• Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference between Biography and Autobiography

biography vs 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, 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.

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autoiography vs memoir

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May 7, 2023 at 6:47 am

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Biography vs Autobiography: Similarities and Differences

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

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 

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

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.

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Autobiography vs Biography: Differences and Similarities

POSTED ON Oct 7, 2023

Nicole Ahlering

Written by Nicole Ahlering

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! 

This autobiography vs biography comparison includes:

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 .

YouTube video

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. 

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. 

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. 

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Autobiography Vs Biography

Last updated on: May 29, 2023

Autobiography vs. Biography - What are the Differences?

By: Cordon J.

13 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Autobiography vs Biography

Have you ever wondered about the differences between an autobiography and a biography?

You may have heard of these two terms before, but do you know how they are different from each other? Unfortunately, many people think that both could be used interchangeably, and that both are the same.

Well, you're in luck, because in this blog, we'll explore autobiographies and biographies and their unique perspectives on people's lives. This blog will go over the key differences between biographies and autobiographies so you can make a decision easily.

So without further delay let’s get started!

Autobiography vs Biography

On this Page

What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography is a book written by someone about their life. Autobiographies are written in the first person throughout because the writer is the protagonist and the main character of the story.

The purpose of writing an autobiography is to provide a detailed account of the narrator's accomplishments and life events.

The autobiography style generally begins with early childhood and proceeds chronologically, listing all of a person's experiences throughout their life.

Autobiographies include information about where someone grew up, their career, life choices, accomplishments, and challenges they overcame.

Related Blog: Click here to discover the various types of autobiography .

Elements of an Autobiography

Let's explore these key components of an autobiography:

  • First-person narrative: An autobiography is written in the first person, which means that the author tells their story using the pronoun "I."
  • Personal tone: As the author is writing about their own experiences and insights, autobiographies often have a more personal and introspective tone.
  • Comprehensive coverage: Autobiographies aim to cover the entire life story of the author, from their childhood to the present. This can include pivotal events such as the author's birth, family life, education, relationships, etc.
  • Life experiences and motivations: Autobiography informs the audience about the author's life experiences, motivations, and perspectives. This can include the author's beliefs, values, and goals. 
  • ‘The Story of My Life’ by Helen Keller
  • ‘The Diary of a Young Girl’ by Anne Frank

Here's a short sample autobiography:

Follow the link to uncover the secrets to writing an astonishing autobiography, with this “ how to write an autobiography ” guide.

What is a Biography?

A biography is a history of a person's life written by someone else. Biographies are often written about famous individuals and personalities like sportsmen, motivational speakers, inspirational figures, etc.

Biographies also cover the subject's entire life. Therefore, it is crucial to include important information about the person's place of birth, education, childhood experiences, partnerships, and so on.

Elements of a Biography

Here are some key components of biography:

  • Third-person perspective: Biographies are written in the third-person perspective. That means that the author tells the subject's story using pronouns such as "he," "she," or "they." 
  • Chronological order: Biographies are typically organized in chronological order. It means that biographies are structured according to the timeline of the subject's life. 
  • Formal and impersonal tone: Biographies are often more formal and impersonal in tone than autobiographies. The author may use a more scholarly writing style and avoid revealing personal thoughts and feelings. 
  • Comprehensive coverage: Biographies are meant to provide a comprehensive account of the subject's life. It covers all of the important events and milestones in their life, from their childhood to their achievements, and legacy. 
  • Accuracy: Biographies are often used as historical or educational resources. Therefore, it is important that the information presented is accurate and well-researched. 
  • ‘His Excellency: George Washington’ by Joseph J. Ellis
  • ‘Einstein: The Life and Times’ by Ronald William Clark

Here is a short biography sample:

Looking for an exceptional biography to read? Click on the link to read one for inspiration!

Autobiography vs. Biography - Key Differences

There are a few significant distinctions between biographies and autobiographies, despite the fact that they may appear to be similar.

Let’s take a look at some significant and key differences between the two.

Watch the video below to gain a more profound comprehension of autobiography vs biography.

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Similarities between an Autobiography and a Biography

Although they are distinct genres, biographies and autobiographies do have some things in common.

  • Primary and Main Goal - The main goal of both types of books is to tell the story and life events of a person's life.
  • Non-fiction Works - Autobiographies and biographies are nonfiction works that document significant events in a person's life. You can safely say that that is a kind of nonfiction novel that presents the facts.
  • Prominent Figures as Subjects - Biography or autobiography is typically used to tell the stories of well-known people who have made remarkable achievements. Based on these similarities, many people wrongly think that they are the same.

Based on these similarities, many people wrongly think that they are the same.

Get a closer look at this autobiography vs biography worksheet we've designed for you!

Autobiography vs Biography Worksheet

Are Autobiography and Memoir the Same?

A biography includes the life of an individual, whereas a memoir is not necessarily an autobiography.

An autobiography, as the name implies, is a book that includes details like the person’s life story in chronological order. A formal, non-fiction style is employed.

A memoir focuses on a specific incident or component of someone's life rather than the complete narrative. Writing a memoir is more casual and emotional in nature.

Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoir

Here is a complete comparison chart that displays the key differences between all three kinds of works.

Curious to learn the differences between autobiographies and memoirs in detail? If so, click on this link to get your questions answered!

To sum up, in an autobiography, the subject is telling a story about their own life. In a biography, someone else tells the story of someone's life. Both are important and interesting, but they both have different perspectives to offer. 

With so many options out there, we hope this blog helps narrow your search for one that best suits your interests!

Still, feeling unsure about how to start your autobiography or biography? MyPerfectPaper.net can help! 

Our professional essay writing service is here to guide you. We have a team of experts who can assist you in writing an essay that meets all academic requirements. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is better: biography or autobiography.

Both of these works are different from each other so no one could say for sure which one is better. Both are written for the same purpose and, therefore, besides the usual differences, both of them serve an important purpose.

What are the 4 types of biography?

Here are the 4 types of biography;

  • Historical fiction
  • Academic biography
  • Fictional academic
  • Prophetic biography

All 4 are different from each other and have different purposes also.

What is the difference between an autobiography and an autobiographical narrative?

An autobiography is a complete account of a person’s life, written and told in the person’s own words. However, when only a few events are narrated, it becomes an autobiographical narrative.

Is autobiography a narrative?

An autobiography is a nonfiction narrative. It means that though the stories and events are true it is told in a storytelling format.

How long is an autobiography?

Usually, an autobiography is between 200 to 400 pages long.

Can a book be both biography and autobiography?

No, a book cannot be both biography and an autobiography at the same time. A biography is a written account of someone's life as written by someone else. In contrast, an autobiography is a written account of someone's life written by the person themselves.

Cordon J.

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.

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Biography Vs Autobiography: Similarities and Differences with Examples

biography and autobiography is same

Do you ever get confused between biography and autobiography? If so, you're not alone. These terms are used interchangeably, but each has its own unique approach. In this blog, we'll discuss biography vs autobiography. After reading this guide, you'll be able to make the difference between an autobiography and a biography. 

What is biography?

Here is a simple definition of biography: 'A biography is a detailed account of an individual's life written by someone else. The author is not the subject of the story. It is also referred to as a bio.' A biography can be about someone who is alive or deceased. It highlights essential moments and happenings in the life of the person in question. This genre essentially incorporates a person's extensive data, including given name, origin, birth date,occupation, and connections. Creating an exceptional piece requires perusing diverse materials such as records, manuals, memoirs, pictures, and interviews. Effective biographies come in writing; however, they can also take other forms such as music, movies. If the targeted subject is dead, then the writer has to do an immense amount of research. You may need to interview the people who knew that person or read already written biographies about that person. But if the person is alive, the writer can interview the target person several times to know about their life experiences.  Biography writing seems like a tiresome job. But you can ease this task by reading our latest guide on professional biography writing . 

Purpose of Biography

The primary goal of biography writing is to tell the readers about the subject's life from childhood to adult life and the rest of the years. Additionally, the biography tells a story of how the person learned life lessons and navigated through the challenges. The person's biography should give a clear picture to the reader about the subject's personality, traits, and how they interact with the world. You must cover all the essential features of biography.

Definition of Autobiography

The story about a person's life written by that person himself or herself is called an autobiography. The literal meaning of the word auto is 'self.' It covers all the elements of the biography but is narrated by the writer himself. Anyone can write their life story as an autobiography. Moreover, the author is himself the subject of the biography.

Purpose of Autobiography

The basic purpose of an autobiography is to portray the author's accomplishments and experiences of life. The majority of autobiographies are written from the author's perspective later in the person's life. So, the first person account is used to tell the author's story.  An autobiography usually starts with the early childhood years. Then, covers information about the person's brought up place, their education years, career, challenges they faced and how they tackled them. These are the key features of autobiography. It is created from the person's diaries. Moreover, the story may have flashbacks and flash forwards, but it must follow the chronological order. Describe the person's life occasions in a sequential manner from early life to their current years. 

Important Aspects of a Strong Autobiography

The primary features of autobiography are as follows:

  • The facts are always told in the first person.
  • More in-depth and personal than a biography.
  • Goes into great depth about the character's life.
  • It also explains the motivation behind the main character's behavior.

Common Elements of Biography and Autobiography

Here are a few elements that are common in both types of written formats:

  • The purpose of both is to portray a person's life.
  • Both are nonfiction because they deal with real-life events that occur during the subject's life.
  • Both follow the same chronological order, starting from their early life to the various life stages.
  • They include personal insights about the subject's life.
  • Both genres may use multiple sources like newspapers, interviews, diaries, photographs and other documents to provide context and in depth narrative.
  • The key elements, such as growth, character development, and transformation, are discussed in both. 

Recommended Reading : How to write a biography essay with tips, sample & outline

What is the difference between biography and autobiography?

Along with the similarities, there are also some notable differences between them. The basic difference between autobiography and biography is that autobiography tends to be more subjective in nature. That's why they are written by the subject themselves. Let’s explain the difference between autobiography and biography in detail.

Autobiography Vs Biography Examples

Biography example.

  • Name: Alexander Hamilton Author name: Ron Chernow Alexander Hamilton is one of the most fascinating founding fathers of America, and Ron Chernow tells his story in great detail. Chernow traces Hamilton's transformation from an orphan into a political genius by fusing in-depth research with a narrative style. The book clarifies Hamilton's political beliefs and his pivotal role in the development of the US financial system (Chernow, 2004).
  • Name: The Life of Samuel Jhonson Author name: Boswell Boswell delves deeply into the life of Dr. Samuel Johnson, his mentor and friend. The biography portrays Dr. Johnson's life, character, unique traits, and intellectual prowess in a fascinating way (Boswell, 1791). Boswell's vivid portrayal brings Johnson to life for the readers, making this one of the best biographies in English literature.
  • Name: The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets Author name: Dr. Samuel Jhonson Some of the 17th and 18th century's greatest poets, such as Alexander Pope and John Milton, are discussed in Dr. Johnson's work. In addition to critiquing the works, he delves into the authors' private lives and the geopolitical context of their eras (Johnson, 1781). Johnson's research is very significant because it takes a combined historical and biographical approach.

Autobiography Examples

  • Name: The Diary of a Young Girl Author: Anne Frank It is a unique story of a little Jewish girl. Her name is Anne Frank. This book told the story of her and her family's escape from Nazis in Amsterdam during World War II. She spent two years in hiding, and her diary writings provide important insights into the dread, hope, and resiliency she faced (Frank, 1947). Frank's autobiography posthumously acts as both a symbol of perseverance in the face of adversity and a reminder of the injustices of the past.
  • Name: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings Author: Maya Angelou This moving autobiography traces the early years of Maya Angelou, from being the first black streetcar operator in San Francisco to facing racial discrimination in the South. With incredible grace and courage, Angelou depicts her path of self-discovery and overcoming catastrophic events, including personal pain and racial prejudice. Her narrative of tenacity conveys a powerful message about discovering one's voice (Angelou, 1969).
  • Name: Night Author: Elie Wiesel The autobiographical story " Night " by Elie Wiesel describes his and his father's experiences in Nazi concentration camps during WWII. This devastating story explores the loss of innocence and the fight to hold onto faith in humanity in addition to detailing physical suffering and cruel acts. It is proof of the human spirit's ability to persevere in the face of unimaginable evil (Wiesel, 1960).

Bottom Line

It's often challenging to distinguish between an autobiography and a biography. Although there are some significant distinctions between the two genres, you should be aware of them if your aim is to write in any of them. While both biographies and autobiographies are valuable sources of information and amusement about historical personalities (or current figures! ), they serve different purposes. We can enhance our media knowledge and gain a better understanding of the author's aim and appropriate approach to the material by being aware of the distinct objectives of each.  We really hope you find this information useful. You can get in touch with experienced writers who are highly qualified and have years of experience in providing biography writing services .  Take your time and make sure you are creating an engaging narrative that makes the reader feel as though they are right there with you when writing your own life story.

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Persuasive essay topics – how to choose one for you, how to write a persuasive essay- expert tips.

biography and autobiography is same

How To Write An Autobiography

Autobiography Vs Biography

Last updated on: Dec 31, 2023

Similarities & Differences of Autobiography vs Biography

By: Cathy A.

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Jan 4, 2023

Autobiography vs Biography

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!

Autobiography vs Biography

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

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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.

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Comparison Chart-Autobiography vs Biography vs Memoir

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 professional writers who provide writing help for these books.

Cathy A.

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.

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Autobiography vs Biography

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biography and autobiography is same

Difference between Biography and Autobiography

When you read a biography or an autobiography, you read about a person’s life, right? So what is the difference between them and which type of writing should you choose when you feel up for such reading? If you are still a bit confused about the difference between biography and autobiography, read this article.

  • 1 Summary Table
  • 2 Descriptions
  • 3 Biography vs Autobiography

Summary Table

Descriptions.

biography of Anne Frank

A biography is an account of a person’s life. It is non-fictional and an objective rendering of information about everything that has shaped the individual and has made him/her famous. Biographies are usually written about famous people like writers, artists, movie stars, or people who stood up against an oppressive system. This piece of writing tries to explain the context of their lives and actions – what made them who they are and caused them to write, to act, or to take a stand. This is why the person writing a biography must be very knowledgeable and well-informed. Years of study are required.

A biography normally requires consent from the person it is about or from his/her living relatives. It is written in the third person and the information must be true and checked by the author. The account is objective and it has the purpose of informing the readers.

Diary of a Young Girl

An autobiography is an account of one’s own life. The subject and the author are one and the same person. This type of writing is usually more subjective and is filled with emotions and personal accounts, impressions, and resolutions which have led to that person’s great achievements. It must not be fictional, but it still is just one person’s opinion on a series of events which may include other people as well. It is written in first person and it is meant to inform and to present a personal point of view.

Biography vs Autobiography

So what is the difference between biography and autobiography?

The main difference between a biography and an autobiography is the author. A biography is written by another person, while the autobiography is written by the subject of the book. This results in a series of small differences that can help you decide which type of account to choose.

To write a biography, the writer will have to collect facts, usually from other people or from other written texts. The author of an autobiography, however, will tell things as he/she experienced them. The biography author is compelled to be objective, while the author writing his own account can present personal opinions.

Access to certain information may be limited to an author who is an outsider, while the author who doubles as the subject can tell you exactly what he/she felt or thought in key moments. Therefore, a biography helps to provide you with clear context, as this information is easier to access. An autobiography, on the other hand, can provide you with clear motive and situation assessments.

The biography author will write in third person, while the autobiography author will write in first person, making the account more personal.

biography and autobiography is same

Difference between Biography and Autobiography

Difference between Biography and Autobiography

Autobiography and biography are two ways to explain a person’s life story. These two have some key differences and similarities. This article will discuss biography and autobiography in detail. Moreover, we will find some best autobiographies and biographies as well.

What exactly is a biography?

A biography, often known as a bio, is a detailed description of a person’s life. It shows a person’s experience of life events such as school, jobs, relationships, and death, rather than merely the basic facts. A biography book can represent the whole life events of an individual.

Unlike a resume or profile best biography explains the events in a person’s life in detail. We can write about essential aspects of their life and do a personality analysis in a biography book.

What exactly is an autobiography? 

The author writes an autobiography to represent their life experiences and success. That is why writers mostly write autobiographies at the end of their lives. It uses a first-person point of view because the main character writes it.

It is usually written by any famous personality who people want to know more about. It is not a rule that only well-known people can write their autobiographies. Anyone can write the story of their life.

Differences between biography and autobiography

Main differences between biography and autobiography are:

  • Anyone can write a biography of someone.
  • A biography book is often considered less accurate because someone else writes about another person.
  • Permissions are necessary to write a biography about someone. It can cause issues if the person is not comfortable to be written about.
  • A person who writes a biography book usually collects data through newspapers or journals. They can also interview the main character.
  • Some biography examples: are Steve Jobs, Leonardo the Vinci, Alexander Hamilton

Autobiography :

  • Any person can write an autobiography about themselves based on their perspectives.
  • An autobiography book is more accurate because the narrator has faced the events themselves.
  • There is no need of taking anyone’s permission to write an autobiography
  • Some autobiography examples are: The Diary of a Young Girl, Dreams from My Father, and Born a Crime. 
  • 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.
  • Both types of writing are typically written in sequence. This indicates that they write events from birth to death, or from the present to the future.
  • We write biographies and autobiographies for the same objective. These narratives are intended to educate the reader about facts, events, and experiences from someone’s life.
  • Focus/subject: The subject of both are famous personalities. Many celebrities, scientists, politicians, and historical personalities have biographies and autobiographies.

Types of biographies

Biographies have four categories: historical fiction, academic, fictional academic, and prophetic biography.

Historical Fiction Biography

In this type, the author writes about the persons who are still alive. They can be celebrities, politicians, or any other famous personality. Their true stories inspire people and motivate them. Historical fiction biography book often becomes a movie with additional fiction added. It provides both entertainment and information. Facts related to the person are sometimes not accurate in this kind. Historical fiction does not need to be perfectly precise in information.

Academic Biography

An academic biography is based on documented facts and figures. This type requires accuracy and no fiction at all. A person’s life events and success are described with fact-checked data.  Academic biographies are not so simple to read. They provide many references related to the work. It is all history so people do not prefer to read something so dry. These biographies have a small readership and are rarely used outside of the classroom.

“John Wyclif: Myth and reality” is one of the academic biography examples.

Academic Fictional Biography

This type combines history and fiction. The combination is great because people get information in a fun way. The outcome is a balanced portrayal of how someone may have lived. It is done by mixing the author’s unique insights into life with the facts and teachings of the personality.

East to the Dawn: The Life of Amelia Earhart is one of the academic fictional biography examples.

Prophetic Biography

A prophetic biography varies from fictional biography. It tries to inspire the reader through the written personality. This type of biography creates a purpose along with entertainment. The goal is to give life lessons for the betterment of the readers. A fan of a prophetic biography will return to it again and again throughout their life for comfort, meaning, and guidance. “Free Eric. Bonhoeffer” and “Muhammad (PBUH) Islam and The First Arab Empire” are prophetic biography examples.

Types of Autobiography

An autobiography can be classified into four basic categories: thematic, religious, philosophical, and fictionalized.

Thematic Autobiography

Thematic autobiographies are typically more than just life stories. They express an underlying purpose within the narration. In this type, the author write autobiography to convey specific thoughts or ideals. The ideals can be any message that the author believes should be conveyed to the audience through this story.

Religious Autobiography

In this type, author write autobiography that covers the journey towards religious enlightenment. People can take guidance from these autobiographies to follow the religious path. Thomas Merton’s “The Seven Story Mountain” and “My Spiritual Journey” by the Dalai Lama are religious autobiography examples.

Scientific Autobiography

Scientific autobiography is about telling people about your journey. It tells important events that brought you to where you are now. You consider what has shaped your ideas and share it with the reader. Someone who reads this is curious about what has shaped you into who you are.

Fictional autobiography reflects the true experiences of the author. Some parts are dramatized to hide the identity of many people. Fiction is added to increase the artistic quantity of autobiography.

After reading all these types, you must be curious about how to write a biography or an autobiography. In this part we will teach you main points to write them.

How to Write a Biography

Following are the main points to write a Biography

  • Choose a subject
  • Take permissions
  • Research the subject
  • Form thesis
  • Outline the story
  • Include your thoughts
  • Choose a subject : The first step to write a biography is deciding on a subject. The method will be largely the same either way. You should look at important life events, relationships, and the person’s impact on society. Read more biography examples to get a better idea of writing it.
  • Take permissions: Once you’ve decided on a biography subject, get permission to write about their lives. If the person accepts, they will be able to provide accurate facts about their life.
  • Research the subject: To get the facts correct, research is essential. There are two types of research: primary and secondary. Primary sources are initial information about your subject’s life and are generally the most trustworthy sources. You can also use secondary information from magazines or documentaries if they are from valid sources.
  • Form Thesis : The first paragraph of your biography should tell the reader what they will learn about this individual from it.  It should be interesting to grab the reader’s attention.
  • Outline the Story: Determine the major argument, or thesis, and then outline how each section will tell a different element to support that thesis. Determine whether you want to write about the subject’s entire life or simply a portion of it.
  • Include your thoughts: The author might add their ideas in the biography. This will assist you in explaining to the audience why a particular personality influences you. will show the purpose of why you wrote about this person. It will keep the audience reading from the first to the last sentence.

How to Write an Autobiography

Writing about your life can be intimidating but it can become easy by following some rules.  Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to write an autobiography book:

Generate ideas

Create outline

Do research

Begin writing

  • Generate ideas: Make sure to cover all events of your life as you go through your memories. Begin with your youth, then move on to high school. Make sure to write about the event that made you famous.
  • Create Outline: Begin organizing a story based on the most interesting moments from your imagination. Then write every point that you will include in your autobiography book.
  • Research: You can interview your family and friends to remind you of details about different events.  Examine your journals or old diaries, if you have any.
  • Begin writing: For the first time, you will be unable to write well. Write down all of the information you remember. Then, sort them out and write again.
  • Proofread: You should identify weak points in the story and make positive changes. Consider what you’d seek in a biography of another individual and apply it to your autobiography.

List of some most famous biographies and autobiographies are given below:

Examples of Biography

  • Churchill: A life by martin gilbert
  • Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
  • A beautiful mind by Sylvia Nasar
  • Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
  • Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson
  • Shelley: The Pursuit by Richard Holmes
  • Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Examples of Autobiography

  • Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
  • I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
  • Open by Andre Agassi
  • On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
  • A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
  • Autobiography of Mark Twain
  • Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama

Conclusion :

There are many differences as well as similarities between biography and autobiography. You can write a biography of any famous personality by following the tips given above. The main tip to write a biography or autobiography is to read most of them first. Reading these is best for people who are interested in exploring non-fiction materials and history.

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WriterWiki

5 Key Differences between Autobiography and Biography [with Examples]

Last Updated on July 20, 2022 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD

Introduction

Many people define autobiography as a story about themselves, written by themselves. But what about biography? Is that a story about someone, written by someone who is not themselves? And if not, how do these two categories differ? This article will unveil the answers to these questions and give you some examples to help you understand the key differences. So scroll on to read more about the different types of biography!

What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography is a book that a person writes about their own life. As a result, an autobiography encompasses all the features of biography but is written or narrated by the author himself. They may compose on their own or outsource the composition to ghostwriters.

The narrator’s character sketch, as well as information about his birthplace and upbringing, education, employment, life difficulties, and accomplishments, are described in the autobiography. Events from his childhood, adolescence, and adulthood may all be included.

What is a Biography?

An in-depth account of a person’s life produced or written by another person is a biography, also known as a “bio.” It provides detailed information about their birthplace, educational history, employment, connections, and death. It looks at the highs and lows of a person’s life, analyzes their entire personality, and reveals the subject’s secrets.

It’s when another person puts words together to replicate a particular person’s life. To captivate the readers in the tale, the author collects all of the information on the topic and presents it in a relevant and fascinating biography.

5 Key Differences Between an Autobiography and Biography

In the following points, I go into detail about the difference between biography and autobiography:

The distinction between an autobiography and a biography is who writes the book. The person the book is about always writes their autobiography. Other than the book’s subject is almost always the author of a biography.

For instance, famous people who have already lived a long life span can write life stories that are sometimes known as biographies, autobiographical novels, and memoirs.

The individual discussed in the story writes their autobiography. On the other hand, biographies may be written by anybody and about anybody, and Biographies may offer less realistic portrayals of a person’s personal experiences, explaining this.

Narrative Voice/Point of View

The narrative voice is another aspect that distinguishes biography from autobiography writing. First-person stories (using I and me) are used in autobiography writings. Third-person narratives are used to write biographies, and this is a much less intimate third-person narrative.

The first person point of view (I, me, my) gives the experience and thoughts of one person or an entity in a certain situation.

In the third-person point of view you have “he” was born on Tuesday 30th September 1948 in Liverpool he has been married three times but divorced twice his first wife died after giving birth to their son by her death Robert suffered a mental breakdown he moved into the house with his father who later committed suicide.

Level of Objectivity

In comparison to an autobiography, a biography is more objective. Biography writers normally investigate data via a journalistic study effort that may include investigating archives of occurrences and speaking with the book’s subject and others.

Rather than including input from other sources, an autobiography writer usually bases the content on their recollections of events. Biographies are written to introduce and educate the reader about the individual, whereas autobiographies are authored to express, through words, the narrator’s life experiences and accomplishments.

Unauthorized vs. Authorized

The book is written with the collaboration and permission of the person it refers to if that person is authorized. If not, it is written without their permission. An autobiography is always authorized, even if it is unauthorized.

There is no rule against self-authored autobiographies. But, when a writer creates a biography about someone else, the situation becomes more complicated. Autobiographies, on the other hand, need no permission to be written!

Timeline: Both forms of writing are most commonly written in chronological order, and this means that they write events from birth to death or the present day.

Purpose: although different people may write memoirs and biographies, both share the same purpose: telling a story about an individual’s life and experiences.

Kind of Information

Biographies give readers a different perspective since they contain information obtained from many sources over a long period. On the other hand, autobiographies are authored by the individual himself, and the author portrays events and his philosophy, giving readers an overall restricted and biased viewpoint.

Some Famous Examples of Autobiographies & Biographies for Better Understanding

Biography and autobiography are the most basic non-fiction genres. A biography is a non-fiction account of the life of an individual or group, while an autobiography is similar but focuses on telling events in a person’s lifetime. Both can write accurate stories about their subjects without bias: biographer David McCullough said he wanted his book “1776” to tell “the story as it happened.”

The book is not precisely the same as an autobiography, even though it is written by the individual. Memoirs, unlike autobiographies, focus on a specific incident or aspect of a person’s life rather than the whole narrative. The tone of a memoir is usually informal and emotional.

Autobiography Examples

Our Anne Frank Reading Comprehension, ideal for students interested in autobiographical writing, will introduce them to this form of writing by focusing on one of the most well-known examples .

I am Malala

Malala Yousafzai tells the narrative of her remarkable life in I Am Malala : The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban. At a very early age, she was an outspoken supporter of education as a youngster in Pakistan. Consequently, she was shot in the head by Taliban members when she was 15 years old. She spoke about her experiences at the UN after recovering from her trauma and returning to school.

Many autobiographies worth mentioning include Helen Keller’s “The Story of My Life,” Jawaharlal Nehru’s “My Autobiography,” Anne Frank’s “Diary of a Young Girl,” and Winston Churchill’s “Memoirs of the Second World War.” P. is an actor born in Australia and moved to England in the early 2000s. J. is the final letter in the alphabet. Abdul Kalam, among others, is mentioned.

Biography Examples

In his biography of Steve Jobs , journalist and author Walter Isaacson tell one of the most important persons in the technology business. Isaacson spent over two years researching Jobs’ life and spoke with more than 100 individuals who knew him to tell this tale. The author has narrated the story of Jobs’ life in biography form by piecing together accounts from those who lived, loved, worked with, competed with, and were influenced by him.

And other famous biographies include Florence Nightingale, Snow White, Mary Mackillop, and more.

Memoir Example

Born a crime.

In Born a Crime , Trevor Noah discusses another aspect of his life as a stand-up comedian and host of The Daily Show. Noah’s early years as a multiracial kid in South Africa during apartheid are the subject of this memoir, which he wrote with his white father and black mother. Noah’s existence was unlawful because interracial relationships were prohibited in his country. This book gives fresh insights into the author’s upbringing in difficult times under extraordinary circumstances and is written in a light storytelling style that is both touching and funny.

Final Words

All autobiographies, biographies, and memoirs accomplish one thing: they tell a person’s non-fictional life story. Each, however, is distinctive in its way, as you can see.

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Biography vs Autobiography: Differences and Features

In this world, everyone is in search of an inspiring story. It is worthy as stories have become the reason for millions of people’s success.

Now, you shouldn’t need to forget that full stories were covered as a biography or as an autobiography, biography vs autobiography.

Although, many peoples still get confused in distinguishing between both. Well! Here we have the best explanation that would define the differences between a biography and an autobiography.

Simply, a biography is a story of a person’s life, written by someone else.

An autobiography is the life story of an individual which is written by the subject itself.

Let you see below what really a biography and an autobiography are. After that, you can differentiate between biography and autobiography very easily.

Page Contents

What is a Biography?

biography vs autobiography - what is the difference between a biography and autobiography

A biography also called a bio is an account of a person’s life written by someone other than the subject of the topic.

Because the author is someone other, the biographies are written in the third person. A biography can be written anytime. But it is mostly written later in life.

A biography contains the whole time period of the subject’s life, including their birth, early life, education, career, personal life, and ultimately their great achievements.

The motive of writing a biography is to let other peoples experience the subject’s life and whatever he has done till today.

The main difference between a biography and an autobiography is the authorship and point of view.

A biography gives an indirect experience of the subject’s life whilst an autobiography gives a direct experience to the readers.

Moreover, a biography is written based on research, external information, sources, or even copying the autobiography.

Some of the great examples of biography

  • Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
  • Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer
  • Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts

What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography also called an autobio is an account of a person’s life written by the subject itself. As the authors are the subject here, the autobiographies are written in the first person.

An autobiography is mainly written at the end of the author’s life as he has to cover everything from his life.

The motive of writing an autobiography is the same as to experience the people about the author’s life. But here the reader experiences something different from a biography.

An autobiography contains true emotions and feelings that memorize the author’s life very closely.

An autobiography contains the same contents a biography has. But it also depends on the time period which is when the biography or the autobiography is being written.

However, some of the common contents both contain are their childhood, education, family, career, and achievements.

Some of the great examples of an autobiography

  • The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin
  • Long walk to freedom by Nelson Mandela
  • The Diary of a young girl by Anne Frank

What is the Difference Between a Biography and an Autobiography?

Above we saw what is a biography and what is an autobiography. But many peoples are still confused about their differences. It’s random as it is confusing.

Well! Below we have covered the major differences between a biography and an autobiography.

  • A biography is written by someone other’s rather than the subject.
  • As the author is someone another, the biographies are written in the third person.
  • A biography is an objective.
  • Presents and past information about the subject’s life are collected from research and different sources.
  • The biography does not contain the subject’s thoughts and feelings.
  • A biography can be written anytime.

Autobiography

  • An autobiography is written by the subject itself.
  • As the author is the subject here, autobiographies are written in the first person.
  • An autobiography is subjective.
  • Presents and pasts information don’t need to be collected as they were experienced by the author.
  • An autobiography offers access to the personal thoughts and feelings of the author.
  • An autobiography is mostly written at the end of the author’s life.

If you want to publish your biography on Google, submit it here.

The Bottom Line

I hope you are now able to distinguish between a biography and an autobiography in easy language. But I would like to tell you it’s a very important difference that shouldn’t be ignored.

A biography is written by someone else than the subjects. Whilst, an autobiography is written by the subject itself.

Read the biography of Lorca Cohen and experience how to write it.

This is one of the major differences between a biography and an autobiography. Let you read a few biographies here and experience how to write a biography.

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How To Write An Autobiography

Autobiography Vs Biography

Barbara P

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

Published on: Sep 18, 2019

Last updated on: Nov 29, 2023

Autobiography vs Biography

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Autobiographies, biographies, and memoirs are familiar ways to tell someone's story. But they aren't quite the same. Knowing the difference between them is crucial to getting your story right.

This blog is your guide to understanding the contrast between an autobiography, biography, and a memoir. We'll explain what sets them apart and what they have in common.

We will also include some examples to help you understand how to write these types of books. By uncovering these differences and similarities, we'll make it easier for both writers and readers to capture life stories. 

So, let’s dive right in!

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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:

Autobiography vs. Biography Examples 

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

Autobiography Example

Biography Example

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:

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 get help from a legitimate essay writing service online.

Simply contact us and share your initial requirements, and we will get back to you in no time.

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

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.

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Home » Writing » Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoir

biography and autobiography is same

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

Include photos in your autobiography

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

A collection of letters and postcards

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

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

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  • Biography vs. Autobiography: (Comparison and Examples)

Have you ever wondered why two people can tell the same story, yet it sounds completely different? It all comes down to perspective. Whether we are reading a biography or an autobiography, understanding the power of perspective is essential.

A biography is a written account of someone’s life written by another person, while an autobiography is a written account of one’s own life.

Biography vs. Autobiography

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Introduction to biography and autobiography

A biography is written about someone else’s life, from an outsider’s perspective. This means that the author will do extensive research on their subject, and will often interview people who knew them well. The aim of a biography is to give an accurate and objective account of their life.

An autobiography is written by the person themselves, so it gives a first-hand account of their life. Because it is written from personal experience, it can be biased and may not always be accurate. It’s important to take this into account when reading an autobiography, as it can give you a more intimate look at the person’s life but may not always be completely reliable.

Similarities between biography and autobiography

  • Focus on a person’s life: Both biography and autobiography are focused on telling the life story of a person.
  • Use of personal details: Both genres rely on personal details such as the subject’s name, birthplace, family background, and life events to construct a narrative.
  • Contribute to historical understanding: Both biography and autobiography can contribute to our understanding of history by providing insight into the lives of individuals who have made a significant impact on society.

Examples of famous autobiographies

  • “The Diary of Anne Frank” – This is one of the most famous examples of an autobiography, as it chronicles the life of Anne Frank during her time in hiding during the Holocaust.
  • “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin” – Another very famous autobiography, this book details Benjamin Franklin’s life and his many accomplishments.
  • “The Story of My Life” by Helen Keller – This autobiography tells the story of Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind, and how she overcame these obstacles to lead a successful life.

Benefits of reading biographies and autobiographies

Most obvious benefit is that they can provide readers with a new perspective on life. By reading about someone else’s life, we can learn about their experiences, their thoughts and feelings, and how they coped with different challenges.

Moreover, biographies and autobiographies can be inspiring. Reading about someone who has overcome adversity or achieved something great can give us the motivation to pursue our own goals.

Biographies and autobiographies can simply be enjoyable to read. They can be fascinating stories about interesting people, and they can provide us with vicarious experiences that we might not otherwise have had.

Tips for writing a good biography or autobiography

When writing a biography, it is important to do your research. This means interviews, reading other biographies and autobiographies, and looking at primary sources whenever possible.

You want to get as close to the source material as you can. It is also important to be objective in your telling of the story. This means not inserting your own opinion or bias into the account.

An autobiography is different in that it is your own story. This means that you can be more subjective in your telling of events. You can include your own thoughts and feelings about what happened, as well as how it has affected you in your life.

However, it is still important to be honest in your portrayal of events. Exaggeration or omission will only serve to discredit your story.

Key differences between biography and autobiography

  • Authorship: The primary difference between biography and autobiography is the authorship. Biography is written by someone other than the subject, while autobiography is written by the subject themselves.
  • Point of view: Biographies are written in the third-person point of view, while autobiographies are written in the first-person point of view.
  • Purpose: Biographies are typically written to inform readers about the life of the subject, while autobiographies are written to share the author’s own life story and experiences.
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Both biography and autobiography serve as powerful tools for documenting and sharing the lives of individuals. Biographies allow readers to gain insight into the lives of notable individuals, while autobiographies offer a unique and personal perspective into the author’s life experiences. Whether you prefer to read about the lives of others or share your own story, both genres provide a valuable means of preserving and sharing important personal histories.

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Biography vs Autobiography: Differences and Features

Biography vs Autobiography

When reading about someone’s life, you probably wonder if it is a biography or an autobiography. In this blog, we will compare biography vs autobiography. Also, we will explain the difference between autobiography and biography.

If we tell you in simple words, a biography is the life story of a person written by someone else. On the other hand, an autobiography is the life story of a person written by themselves.

Autobiographies have more personal nature as they are based on the writers’ own thoughts and memories. On the other hand, biographies are more objective, as they are written with the help of others’ opinions and perspectives.

What is a Biography?

A biography, or you can call it a bio, is a written piece of someone’s life. It does not just contain basic info about the subject, but the experiences of them throughout their lives. It sheds light on various aspects of the subject’s life. For example:

  • Personal details
  • Family background
  • Life events
  • Achievements
  • Triumphs in their field and their impact on the world

Biography Examples

Let’s have a look at some examples of famous biographies:

1- Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs is an authorized biography. The subject of the book Steve Jobs himself requested the author Walter Isaacson to write the story about him. Walter is also famous for biographical works like Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein.

2- Into the Wild

It is a nonfiction book based on the life of a young man who abandoned his life and disappeared into the wild. The author of this biographical story is Jon Krakauer.

What is an Autobiography?

An autobiography, informally called an autobio, is a biography of one’s own written by themselves. It is based on the memory of the writer. It generally enlightens the below aspects of the subject:

  • Life description
  • Meaning of life
  • Significant experiences
  • Personal failure
  • Plans for future

Autobiography Examples

Let’s have a look at some of the autobiographical works:

1- I am Malala

The autobiography “I am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education was Shot by the Taliban” is the story of Malala. It was co-written by Christina Lamb.

2- Long Walk to Freedom

It is a biography of Nelson Mandela, ghostwritten by Richard Stengel. The book portrays his story from his early life to his years in prison.

Biography vs Autobiography: The Key Differences

While biographies and autobiographies are somehow similar, there are several contrasts between them. Let’s take a look at how they are different from each other.

You can find the difference between a biography and an autobiography by recognizing who writes it. A biography is always written by someone else other than the subject. Whereas in an autobiography, the subject of the story writes it themselves.

2- Point of View

A biography follows the third-person point of view. It uses “He, Him, His, She, Her, Hers.” In contrast, an autobiography follows the first-person point of view. It utilizes “I, Me, My” as the pronouns.

3- Authorized vs Unauthorized

If a story is written with the permission of the person, it will be an authorized work. Otherwise, it will be unauthorized because it is written without the consent of the person.

4- Authencity

An autobiography will be more authentic than a biography. An autobiography writer usually recalls his events and narrates his own experiences. On the other hand, biography writers gather info through different sources and by talking and interviewing various people. As a result, the input can differentiate from the reality.

5- Neutrality

Autobiographies can be more biased than biographies. The neutrality of the biographies can depend on the intent. Some writers can show themselves as more genuine than they are in reality in their autobiographies. However, when it comes to biographies, they can either go mild or extreme in talking about the subject.

Biography vs Autobiography: Similar Features

Autobiographies are basically a type of biographies. Therefore, they share some common elements. Let’s take a look.

Biographies, whether of someone else or of the writer, have the same purpose of telling people the story of their life.

The genre of biographies is always nonfiction. A biography can not be a piece of fiction. If it is, it will fall under the category of a biographical novel.

The subject of biographies will always be famous people. The people who have achieved something in their life. For example, historical figures, celebs, political leaders, athletes, etc.

How to Write a Biography?

To write a biography , you can follow the below steps:

1- Get Permission

The first step to take in biography writing is to get the permission of the subject. In some conditions, it is not necessary. For example, if the subject is not alive anymore. However, if you have their consent, it will be helpful in your research, and the writing process will be easier. Also, the subject will give you some details by themselves that you may not have acquired without their permission.

2- Do Research

Research is necessary for biography writing. If you don’t have a sufficient amount of info about the subject, you can not compile a book about them. Therefore, you have to collect data and interview people as much as possible.

3- Write the Biography

The next step is to convert your research into words. Suppose you don’t have time or ability to write. In that case, you can acquire ghostwriting services . It can help you create content for your book.

4- Format the Book

When you are done completing your written work, it’s time for book formatting . Most of the time, biographies follow chronological order. However, you can also follow a non-chronological order based on your preference.

5- Promote your Work

Your work will not find the right audience if you don’t advertise it well. Therefore, you should promote your biographical work effectively. For this, you can also benefit from book marketing services .

To learn more about what is a biography ? And how can you write one? You can read our blog.

How to Write an Autobiography?

Let’s have a look at tips on writing an autobiography:

1- Brainstorm Ideas

Begin with revisiting all the memories and events that happened in your life. Look for ideas you can talk about in your book. Also, consider both the positives and negatives so you can create unique content that attracts readers.

2- Create an Outline

Outlining helps you organize your content. Therefore, start your work by creating an outline. It will help the flow of the story; as a result, the reader will quickly understand the story.

3- Write the Autobiography

Autobiography books usually are written in the own voice of the subject. So, use first-person voice as you are speaking directly to the readers. Also, start with a solid intro, use anecdotes, and provide vivid details.

If you are also going for a digital version of your biographical book, you can have ebook writing services at your disposal. They can be handy in writing and also editing, and polishing your work.

4- Publishing the Book

The most challenging task to do after you have your story written is to publish it. High are the chances that you will need help regarding the publishing process, whether you are going for traditional publishing or you want to publish it yourself. It is where you can get in touch with a self-publishing company . The rest of the tasks to complete are on them.

You should also advertise your work so as many people as possible read your story. You can publish and market your work on various platforms. However, the best way to promote your story is through your author’s website. If you don’t have your own website, you can obtain author website design services and have your website showcasing your literary works.

Want to learn more? Read our detailed blog about what is an autobiography . Here you will get to know the “Autobiography Definition, Examples, & Writing Guide for 2024.”

Memoir vs Autobiography

After you know what’s the contrast and similarity between biography vs autobiography. Let’s look at the difference and similarities between a memoir vs an autobiography.

1- Memoir vs Autobiography: The Similarity

If we talk about memoir vs autobiography , they both are accounts of the writer’s life. Also, writers use the first-person point of view in both.

2- Memoir vs Autobiography: The Difference

In an autobiography, the writer talks about his whole life. Whereas, in a memoir, writers cover a small part of their life or tell an interesting or particular memory of their life.

Want to know more? Read our blog on what is a memoir.

What are the Two Types of Biography?

There are three types of biography, not two. They are:

  • Autobiography

Why are Biographies Better than Autobiography?

Biographies are more neutralistic than autobiographies. Also, they tend to be less biased than autobiographies.

Is Autobiography Written in First?

Yes, autobiographies are written in the first-person point of view since they are written by the subject themselves.

Why is an Autobiography Called an Autobiography?

The words Auto, Bios, and Graphein came from Ancient Greek. Their meaning is “Self,” “Life,” and “To Write,” respectively.

After reading this blog, you will have a grasp of the difference between biography vs autobiography. Also, you will know what they are composed of. Learning this will help you when you write your biographical books. In addition, if you still need assistance in writing, you can ask Authors Breeze for their services.

biography and autobiography is same

Caroline Chartrand

As a writing expert, Caroline R Chartrand has written numerous books across various genres, from memoirs to self-help guides. With a passion for history and literature, she has delved into the lives of some of the fascinating figures in history, uncovering hidden stories and surprising facts.

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biography and autobiography is same

Biography, Autobiography, and Memoir: What is the Difference?

Apr. 4th, 2022

If you have a true story you would like to tell, it is important to decide how you want to tell it. What is the difference between a biography, autobiography, and a memoir? We will discuss each form of nonfiction storytelling in this blog. 

A biography is one’s life story written by someone other than themself. Often, someone chooses a biographer to tell their story after careful consideration. People want to make sure their biographer is a writer who can tell their story well. Authors can also write biographies about a figure they are interested in without that person’s official consent. Biographies can be about any person, living or dead, famous or simply a regular person with a fascinating tale.

A biographer spends time interviewing with their subject, conducting research, and also speaking to people who know the subject in order to form a full picture of their life. Factual accuracy is important in biographies. While factual accuracy is important, it is also essential to write in a way that flows nicely rather than a laundry list of facts. Biographies still use structures found in fiction such as scenes and characterization in order to accomplish this. Summarize when appropriate, but use action scenes to describe important events.

biography and autobiography is same

Biographies are broad in scope, focusing on most of a subject’s life or a certain long period of their life. They are heavily structured, usually in chronological order. The biographer uses a bird’s eye view – third person perspective – to tell the story of their subject. That way, they themselves do not become a character in the story. 

If you would prefer to tell your life story on your own terms, then an autobiography may be right for you.

Autobiography

An autobiography is one’s life story as told by themselves. Autobiographies have all the traits of biographies, except the writer is telling their own story. As an autobiographer, a writer will use first person point of view. Speaking from your own perspective will lend your autobiography more credibility. Like biographies and fiction, autobiographies utilize scenes and characterization to tell the story in a way that is compelling, rather than simply reciting facts. 

biography and autobiography is same

However, it is still important to be factually accurate so your whole story lines up. If you would like to delve deeper into how something felt rather than how it happened in a literal sense, perhaps a memoir is a better choice.

A memoir is a nonfiction story that centers on one event or period in someone’s life, rather than a longer period or their whole life. Memoirs often use the same literary devices as fiction stories and poetry in order to make them more dynamic and compelling. As creative nonfiction, memoirs deal in finer detail than biographies and autobiographies. Authors attempt to convey their feelings. They talk about how an experience changed them. They focus on sensory details and crafting a unique narrative voice.

biography and autobiography is same

In memoir, the accuracy of how an event might have happened takes a backseat to how that event felt to the writer. Most importantly, a memoir attempts to reach a universal appeal through one’s own experience. While your experience may be something that only happened to you, it will be relatable to your audience. 

Ultimately, which format you decide will, in many ways, determine the course of your book. Therefore, it is important to choose wisely.

Sources consulted: Author Learning Center

For more tips on nonfiction writing, check out this blog.  

Have a biography, autobiography, or memoir you would like to publish? Contact us!

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Women benefit more than men from same amount of regular exercise – study

Authors hope data encourages women who may not get enough exercise that even relatively small amounts can be beneficial

Women experience greater benefits than men from the same amount of regular exercise, research suggests when it comes to avoiding an early grave.

According to the NHS , men and women aged 19 to 64 should clock up at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise, or 75 of vigorous exercise a week, with muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.

However, studies have shown girls and women tend to do less physical activity than boys and men .

Now research suggests men and women do not get the same gains from the same levels of physical activity.

“Our study doesn’t suggest that women should exercise less, but rather it encourages women who may not be getting enough exercise for various reasons, that even relatively small amounts of exercise can provide significant benefits,” said Dr Hongwei Ji, co-author of the study from the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University.

Writing in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology , Ji and colleagues report how they studied 412,413 participants without underlying health problems, recruited from 1997 to 2017. By the end of December 2019, 39,935 had died, of which 11,670 were cardiovascular deaths.

During the study participants took part in health surveys, which included questions on exercise.

The results reveal a greater proportion of men undertook regular physical activity and strengthening exercises than women.

However, while exercise was associated with a reduced risk of premature death for men and women – including from cardiovascular events – the benefits were greater for the latter.

Among other results the team found 140 minutes of moderate exercise a week reduced women’s risk of premature death from any cause by 18% compared with being inactive. By contrast, men needed 300 minutes of such exercise a week for a similar gain.

The reduction in risk increased with time spent exercising for men and women, until about 300 minutes of moderate activity a week – when it plateaued. At this level, women had a 24% lower risk of premature death from any cause compared with being inactive.

“The 300-minute threshold is where we observed the greatest benefits, but statistically significant sex differences emerge with even smaller doses,” said Ji.

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However, the team caution the study is based on self-reported exercise, and did not include physical activity associated with household activities.

Prof Emmanuel Stamatakis, of the University of Sydney, who was not involved in the work, said the research was well conducted.

“Although women seem to do less leisure-time exercise, their mortality risk is more steeply reduced for any given weekly amount or frequency of exercise,” he said. “This is not very surprising, considering that such analyses cannot take into account that physical effort women make for a given physical task is higher than in men.”

Stamatakis added it was likely women’s exercise sessions reflected higher relative loads than for men, while various properties of skeletal muscle differed between men and women, potentially explaining the different responses to the same absolute doses of exercise.

Dr Susan Cheng, co-author of the research from the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai, said the study showed when it comes to living longer and healthierdifferent types of investments were linked to different types of gains for men and women.

“We hope that perhaps just understanding this one concept can help some women who may feel too busy or too intimidated to take on a new exercise routine and know they do not need to compare how much or how hard they are working to men or to anyone else for that matter,” she said. “They can be on their own path to success and every bit of progress will count.”

  • Medical research
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Cardiovascular disease: early deaths in England at highest rate in more than a decade

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‘This is personal’: Victoria Atkins sets out women’s health priorities

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‘Real taboo’: include birth trauma in UK women’s health strategy, MP urges

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Athletes should avoid total rest after mild concussion, say experts

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Men in England to be offered blood pressure checks in barbershops

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Weight-loss drug can reverse heart failure symptoms, study finds

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Naga Munchetty: I was failed and gaslit by NHS despite debilitating periods

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Most viewed.

Gen Z faces more pressure at work than previous generations because technology has eliminated work-life boundaries, a psychology professor says

  • A Columbia University psychology professor said technology has killed work-life boundaries.
  • In the past, workers were unreachable after they went home. This is no longer the case.
  • Some Gen Zers are resorting to "quiet quitting" to have more work-life balance. 

Insider Today

Gen Z is often getting flak for struggling to handle stress at work , but according to a psychology professor, this is largely because this generation has grown up without work-life boundaries.

Kathleen Pike, who teaches at Columbia University and is president and CEO of One Mind at Work , told Business Insider that older generations didn’t face the same technology-induced pressures at the start of their career.

"When they [older generations] started out, it was a completely different world," she said.

"There's a lot written about Gen Z needing to take more time off and not having the resilience to endure and reliably push through in certain work contexts.

50 years ago, when the senior executives were starting out, they drove to work, and there was no cellphone, there was no internet, there was no FedEx," she added.

Pike pointed to technology as the culprit behind younger professionals’ struggles.

In the past, "nothing was instantaneous, and when they [workers] went home, they were not reachable. So there was a natural macro structure that created lots of downtime that has completely evaporated," she said.

As a result, Gen Z is trying to create a clearer divide between their work and personal life. 

"Part of what we're seeing is Gen Z is trying to put some boundaries back in place," Pike said. "It’s a clear generational distinction."

Many young professionals are turning to trends like "act your wage" or  "quiet quitting" — essentially, doing the bare minimum to keep their job but to avoid burning out.

Although Gen Z is normalizing the conversation around mental health at work , Pike said that they’re sometimes forgetting the distinction between normal emotions and mental illness. 

Feeling stressed or anxious can be useful indicators to help you complete tasks but are not always signs of serious mental illness, she said. 

"Success grows out of learning how to get back on the horse, learning how to build the skills, how to ask for help, and how to build capacity in ways that didn't exist. That's part of maturing in the workplace," she added.

biography and autobiography is same

Watch: How Gen Z will change the workplace, according to LinkedIn's CMO

biography and autobiography is same

  • Main content

Baslow: Man charged after woman stabbed in Peak District village

  • Published 1 day ago

Wheatlands Lane, Baslow

A man has been charged with the attempted murder of a woman.

Police said officers were called to a house in Wheatlands Lane, in Baslow, Derbyshire, shortly after 14:00 GMT on Thursday following reports a woman had been stabbed.

A woman in her 50s was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Mark Taylor, 56, has been charged with attempted murder and coercive and controlling behaviour.

Mr Taylor, of Wheatlands Lane, Baslow, was remanded in police custody and after appearing at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court was remanded to prison.

Police said the woman has since been discharged from hospital.

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VaLENTines: Start of Lent on Feb. 14 puts indulgence, abstinence in conflict for some

biography and autobiography is same

Ash Wednesday , the first day of Lent, just so happens to fall on the day of love . While Catholic leaders say they won't give out exemptions, a representative from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops says the holidays go hand-in-hand with each other.

The Mardi Gras traditions of spending weeks partying and eating king cake all lead up to one day, Ash Wednesday. It's the first day of Lent, the 40-day season, not including Sundays, which leads up to Easter Sunday.

But this year, getting a reservation at the fancy steak house down the street may present a conflict of interest for Roman Catholics.

Father Dustin Dought, the executive director of the Secretariat of Divine Worship of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, told USA Today that it's one of the two days in the year that Roman Catholics are obliged to fast. The other is Good Friday.

"This practice is a way of emptying ourselves so that we can be filled with God," said Dought.

According to Dought, he believes the Church won't give out an exception because Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day ultimately go together.

The line, "Behold the lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world,” John 1:29, refers to the sacrifice made by God and Jesus.

"The Lord tells us in the Gospels, 'No greater love has a person than this, to lay down his life for his friends,'" said Dought. "So when we think of Valentine's Day, we can think of lots of different things. But the image that Jesus gives us is laying down our lives for another person, and that clarifies what Valentine's Day is about."

The rules of Fasting

The rules for fasting for Roman Catholics are different from those in other faiths that ask believers to abstain for food or drink for extended periods.

"In the Church's directions for fasting, she says [to eat] one regular-sized meal and two smaller meals that don't equal that regular-sized meal," said Dought.

There is no specific portion size set in the rule. Dought says it just depends on the person and their state in life. He says it's "relative."

"A full meal for someone who does very intense bodily work may be different from a full meal for someone who doesn't," said Dought.

According to him, the only Roman Catholics who are obligated to fast are people aged 18 to 59.

What does the start of Lent mean for Valentine's Day plans?

Catholics must abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday. But it isn't just Ash Wednesday. It is every Friday during Lent, including Good Friday.

"Since Jesus sacrificed his flesh for us on Good Friday, we refrain from eating flesh meat in his honor on Fridays," says the the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis .

William Johnston, an associate professor of religious studies at the University of Dayton, told USA TODAY that abstaining from eating meat is also a form of penance– admitting to any wrongdoings and sins while turning back to belief in God. 

What can Catholics eat while abstaining during Lent?

Catholics might want to trade in the steak house reservation for one at a sushi restaurant .

USA Today reports that on that day, the most popular choice is fish. According to the Archdiocese, the following can be eaten:

However, according to Johnson, buying expensive fish is discouraged.

Those who don't have a taste for seafood can opt for non-flesh animal products, like milk, eggs, cheese and butter.

Couples planning to celebrate the night with a bottle of wine don't have to worry.

Some Roman Catholic couples might choose to abstain from alcohol, but the church doesn't require it.

How can fasting be romantic?

Dought says that fasting is always done with an end in mind. People shouldn't just do it to prove that they can and turn it into a competition. It should be done "out of love for God and of my neighbor."

Someone who fasts on Valentine's Day and eats those smaller portions can save the one regular meal they get that day and look forward to sharing it with their partner. Dought believes that kind of sacrifice and love could enrich Valentine's.

"Fasting is not just about 'me,' but about 'us,'" he said. "So, I think Valentine's Day can clarify what Ash Wednesday is really about, and Ash Wednesday can clarify what Valentine's Day is really about."

He goes on to say that someone who keeps their partner in mind when they practice fasting doesn't just ignite a love for God, but a love for their partner, too.

Contributing: Jordan Mendoza , USA Today

IMAGES

  1. Biography vs Autobiography: Similarities and Differences (2023)

    biography and autobiography is same

  2. Difference Between Biography and Autobiography (With Table)

    biography and autobiography is same

  3. Biography vs. Autobiography: Differences and Features

    biography and autobiography is same

  4. The Ultimate Guide on How to Write an Autobiography

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  5. difference between biography and autobiography

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  6. Difference Between Autobiography and Biography

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VIDEO

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  2. The Ghost Ship by John C. Hutcheson

  3. Biography

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  5. Biography and Autobiography. English literature Class BA Sem 1

  6. AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND BIOGRAPHY

COMMENTS

  1. Biography vs. Autobiography: Differences and Features

    While an autobiography and a biography both tell the story of someone's life, they are not the same thing. When a person writes his or her own life story, the finished work is an autobiography. When an author writes a book about another person's life, the result is a biography. Key Biography vs. Autobiography Differences

  2. Difference between Biography and Autobiography

    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.

  3. Biography vs Autobiography: Similarities and Differences

    Contents show 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.

  4. 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 ...

  5. Autobiography vs. Biography

    Published on: Mar 22, 2023 Have you ever wondered about the differences between an autobiography and a biography? You may have heard of these two terms before, but do you know how they are different from each other? Unfortunately, many people think that both could be used interchangeably, and that both are the same.

  6. Biographies and autobiographies

    Biographies and autobiographies are both types of non-fiction stories about someone's life. They are both based in fact but there are some key differences between them. Watch this video in which ...

  7. Biography vs Autobiography: Differences & Examples

    Written By William James Last Updated: 27 October, 2023 Do you ever get confused between biography and autobiography? If so, you're not alone. These terms are used interchangeably, but each has its own unique approach. In this blog, we'll discuss biography vs autobiography.

  8. Autobiography vs Biography

    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.

  9. Difference between Biography and Autobiography

    An autobiography is an account of one's own life. The subject and the author are one and the same person. The subject and the author are one and the same person. This type of writing is usually more subjective and is filled with emotions and personal accounts, impressions, and resolutions which have led to that person's great achievements.

  10. Difference between Biography and Autobiography

    A biography, often known as a bio, is a detailed description of a person's life. It shows a person's experience of life events such as school, jobs, relationships, and death, rather than merely the basic facts. A biography book can represent the whole life events of an individual.

  11. 5 Key Differences between Autobiography and Biography ...

    The distinction between an autobiography and a biography is who writes the book. The person the book is about always writes their autobiography. Other than the book's subject is almost always the author of a biography. For instance, famous people who have already lived a long life span can write life stories that are sometimes known as ...

  12. Biography vs. Autobiography

    Lesson Transcript Author Jeremy Cook View bio Instructor Kara Wilson View bio Learn the difference between a biography and an autobiography. Explore the process of biographical analysis and...

  13. What Is The Difference Between Autobiography And Biography

    Well! Here we have the best explanation that would define the differences between a biography and an autobiography. Simply, a biography is a story of a person's life, written by someone else. An autobiography is the life story of an individual which is written by the subject itself.

  14. Research Guides: Biographies and Autobiographies: Home

    An autobiography is an account of a person's life, written by that person. A memoir is a special type of autobiography in which the person writes about a specific part of their life. This guide was designed to help you find both biographical and autobiographical information in many different formats through the CCBC libraries.

  15. Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoir: A Comparison

    1. Understanding Autobiography 2. Understanding Biography 3. Key Difference Between Autobiography and Biography - H2 4. How are they Different from a Memoir? 5. Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoir: Comparison Chart Understanding Autobiography

  16. Autobiography vs. Biography vs. Memoir

    But there are some distinct differences. Simply put, a biography is the life history of an individual, written by someone else. An autobiography is the story of a person's life, written by that person. And a is a collection of memories written by the person themselves. What is a Biography?

  17. What is a Biography vs Autobiography?

    An autobiography is a non-fiction literary format that is a self-written account of a person's life. After all, the word 'autobiography' means self (auto), life (bio), writing (graph). Some significant figures and celebrities have written autobiographies that we can see on the shelves of bookshops.

  18. Biography vs. Autobiography: (Comparison and Examples)

    Authorship: The primary difference between biography and autobiography is the authorship. Biography is written by someone other than the subject, while autobiography is written by the subject themselves. Point of view: Biographies are written in the third-person point of view, while autobiographies are written in the first-person point of view.

  19. What is a Biography vs 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 ...

  20. Autobiography

    autobiography, the biography of oneself narrated by oneself. Autobiographical works can take many forms, from the intimate writings made during life that were not necessarily intended for publication (including letters, diaries, journals, memoirs, and reminiscences) to a formal book-length autobiography.. Formal autobiographies offer a special kind of biographical truth: a life, reshaped by ...

  21. Biography vs Autobiography: Differences and Features

    An autobiography will be more authentic than a biography. An autobiography writer usually recalls his events and narrates his own experiences. On the other hand, biography writers gather info through different sources and by talking and interviewing various people. ... whether of someone else or of the writer, have the same purpose of telling ...

  22. Memoir vs. Autobiography: What's the Difference?

    Rachel Meltzer Updated on June 7, 2022 Writing Tips Memoir and autobiography are often used synonymously. These two nonfiction genres are very similar, so it's easy to get them confused. They're both the story of someone's life written by that person, and they both use the pronouns "I" and "me" since they're written in the first person.

  23. Biography, Autobiography, and Memoir: What is the Difference?

    An autobiography is one's life story as told by themselves. Autobiographies have all the traits of biographies, except the writer is telling their own story. ... rather than a longer period or their whole life. Memoirs often use the same literary devices as fiction stories and poetry in order to make them more dynamic and compelling. As ...

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    Autobiography and memoir. ... It was a gesture so unexpected that he sat down stunned, as if he had "just flown into the windowpane of his life". skip past newsletter promotion.

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  29. Ash Wednesday and Valentine's are on the same day, what can Catholics do?

    Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, just so happens to fall on the day of love.While Catholic leaders say they won't give out exemptions, a representative from the United States Conference of ...