what is biography context

Definition of Biography

Common examples of biographical subjects, famous examples of biographical works, difference between biography, autobiography, and memoir, examples of biography in literature, example 1:  savage beauty: the life of edna st. vincent millay  (nancy milford).

One of the first things Vincent explained to Norma was that there was a certain freedom of language in the Village that mustn’t shock her. It wasn’t vulgar. ‘So we sat darning socks on Waverly Place and practiced the use of profanity as we stitched. Needle in, . Needle out, piss. Needle in, . Needle out, c. Until we were easy with the words.’

Example 2:  The Invisible Woman: The Story of Nelly Ternan and Charles Dickens  (Claire Tomalin)

The season of domestic goodwill and festivity must have posed a problem to all good Victorian family men with more than one family to take care of, particularly when there were two lots of children to receive the demonstrations of paternal love.

Example 3:  Virginia Woolf  (Hermione Lee)

‘A self that goes on changing is a self that goes on living’: so too with the biography of that self. And just as lives don’t stay still, so life-writing can’t be fixed and finalised. Our ideas are shifting about what can be said, our knowledge of human character is changing. The biographer has to pioneer, going ‘ahead of the rest of us, like the miner’s canary, testing the atmosphere , detecting falsity, unreality, and the presence of obsolete conventions’. So, ‘There are some stories which have to be retold by each generation’. She is talking about the story of Shelley, but she could be talking about her own life-story.

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How to Write a Biography: A Step-by-Step Guide

By Hannah Yang

Table of Contents

What is a biography, a step-by-step guide to writing a biography, tips for how to write a great biography, conclusion on how to write a biography.

Writing a biography can be a rewarding endeavor, but it can also feel a bit daunting if you’ve never written one before.

Whether you’re capturing the life story of a famous person, a family member, or even yourself, creating a compelling biography involves a mix of thorough research, narrative skill, and a personal touch.

So, how exactly do you write a successful biography? 

In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials to help you craft a biography that’s both informative and engaging, as well as our top tips for how to make it truly shine.

A biography is a detailed account of someone’s life.

A well-written biography needs to be objective and accurate. At the same time, it needs to depict more than just the basic facts like birth, education, work, relationships, and death—it should also portray the subject’s personal experience of those events.

So, in addition to being a good researcher, a good biographer also needs to be a good storyteller. You should provide insights into the subject’s personality, motivations, and impact on the world around them.

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

Understanding the distinctions between different genres of life writing is crucial for both writers and readers. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences between a biography and other related genres.

Biography: a detailed account of a person’s life, usually written in the third-person POV and supported by extensive research 

Autobiography: a self-written account of the author’s own life, usually written in the first person POV and following a chronological order 

Memoir: a collection of memories that an individual writes about moments or events that took place in their life, usually in the first person POV and in an introspective and personal way

Narrative nonfiction: a book that tells true stories using the techniques of fiction writing, such as character development, narrative arc, and detailed settings

Best Biography Examples to Study

The best way to learn how to write well is to read other successful books within the genre you’re writing. 

Here are five great biographies to add to your reading list. For a longer list, check out our article on the 20 best biographies to read . 

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand: the incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympian and World War II hero.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson: a comprehensive and engaging account of the Apple co-founder’s life.

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow: the biography that inspired the hit musical, providing a deep dive into Hamilton ’ s life and legacy.

Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Nancy Milford: a nuanced story that uncovers the family connection between the three Millay sisters and their mother.

Barracoon by Zora Neale Hurston: the story of Cudjo Lewis, one of the last-known survivors of the Atlantic slave trade.

As with writing any book, writing a biography is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s easier to think of it as a series of smaller steps than as one big challenge to tackle. 

Let’s break down the process step by step.

1. Choose Your Subject

Decide who you want to write about. It could be a well-known celebrity, a historical figure, or someone close to you.

In addition to figuring out who you’re writing about, this is also the step where you figure out why you want to write about them. Why is this a story worth telling, and what makes you interested in it? 

Maybe the subject of your biography overcame major hardships in life to achieve success, and that story will inspire others facing similar struggles. Or maybe they made a really unique contribution to the world that not enough people know about, and you want to shine a bigger spotlight on that impact.

Knowing why you’re telling this story will help you make the right decisions about how to research, outline, draft, and edit your biography.

2. Identify Your Target Audience

Understanding your target audience is a crucial step in writing a good biography. You should tailor your biography to the interests and knowledge level of your audience.

A biography for a general audience will differ from one written for experts in a particular field. For example, two biographies about Emily Dickinson would be vastly different if one is written for young children and the other is written for adult poets. 

3. Conduct Research

Dive deep into your research. Use a variety of sources to get a well-rounded view of your subject’s life. Take detailed notes and organize your findings.

Gather as much information as you can about your subject. This includes primary sources like interviews, letters, and diaries, as well as secondary sources such as books, articles, and documentaries.

Here are some primary sources to look for: 

Letters and diaries: These provide intimate insights into the subject’s thoughts, feelings, and daily life, and can often be found in family archives, libraries, and historical societies.

Birth, marriage, and death certificates: These documents can provide crucial dates and familial relationships.

Census data: Census records can provide demographic information and track changes over time.

Property records: These can reveal where the subject lived and owned property.

Employment and school records: These records offer formalized insights into the subject’s education and career.

Military records: If applicable, military records can provide information on service, ranks, and honors.

Photos and videos: Look for photographs and videos in public libraries, historical societies, online databases like the Library of Congress, and family photo albums.

Historical newspapers: Access archives of local and national newspapers for articles, interviews, and obituaries related to the subject.

Digital archives: Use online resources like ProQuest, Chronicling America, and newspaper databases available through public libraries.

You can also look for secondary sources, which provide more context and perspective, such as:

Existing biographies: Search for existing biographies and books about the subject or their era. How does your project stand out from the crowd? 

Academic articles and papers: Access journals through university libraries, which often have extensive collections of scholarly articles.

Documentaries and biographical films: You can often find these on streaming services or public television archives.

Websites and blogs: Look for reputable websites and blogs dedicated to the subject or related fields.

Social media platforms: The things people say on social media can offer insights into public perception about your subject.

Finally, you can also conduct your own interviews. Talk to the subject if they’re still alive, as well as their friends, family, and colleagues. You can ask them for personal anecdotes to add more color to your book, or more information to fill in any gaps in your knowledge. 

4. Ask Engaging Questions

Great biographers start from a place of curiosity. Before you start writing, you should know the answers to the following questions: 

What makes your subject’s story worth telling?

What was your subject’s childhood like? 

What were your subject’s early interests and hobbies?

What level of education did your subject achieve and where did they study?

What was your subject’s personality like?

What were their beliefs and values? 

How did your subject’s personality and beliefs change over time?

What were the major turning points in your subject’s life? 

How was your subject affected by the major political, cultural, and societal events that occurred throughout their life?  

What did their career path look like?

What were their major accomplishments? 

What were their major failures? 

How did they contribute to their field, their country, or their community?

Were they involved in any major controversies or scandals?

Who were the most important people in the subject’s life, such as friends, partners, or mentors?

If the subject is no longer living, how did they pass away?

What lasting impact did the subject leave behind? 

5. Create an Outline

An outline helps you structure your biography. You can write an extensive outline that includes every scene you need to write, or you can keep it simple and just make a list of high-level bullet points—whatever works best for your writing process. 

The best structure to use will depend on the shape of the story you’re trying to tell. Think about what your subject’s life looked like and what core messages you’re trying to leave the reader with.

If you want to keep things simple, you can simply go in chronological order. Tell the story from the birth of your subject to the death of your subject, or to the present day if this person is still living. 

You can also use a more thematically organized structure, similar to what you would find on a Wikipedia page. You could break your book down into sections such as major life events, personal relationships, core accomplishments, challenges, and legacy.

Or, if you want to be more creative, you can use a nonlinear story structure, jumping between recent events and older flashbacks based on which events feel thematically tied together. 

6. Write Your First Draft 

Now that you have an outline, it’s time to sit down and write your first draft.

Your opening chapters should hook the reader and give a preview of what’s to come. Highlight a compelling aspect of the subject’s life to draw readers in.

In your middle chapters, cover all the key events you need to include about your subject’s life and weave in themes and anecdotes that reveal their personality and impact.

In your final chapters, wrap up your biography by summarizing the subject’s legacy and reflecting on their overall significance. This provides closure and leaves the reader with a lasting impression.

Remember that it’s okay if your first draft isn’t perfect. Your goal is simply to get words down on the page so you have something to edit. 

7. Make Developmental Revisions

Now that you’re done with your first draft, it’s time to make big-picture revisions.

Review your biography for coherence and organization. Does the overall structure make sense? Are there any arcs or themes that aren’t given enough attention? Are there scenes or chapters that don’t need to be included? 

8. Make Line Edits

Once you’ve completed your developmental edits, it’s time to make smaller line edits. This is your time to edit for grammar, punctuation, and style.

Make sure you keep a consistent voice throughout the book. Some biographies feel more conversational and humorous, while others are serious and sophisticated. 

To get through your editing faster, you can run your manuscript through ProWritingAid , which will automatically catch errors, point out stylistic inconsistencies, and help you rephrase confusing sentences. 

Don’t be afraid to ask others for feedback. No good book is written in a vacuum, and you can ask critique partners and beta readers to help you improve your work.

What makes a great biography stand out from the rest? Here are our best tips for how to take your manuscript to the next level.

Tip 1: Focus on Key Themes

Identify the central themes or patterns in the subject’s life—the ones that will really make readers keep thinking about your book. These could be related to the subject’s struggles, achievements, relationships, or values.

Tip 2: Balance Facts and Narrative

A good biography should read like a story, not a list of facts.

Use narrative techniques like imagery, character development, and dialogue to create a compelling and coherent story.

Tip 3: Add Your Own Perspective

Biographies need to be objective, but that doesn’t mean the author has to be entirely invisible. Including your own perspective can make the biography relatable and engaging. 

Letting your voice shine can help illustrate the subject ’ s character and bring their story to life. It will also help make your biography stand out from the crowd. 

Tip 4: Create a Timeline

Organize the key events of the subject’s life in chronological order. This will help you see the bigger picture and ensure you cover all important aspects.

Tip 5: Be Considerate

Because biographies are about real people, you should be mindful of who will be impacted by the story you’re telling, especially if your subject is still alive or still has living family members.

If the subject is still alive, ask them for permission to tell their story before you start writing. This also helps ensure that you don’t get sued. 

Writing a biography is a journey of discovery, not just about the subject, but also about the craft of storytelling.

By combining thorough research, a clear structure, and engaging narrative techniques, you can create a biography that not only informs but also inspires and captivates your readers. 

Don’t forget to run your manuscript through ProWritingAid so you can make sure your prose is as polished as possible. 

Now, pick your subject, gather your resources, and start writing—there’s a fascinating story waiting to be told.

Good luck, and happy writing!

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Hannah Yang

Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

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Literary Devices

Literary devices, terms, and elements, definition of biography, difference between biography and autobiography, common examples of biography, significance of biography in literature.

The genre of biography developed out of other forms of historical nonfiction, choosing to focus on one specific person’s experience rather than all important players. There are examples of biography all the way back to 44 B.C. when Roman biographer Cornelius Nepos wrote Excellentium Imperatorum Vitae (“Lives of those capable of commanding”). The Greek historian Plutarch was also famous for his biographies, creating a series of biographies of famous Greeks and Romans in his book Parallel Lives . After the printing press was created, one of the first “bestsellers” was the 1550 famous biography Lives of the Artists by Giorgio Vasari. Biography then got very popular in the 18th century with James Boswell’s 1791 publication of The Life of Samuel Johnson . Biography continues to be one of the best selling genres in literature, and has led to a number of literary prizes specifically for this form.

Examples of Biography in Literature

And I can imagine Farmer saying he doesn’t care if no one else is willing to follow their example. He’s still going to make these hikes, he’d insist, because if you say that seven hours is too long to walk for two families of patients, you’re saying that their lives matter less than some others’, and the idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that’s wrong with the world.

Tracy Kidder’s wonderful example of biography, Mountains Beyond Mountains , brought the work of Dr. Paul Farmer to a wider audience. Dr. Farmer cofounded the organization Partners in Health (PIH) in 1987 to provide free treatment to patients in Haiti; the organization later created similar projects in countries such as Russia, Peru, and Rwanda. Dr. Farmer was not necessarily a famous man before Tracy Kidder’s biography was published, though he was well-regarded in his own field. The biography describes Farmer’s work as well as some of his personal life.

On July 2, McCandless finished reading Tolstoy’s “Family Happiness”, having marked several passages that moved him: “He was right in saying that the only certain happiness in life is to live for others…” Then, on July 3, he shouldered his backpack and began the twenty-mile hike to the improved road. Two days later, halfway there, he arrived in heavy rain at the beaver ponds that blocked access to the west bank of the Teklanika River. In April they’d been frozen over and hadn’t presented an obstacle. Now he must have been alarmed to find a three-acre lake covering the trail.

A commanding woman versed in politics, diplomacy, and governance; fluent in nine languages; silver-tongued and charismatic, Cleopatra nonetheless seems the joint creation of Roman propagandists and Hollywood directors.

Stacy Schiff wrote a new biography of Cleopatra in 2010 in order to divide fact from fiction, and go back to the amazing and intriguing personality of the woman herself. The biography was very well received for being both scrupulously referenced as well as highly literary and imaginative.

Confident that he was clever, resourceful, and bold enough to escape any predicament, [Louie] was almost incapable of discouragement. When history carried him into war, this resilient optimism would define him.

( Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand)

I remember sitting in his backyard in his garden, one day, and he started talking about God. He [Jobs] said, “ Sometimes I believe in God, sometimes I don’t. I think it’s 50/50, maybe. But ever since I’ve had cancer, I’ve been thinking about it more, and I find myself believing a bit more, maybe it’s because I want to believe in an afterlife, that when you die, it doesn’t just all disappear. The wisdom you’ve accumulated, somehow it lives on.”

Test Your Knowledge of Biography

2. Which of the following scenarios qualifies as a biography? A. A famous person contracts a ghostwriter to create an autobiography. B. A famous author writes the true and incredible life story of a little known person. C. A writer creates a book detailing the most important moments in her own life. [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #2″] Answer: B is the correct answer.[/spoiler]

3. Which of the following statements is true? A. Biographies are one of the best selling genres in contemporary literature. B. Biographies are always written about famous people. C. Biographies were first written in the 18th century. [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #3″] Answer: A is the correct answer.[/spoiler]

How to Write a Biography in 8 Steps (The Non-Boring Way!)

Compelling biographies help us better connect with others while fostering empathy and understanding. Discover the steps to write one that captivates your audience!

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Have you ever been captivated by someone’s life story? From the ancient tales of great conquerors to the modern accounts of influential figures, biographies have enchanted readers and viewers for centuries. 

The stories of real people’s lives not only entertain and educate but also provide a unique window into the human experience. In fact, according to research 1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8796048/ , human stories like biographies can help us better connect with others while fostering empathy and understanding.

In this article, let’s dive into how to write a compelling biography, from the research phase to delivery.

What Are the Key Elements of a Biography?

The key elements of a well-written biography bring characters to life. They include thorough research, relevant interviews, clear structure, captivating prose, compelling themes, and a balance between objectivity and empathy. 

• Thorough research: Helps create an accurate portrayal of your subject
• Relevant interviews: Insights help provide a deeper understanding of your subject
• Clear structure: Helps you outline your ideas for a compelling narrative
• Captivating prose: Provides descriptive language to paint a picture of your subject
• Compelling themes: Showcases the motivations and desires behind your subject
• A balance between objectivity and empathy: Keeps biases in check and allows your subject to shine for who they are

As you develop your biography, remember that these stories hold an enduring appeal because they offer people an opportunity to explore the depths of the human psyche, unravel extraordinary accomplishments, and discover the vulnerabilities and triumphs of individuals who have left their mark on the world. 

Here are the topics a biography typically covers:

• Early life and background : Provide context about the subject’s upbringing, family, and cultural influences.
• Achievements and milestones: Highlight notable accomplishments, contributions, and significant events throughout their life.
• Challenges and struggles: Explore the obstacles they faced, the lessons learned, and how they overcame adversity.
• Personal characteristics: Describe their personality traits, values, beliefs, and motivations that shaped their actions and decisions.
• Impact and legacy: Discuss the lasting influence and contributions of the subject, both during their lifetime and beyond.

Ready to start crafting your biography? Find greater success with this helpful goal-setting resource!

How To Set Better Goals Using Science

Do you set the same goals over and over again? If you’re not achieving your goals – it’s not your fault! Let me show you the science-based goal-setting framework to help you achieve your biggest goals.

Let’s look at the six key elements of a well-written biography more closely and the steps you can follow to develop your own.

How to Write a Biography in 8 Steps Using Key Elements

Choose your presentation format.

Presenting your biography can take on various forms, the most traditional being written form. The basis for this article assumes you’re writing a conventional biography; however, this foundation can also help you create a multimedia presentation or website as well. 

Consider these various formats to present your biography:

• Traditional Written Biographies: This classic approach provides a comprehensive account of a person’s life through the written word. Traditional biographies can be published in print or ebooks , allowing readers to engage deeply with the subject’s story.
• Multimedia Presentations: In the digital age, multimedia presentations offer a dynamic way to present biographies. Incorporate audio, video, photographs, and interactive elements to enhance the audience’s experience.
• Online Platforms: Online platforms, such as blogs or dedicated biography websites, provide accessible avenues for sharing biographies. They allow for easy updates, reader engagement, and the incorporation of multimedia elements. 

Choose your subject and conduct research

To create a vivid and accurate portrayal of a person’s life, conduct extensive research. Dive into archives, read letters, examine diaries, explore photographs, and immerse yourself in the historical and cultural context surrounding your subject. This will help you unearth the small details that breathe life into your biography. 

Whether you’re writing a biography about a historical figure, contemporary icon, or everyday individual, you’ll want to consider the different factors to focus on. Here are some examples of three types of individuals and the kind of research that will be most helpful.

• Historical Figures: When writing about historical figures, immerse yourself in their era. Understand the social, political, and cultural forces that shaped their lives. I recommend visiting your local library and connecting with a research librarian for support. Otherwise, other tools for historical research include Google Scholar. Analyze primary sources and multiple perspectives to present a well-rounded account.
• Contemporary Icons: Biographies of modern icons offer a chance to delve into their ongoing impact. Conduct interviews or gather insights from their close associates to understand their present-day influence. Stay current with the latest developments, and be prepared to update your work as the subject’s story unfolds.
• Everyday Individuals: Biographies need not be reserved for the famous. Every day individuals possess stories that can be just as compelling. Uncover the extraordinary within the ordinary, highlighting the struggles, triumphs, and personal growth of individuals who might otherwise remain unsung.
• Yourself! Want to write a biography on yourself? Autobiographies are a great way to explore who you are. Get ready to do some serious self-reflection with the steps below.

Pro Tip: Compile your research digitally using helpful cloud filings systems like Google Drive , OneDrive , or Dropbox . Organize your files by category, including information about their youth, family, achievements, and life lessons. You may also choose to write down research references or collect paper clippings on note cards, categorizing your physical files of research along the way.

Develop compelling themes and motifs 

Identify overarching themes or motifs that emerge from the subject’s life. These could be resilience, ambition, love, or societal change. Weave these elements into the narrative, highlighting their significance and impact on the person’s journey. Here are some examples:

• Overcoming Adversity: These biographies feature perseverance, resilience, and determination. Examples include Helen Keller, Nelson Mandela, and Malala Yousafzai.
• Pursuit of Excellence: These biographies highlight people who have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals. Examples include Steve Jobs, Serena Williams, and Michael Jordan.
• Quest for Knowledge: These biographies focus on the curiosity that led to significant contributions to our world. Examples include Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, and Charles Darwin.
• Personal Transformation: These biographies explore a change in beliefs, values, or priorities. Examples include Malcolm X, Oprah Winfrey, and Maya Angelou.
• Legacy and Impact: These biographies examine a body of work that made a lasting contribution to society. Examples include Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Teresa, and Mahatma Gandhi.

Conduct relevant interviews 

Whenever possible, seek firsthand accounts from those who knew or interacted with the subject. Conduct interviews with family members, friends, colleagues, or experts in the field. Their insights and anecdotes can provide a deeper understanding of the person’s character and experiences.

When conducting interviews for a biography, consider the following tips to ensure a productive and insightful conversation:

• Familiarize yourself with the interviewee’s background and accomplishments.
• Develop a list of well-thought-out questions that cover key aspects of their lives and experiences, including questions about your subject’s youth, family, achievements, and life transitions or struggles.
• Begin the interview by establishing a comfortable and friendly atmosphere to put the interviewee at ease.
• Show genuine interest in their story and listen actively to their responses.
• Ask open-ended questions encouraging detailed and reflective responses.
• Avoid yes/no questions and ask for their insights, memories, and personal perspectives.
• Some topics you might consider for your questions include early life, achievements, challenges, motivations, values, relationships, lessons learned, and advice.
• Pay close attention to the interviewee’s answers, body language, and tone of voice.
• Ask follow-up questions to clarify or delve deeper into specific topics.
• Show empathy and understanding, creating a safe space for the interviewee to share personal or sensitive information.
• Remain flexible during the interview, allowing the conversation to flow naturally.
• Be prepared to deviate from your prepared questions if unexpected but relevant topics arise.
• Respect the interviewee’s boundaries and be mindful of any topics they may not wish to discuss.
• Take thorough and organized notes during the interview to capture important details.
• Consider recording the interview (with permission) to ensure accurate quotes and references.
• Ask for permission to follow up with additional questions or for clarification.
• Doing a biography on yourself? Ask yourself deep questions to harvest new stories and anecdotes.

Remember, the goal of the interview is to gather valuable information and personal perspectives that will contribute to the authenticity and depth of your biography. Approach the interview process with sensitivity, respect, and genuine curiosity about the interviewee’s life and experiences.

Develop a clear structure

Outline your biography, ensuring a logical and engaging narrative flow. Consider the chronological order, significant milestones, and turning points in the subject’s life. Organize your gathered information to capture the essence of their journey while maintaining a compelling rhythm throughout. 

A good outline for a biography can vary depending on the specific subject and the desired structure of the narrative. However, here’s a general outline that can serve as a starting point:

A. Introduction

a) Hook or engaging opening to capture the reader’s attention

b) Background information (birthplace, date, family, etc.)

c) A brief overview of the subject’s significance or why they are worth exploring

B. Early Life and Background

a) Childhood and upbringing

b) Influences, such as family, education, or cultural factors

c) Formative experiences or events that shaped the subject’s character or interests

C. Major Achievements and Milestones

a) A chronological exploration of the subject’s notable accomplishments, contributions, or milestones

b) Focus on key moments or achievements that highlight their impact or significance.

c) Provide context and details to paint a vivid picture of their achievements

D. Challenges and Obstacles

a) Discussion of the challenges, setbacks, or adversities the subject encountered

b) How they overcame obstacles or grew through difficult experiences

c) Insights into their resilience, determination, or problem-solving abilities

E. Personal Life and Relationships

a) Exploration of the subject’s relationships, such as family, friends, or romantic partners

b) Insights into their personal joys, struggles, or transformative experiences

c) How their personal life intersected with their professional or public achievements

F. Legacy and Impact

a) Examination of the subject’s lasting influence, contributions, or impact on society

b) Discuss how their work or actions continue to resonate or shape the world today

c) Reflection on their legacy and the lessons we can learn from their life story

G. Conclusion

a) Summarize the key aspects of the subject’s life and their significance

b) Provide a final reflection or insight on their overall journey or impact

c) Leave the reader with a lasting impression or call to action

Pro Tip: Looking for help drafting an outline to get you started? Use free tools like ChatGPT to jumpstart your outline by putting in a prompt request like, “Write an outline for a biography about X, including any relevant details on the subject that should be included.”

Craft captivating prose

Employ descriptive language to transport readers into the subject’s world. Paint vivid portraits of their physical appearance, mannerisms, and surroundings. Use sensory details to evoke emotions and create a strong connection between the reader and the subject. 

Here are some examples:

• “She was a force of nature, with a fierce determination and an unwavering commitment to justice.” (Ruth Bader Ginsburg)
• “His piercing blue eyes seemed to look right through you, and his voice had a commanding presence that demanded attention.” (Winston Churchill)
• “She moved with a grace and elegance that belied her inner strength and resilience.” (Audrey Hepburn)
• “His rugged features and piercing gaze made him a natural leading man, but it was his depth and vulnerability that set him apart.” (Marlon Brando)
• “She had a contagious energy and a magnetic personality that drew people to her like a moth to a flame.” (Princess Diana)
• “His quiet intensity and unwavering dedication to his craft made him one of the greatest artists of his time.” (Leonardo da Vinci)

Action Step: While writing descriptive prose takes some practice, it’s an art you can master with little creative writing skills. To help you write descriptive prose, practice closing your eyes and imagining your subject. 

• What expression is on their face? 
• How are they dressed? 
• What does their body language express? 
• How do they smell? 
• How do they make you feel? 
• How do they make others feel? 
• What’s in their surroundings? 
• What are they doing with their hands? 
• What do you imagine they’re thinking about? 

With questions like these, you’ll start to use descriptive language to bring your subject to life.

Build a balance of objectivity and empathy

Strive for an objective portrayal while infusing empathy and understanding into your writing. Remain aware of biases and preconceived notions, giving your subject the space to shine in their unique light. 

To check yourself, filter your writing and interviewing with these tips:

• Verify Information: Cross-reference information from various sources to ensure accuracy. Use tools like Fact Check Explorer to fact-check claims, dates, and events to avoid errors or inaccuracies that could skew the narrative. 
• Multiple Perspectives: Seek out different viewpoints on the subject. This includes interviewing or reaching out to people with significant interactions or relationships with the subject. Incorporating diverse perspectives can counterbalance biases and provide a broader understanding.
• Empathetic Listening: During interviews or conversations, practice active listening and empathize with the interviewee’s experiences and emotions. This allows you to understand the subject’s perspective and incorporate their insights and feelings into the narrative.
• Contextualize Emotions: When sharing the subject’s emotional experiences or personal struggles, provide sufficient context and background. This helps readers understand the motivations and circumstances behind their actions and allows for empathetic understanding without veering into excessive sentimentality.
• Credible Interpretation: While interpreting the subject’s thoughts, motives, or intentions, be clear about what is factual and what is speculative. Clearly distinguish between evidence-based information and your interpretations to maintain objectivity.
• Respect Boundaries: Be mindful of the subject’s privacy and any requests they may have regarding sensitive or personal information. Respecting their boundaries shows empathy and allows for a respectful portrayal while maintaining the necessary level of objectivity.
• Acknowledge Limitations: Recognize that achieving complete objectivity in a biography is challenging. Biases can inadvertently seep into the narrative. However, by being aware of your biases and consciously presenting a fair and balanced account, you can mitigate their influence.

Respect truth, privacy, and sensitivity

Remember, writing biographies carries ethical responsibilities. It’s important to maintain accuracy through credible research and gain consent while being sensitive to controversial or difficult topics. Here are some considerations:

• Accuracy: Maintain a commitment to truth and accuracy. Verify facts and corroborate information from multiple sources to ensure the reliability of your narrative. Cite your sources and be transparent about any uncertainties or gaps in knowledge.
• Privacy and Consent: Respect the privacy of living individuals mentioned in your biography. Seek consent when sharing personal details or sensitive information. Balance the subject’s right to privacy with the importance of honesty and transparency.
• Sensitivity: Approach sensitive or controversial topics with care and empathy. Consider the potential impact of your words on the subject’s loved ones or affected communities—present differing perspectives without sensationalism or bias.

Writing a Biography FAQs

The length of a biography can vary greatly, depending on the subject and the depth of exploration. Some biographies span a few hundred pages, while others extend to multiple volumes. Focus on capturing the subject’s life’s essence rather than strictly adhering to a predetermined length.

Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a biography include the following: Lack of thorough research or reliance on a single source. Inaccurate or misleading information. Excessive personal bias or projection onto the subject. Neglecting to verify facts or failing to cite sources. Poor organization or a disjointed narrative flow. Neglecting to balance objectivity with empathy. Overloading the biography with irrelevant details or digressions. Failing to respect privacy or ethical considerations.

While chronological order is commonly used in biographies, it is not required. Some biographers employ a thematic approach or explore specific periods or events in the subject’s life. Experiment with different structures to find the most engaging way to tell your subject’s story.

The purpose of writing a biography is to capture and share an individual’s life story. Biographies provide insights into a person’s experiences, achievements, and challenges, offering readers inspiration, knowledge, and understanding. They preserve the legacy of individuals, contribute to historical records, and celebrate the diversity of human lives.

When choosing a subject for your biography, consider someone who inspires you, interests you, or has significantly impacted society. It could be a historical figure, a contemporary icon, or even an everyday individual with a remarkable story. Choose a subject with sufficient available information, access to primary sources or interviews, and a narrative that resonates with you and potential readers.

Key elements to include in a biography are: Early life and background: Provide context about the subject’s upbringing, family, and cultural influences. Achievements and milestones: Highlight notable accomplishments, contributions, and significant events throughout their life. Challenges and struggles: Explore the obstacles they faced, the lessons learned, and how they overcame adversity. Personal characteristics: Describe their personality traits, values, beliefs, and motivations that shaped their actions and decisions. Impact and legacy: Discuss the lasting influence and contributions of the subject, both during their lifetime and beyond.

Including personal anecdotes can add depth and humanize the subject of your biography. However, be selective and ensure that the stories are relevant, contribute to understanding the person’s character or experiences, and align with the overall narrative. Balancing personal anecdotes with factual information is critical to maintaining accuracy and credibility.

Conducting research for a biography involves exploring a variety of sources. Start with primary sources such as personal papers, letters, journals, and interviews with the subject or people who knew them. Secondary sources such as books, articles, and academic papers provide additional context and perspectives. Online databases, archives, libraries, and museums are valuable resources for finding relevant information.

Consult a wide range of sources to ensure a comprehensive and accurate biography. Primary sources, such as personal documents, letters, diaries, and interviews, offer firsthand accounts and unique insights. Secondary sources provide broader context and analysis, including books, articles, scholarly works, and historical records. Remember to evaluate the credibility and reliability of your sources critically.

Organize the information in your biography logically and engagingly. Consider using a chronological structure, starting with the subject’s early life and progressing through significant events and milestones. Alternatively, adopt a thematic approach, grouping related information based on themes or significant aspects of their life. Use clear headings, subheadings, and transitions to guide readers through the narrative flow.

Writing Biographies Key Takeaways

In summary, take note of these ideas and tips before you start writing your biography:

• Biographies hold enduring appeal, offering a glimpse into the human experience across time.
• Thorough research, interviews, and captivating prose are essential for crafting compelling biographies.
• Ethical considerations, such as accuracy, privacy, and sensitivity, are crucial when writing about real people’s lives.
• Choose subjects that genuinely inspire and resonate with you.
• Immerse yourself in the subject’s world to understand their motivations and challenges.
• Develop strong research skills and utilize a wide range of sources.
• Craft a compelling narrative that engages readers from the very first page.
• Seek feedback from trusted sources to refine your writing and storytelling abilities.
• Continuously explore new biographies to broaden your understanding of different styles and approaches.
• Embrace the unique voice and perspective you bring to the storytelling process.

Writing a biography book? Check out this helpful article, How to Write a Book: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Start Writing !

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COMP 111: The Nature of Narrative: Biographical Context

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Searching for biographical information

You can gather biographical information for a variety of sources, including: 

• individual biographies (book length) 
• collective biographies (e.g. encyclopedias or dictionaries) 
• interviews (written and/or audio/film) 
• obituaries 
• news story / profile

Search strategies and the search tools you use will vary. You may use a library catalog to find book-length profiles, but would need a databaase to search for obituaries.   

The search strategies on this page are only starting point - if you want to learn more, schedule an appointment with the Comparative Literature librarian. 

Reference Sources

• Dictionary of Literary Biography 300+ volume set, each focusing either on a literary genre, or time period. Includes lengthy biographical essays authored by scholars in the field. Each essay includes a bibliography for further reading. 
• World Authors  Covering 1950-Present. Biographical articles on novelist, poets, dramatists. Includes bibliographies for further research. 
• Current Biography Covering 1940-Present. Biographical profiles of 'people in the news' 

Library Catalog Search Strategies

Library catalogs, such as the Williams Library Catalog and Worldcat  will help you identify and locate biographical information published in book format: 

•  full-length biographies
• collections of biographical essays
• biographical dictionaries 
• biographical encyclopedias  

There are two prevalent search strategies when using a library catalog 

• Author's name + biography
• Literary genre + biography 
• Country or region + biography   
• Subject searching In this search, you use standardized subject terms assigned by the Library of Congress.  Each book in a library catalog is assigned subject headings. This allows you to run  thematic searches that retrieve items on the same subject. To find subject headings, you can either: 
• Start by a keyword search (above), then get the subject headings from one of the books 
• Use keywords in the Subject field of the library catalog 
• Authors, Latin American - Biography 
• Authors, Latin American - 20th century - Biography 
• Authors, Argentine - 20th century - Biography
• Latin American fiction - 20th century - Bio Bibliograhy 
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biography , form of literature , commonly considered nonfictional, the subject of which is the life of an individual. One of the oldest forms of literary expression, it seeks to re-create in words the life of a human being—as understood from the historical or personal perspective of the author—by drawing upon all available evidence, including that retained in memory as well as written, oral, and pictorial material.

Biography is sometimes regarded as a branch of history , and earlier biographical writings—such as the 15th-century Mémoires of the French councellor of state, Philippe de Commynes , or George Cavendish’s 16th-century life of Thomas Cardinal Wolsey —have often been treated as historical material rather than as literary works in their own right. Some entries in ancient Chinese chronicles included biographical sketches; imbedded in the Roman historian Tacitus ’s Annals is the most famous biography of the emperor Tiberius ; conversely , Sir Winston Churchill ’s magnificent life of his ancestor John Churchill, first duke of Marlborough , can be read as a history (written from a special point of view) of Britain and much of Europe during the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–14). Yet there is general recognition today that history and biography are quite distinct forms of literature. History usually deals in generalizations about a period of time (for example, the Renaissance), about a group of people in time (the English colonies in North America), about an institution (monasticism during the Middle Ages). Biography more typically focuses upon a single human being and deals in the particulars of that person’s life.

Both biography and history, however, are often concerned with the past, and it is in the hunting down, evaluating, and selection of sources that they are akin. In this sense biography can be regarded as a craft rather than an art: techniques of research and general rules for testing evidence can be learned by anyone and thus need involve comparatively little of that personal commitment associated with art.

A biographer in pursuit of an individual long dead is usually hampered by a lack of sources: it is often impossible to check or verify what written evidence there is; there are no witnesses to cross-examine. No method has yet been developed by which to overcome such problems. Each life, however, presents its own opportunities as well as specific difficulties to the biographer: the ingenuity with which the biographer handles gaps in the record—by providing information, for example, about the age that casts light upon the subject—has much to do with the quality of the resulting work. James Boswell knew comparatively little about Samuel Johnson ’s earlier years; it is one of the greatnesses of his Life of Samuel Johnson LL.D. (1791) that he succeeded, without inventing matter or deceiving the reader, in giving the sense of a life progressively unfolding. Another masterpiece of reconstruction in the face of little evidence is A.J.A. Symons ’ biography of the English author and eccentric Frederick William Rolfe , The Quest for Corvo (1934). A further difficulty is the unreliability of most collections of papers, letters, and other memorabilia edited before the 20th century. Not only did editors feel free to omit and transpose materials, but sometimes the authors of documents revised their personal writings for the benefit of posterity , often falsifying the record and presenting their biographers with a difficult situation when the originals were no longer extant .

The biographer writing the life of a person recently dead is often faced with the opposite problem: an abundance of living witnesses and a plethora of materials, which include the subject’s papers and letters, sometimes transcriptions of telephone conversations and conferences, as well as the record of interviews granted to the biographer by the subject’s friends and associates. Frank Friedel, for example, in creating a biography of the U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt , had to wrestle with something like 40 tons of paper. But finally, when writing the life of any person, whether long or recently dead, the biographer’s chief responsibility is vigorously to test the authenticity of the collected materials by whatever rules and techniques are available. When the subject of a biography is still alive and a contributor to the work, the biographer’s task is to examine the subject’s perspective against multiple, even contradictory sources.

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What is a biography?

An account of someone's life written by another person., the story of someone's life: understanding biography in a creative sense.

Biography is a literary genre that focuses on the story of someone's life, written by another person. This type of writing often involves research, interviews, and a deep understanding of the subject's personality, experiences, and motivations.

In a creative writing context, biography can be a powerful tool for developing characters and understanding the arc of a story. By exploring the lives of others, we gain insight into the human experience and can use this knowledge to enrich our own work.

Furthermore, biography can be an excellent way to improve our grammar and language skills. As we research and write about historical figures, we are exposed to a rich vocabulary and must hone our ability to describe complex events and emotions. In this sense, biography can be both a literary and a linguistic exercise.

Biography is a genre that has been used widely throughout literary history, both in non-fiction and fictional works. Here are two examples of how biography is used in literature to add depth and nuance to the storytelling.

In her autobiography Becoming, Michelle Obama reflects on her life journey and how she came to be the woman that the world knows today. Through candid and personal anecdotes, she shares her experiences, struggles, and triumphs, providing a valuable insight into her character and the events that have shaped her.

Colm Tóibín's The Master is a fictionalized account of the life of Henry James - a renowned American-British writer. In it, Tóibín explores James's quirky personality, his social anxieties, and his literary ambitions, providing a fascinating glimpse into the mind of this literary giant.

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Definition of biography

Did you know.

So You've Been Asked to Submit a Biography

In a library, the word biography refers both to a kind of book and to a section where books of that kind are found. Each biography tells the story of a real person's life. A biography may be about someone who lived long ago, recently, or even someone who is still living, though in the last case it must necessarily be incomplete. The term autobiography refers to a biography written by the person it's about. Autobiographies are of course also necessarily incomplete.

Sometimes biographies are significantly shorter than a book—something anyone who's been asked to submit a biography for, say, a conference or a community newsletter will be glad to know. Often the word in these contexts is shortened to bio , a term that can be both a synonym of biography and a term for what is actually a biographical sketch: a brief description of a person's life. These kinds of biographies—bios—vary, but many times they are only a few sentences long. Looking at bios that have been used in the same context can be a useful guide in determining what to put in your own.

Examples of biography in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'biography.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Late Greek biographia , from Greek bi- + -graphia -graphy

1665, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Dictionary Entries Near biography

biographize

Cite this Entry

“Biography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/biography. Accessed 10 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of biography, more from merriam-webster on biography.

Nglish: Translation of biography for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of biography for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about biography

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Biographical Information

What is a biography, general suggestion for finding biographical information, general sources - biography databases, general sources - reference books, biographical master indexes.

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• A biography is an account of the special and important events in a person's life
• Not to be confused with bibliography , which is a listing of books and articles on a topic
• Biographies may be brief and cover only basic information about a person's life such as dates of birth and death, education and vocation
• A biography may also be very detailed, and cover the cultural background, outstanding accomplishments, and historical significance of an individual.
• Biographical sources cover living and deceased persons, notable persons in particular countries, persons in specific occupations, celebrities, and civil and government leaders
• The person's full name and correct spelling (for example: Smith, Smyth or Smythe)
• date of birth
• date of death (when applicable)
• nationality or country of residence
• occupation or profession

For basic facts about a person (e.g.,"When was Napoleon born?"):

• General encyclopedias

Can’t find biographical information in general encyclopedias or need more information? Check:

• One of the general sources listed on this page
• The specialized biographical reference books listed on the other tabs in this guide

Can’t find the person you are looking for or get enough information from a biographical reference book? Check:

• One of the biographical master indexes listed on this page. These guide you to books, periodical articles or other reference sources. Please note that sometimes you will be referred to another index.

For highly detailed information :

• Search UToledo’s online library catalog for books on the person:
• Perform a subject search by typing the person's last name followed by their first name, e.g., Whitman, Walt
• Execute the search and look for the subheading --Biography. The complete heading in this example is: Whitman, Walt, 1819-1892 – Biography
• You can also use the UToledo catalog to search for the titles of books and periodicals found in the biographical master indexes

If UToledo does not own a title you want :

• Use the OhioLINK Library Catalog to directly borrow books from other college libraries in Ohio. Books arrive within three to five business days
• There is generally no charge for this service
• The library may need two to three weeks to get the item you need
• For assistance with the library catalog, OhioLINK, or interlibrary loan forms, consult a reference librarian at the Information/Reference Desk.

Biographical information may not be available for all individuals. In these cases:

• Information about an author can sometimes be found by checking the preface or introduction of an author's work for scholarly background and academic achievements
• Perform an author search in the library catalog by typing in the last name followed by the first name

Master Indexes provide a name index to books, periodical articles, and other references where you might find a biography or obituary of someone.  Usually, you can search by name (last, first) and then be given a code for a title, volume, and page number.  Consult the key at the beginning of the book to decipher the title you need.  Search by Title in the UToledo Library Catalog to see if we have the book or periodical, or order it from another OhioLINK library.

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Biography in Context

Biography in Context is a comprehensive database of biographical information on people from throughout history, around the world, and across all disciplines and subject areas. It combines biographies from printed Gale Group publications with biographical directories from many other publishers.

The database is built on a foundation of more than 600,000 biographical entries covering international figures from all time periods and areas of study. In addition to basic reference content, videos, audio selections, images, primary sources, and magazine and journal articles from hundreds of major periodicals and newspapers are also included.

Provider : GALE

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Description

For biographical information on notable figures, no other database offers the depth and coverage that is found in Biography in Context. All time periods and subject areas are represented by entries from reference books, academic journals, newspaper sources and magazine articles. Many biographies also include video, image, and audio content related to the person, and some even feature primary sources like interviews or excerpts from noteworthy works.

Make sure to view this short tutorial on the Biography in Context database when beginning your research.

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• Biography (Gale in Context) database

Access this database by clicking on the Articles/Databases button on the  Library's homepage .

View the Login to the Library tutorial for help with your borrower ID and PIN.

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Articles & Databases

Explore our collection of hundreds of online resources and databases. Use our free online content to help with your research, whether it's finding a single article, tracing a family tree, learning a new language, or anything in between.

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Provides biographical information on 650,000+ people from throughout history, around the world, and across all disciplines. For more in-depth biographies of figures from American history, consult American National Biography . 

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Meaning of biography in English

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• This biography offers a few glimpses of his life before he became famous .
• Her biography revealed that she was not as rich as everyone thought .
• The biography was a bit of a rush job .
• The biography is an attempt to uncover the inner man.
• The biography is woven from the many accounts which exist of things she did.
• multi-volume
• young adult

biography | Intermediate English

• biographical

Examples of biography

Translations of biography.

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Word of the Day

an area of coral, the top of which can sometimes be seen just above the sea

Robbing, looting, and embezzling: talking about stealing

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• Harvard Library
• Research Guides
• Faculty of Arts & Sciences Libraries

Library Research Guide for the History of Science: Introduction

• Background and Context/Biography

Understanding the History of Science (Background and Context/Biography)

Contemporary subject dictionaries, doing cross-disciplinary research: connecting with other fields, don't forget print, print only resources that were on this page.

• Exploring Your Topic
• Using HOLLIS
• What is a Secondary Source?
• What is a Primary Source?
• Exploring the Special Collections at Harvard
• Citing Sources & Organizing Research

Your History of Science Librarians

Fred Burchsted

History of Science Librarian

Research Librarian  

• Fred Burchsted's guides
• History of Science
• Finding Newspaper and Periodical Indexes and Articles
• Finding Archival Materials

Encyclopedias and histories are useful first stops to acquire context and background for your topic. If you have a solid overview of the topic and its history it will be easier to recognize the more in-depth articles, books etc. that will be most helpful to you.

To find one, try searching in HOLLIS  for your subject (see the HOLLIS tab in this guide for how to know the proper Subject terms) plus the words encyclopedias or dictionaries.   

To find individual encyclopedia articles in HOLLIS - Everything, do a Title search on your topic and then take look at "Refine My Results" on the right side of the page. Find the "Resource Type" section and choose Reference entries .

Major subject encyclopedias and other reference works

Human Biology

Cambridge Histories Online includes Cambridge History of Science :

•   Vol. 1: Ancient Science
•    Vol. 2: Medieval Science
•   Vol. 3: Early Modern Science
•   Vol. 4: Eighteenth Century Science
•   Vol. 5: Modern Physical and Mathematical Sciences
•   Vol. 6: Modern Biological and Earth Sciences
•   Vol. 7: Modern Social Sciences
•   Vol. 8: Modern Science in National, Transnational and Global Context

The Oxford companion to the history of modern science (Harvard Login) , ed. by J.L. Heilbron et al. NY: Oxford University Press, 2003, 941 p. 

The Oxford Encyclopedia of the History of American Science, Medicine, and Technology (Harvard Login) , ed. by Hugh Richard Slotten. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014.

The Oxford encyclopedia of philosophy, science, and technology in Islam (Harvard Login) , ed. by Ibrahim Kalin. Oxford ; NY: Oxford University Press, 2014.

Science, technology, and society: an encyclopedia (Harvard Login) , ed. by Sal Restivo. NY: Oxford University Press, 2005, 701 p.  

Encyclopedia of the history of psychological theories (Harvard Login) , ed. by Robert W. Rieber. NY: Springer, 2012. 2 v. 

The Oxford companion to the mind , ed. by Richard L. Gregory. 2nd ed. Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2004, 1004 p. Internet Archive Full Text

The Oxford handbook of the history of psychology: global perspectives (Harvard Login) , ed. by David B. Baker. Oxford; NY: Oxford University Press, 2012, 645 p. 

The Oxford Companion to the body  (Harvard Login) , ed. by Colin Blakemore and Sheila Jennett et al. Oxford; NY: Oxford University Press, 2001, 753 p. 

The Oxford handbook of the history of eugenics  (Harvard Login; print versions also in HOLLIS) , ed. by Alison Bashford, Philippa Levine. NY: Oxford University Press, 2010, 586 p.), ed. by Sarah Toulalan and Kate Fisher. Abingdon, Oxon; NY: Routledge, 2013, 579 p. 

Cambridge historical dictionary of disease (Harvard Login) , ed. by Kenneth F. Kiple. Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2003, 412 p. 

Cambridge world history of human disease (Harvard Login)  ed. by Kenneth F. Kiple et al. Cambridge ; NY: Cambridge University Press, 1993, 1176 p.

Companion encyclopedia of the history of medicine (Harvard Login) , ed. by W.F. Bynum and Roy Porter. London; NY: Routledge, 1993. 2 v. HOLLIS record --This is a useful collection of essays on the History of Science. -- Table of contents of both volumes in Google Books .

Companion to medicine in the twentieth century  (Print only) , ed. by Roger Cooter and John Pickstone. London; NY: Routledge, 2003, 756 p.  --Articles, with references, especially on social, institutional, political, and policy aspects of medicine. Internet Archive Full Text   --  Another copy

Medical research: a midcentury survey   Boston, Published for the American Foundation by Little, Brown, 1955, 2 v.  --A valuable overview of medical research circa 1940-1955. The first volume covers institutional and policy aspects, the second summarizes the state of research on cancer, infertility, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, rheumatic syndromes, tuberculosis, viruses, alcoholism, and schizophrenia.

Oxford handbook of the history of medicine  (Harvard Login) , ed. by Mark Jackson. Oxford ; New York ; Oxford University Press, 2011, 672 p. 

American National Biography (Harvard login) is the standard American source for biographies of major figures. Can do searches of occupations and limit by date.

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (Harvard login) is the standard British source for biographies of major figures. Can do searches of occupations and limit by date: Advanced Search Options: People Search.

Complete Dictionary of Scientific Biography (Harvard login) offers biographical sketches on deceased scientists to 1975, including excellent lists of primary and secondary literature.

• Social .scientists are covered unevenly.
• For more recent sources (post-1975) use History of Science, Technology and Medicine (Harvard login).  For new primary works (new editions, etc.) put your person in the author field. For new secondary works, put your person in the Subject field.

Dictionary of American medical biography , ed. by M. Kaufman, S. Galishoff & T. L. Savitt. 2 v. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1984.  Internet Archive Full Text: Vol. 1   --  Vol. 2

Dictionary of medical biography , ed. by W. F. Bynum and Helen Bynum. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2007. 5 v. --Covers 18th century through 1975. Internet Archive Full Text: Vol. 1   --  Vol. 2   --  Vol. 3   --  Vol. 4   --  Vol. 5

A dictionary of scientists  (Harvard Login) , Oxford Reference. New York: Oxford University Press, 1999.

Biographical sources for women in science  

Biographical sources for American physicians (this guide is still under development)

Additional general sources in Finding Biographical Information

Contemporary subject encyclopedias and dictionaries are useful in interpreting primary sources. They can be found by an Advanced Search in the  HOLLIS Catalog  with, e.g., <Medicine dictionaries> [Keyword search], limited by year range.

Gould, George M. (George Milbry), 1848-1922. An illustrated dictionary of medicine, biology and allied sciences ... 3d ed. rev. Philadelphia, Blakiston, 1897, c1894.

Subject: Medicine--Dictionaries. Natural history--Dictionaries.

These books are usually shelved toward the beginning of each subject class in the Old Widener system.

History of science topics often explore the relations of scientific work with other fields, such as:

• public policy
• popular media

Primary and secondary sources in other fields may therefore be important to you. You might need to investigate original documents in public policy or film footage in media studies.  There are several options for finding this material:

• In the Library Research Guide for History , there is a list of major periodical indexes for other disciplines.
• Research guides by other Harvard librarians on a large variety of subjects .
• To find resources in HOLLIS Databases , choose Subject and browse the resource types..
• Your History of Science librarian is available to help you think about topics and where best sources are likely to be found.

Other Research Guides

• Environmental
• Latin America
• African American
• Area Studies
• Finding Periodical Articles and Book Reviews on Africa
• Asian Studies Research Guides
• Finding Periodical Articles and Book Reviews on Latin America
• Guides for Middle Eastern Studies
• Slavic and Eurasian Studies at Harvard: Library and Archival Resources
• Humanities/Social Sciences
• Inter Libros: Research Guide for Classics, Byzantine, & Medieval Studies
• Rinascimento: Digital Renaissance Studies
• Bioethics sources
• Literary Research in Harvard Libraries
• Philosophy Resources at Harvard

The human subjects of your research didn't read online. Reading linked and related articles online is an entirely different experience from that of browsing the newspaper or an online journal. The medium can be significant.

Don't disregard print indexes and the crucial print resources to which they may lead.

Fall 2020: During the virtual semester our access to print resources is of course limited. During this time you may be able to locate the full text for many normally print-only materials HathiTrust or other digital libraries. (for HathiTrust, this is less common for books published in the last 10 years)

Encyclopedia of American environmental history  (Print Only) , ​ed. by K. A. Brosnan. 4 v. NY: Facts on File, 2011. 

Encyclopaedia of the history of science, technology, and medicine in non-western cultures  (Print Only) , ed. by Helaine Selin. 2nd ed. Berlin; NY: Springer, 2008. 2 v.

Technology (this was the entire tech section):

An Encyclopaedia of the history of technology , ed. by Ian McNeil. London; New York: Routledge, 1990, 1062 p. (Print only)

The biographical dictionary of scientists (Print Only) , by Roy Porter, Marilyn Ogilvie. NY: Oxford University Press, 3rd. ed., 2000. 2 v. 

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Difference Between Memoir And Biography: Key Insights Explored

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Are you ever confused about the differences between a memoir and a biography? You’re not alone! Many people mix them up, thinking they’re just two sides of the same coin. But here’s the kicker—each has its own unique flavor and purpose, and understanding that can really enhance your reading experience.

Stick around, and I promise to untangle these literary terms for you. By the end, you’ll know exactly what sets memoirs apart from biographies and why you might prefer one over the other.

We’ll explore key differences—like perspective, structure, and audience expectations—while also highlighting some great examples. Let’s dive in and clear up the confusion together!

Key Takeaways

• A memoir is a personal narrative focused on specific experiences from the author’s life, often revealing emotions and growth.
• A biography is a detailed account of someone’s life written by another, grounded in extensive research and factual accuracy.
• Memoirs are written in the first person for a personal connection, while biographies use a third-person perspective for objectivity.
• Memoirs emphasize personal reflection and emotional truth, whereas biographies highlight historical context and broader societal implications.
• Readers expect memoirs to offer an emotional journey, while they look for well-researched narratives in biographies.
• Memoirs typically range from 60,000 to 80,000 words, allowing flexibility in detail; biographies are usually 80,000 words or more for thoroughness.

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Table of Contents

Key Differences Between Memoir and Biography

Definition of memoir.

A memoir is a personal account of specific experiences or events from a person’s life, usually focused on a particular theme or time period. It’s not just a collection of memories; memoirs weave emotional truths with the author’s perspective, often revealing deeper insights and reflections. Think of it as a window into the author’s soul, providing a narrative that highlights personal growth, challenges, and triumphs.

Definition of Biography

A biography, on the other hand, is a comprehensive account of someone’s life, written by another person and often grounded in extensive research. Biographies aim to provide a factual exploration of an individual’s entire life, from birth to death, or significant milestones in a way that captures who they were, what they achieved, and the context of their time. It’s like reading a detailed history book focused on a specific person’s journey through life.

Perspective and Voice

One of the standout differences is perspective and voice. Memoirs are typically written in the first person, allowing authors to share their intimate thoughts and feelings. This choice creates a direct connection with the reader, making them feel as if they are having a heartfelt conversation with the author. On the flip side, biographies adopt a more objective third-person perspective, aiming to provide a balanced view of the subject’s life. This difference in voice can significantly impact how stories are perceived and felt.

Focus on Personal Experience vs. Historical Context

When it comes to focus, memoirs zoom in on personal experiences and reflections that shape the author’s identity. They delve into emotions and individual moments that resonate deeply, allowing readers to empathize with the author’s journey. In contrast, biographies emphasize historical context, exploring the broader implications of an individual’s actions and contributions within their societal framework. They often include the influence of historical events on the person’s life, painting a larger picture of their impact.

Structure and Writing Style

Narrative style in memoirs.

The narrative style in memoirs is often fluid, with a blend of storytelling and introspective commentary. Memoirists can take creative liberties, employing literary techniques such as imagery, flashbacks, and dialogue to bring their experiences to life. This freedom allows them to craft a narrative that feels more like a compelling story than a strict account of facts.

Narrative Style in Biographies

Biographies, however, follow a more structured approach. They often adhere to chronological timelines, detailing events in the order they occurred. This style ensures that readers can trace the arc of the subject’s life clearly, but it can sometimes feel more rigid compared to the freedom found in memoirs. Biographers focus on accuracy and detail, often integrating quotes from primary sources and interviews to substantiate their narrative.

Creative Freedom in Memoirs

Because memoirs are deeply personal, authors have the freedom to embellish and interpret events in ways that resonate with their truths. They can choose which moments to highlight and how to express them, often leading to a more poignant and relatable story. This creative license allows memoirists to prioritize emotional truth over factual accuracy, which can profoundly impact the reader.

Factual Basis in Biographies

In contrast, the writing style in biographies is primarily driven by a commitment to facts. Biographers meticulously collect data, including historical records, interviews, and testimonies, to provide an accurate portrayal of their subjects. This rigorous research is crucial, as it underpins the narrative and lends credibility to the biography, often appealing to readers who crave a deeper understanding of the subject’s life and achievements.

Purpose and Audience

Goals of writing a memoir.

The primary goal of writing a memoir is to share personal experiences that not only recount events but also provide insight into the author’s emotions and growth.

Memoirists often seek to connect with readers on a personal level, inviting them to ponder universal themes such as love, grief, and resilience.

By reflecting on specific moments and their significance, memoirs can inspire readers to examine their own lives, fostering a sense of shared humanity.

Goals of Writing a Biography

Biographies aim to illuminate the life and achievements of an individual, providing a comprehensive understanding of their impact on the world.

A biographer’s goals typically include educating readers about a person’s historical significance and contextualizing their achievements against societal backdrops.

Moreover, biographies often strive to present a balanced portrayal, showcasing both the triumphs and tribulations faced by the subject, allowing readers to appreciate their complexity.

Audience Expectations for Memoirs

Readers approach memoirs with the expectation of an emotional journey, seeking to connect personally with the author’s narrative.

They often look for authenticity and vulnerability, hoping to gain insights into the human experience through the lens of another’s life.

Plus, memoirs can serve as a form of therapy not just for the author, but also for readers who may find solace in shared struggles.

Audience Expectations for Biographies

In contrast, audiences of biographies generally expect a well-researched and factual account that details significant milestones of the subject’s life.

Readers want to understand how the individual’s experiences shaped their contributions to society, appealing to their thirst for knowledge and context.

Detailed narratives and analysis of historical impacts provide enrichment that readers often seek, giving depth to the person behind the name.

Length and Detail

Typical length of memoirs.

Memoirs can vary widely in length, typically ranging from 60,000 to 80,000 words, but they aren’t confined to strict word counts.

This flexibility allows authors to decide how much detail to include, focusing on quality over quantity to tell their story effectively.

The aim is to engage readers without overwhelming them, creating a balance that invites reflection rather than mere consumption.

Typical Length of Biographies

Biographies, on the other hand, are generally more extensive, often falling between 80,000 to 150,000 words or more.

This increased length allows biographers to dive deep into research and offer comprehensive views of the individual’s life and achievements.

In doing so, they provide readers with a richer understanding of the subject’s context, making each detail count in a way that both informs and captivates.

Level of Detail in Memoirs

The level of detail in memoirs tends to focus on emotional nuances and pivotal moments that resonate personally with the author.

Writers often pick and choose memories that reflect their journey, allowing for a poignant exploration rather than a thorough historical account.

This subjective approach invites readers to engage emotionally, often aligning their experiences with the author’s insights.

Level of Detail in Biographies

Conversely, biographies demand a high level of detail to accurately portray the individual’s life story.

From family backgrounds to career milestones, every aspect is meticulously documented to provide a fuller perspective on the subject.

This attention to detail is crucial for authenticity, as biographies rely heavily on facts, anecdotes, and existing literature to construct a factual narrative.

Examples of Memoirs and Biographies

Notable memoirs.

Some of the most impactful memoirs have shaped the literary world and provided deep insights into personal struggles and triumphs.

Books like The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls and Untamed by Glennon Doyle showcase how personal narratives can resonate universally.

These memoirs not only tell unique stories but also inspire readers to reflect on their journeys, offering moments of connection and understanding.

Notable Biographies

Biographies like Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson and Benjamin Franklin: Diplomat and Patriot provide detailed accounts of significant figures’ lives, enabling readers to grasp their legacies.

These works distill the complexities of their subjects into readable accounts that chronicle their impact on society and history.

Comparison of Themes in Both Genres

Both memoirs and biographies can explore similar themes such as resilience, identity, and personal growth.

However, while memoirs might dive deep into an individual’s subjective experience with these themes, biographies typically position them within a broader societal context.

This difference highlights how individual experiences can contribute to larger narratives, allowing readers to appreciate the interplay between personal and historical moments.

Why Choose One Over the Other?

When to write a memoir.

Choosing to write a memoir often arises from a desire to share specific experiences that have profoundly shaped you.

If you feel a particular story or theme resonates deeply with your identity and can offer insights to others, a memoir might be your best path.

Ultimately, memoirs can serve as both healing for the writer and connection for the reader, fostering intimacy through shared human experiences.

When to Write a Biography

If you have a passion for history and want to encapsulate a significant life within a larger context, consider writing a biography.

Biographies are perfect for shedding light on lesser-known but important figures or revisiting celebrated personalities from a fresh perspective.

The goal is often to educate and inform, making biographies an excellent choice for those who love research and storytelling rooted in factual accuracy.

Benefits of Reading Memoirs vs. Biographies

Reading memoirs allows you to connect emotionally with the author, experiencing their life lessons in a deeply personal way.

Meanwhile, biographies provide a wealth of information on historical figures, giving you a broader understanding of how individual experiences interweave with history.

Ultimately, both genres expand our perspective—memoirs through personal experience and biographies through historical context.

Conclusion: Understanding the Distinction

In essence, memoirs and biographies serve distinct yet complementary purposes in the literary landscape.

While memoirs invite readers into intimate personal journeys filled with emotional depth, biographies offer a comprehensive, factual recounting of lives that shaped history.

Understanding their differences can help you choose which genre resonates more—whether you’re reflecting on your own experiences or exploring the lives of significant figures.

So, whether you’re penning your own story or diving into a friend’s life through biography, each genre enriches our understanding of the human experience.

What is the primary difference between a memoir and a biography?

A memoir focuses on personal experiences and reflections of the author, while a biography provides a comprehensive account of a person’s life from an objective viewpoint, often including historical context.

What are the typical lengths of memoirs compared to biographies?

Memoirs are usually shorter, often ranging from 60,000 to 80,000 words, while biographies can vary greatly but commonly exceed 100,000 words due to their detailed historical content.

When should one consider writing a memoir instead of a biography?

Consider writing a memoir if you want to convey personal experiences and emotions. If you intend to provide a detailed account of someone’s life and contributions, a biography might be more suitable.

What are the audience expectations for memoirs compared to biographies?

Readers expect memoirs to offer intimate insights and emotional resonance, while biographies are sought for factual accuracy and a thorough understanding of the subject’s life and achievements.

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Analysis: Donald Trump questioning Kamala Harris’ race shows he doesn’t understand code-switching

Donald Trump falsely questioned Kamala Harris’ race during an appearance with the National Association of Black Journalists in Chicago that quickly turned hostile.

FILE - San Francisco district attorney candidate Kamala Harris, left, serves meals while volunteering in San Francisco, Nov. 27, 2003. Vice President Harris and other politicians of color have often had to code-switch, or purposely adjust one’s speech style and express to optimize relatability and ensure their message had cultural resonance. To imply, as former President Donald Trump did Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at a meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists, that Harris and others are inauthentic for doing so speaks to a belief that whiteness is still the default in politics and democracy. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

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Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Vice President Kamala Harris, left, greets Rev. Jesse Jackson before she delivers a eulogy for U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Kamala Harris has range. She can grill nominees for the Supreme Court or meet with foreign dignitaries, then pivot to hosting a Diwali celebration or dancing enthusiastically alongside an HBCU-styled marching band.

It is a dexterity that Harris, the first Black woman and Asian American to serve as vice president, developed as a person of color to navigate the corridors of power or Main Street in a nation where race and identity influence how one is received or embraced.

Harris, the daughter of immigrants from Jamaica and India, is an adroit code-switcher, a term that can include deliberately adjusting one’s speech style and expression to optimize relatability and ensure she gets a message across.

Former President Donald Trump, during a contentious interview session at a meeting of the National Association of Black Journalists, showed no familiarity with the concept. He implied that Harris is inauthentic for embracing all aspects of her heritage. His failure to recognize code-switching also speaks to a prevailing belief that whiteness, often correlated with speaking in plainly enunciated English, is the default in our politics and democracy.

“We need to be celebrating our whole selves, which means we need to celebrate all of our identities,” said Christine Chen, co-founder and executive director of APIAVote, a nonpartisan civic engagement organization focused on the Asian American Pacific Islander community.

“The more that a candidate can embrace their multiple identities, I think that’s a way to connect with different communities and different people who identify on different issues that you stand on,” added Chen, who is Chinese American.

Trump, who falsely suggested to the annual gathering of Black journalists that the vice president has been misleading voters about her race, waded into murkier waters by insinuating Harris cannot be trusted because she “happened to turn Black” after she promoted her Indian heritage.

Harris doesn’t need to code-switch to prove she is a Black and Indian American woman; she was born that way.

Shereen Marisol Meraji, former co-host of the award-winning NPR podcast “Code Switch,” said Harris’ identity is layered and can still be challenging to navigate in a nation that once encouraged multiracial people to favor one identity over another.

“If you walk through the world as I have, where I’m trying very much to embrace both sides of myself, then it’s like you get put through these authenticity tests,” said Meraji, who is of Iranian and Puerto Rican heritage.

An assistant professor of race and journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, Meraji added: “The ability to code-switch and go into different communities ... it is a huge asset. And I think for people who are in competition with Kamala Harris, it’s also quite threatening.”

Many politicians of color code-switch to ensure vital information is delivered to voters and constituents with cultural resonance. This is a familiar concept among Americans of color, including the 33.8 million people identified as being more than one race, according to the last U.S. Census.

Code-switching is hardly new and it isn’t a skill entirely foreign to white people. But it remains one of the most effective communication tools that politicians of color use to wield influence and gain power in venues where they have historically not had it.

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Code-switching can help increase the likelihood of receiving fair treatment, getting quality service or landing job opportunities for people who are disadvantaged or overlooked due to systemic racism.

After Trump questioned Harris’s race, in response to a question about his own diversity, equity and inclusion rhetoric, interviewer Rachel Scott of ABC News countered by citing elements of the vice president’s biography that might prove she is Black.

Scott noted that Harris attended Howard University, one of the nation’s most prominent historically Black colleges and universities. At Howard, Harris pledged the historically Black sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha. And, most pointedly, her Jamaican father and Indian mother both immigrated to the U.S. during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.

It is also false to claim that Harris has only embraced being Black or Indian, or code-switched between the two, when it benefited her politically.

In 2003, the year Harris was elected San Francisco district attorney, she told a local newspaper chain that many people were not used to her identity. “My Indian heritage is just as strong as my African American heritage. One does not exclude the other,” Harris said.

As a candidate for California attorney general, she spoke of her late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, teaching her and her sister to “share in the pride of our culture.” In 2009, Harris told the outlet India Abroad, “When we think about it, India is the oldest democracy in the world — so that is part of my background, and without question has had a great deal of influence on what I do today and who I am.”

During the 2012 reelection campaign of Barack Obama, the nation’s first Black president, Harris related to being the underdog in races where her opponent could outspend her on commercial and ads. “I beat the odds to become the first Black attorney general,” she said, referring to her 2010 election in California.

Trump’s challenging of Harris’ identify, which drew groans and laughter, had echoes of him as the chief propagator of a false theory that Obama was ineligible to be president because was not born in the U.S.. Trump’s Republican running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, on Wednesday aligned with Trump when he suggested Harris is a “phony who caters to whatever audience is in front of her.”

“I don’t know if you saw this, but earlier this week … she went down to Georgia and started talking with a fake southern accent,” Vance told an audience at a rally in Glendale, Arizona, referencing Harris’s Atlanta campaign event that featured a predominantly Black audience.

Vance, a white man whose wife is Indian American and whose three children are of mixed heritage, is far from the first American politician to fixate on the speech and accents of politicians of color. In 2010, the late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid came under under fire for comments he made years earlier suggesting Obama’s appealed to voters because he was a fair-skinned Black man “with no Negro dialect, unless he wanted to have one.”

White politicians, too, have been known to code-switch when they are in front of largely Black or Latino audiences. And many have done so to varying degrees of success. In 2006, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was criticized for adapting her speech cadence while delivering remarks at Coretta Scott King’s funeral at Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, where the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once preached.

The difference is that in the not so distant past, career survival for white politicians did not hinge on their ability to code-switch. Harris continues to have a different lived experience.

Chen said politicians of any race or identity can develop healthy relationships across all communities if they show compassion and are responsive to their constituents’ needs.

“Whether you are white or Black or any other identity, how you show up in the community will determine whether or not it’s an authentic relationship,” she said. “You’re going to be able to address their concerns more effectively because you’re actually more educated and understand what they’re going through.”

Associated Press researcher Rhonda Shafner in New York contributed.

Aaron Morrison is the AP’s Race and Ethnicity News Editor and reported from New York. He can be reached at [email protected] .

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What Kamala Harris' failed Iowa Caucus campaign tells us about her 2024 presidential run

• Kamala Harris ended her 2020 presidential campaign before she reached the Iowa Caucuses, as she struggled to raise money and stand out in a crowded field.
• Iowa Democrats said Harris could come across as overly cautious in her last campaign, but she's grown confident in her role as vice president.
• This year, Harris enters the race with a massive war chest and experienced campaign operation, and she can lean on her background as a prosecutor to present a clear contrast with Donald Trump.

In November 2019, then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris marched in time with a drum line surrounded by eager supporters, all smiles and laughter, as she prepared to deliver a speech to thousands of Iowa Democrats at a major party fundraiser in Des Moines.

The buoyant scene belied the turmoil that roiled her presidential campaign, ultimately forcing her to abruptly exit the Democratic primary race just weeks later.

Now, five years later, Harris is poised to accept the Democratic Party’s 2024 presidential nomination amid a new wave of enthusiasm and energy after President Joe Biden ended his reelection bid and endorsed her candidacy.

Just as they were in 2019, Democrats are again desperate to defeat Republican Donald Trump.

But this time, Harris enters the race with a massive war chest, an experienced campaign operation and a one-on-one race where she can easily present a sharp contrast with the Republican nominee.

Democrats and political scientists who observed and worked on Harris’ failed Iowa Caucus campaign in 2019 said she faces an vastly different political landscape in 2024, free from many of the pitfalls that plagued her previous run.

But Republicans remain convinced of Harris’ fallibility, spending the earliest days of her campaign painting her as a far-left California liberal who has failed as vice president to adequately address the influx of illegal immigration at the southern border.

Harris "is the most incompetent and far-left vice president in history," Trump told supporters at a North Carolina rally .

Can this time be different for Kamala Harris as she seeks the White House?

In Iowa, Kamala Harris was sometimes cautious, equivocating

Several Iowans who watched Harris campaign in the state during her 2020 bid said she was too cautious and unwilling to commit to a position, often prompting her to equivocate on key issues.

“She’s careful in what she wants to say, and I think sometimes avoids direct responses with her positions,” said Rachel Paine Caufield, who co-chairs Drake University’s political science department. “As she’s kind of clarifying where she wants to land on some of these issues, there can be some points in her give and take with voters that appear vague or unanswered.”

Paine Caufield said she attended a visit Harris made to Drake in 2023 to talk about abortion rights and thought she performed better. But, she noted, it was an event where Harris didn’t take questions from the audience.

“I can’t say definitively that she’s outgrown it or evolved to be more confident in her own positions,” she said. “But on the issues that she is passionate about, I think she’s very clear and direct and seems to genuinely enjoy the ability to articulate a position.”

State Rep. Sean Bagniewski, D-Des Moines, who chaired the Polk County Democrats during the 2020 caucus cycle and saw all the candidates up close, said Harris began as a more guarded campaigner.

“Before, you could watch her in a room and saying things to make sure that even if 80 or 90% of people understood and agreed with you, you didn’t want to say one thing that 1% might not agree with on Twitter or on social media or someplace else,” he said.

“She doesn’t have that same caution anymore. She’s speaking more broadly. She’s speaking more confidently. She’s speaking like the leader that she is.”

Deidre DeJear, who served as Harris’ Iowa campaign chair in 2019, said the campaign spent a lot of time figuring out how to translate Harris’ biography into a successful run for president. Now, DeJear said she’s noticed Harris has grown more comfortable in her role as vice president.

“We always knew she was a public servant, but now she’s kind of, as the kids say, she’s got her swag,” DeJear said. “She knows beyond a shadow of a doubt what her role is.”

Iowans say they saw and appreciate Harris' warmth, genuineness

Still, Harris’ supporters say she brought an empathy, warmth and genuine ability to connect with people individually to her 2019 campaign that will continue to serve her well in 2024.

Sue Dvorsky, a former chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, said that’s what prompted her and her husband, former state Sen. Bob Dvorsky, to endorse Harris in 2019.

“What drew us to her is she is genuinely joyful,” she said. “She is genuinely, deeply human and responsive. She’s as much fun as she looks like.”

DeJear said she first met Harris in 2018, when DeJear was running in a competitive primary for secretary of state.

DeJear traveled to California to attend a philanthropic event with Harris and asked for 10 or 15 minutes of her time. They ended up speaking for 45 minutes, but Harris didn’t start by asking about DeJear’s campaign.

When DeJear got ready to pull out her iPad and give a presentation on why Harris should get involved in her race, “she politely just touched my hand to motion that I did not need to go through that with her.”

“She asked me how I was doing,” DeJear said. “And that was my most genuine connection towards her.”

Since then, DeJear said, she’s seen Harris show that same concern in private for constituents and staff.

“That goes the distance when we’re asking someone to be president of the United States,” she said.

More: Democrats' VP chatter turns to swing state governors. Which could turn their state blue?

Harris inherits Biden’s campaign infrastructure, cash

By the fall of 2019, Harris’ poll numbers had plummeted to the low single digits , casting her out of the top tier of candidates. And her campaign was facing dire circumstances as it laid off staff and slashed spending , with internal debates often spilling over into public media reports.

Harris refocused her dwindling resources and intensity on the Hawkeye State, telling a colleague she was “(expletive) moving to Iowa” in her bid to reenergize the flagging effort.

Postmortems of her campaign directed some of the blame on Harris’ internal operation, viewed as lacking solid leadership and a firm strategy.

“It is unacceptable that with less than 90 days until Iowa we still do not have a real plan to win,” one staffer wrote in a resignation letter that became public .

This time around, Harris is not tasked with building out a campaign from scratch, but rather will inherit Biden’s formidable presidential campaign infrastructure.

“Not only is she starting with pros that have won before, she’s starting with all that money too,” said Iowa Democratic strategist Pete D’Alessandro, who helped lead U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign. “And, to her credit, they built on it right away.”

Harris has already said she’ll keep Biden campaign officials Jen O’Malley Dillon as campaign chair and Julie Chavez Rodriguez as campaign manager, and most senior staff is expected to stay as well, CNN reported .

According to a memo issued by O’Malley Dillon, Harris will inherit more than 250 campaign offices across the country, staffed by more than 1,300 people in battleground states.

The campaign also reported raising $126 million in the three days after Biden exited the race. That includes $81 million in the first 24 hours, which the campaign touted as the largest one-day fundraising haul for any candidate ever.

Paine Caufield said Harris ramped up her Iowa staffing in the summer of 2019, which quickly began to cost her money as salary bills mounted.

“I think that was one of her big weaknesses in Iowa, was she was spending a lot of money, burning through money without a really well-honed campaign strategy behind her and her campaign,” Paine Caufield said. “And now she has this super professionalized campaign staff that can help her navigate.”

Bagniewski said it will benefit Harris to have not just Biden’s campaign organization, but his full-throated endorsement.

“There’s a value in having your own campaign team that grew up with you and that you put together yourself,” he said. “But, frankly, with a hundred and however many days it is left, there’s not enough time to build your own operation. So the best thing is to augment what you have.”

D’Alessandro said Harris’ team also seems to have become more disciplined about staying on message and keeping any infighting from leaking to the media, as was endemic during her caucus run, when reports of internal campaign squabbles ratcheted up through the fall.

“A lot of times, especially as an operative, when you're reading about the infighting, the bigger problem is that (the media) got the story,” D’Alessandro said, calling it a “distraction” for the campaign.

“It doesn't seem to be a problem (now),” he said. “Matter of fact, if anything, the discipline of the last month, when pretty much it seemed like everybody in the world knew what was happening and you didn't hear a peep out of the vice president's team — that's actually pretty impressive.”

You think Kamala Harris fell out of a coconut tree? This is not the same context as 2019

D’Alessandro said that even if Harris is exactly the same person and politician that she was in 2019, the context of today’s presidential campaign puts everything about her into a totally different perspective for voters.

“Sometimes, it's just matchups,” he said. “She's not running against Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Amy Klobuchar, Joe Biden. She's not running against those folks this time. It's Trump, possibly Kennedy, and her.”

Dvorsky said Harris struggled to break out of an “astonishing array” of candidates in 2019 .

“That was a rock 'em, sock 'em field,” Dvorsky said. “And there were a lot of them. And I think she just didn’t get out in time. She didn’t get a message out in time that combined her vision with her biography.”

D’Alessandro said many Democrats like him, who preferred a more progressive candidate in a primary campaign, are still eager to rally around Harris now.

“She's closer to what we believe than Donald Trump is,” he said. “And that makes all the difference in the world in a binary choice.”

More: From coconut trees to 'brat summer,' Kamala Harris' campaign is embracing the memes

The race is also no longer about intraparty discussions on issues such as “Medicare for all” and the Green New Deal that focused on nuanced policy differences between nearly two-dozen contenders. In a race between Harris and Trump, the candidates’ differences on the issues are clearer cut.

Polling shows the top issues for voters this year look to be immigration, the economy and abortion. 

“If the election becomes about the economy and the border, it's already baked into the cake,” D’Alessandro said. “People have their views. Those views haven't moved in a year, two years. And the Democrats will be in trouble.”

But he said Harris is a much better ambassador on the issue of abortion, and she’s far more capable of talking about the future of the country.

“If those become what people are thinking about when they go into vote, those swing voters — then there's a victory in November,” he said.

More: Where Harris stands on Israel, abortion, climate change, education and the economy

Kamala Harris’ role as prosecutor may play better after Donald Trump’s felony convictions

Harris has already signaled that in this race, she’ll lean into her background as a prosecutor.

“I took on perpetrators of all kinds — predators who abused women, fraudsters who ripped off consumers, cheaters who broke the rules for their own gain,” she said this last week while campaigning. “So hear me when I say, I know Donald Trump's type.”

It’s a message that didn’t always resonate with Democratic primary voters in 2020, as the party’s left wing urged candidates to embrace criminal justice reforms.

This year, running against Trump, who has been convicted on 34 felony charges and faces multiple criminal cases, the message will likely resonate differently, Democrats said.

“Her biggest strength is that she’s a prosecutor,” Bagniewski said.

Paine Caufield said Harris’ background as a prosecutor will serve her “exceptionally well” this year.

“I think she stumbled a little bit in Iowa when the events of the day and the opinions of young progressive Democrats leaned against her prosecutorial experience, and I think she didn’t quite know how to navigate that,” she said. “I think she has a much stronger ability to navigate that in the current environment.”

More: Prosecutor vs. convicted felon: How Democrats believe Harris’ background changes the election

'We can win’ mentality can dramatically change a campaign

D’Alessandro said one of the biggest advantages of Harris’ current campaign is the hope and optimism that are buzzing through Democratic circles.

“There is such a difference on a campaign every day, day to day, with all those other things being equal, when you're looking at it and saying, ‘We can win this thing. We can win,’” he said. “The energy that alone brings changes the entire effect of a campaign.”

He suspects the opposite was true for Harris in the fall of 2019, when she was battling sagging poll numbers, tumbling fundraising and staff cuts.

“It wasn't, ‘We can win.’ It was, I'm guessing, ‘Hey, we can survive Iowa,’” D’Alessandro said. “And that's a tough thing to do in a campaign. And let me tell you, there ain't gonna be a poll between now and November that says she can't win. And that's going to keep the campaign here and everywhere else really energized on a day-to-day basis.”

He said having Harris at the top of the ticket changes the game for Democrats.

Iowa’s delegation to the Democratic National Convention unanimously endorsed Harris as the party’s new nominee for president. Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart said the state party has seen “a substantial number of people” reach out to volunteer.

Nationally, the campaign said it has added more than 100,000 volunteers to its rolls since Biden endorsed Harris, a sign of new enthusiasm, officials said.

“We've got that guy on base in the ninth, and you have the ability to hit the walk-off,” D’Alessandro said. “It’s back.”

Brianne Pfannenstiel is the chief politics reporter for the Des Moines Register. She is also covering the 2024 presidential race for USA TODAY as a senior national campaign correspondent. Reach her at [email protected] or 515-284-8244. Follow her on Twitter at @brianneDMR.

Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at  [email protected]  or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on Twitter at  @sgrubermiller .

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Fact-Checking Trump’s Remarks on Race

The former president falsely accused Vice President Kamala Harris of “only promoting” her Indian heritage, among other inaccurate claims. Here’s a fact check.

• Share full article

By Linda Qiu

• Published July 31, 2024 Updated Aug. 8, 2024

Former President Donald J. Trump, in a combative appearance before the National Association of Black Journalists, repeatedly disparaged Vice President Kamala Harris and the Black women interviewing him as he made the case on Wednesday that Black voters should vote for him in November.

In a 30-minute appearance, Mr. Trump made false and exaggerated claims about Ms. Harris, overstated his role in securing funding for historically Black colleges and universities and repeated his false assertion that he did more for Black Americans than any president since Abraham Lincoln. He also rehashed several other inaccurate claims about inflation, immigration and other topics that have become staples of his public appearances.

Here’s a fact check.

What Was Said

“I’ve known her a long time indirectly, not directly very much. And she was always of Indian heritage and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black.”

False. Ms. Harris, the daughter of an Indian American mother and Jamaican father, has consistently identified as Black in public life and long before she entered the national stage.

Ms. Harris told The Washington Post in 2019 that she had long been comfortable with her racial identity. The Post reported that during her 2010 race for attorney general of California, some members of the Indian American community in San Francisco had not known about Ms. Harris’s Indian heritage, and that in public office, Ms. Harris had “tended to stress issues over her personal biography.”

But Ms. Harris never hid her biracial background during various campaigns. In her 2019 autobiography, “The Truths We Hold,” Ms. Harris wrote that her family instilled “pride in our South Asian roots” in her and her sister, Maya, but that “my mother understood very well that she was raising two Black daughters.”

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