to personal thoughts, feelings, reactions, and reflections
Can be written anytime	Usually written later in life	Can be written anytime

Check out some of our blogs to learn more about memoirs:

What is a memoir?
5 tips for writing a memoir
Your memoir is your legacy

Ready to get started on your own memoir, autobiography, or biography? Download our free desktop book-making software, BookWright .

Autobiographies , Biographies , memoirs

This post doesn't have any comment. Be the first one!

This is a unique website which will require a more modern browser to work! Please upgrade today!

This is a modern website which will require Javascript to work.

Please turn it on!

Biography vs. Autobiography: What's the Difference?

Key Differences

Comparison chart, perspective, research requirement, authorization, biography and autobiography definitions, autobiography, who typically writes a biography, is research needed for writing a biography, what is a biography, is an autobiography always truthful, are memoirs and autobiographies the same, which is more subjective, a biography or an autobiography, can biographies be fictionalized, are autobiographies written posthumously, how does an autobiography differ from a biography, what perspective is an autobiography written from, can a biography be written without the subject's permission, can a person have both a biography and an autobiography, who is the target audience for biographies and autobiographies, are biographies always factual, do autobiographies cover an individual's entire life, how do readers benefit from biographies, what challenges do biographers face, are personal memories the main source for autobiographies, which is more intimate, a biography or an autobiography, why do people write autobiographies.

Trending Comparisons

Popular Comparisons

New Comparisons

Book Writing
Fiction Writing
eBook Writing
Biography Writing
Autobiography Writing
Speech Writing
Screenwriting
Memoir Writing
Book Editing
Book Proofreading
Children’s Book Editing
eBook Editing
Press Release Writing
Business Plan Writing
Website Content Writing
LinkedIn Profile Writing
White Paper Writing
Wikipedia Writing

Biography vs autobiography vs memoir: Which Genre Best Tells Your Story?

As a writer, it’s essential to choose the right genre to tell your story effectively. However, distinguishing between memoir, autobiography, and biography can be confusing. In this article, we’ll clarify the core differences between these genres and provide insights to help you choose the one that best fits your unique story. Whether you’re interested in exploring your own experiences or delving into the lives of others, understanding the difference between a memoir and a biography and autobiography is critical to crafting a compelling narrative. So let’s get started and discover which genre will best tell your story.

The Power of Biographies: Discovering Lives and Learning Lessons

A biography is a personal story narrated from real life. The biographies come in different sub-genres, but what they have in common is the factual loyalty. Biographies provide an in-depth look into the lives of individuals, whether they’re still alive or historical figures. For a collection of famous biographies, you might want to explore Biography.com .

Professional bio writers usually conduct a great deal of research. They can describe the life events of someone still alive or a famous person who lived years ago. The author focuses his attention significantly on childhood, relationships, and ups and downs to create a complete picture of a person’s life.

The distinct feature of the story is the writer’s presence. That’s where you don’t align memoir vs biography: while people write memoirs alone, biographies require professional writers.

The main types of biographies include:

Contemporary biography: a story of a person who’s alive and usually at the peak of their success. It can be about well-known entrepreneurs, musicians, or politicians. It can also include the people who are especially valuable at the moment or have done something great that you have to commemorate.

The examples are: “His Way: The Unauthorized Biography of Frank Sinatra” (written by Kitty Kelley) and “Robin” (Dave Itzkoff’s intimate look at the life and career of Robin Williams).

Historical biography: provides in-depth information on the life of historical figures or people who died without the recognition they deserved.

The examples are: “Alexander Hamilton” (an epic 800+ page biography created by Ron Chernow) and “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” (written by Rebecca Skloot).

Group biography: the authors apply this type of biography quite rarely. One of the first examples is “A General History of the Pirates,” narrated by Captain Charles Johnson in 1724. One of the latest group biographies includes an account of the life stories of famous British royals, “HRH: So Many Thoughts on Royal Style,” written by Elizabeth Holmes.

Autobiographies: Understanding the Genre, Types, and Significance

An autobiography is someone else’s story that doesn’t involve a third party. A memoir writing service puts it differently because autobiography is the first person’s account of events.

Autobiographies have been vital throughout history. They provide invaluable stories and thoughts, giving the audience an accurate impression of historical leaders and the value they represent. Also, they allow individuals to tell their own stories in their own words. For examples of famous autobiographies that have captivated readers, check out this list on Goodreads .

The main difference between autobiography and biography is that the last one provides a person’s story written by someone else. The peculiar advantage that autobiographies provide is decreasing the number of discrepancies or mistakes. Hiring cheap ghostwriters for hire may be incorrect in describing significant events.

The types of autobiography include:

Traditional: a complete story narrated from the first person, discussing all significant events from birth, throughout childhood, and up to the present time. It’s a challenging genre since a life story should be captivating and exciting to engage the reader.
Overcoming adversity: on the contrary, many people don’t have as shiny lives. Some survived a series of challenging circumstances, such as assaults, murders, or other life-threatening situations. Sharing the story of the “survivor” might heal people undergoing a similar journey.
Intellectual: focus on critical events or experiences that have changed someone’s perspective on life. Prominent examples include the “Autobiography” of the philosopher John Stuart Mill and “The Education of Henry Adams.”
Fictionalized is a story that uses made-up characters to represent an author’s experience. This autobiography reflects on actual events vs. serving as an accurate retelling of what happened. Some of the interesting examples are “The Way of All Flesh” (by Samuel Butler) and “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man” (by James Joice).

Memoir vs autobiography: what’s the catch?

If you’re wondering what does a ghostwriter do when writing a memoir, let’s explore its main features.

Memoir highlights the essential part of someone’s life. It can describe the critical historical period or a breakdown, focusing on the events that led to the collapse. That’s where memoirs vs autobiography differ: the first ones only focus on particular excerpts instead of telling the whole story.

A memoir is a factual story in which the author reflects on a series of related events from their life or recounts memories from a particular period.
An autobiography is a chronological description of a person’s life.

Although the memoir can be subjective, it must lean on facts. The authors choose a pivotal moment they’d like to shed light on and recreate the event using storytelling tools.

There’s not a specific number of memoirs in a professional book writing history. Nevertheless, we will explore the most prominent types of memoirs to let you dive into the industry:

Transformation memoirs: tell about the most significant challenges authors These stories lead with the topic of redemption, whether you achieved it or you’re trying to gain it.

The examples are “Here We Are: American Dreams, American Nightmares” (by Aarti Namdev Shahani), “Educated” (by Tara Westover), and “Finding Freedom” (by Erin French).

Confessional memoirs: reveal the painful or dirty secrets about authors or their families and how the particular series of events has affected them.

The examples are: “Confessions” (by Jean-Jacques Rousseau) and “Running with Scissors” (by Augusten Burroughs).

Professional or celebrity memoirs: describe the road to fame and success. Famous people often think about how to find a ghost writer to talk about their lives and significant events in a more professional tone.

The examples are: “I Am Malala” (by Malala Yousafzai) and “Just Kids” (by Patti Smith).

Travel memoirs: focus on exciting adventures that happen while traveling. These memoirs are often the most pleasant, allowing readers to escape everyday reality.

The examples are “Wild” (by Cheryl Strayed) and “A Year in Provence” (by Peter Mayle).

Autobiography vs biography vs memoir: where’s your match?

You don’t need to be a writing professional to comprehend the difference between memoir and autobiography and biography. Let’s take a look at some of the key points to consider.


Subjective	Objective	Subjective
A story of one’s own life	An account of another person’s life	An account of specific experience or event
The person presents facts as they were experienced, from one point of view	The author collects information from the subject, their families, friends, and co-workers	Presents facts as the person described them, without third party interfering
Explains the motivation behind certain decisions	Establishes a context	Reflects the emotional experience
The person writes it later in life	The author can write it anytime, including after the death of the subject	The author can write it anytime
Provides access to one’s feelings	Doesn’t have access to personal thoughts and feelings	Provides access to emotional reactions and reflections

The Bottom Line

Writing a book about your life is a challenging process. It requires lots of patience and a great deal of memory to recall the most significant events. Meanwhile, it allows you to look at your life and experiences from a whole new perspective.

If you need any help with writing a biography vs autobiography vs memoir, Penfellow will gladly assist! Our professional writers have years of experience completing similar tasks and will do the job for you. We will ensure the final paper meets your requirements and writing standards. Get in touch with us today to get your biography done in no time!

About Ryan Bronson

Proofreading VS Copy Editing: Choose and Master Your Approach

How to write a children’s picture book that evokes emotions and enchants young readers.

Main Idea Worksheets
Capitalization
Alphabet Coloring Pages
Preschool Letter Worksheets
Bubble Letters
5 Letter Words
Words for Kids (A-Z Word Lists)
Days of the Week
Phonemic Awareness Worksheets
Phonics Worksheets
Sight Words
Kindergarten Spelling
1st Grade Spelling
2nd Grade Spelling
3rd Grade Spelling
Anchor Charts
All About Me Templates
Christmas Worksheets
Cursive Writing
Frayer Model Templates
Fun Fact Friday
Main Idea Graphic Organizers
Noun Worksheet Maker
Printable Lined Paper
Reading Logs
Sight Words Bingo
Writing Prompts
By grade, concept, theme
By Common Core Standards
By NGLS Standards

What’s the Difference Between a Biography and an Autobiography?

There are so many fascinating people in the world and throughout history. Books invite us into the life of someone worth knowing. There are two types of books that tell the story of someone’s life: biographies and autobiographies. Biographies and autobiographies are forms of nonfiction. This means that they contain real, factual information. They do not include stories or made-up scenarios. They’re meant to be informative.

Both forms of writing highlight the life, work, and views of a real person. The subject of the book is usually someone who has made an impact on society and is considered famous. These people include athletes, celebrities, and business leaders. Although there are some core similarities, there are many important differences between biographies and autobiographies as well. Most notably, the level of objectivity and factual content is different. The language style and perspectives also differ. Let’s look closer at the difference between a biography and an autobiography!

Difference Between a Biography and an Autobiography: Biographies

Point of view.

Someone other than the subject of the book writes biographies. It is written in the third-person, which means the author refers to the subject with their name or with ‘he’, ‘she’, or ‘they’. Since a biography is an account of a person’s life written by someone else, it is considered to be a secondary source. Point of view is the main difference between a biography and an autobiography.

A biography may take several years to complete because of all the research required. This is especially true if the person has recently died, and the author must rely on other people to provide interviews. For example, Walter Isaacson, who wrote a biography on Steve Jobs, had to piece together information from the accounts of over 100 people who knew the subject.

Degree of objectivity

A biography tends to be more objective than an autobiography. Biography writers typically gather information through a journalistic research project. This normally includes reviewing records of events and interviews with the subject of the book or people connected to the subject.

Biographies usually cover the entire life of the subject. This is especially true if the subject has died. If they are still living, the book may cover a large portion of that person’s life.

Authorized vs Unauthorized

A biography should have trustable sources so that there is nothing fictional within the book. When it comes to biographies, it’s important to note whether it is authorized or unauthorized. This has to do with the subject’s participation in the book. Did the subject allow the author to interview them? If so, the biography is considered authorized. If, on the other hand, the subject is not involved in the research of the book, it is considered an unauthorized biography.

Unauthorized

When the book is unauthorized there is a chance it contains nonfactual information. Anyone can write a biography on a famous person so long as they don’t violate privacy rights. People like celebrities and high-profile politicians can be hard to gain access to which is why many biographies are written without cooperation from the subject. However, another reason the book may not have approval from the subject is that the author is writing a negative portrayal of the subject. They’re often gossipy and promise to “spill the beans”. Some of these end up on the New York Times Bestsellers List. They’re also controversial and can lead to legal troubles for the author. Some people view unauthorized accounts as less reliable. If the biography is about a historical figure or someone who died long ago, it wouldn’t be considered unauthorized.

Authorized

Authorized biographies are more likely to be based on facts because the subject is providing information. Sometimes it is the subject’s idea to have the book written in the first place. In these cases, the subject may seek out a reputable author to write their story.

Autobiographies

Point of view.

The subject of the book writes the autobiography, meaning the author and the subject are the same. The author writes in the first person point of view. This means they refer to the subject with ‘I’, ‘me’, and ‘my’. A first-person account gives the reader first-hand opinions, thoughts, and feelings from the subject. Knowing this will help them easily spot the difference between a biography and an autobiography.

An autobiography is considered a primary source because it is a first-hand account of a person’s life in its original form without interpretation or commentary from other writers. However, this doesn’t always mean the subject/author wrote the book without help from anyone else.Because the subject is not a professional writer, a collaborator often joins to help the author tell the most factual story possible.

Degree of objectivity

In an autobiography, the author’s memory is the primary source. good autobiographies leave the reader feeling like they know the author personally. this is because the book includes details that only the author knows, as well as their thoughts and feelings. , timeline .

Autobiographies tend to focus on a certain period of time when a notable event occurred. The chronology is organized but may not specify exact dates. The timeline may veer off track if appropriate. For instance, the author may start from the present day and include flashbacks. They may even organize events thematically rather than chronologically.

Difference Between Biography, Autobiography, and Memoir – Get key Pointers

Table of Contents

Understanding the difference between a biography and an autobiography helps you appreciate the nuances of life stories. Both genres aim to tell the story of a person’s life, but they do so in distinct ways. Here’s a detailed exploration of the difference between biography and autobiography , what is the difference between autobiography and biography , and the difference between biography and autobiography and memoir .

Fill Out the Form for Expert Academic Guidance!

Please indicate your interest Live Classes Books Test Series Self Learning

Verify OTP Code (required)

I agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy .

Fill complete details

Target Exam ---

Difference Between Biography, Autobiography, and Memoir

What is a Biography?

A biography is a detailed account of a person’s life written by someone else. It provides an in-depth look at the individual’s experiences, accomplishments, and the impact they have had on others and society. Biographies often involve extensive research, including interviews, letters, diaries, and other personal documents to ensure accuracy.

Read More Biography – Neeraj Chopra Biography | Swapnil Kusale Biography | Manu Bhaker Biography | Manika Batra Biography

Key Characteristics of a Biography

Third-Person Perspective: A biography is written from an outsider’s viewpoint, meaning the author writes about someone else. This perspective helps provide an objective look at the person’s life.
Research-Based: Writing a biography involves gathering information from various sources such as interviews, letters, diaries, and other personal documents. This thorough research ensures the biography is accurate and detailed.
Objective: A biography strives to present an unbiased account of the person’s life. The author aims to tell the story as it happened, without personal opinions influencing the narrative.
Comprehensive: Biographies cover significant events and influences in the person’s life. This includes major achievements, struggles, relationships, and any other important aspects that shaped the person’s life.

Examples of Famous Biographies

This biography details the life of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., providing insight into his innovative thinking and impact on technology.
Although often considered a primary source, it serves as a biographical account of Anne Frank’s life during the Holocaust, offering a poignant glimpse into her experiences.
This comprehensive biography covers the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and inspired the popular musical “Hamilton.”
A detailed account of Winston Churchill’s life, exploring his role as a leader during World War II and his impact on British and world history.
This biography of Albert Einstein provides a thorough examination of his scientific achievements and personal life.

What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography is a self-written account of the author’s life. It provides a personal perspective on the events and experiences that shaped the author’s life. Autobiographies offer insight into the author’s thoughts, feelings, and motivations, often providing a more intimate look at their life.

Key Characteristics of an Autobiography

First-Person Perspective: An autobiography is written from the author’s own viewpoint. The author tells their own life story, sharing personal experiences and insights.
Personal Insight: This type of writing offers an intimate look into the author’s thoughts and feelings. The author provides a personal perspective on the events that have shaped their life.
Subjective: Since an autobiography is based on the author’s own experiences and perceptions, it reflects their personal views and emotions. It is inherently subjective, providing a personal narrative rather than an objective account.
Chronological: Autobiographies typically follow a timeline from the author’s birth to the present. This chronological structure helps readers understand the sequence of events in the author’s life.

Examples of famous Autobiographies

Helen Keller narrates her experiences overcoming the challenges of being deaf and blind, and her journey towards education and advocacy.
Mandela recounts his life, including his struggle against apartheid in South Africa, his imprisonment, and his role in the country’s transition to democracy.
This autobiography details Angelou’s early years, touching on themes of racism, identity, and literacy.
Malcolm X shares his life story, from his troubled childhood to his role as a prominent civil rights leader.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama discusses her life, from her childhood in Chicago to her experiences in the White House.

Key Differences Between Biography and Autobiography

Biography and autobiography are two ways of telling the life story of an individual. While both formats provide a detailed account of a person’s life and experiences, they differ significantly in their approach and perspective.

Perspective: The primary difference between a biography and an autobiography is the perspective from which the story is told. A biography is written by an author who is not the subject of the story, providing an external viewpoint. On the other hand, an autobiography is written by the individual themselves, offering a first-person narrative of their own life.
Authorship: In a biography, the author conducts thorough research to compile a detailed account of another person’s life. This process involves interviewing the subject (if possible), consulting historical records, and gathering information from various sources to ensure accuracy. Conversely, in an autobiography, the author recounts their own life experiences, thoughts, and feelings, providing a personal and intimate view of their journey.
Objectivity: Biographies strive to maintain objectivity, presenting a balanced and unbiased portrayal of the subject’s life. The biographer aims to provide a comprehensive and accurate narrative based on research and multiple sources. Autobiographies, however, are inherently subjective, as the author shares their own experiences, memories, and emotions, which are influenced by their personal perspective.
Scope: Biographies often cover the entirety of a person’s life, from birth to death, or from significant milestones to major achievements. They may also explore the subject’s background, upbringing, and the broader historical or social context. In contrast, autobiographies focus on the author’s own life, offering in-depth insights into their personal experiences, relationships, and reflections.
Narrative Style: Biographies are typically written in the third person, using names or pronouns to refer to the subject. This style helps the author maintain a level of detachment and objectivity. Autobiographies are written in the first person, with the author directly addressing the reader using personal pronouns like “I” and “me,” creating a more intimate and personal narrative.
Purpose: Biographies are often written to provide a comprehensive account of a notable person’s life, contributing to historical or cultural understanding. They aim to analyze the subject’s impact, influence, and significance in a particular field or era. Autobiographies allow individuals to tell their own stories, sharing their unique perspectives, personal growth, and life lessons with readers.

What is the Difference Between Biography and Autobiography?

The main difference between biography and autobiography lies in authorship and perspective. A biography is written by someone other than the subject, providing an external viewpoint, whereas an autobiography is written by the subject, offering a personal narrative.

Biography vs. Autobiography


	Written by someone else	Written by the subject
	Third-person	First-person
	Extensive, involves multiple sources	Based on the author’s memory and personal documents
	Strives for objectivity	Subjective and personal
	Comprehensive and wide-ranging	Personal and detailed about the author’s experiences

Difference Between Biography and Autobiography and Memoir

Memoirs are a sub-genre that often causes confusion when discussing the difference between biography and autobiography and memoir . Memoirs focus on specific events or periods in the author’s life, rather than providing a comprehensive account.

Key Characteristics of a Memoir

Focus: A memoir concentrates on particular experiences or periods in the author’s life, rather than covering their entire life story. It highlights specific events that had a significant impact on the author.
Subjective: Like autobiographies, memoirs reflect personal memories and feelings. They provide the author’s personal take on the events they are recounting.
First-Person Perspective: Memoirs are written by the person who experienced the events. This first-person perspective allows for a personal and intimate narrative, sharing the author’s unique experiences and insights.

Biography vs. Autobiography vs. Memoir


Written by someone else	Written by the subject	Written by the subject
Comprehensive account of life	Comprehensive account of life	Focused on specific events or periods
Third-person	First-person	First-person
More objective	Subjective	Highly subjective
Detailed, wide-ranging	Detailed about the author’s experiences	Detailed about specific events or periods

Examples of famous Memoirs

A powerful memoir of Wiesel’s experiences in Nazi concentration camps during the Holocaust.
Gilbert recounts her journey around the world in search of self-discovery and healing following a difficult divorce.
A memoir by a neurosurgeon who reflects on his life and career after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
Walls narrates her unconventional and often tumultuous childhood, highlighting themes of resilience and family dynamics.
Westover describes her upbringing in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho and her pursuit of education, which ultimately led to her earning a PhD from Cambridge University.

Understanding what is the difference between autobiography and biography and the distinctions involving memoirs can enhance your appreciation of these literary forms. A biography provides an outsider’s comprehensive perspective on a person’s life, an autobiography offers a personal narrative from the subject’s point of view, and a memoir delves into specific life experiences of the author. Each form offers unique insights and contributes to our understanding of individuals and their journeys.

Biography vs. Autobiography vs. Memoir FAQs

Can a memoir be biographical.

Yes, a memoir can be biographical as it covers real events in the author's life, but it focuses on personal experiences and reflections.

What are the similarities between memoir and biography?

Both memoirs and biographies tell the story of a person's life and provide insights into their experiences and achievements.

Should I write a memoir or autobiography?

If you want to focus on specific events or periods in your life, write a memoir. If you want to cover your entire life story, write an autobiography.

Which statement best reflects the difference between a memoir and a biography?

A memoir is written by the person about their own experiences, while a biography is written by someone else about another person's life.

How to write a biography and autobiography?

To write a biography, research the subject extensively and present an objective account. For an autobiography, reflect on your personal experiences and narrate them from your perspective.

Why is it called a biography?

It's called a biography because it is an account of someone's life written by another person, derived from the Greek words 'bios' (life) and 'graphia' (writing).

Is a memoir an autobiography?

No, a memoir is not an autobiography. A memoir focuses on specific events or periods in the author's life, while an autobiography covers the author's entire life story.

Select your Course

Please select class.

COMMENTS

Biography vs Autobiography: Similarities and Differences
A biography is an account of someone's life story that is written by an author who is not the subject of the nook. An autobiography, on the other hand, involves an individual narrating their own life experiences. The differences between biographies and autobiographies relate most prominently to the authorhship: Autobiography: When you read an ...
Autobiography vs Biography: Differences and Similarities
Here are a few other key differences between the two genres: 1. Different perspectives. Naturally, an autobiography is written from the first-person perspective, which means the author is providing a personalized point of view on their own life. Meanwhile, a biography is written from a third-person perspective, meaning the author is writing ...
What Are the Similarities and Differences Between Biography and
Autobiography: In contrast, an autobiography is written by the subject, offering a firsthand account of their life. The author, being the individual in focus, provides a personal and subjective viewpoint. 2. Perspective and Tone. Biography: The external perspective of a biographer allows for objectivity and a broader scope. Biographies can be ...
Biography vs autobiography: Similarities, differences, examples
In contrast, an autobiography is a written account of a person's own life written by that individual. Unlike a biography, an autobiography is a first-hand narrative where the subject reflects on their own experiences, memories and perspectives. Biography: Key characteristics. Bestselling biographies examples. Autobiography: Key characteristics.
Biography vs. Autobiography: Differences and Features
Analyze the differences: biography vs autobiography. Includes descriptions & examples of each. We've even highlighted key differences for easy reference. ... While there are some similarities between biographies and autobiographies, there are several notable differences between the two types of books. Authorship: ...
Autobiography vs. Biography
Autobiography and biography are both forms of non-fiction writing that focus on the life of an individual. However, there is a key distinction between the two. Autobiography is a self-written account of one's own life, where the author narrates their personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions. It provides an intimate and subjective ...
Difference between Biography and Autobiography
Biography is the life history of an individual, written by someone else, whereas the autobiography is an expression of a person's life, written by self. Both of these two presents the view of, what happened in the past where the author lived. These are non-fiction books, written in chronological order, tells a story about the person who made ...
Difference between Biography and Autobiography
Memories and occasions of one's life are the basis of an autobiography book. Similarities between biography and autobiography There are differences as well as some similar things between these two writing styles. These are: Biographies and autobiographies are both nonfiction texts. They are based on reality.
Difference Between Biography and Autobiography (With Table)
3 Similarities between Biography and Autobiography. Both genres aim to tell the life story of an individual. Whether written by an author or the individual themselves, both biographies and autobiographies aim to provide a comprehensive account of the subject's life experiences.
Autobiography vs Biography: Which One Should You Write?
This table outlines the similarities between autobiography and biography: Autobiography: Biography: Definition: Both are written accounts of a person's life, experiences, and achievements ... In conclusion, understanding the difference between an autobiography and a biography is crucial for any writer. While both genres aim to tell the story of ...
Difference Between Biography and Autobiography
Conclusion. In conclusion, the difference between biography and autobiography lies in the perspective, authorship, and focus of the narrative. Biographies are written by others, providing an objective account of a person's life, while autobiographies are authored by the subject, offering a subjective and personal viewpoint.
Autobiography vs. Biography
The autobiography shares the writer's own thoughts and feelings, while the biography gives a more factual, outside view of the person's life. Autobiography vs. Biography Worksheet Now that you have a clear idea of what the difference between the two concepts is, you can test your knowledge by using this worksheet:
Biography vs. autobiography: what's the difference?
Writers can choose from a few common biography types, including: Authorized biographies, which received the subject's input and/or permission. Unauthorized biographies, which were written without the subject's approval or input. Biographical novels, which were inspired by a real person's life, but feature embellishments that may make the ...
Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoir: A Comparison
A memoir is similar to an autobiography as it is also the story of a person's life written by that person. The main difference between autobiography vs. memoir is that a memoir focuses on reflecting and establishing an emotional connection. Writing a memoir not only presents the facts but also provides a personal and intimate story about the ...
Autobiography vs Biography
The information in a biography is based on the information collected from various sources. On the other hand, the information is narrowed down in an autobiography. Autobiography uses first-person pronouns, whereas biographies use third-person pronouns. Biography aims to provide readers with an in-depth look into the life experiences of a person ...
Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoir
The three primary formats of a memory book, used to tell a life story, are a biography, an autobiography, and a memoir. Distinguishing between the three can feel a bit confusing since they all share several similarities. But there are some distinct differences. Simply put, a biography is the life history of an individual, written by someone […]
Biography vs. Autobiography: What's the Difference?
A biography provides insight into an individual's life, detailing their experiences, achievements, and challenges from the perspective of an external author. An autobiography, on the other hand, is penned by the individual themselves, offering a firsthand account of their life's journey. 12. In a biography, the subject might be anyone, from ...
Memoir vs. biography vs. autobiography: similarities and distinctions
The main difference between autobiography and biography is that the last one provides a person's story written by someone else. The peculiar advantage that autobiographies provide is decreasing the number of discrepancies or mistakes. Hiring cheap ghostwriters for hire may be incorrect in describing significant events.
What Is The Difference Between Biography And Autobiography ...
Authors: The most significant difference between biography and autobiography writing is the author. Autobiographies are written by the individual that is featured in the text. On the other hand, biographies can be written about anyone and by anyone. This could suggest that biographies present less accurate representations of a person's personal ...
What's the Difference Between a Biography and an Autobiography?
Point of view is the main difference between a biography and an autobiography. A biography may take several years to complete because of all the research required. This is especially true if the person has recently died, and the author must rely on other people to provide interviews. For example, Walter Isaacson, who wrote a biography on Steve ...
Biography Versus Autobiography: 5 Useful Life Story Lessons
Biography Versus Autobiography: 5 Useful Life Story Lessons. Choosing between a biography versus autobiography for your book? Understanding the difference and decide which one is right for you.
Difference Between Biography, Autobiography, and Memoir
No, a memoir is not an autobiography. A memoir focuses on specific events or periods in the author's life, while an autobiography covers the author's entire life story. Discover the key differences between biography, autobiography, and memoir. Understand the unique characteristics of each type, their perspectives, and how they narrate life stories.

Biography vs Autobiography: Similarities and Differences

Biography vs Autobiography

Origins of Biographies

Key Characteristics of Biographies

Examples of Biographies

2. Autobiography

Origins of Autobiographies

Key Characteristics of Autobiographies

Examples of Autobiographies

Similarities and Differences Between Biographies and Autobiographies

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Autobiography vs Biography: Differences and Similarities

The similarities between biographies and autobiographies

Difference between biography and autobiography

1. Different perspectives

2. Control of the narrative

3. Levels of objectivity

4. Sources used

5. Writing style

Where do memoirs fit in?

Final thoughts

Biography vs autobiography: Similarities, differences, examples

Autobiography: Key characteristics

Biography vs autobiography: Similarities

Biography : Key characteristics

10 bestselling biographies worth reading

10 bestselling autobiographies worth reading

Perspective

Objective vs subjective

Point of view

Research method

Comprehensive coverage

Intended audience

Narrative control

Biography vs autobiography: How can editing services prepare them for publication?

Developmental editing

Line editing

Copyediting

Fact-checking

Proofreading

Final thoughts

Memberships

Autobiography vs. Biography

Further Detail

Autobiography

Difference between Biography and Autobiography

Content: Biography Vs Autobiography

Definition of Biography

Definition of Autobiography

Key Differences Between Biography and Autobiography

Video: Biography Vs Autobiography

You Might Also Like:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Difference Between Biography and Autobiography (With Table)

Biography Vs Autobiography (Chart)

What is Biography?

What is Autobiography?

Key Differences Between Biography and Autobiography

3 Similarities between Biography and Autobiography

Basir Saboor

Wood Sorrel Vs Clover : Understanding Their Differences

Accountability Vs Responsibility : Differences and Similarity (Table)

Art Vs Craft: Understanding the Key Differences?

Revenue Marketing Vs Demand Generation : Key Differences

Autobiography vs. Biography - Learn the Differences

Autobiography

Purpose of Writing an Autobiography

Examples of Famous Autobiographies

Benefits of Writing an Autobiography

Purpose of Writing a Biography

Examples of Famous Biographies

Benefits of Writing a Biography

Autobiography vs Biography - Differences

Autobiography vs Biography - Similarities

How to Write an Autobiography?

How to Write a Biography?

Autobiography Vs. Biography Vs. Memoir

Keep reading

Difference between Accounting Profit and Economic Profit

Difference Between Biography and Autobiography