Elements of Biography

Non-Fiction Books about People Biography Autobiography Memoirs

Biography

bi·og·ra·phy : n. pl. bi·og·ra·phies

An account of a person's life written, composed, or produced by another: a film biography of Adlai Stevenson; an oral biography.

Biographies considered as a group, especially when regarded as a genre.

The writing, composition, or production of biographies: a career entirely devoted to biography.

Autobiography

n. pl. au·to·bi·og·ra·phies The biography of a person written by that person

Memoirs

mem·oir     (m m wär , -wôr )n.

An account of the personal experiences of an author.

An autobiography. Often used in the plural.

A biography or biographical sketch.

A report, especially on a scientific or scholarly topic.

memoirs The report of the proceedings of a learned society.

Elements

Birthdate and place Family Members Childhood and School Life Hobbies, Interests, and Activities Anecdotes Career Reason for Fame Later Life/Old Age Death Photos and Likenesses

Birthplace and date

When was the person born? Where was the person born? Why was the family in that location at that

time?

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthplace, Atlanta, GA

Family Members

Birth Order Spouse, Children Any other members of the family who were

notable in some way

Childhood and School Life

Interesting stories about childhood or school

Early achievements Any events that had an

impact on their later life

Hobbies, Interests, and Activities Do the person’s hobbies or activities make

them more interesting? Do the hobbies/activities have a bearing on

why they have a biography about them? Do the hobbies/activities relate to other

aspects of their life?

Anecdotes

Interesting stories about why they are famous Interesting stories about the impact they have

had on others

Career

Is their career why they have a book written about them?

Is their job similar or different from their hobbies and activities?

Have they made significant contributions to mankind through their job?

Reason for Fame

What did they do that caused someone to want to write a book about them?

At what point in their life did they become famous?

Later Life/Old Age

What did they do near the end of their life? Did they contribute to society, enjoy life,

continue working? Were they honored in their lifetime for their

achievements?

Commodore Grace Hopper, USN

Death

When and where did they die?

Was there anything unusual or significant about their death? (Ex. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826)

Photos and Likenesses

Photographs or artists’ renderings of the person may be included

Where are biographies found in the library?

Biographies are found in the 900’s

Helen Keller

921

Kel

Wilma Rudolph

921

Rud