5 types of biography

Among the most ancient biographies are the narrative carvings and hieroglyphic inscriptions on Egyptian tombs and temples c. All these records proclaimed the deeds of kings, although accuracy often gave way to glorification. Among the first biographies of ordinary men, the Dialogues of Plato 4th cent. Even these early achievements of biography, however, lack critical balance.

Features of biography

Equilibrium was established by Plutarch in The Parallel Lives 2d cent. His method was comparative, e. In his conclusions, he evaluates the connection between the moral standards and worldly achievements of each. Augustine turned the same critical judgment on himself in his Confessions 4th cent. During the Middle Ages credibility continued to be sacrificed to credulity.

What is autobiography

In the hagiographies, or lives of the saints, human flaws and actual events were bypassed in favor of saintly traits and miracles. Yet the few secular biographies produced in that era, Einhard 's Life of Charlemagne 9th cent. Anselm 12th cent. Louis IX 13th cent. With the Renaissance came rekindled interest in worldly power and self-assertion.

Benvenuto Cellini 's Autobiography 16th cent. Saint-Simon 's Memoirs late 17th cent.