Why biography

Many political biographies are funded and written to commemorate significant events — the centenary of the Australian federation, for example. As Walter forthcoming states:. The concerns of social scientists with large collectives, mass behaviour, empirical data and testable propositions create difficulties for what are, at best, attempts to link single cases with institutional and historical contexts, and so biography is viewed with scepticism.

Biography and conjecture are a dangerous duo — and raise the question: how much about the life of a person can we hope to know? Perhaps because the other is too difficult. How do you write in third person about yourself? How do you write a biography about yourself in third person?

Previous Article What are the characteristics of record keeping? Next Article What are biblical sources? Back To Top. It is, as the literary critic Catherine Parke points out, located right next to fiction on library shelves and in the public's imagination. Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford.

It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide. Sign In or Create an Account. Sign In. Advanced Search. Search Menu. Article Navigation. Write an engaging life story that offers insight into a person.

Celebrate a Historical Figure : Develop a deeper understanding of a historical period. Research the contributions of a historical figure. Explain their importance to the past and influence on future events.

Acknowledge a Hero : Inspire others with the accomplishments of personal hero, role model, mentor, or newsmaker. Detail their successes and challenges. Outline reasons their efforts are admirable. Investigate Scientific Contributions : Appreciate amazing research findings and inventions. Outline the path to discovery of a scientist.

Explain how their work has improved the lives of others.