autobiography example brainly

Become a Bestseller

Follow our 5-step publishing path.

Fundamentals of Fiction & Story

Bring your story to life with a proven plan.

Market Your Book

Learn how to sell more copies.

Edit Your Book

Get professional editing support.

Author Advantage Accelerator Nonfiction

Grow your business, authority, and income.

Author Advantage Accelerator Fiction

Become a full-time fiction author.

Author Accelerator Elite

Take the fast-track to publishing success.

Take the Quiz

Let us pair you with the right fit.

Free Copy of Published.

Book title generator, nonfiction outline template, writing software quiz, book royalties calculator.

Learn how to write your book

Learn how to edit your book

Learn how to self-publish your book

Learn how to sell more books

Learn how to grow your business

Learn about self-help books

Learn about nonfiction writing

Learn about fiction writing

How to Get An ISBN Number

A Beginner’s Guide to Self-Publishing

How Much Do Self-Published Authors Make on Amazon?

Book Template: 9 Free Layouts

How to Write a Book in 12 Steps

The 15 Best Book Writing Software Tools

15 Autobiography Examples to Inspire Your Own

POSTED ON Oct 25, 2023

Written by Nicole Ahlering

So you’re ready to write an autobiography ! Congratulations; this can be a gratifying personal project. And just like any creative endeavor, it’s a great idea to start by getting inspired. 

In this article, we’re sharing 15 stellar autobiography examples to get your wheels turning. We’ll also share some need-to-know info on the different types of autobiographies and autobiography layouts, and we’ll leave you with a list of catchy ways to start your book. Let’s get going!

In this article, we'll explore:

What are the different types of autobiographies .

As it turns out, there are many different ways to write a book about yourself. You can go the traditional autobiography route, which is a chronological account of your entire life. Or you can write a memoir , which zeroes in on specific themes or time periods in your life. 

If you’d like, your autobiography can be composed of individual personal essays, or you can blend your autobiography with literary techniques to create a piece of creative nonfiction . 

There are graphic autobiographies that use comics or other combinations of images and text to illustrate your life story, or you can simply publish an edited version of your journal or diary . 

You can write a travelog that documents your life through your adventures or blend elements of your life with made-up stories to create autobiographical fiction . 

When it comes to sharing your life story, there are few rules!

How can I lay out my autobiography? 

Did you know there are multiple ways you can structure your autobiography? The most common is to put it in chronological order . But you can also lay out your book in reverse chronological order or even jump around in time .

Here are a few other layouts to consider: 

• Thematic or topical . As you outline your autobiography, pay attention to themes that emerge. You can lay out your autobiography by central ideas rather than by time. 
• Flashback and flash-forward. This nonlinear approach can be a great way to create some excitement and intrigue in your life story.
• Cyclical structure. Is there one event that you feel defined your life story? Why not try circling back to it throughout your book? This can be an interesting way to demonstrate how your perspective changed with time. 

If you need a little more help laying out your autobiography, we have free autobiography templates and free book templates to help you. 

Related: 50 Eye-Catching Autobiography Titles

15 Autobiographies to inspire your own 

Ready to get your creative juices flowing? Here are some examples of autobiography to add to your reading list. 

1. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

One of the best-known autobiographies, The Diary of a Young Girl, is an excellent example of a journal-style layout. Featuring the story of a young girl who is hiding during the Holocaust, aspiring writers will find inspiration in Frank’s raw emotions and candor. 

2. Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda 

A favorite of Steve Jobs, this autobiography details the author’s spiritual journey through yoga and meditation. It’s a wonderful example of how to blend the recounting of events with spiritual insights and philosophical teachings. 

3. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela 

The former South African president wrote this stunning autobiography about his struggle against apartheid, his imprisonment, and his presidency. Aspiring autobiography writers who want to write a book about social change should read this one. 

4. The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi

In his autobiography, Gandhi explores his philosophy of nonviolent resistance through his political and spiritual journey. Writers will appreciate this book for the way it weaves stories of personal growth into a larger narrative of social change. 

5. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

One of several autobiographical works by Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings explores her coming-of-age experience amidst racism and a traumatic childhood. Writers should read this to hear Angelou’s powerful story and be inspired by her vivid language. 

6. The Story of My Life by Hellen Keller

Keller details her remarkable life as a deaf and blind person, sharing intimate details about her education and advocacy work. Aspiring writers will benefit from reading Keller’s sensory-rich language since she has the unique experience of navigating the world through touch.

7. The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X

This autobiography, written in collaboration with journalist Alex Haley, tracks Malcolm X from his youth through his adulthood as a prominent activist in the civil rights movement. Read this one to learn tips and tricks for writing about your personal evolution. 

8. The Story of My Life by Clarence Darrow 

Darrow shares his experiences as a civil libertarian and prominent American Lawyer in this enlightening autobiography. Writers should read this one to learn how to build a persuasive argument in their book. 

9. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah 

South African comedian, television host, and political commentator Trevor Noah wrote this autobiography detailing his upbringing during apartheid in South Africa. This is a must-read for writers who are looking to infuse humor into their autobiographies—even when writing about heavy subjects . 

10. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

In her autobiography, Yousafzia recounts her tumultuous and sometimes terrifying journey advocating for equal education for girls. If you want to write your own autobiography, read this one first to learn how to bring an authentic voice to your narrative. 

11. The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

Boom’s autobiography shares the harrowing story of her family’s efforts to hide Jews from the Nazis during World War II. Writers should read this to witness how Boom weaves a historical narrative into her life story. 

12. Agatha Christie: An Autobiography by Agatha Christie 

Renowned mystery writer Agatha Christie took time away from her suspenseful novels to write a book about herself. If you plan to write an autobiography, read Christie’s first to learn how to build a sense of intrigue. 

13. Chronicles: Volume 1 by Bob Dylan 

If you’re an artist writing your autobiography, you’ll be inspired by Dylan’s. It shares his unique perspective on the creative process in music and literature and delves into what it means to maintain your artistic vision. 

14. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi 

This well-known autobiography may make you cry, but it’s well worth the read. Written by a surgeon as he faces a terminal illness, it’s a must-read for any author exploring themes of mortality in their writing. 

15. Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama 

This autobiography by the former U.S. president is a great read for anyone aspiring to write an autobiography that intertwines their personal story with a larger societal and political narrative. 

• 31 Best Autobiographies
• 30 Celebrity Autobiographies

What is a catchy autobiography introduction? 

Sometimes the hardest part of a new project is getting started. If you’re ready to begin writing your autobiography and need a good opener, here are some angles to consider: 

• Start by describing a childhood dream and how it influenced your journey. 
• Open with a letter to your younger self.
• Share a formative childhood memory. 
• Start with a thought-provoking question you’ll answer as your book progresses.
• Talk about an object that’s meaningful to you and tie it to a larger story about your life.

With so much inspiration and so many wonderful resources, there’s never been a better time to write your autobiography. If, after reading a few books on this list, you’re not sure where to start with yours—let us help! Just sign up for a book consultation to get started.

Related posts

Non-Fiction

Need Some Memorable Memoir Titles? Use These Tips

Business, Non-Fiction

How to Get More Patients With a Book & Brand

The only (free) autobiography template you need – 4 simple steps.

• English Conversation Lessons
• English Essay Topics
• English Autobiography Examples
• Report Writing
• Letter Writing
• Expansion of Ideas(English Proverbs)
• English Grammar
• English Debate Topics
• English Stories
• English Speech Topics
• English Poems
• Riddles with Answers
• English Idioms
• Simple English Conversations
• Greetings & Wishes
• Thank you Messages
• Premium Plans
• Student’s Log In

. » Autobiography Examples

30+ Autobiography Examples for Students of All Ages

Explore the power of personal storytelling with our collection of Autobiography Examples on various topics. Designed to assist students in their academic pursuits, these examples serve as a source of inspiration and learning. Use them as a reference for writing assignments, essays, and tests, or simply to broaden your understanding of the world. From famous figures to everyday people, each autobiography provides a unique perspective on the human experience. With a focus on clear and concise writing, these autobiographies are easy to understand and follow.

Whether you’re a student or just a curious reader, these autobiography examples are sure to leave you inspired and enlightened. “So why wait? Start browsing now and unlock your full potential.

Inspiring and Thoughtful Autobiography Examples

• Autobiography of a Book

This essay explores the imagined thoughts and feelings of a book in its “Autobiography.” By personifying the book, we gain a unique perspective on its life story and the events that shaped it. This thought-provoking approach offers a fresh take on the value and impact of books in our lives.

• Autobiography of a Brook

The “Autobiography of a Brook” essay explores the imagined thoughts and feelings of a brook as a living entity. By personifying the brook, the essay provides a unique perspective on the forces of nature and the impact of the environment. The imaginative approach offers a fresh view of the natural world.

• Autobiography of a Camera

An imagined life narrative of a camera as a living being is explored in the essay “Autobiography of a Camera.” The author offers a distinctive and provocative viewpoint on technology by personifying the camera and exploring its background and effects on our daily lives.

• Autobiography of a Cat

Offering a fun and educational autobiography of a cat for cat lovers of all ages. It tells the story of a cat’s life from her kitten days to her current status as the boss of the house.

• Autobiography of a Classroom

Immerse yourself in the world of a classroom and experience its journey. Whether you’re a student or a teacher, “The Life of a Classroom” is an informative and entertaining source of insight into the classroom experience.

• Autobiography of a Coin

Autobiography of a Coin that explores the life of a coin as a living being, providing insight into its experiences. With vivid descriptions and imaginative storytelling, the essay offers a unique perspective on an often-overlooked aspect of our daily lives.

• Autobiography of a Dog

Discover a touching and unique perspective on a dog’s life through an essay that takes the form of the dog’s own autobiography. The essay offers an emotional journey that will leave a lasting impact on your heart and mind.

• Autobiography of a Doll

Through the narrative, the doll shares her triumphs and challenges, as well as her personal growth and development, ultimately revealing the very essence of her existence. Her experiences and emotions are conveyed with a vivid and authentic personality.

• Autobiography of a Farmer

The autobiography of a farmer offers a distinct point of view that highlights the life of a farmer and the crucial role they play in society. It is a touching and inspiring tale that will give you a greater appreciation for the dedication and hard work of farmers.

• Autobiography of a Flower

The essay on the biography of a flower provides an immersive experience that takes you on a journey into the world of a flower. It will inspire you to value and cherish the natural world and its inhabitants.

• Autobiography of a Football

The autobiography of a football provides a fresh and distinct outlook that will help readers develop a greater admiration for the sport and the essential role of the ball in it.

• Autobiography of a Haunted House

The autobiography of a haunted house offers an unparalleled insight into the world of supernatural phenomena, providing readers with a deeper understanding of these experiences and the lives of those affected by them.

• Autobiography of a House

The autobiography of a house provides a unique perspective on the importance of a home. It gives insight into the experiences that come with being a house and the role it plays in the lives of its inhabitants.

• Autobiography of a Kite

The kite expresses its thrill and eagerness as it is lifted into the sky by its string, and the wind helps it to fly higher and higher. Find out what it’s like to fly a kite very high in the sky.

• Autobiography of a Library

The essay explores the emotions and challenges faced by a library in modern times. It presents a unique perspective on the significance of a library in a community. It provides insight into the library’s feelings of emptiness and neglect.

• Autobiography of a Mobile Phone

Through the narrative of the mobile phone’s life, you will acquire a deeper understanding of how mobile technology has progressed over time, the effects it has had on our lives, and the obstacles it has encountered throughout its journey.

• Autobiography of a Mosquito

The essay on the autobiography of a mosquito offers a distinctive viewpoint on the mosquito’s life and its interaction with humans and the environment. Know the challenges mosquitoes face and their emotions and feelings while striving to survive.

• Autobiography of a Newspaper

The essay delves into the intricate emotions that arise when one is responsible for conveying positive or negative news. Moreover, it provides readers with an exclusive glimpse into the inner mechanisms of the media industry.

• Autobiography of a Pen

The essay features a unique narrator – a pen that is portrayed as a living being. This pen shares its personal experiences and takes the reader on a journey from its humble beginnings as a writing instrument to becoming a cherished companion to its owner.

• Autobiography of a Pencil

The pencil shares details about its creation, purpose, and various roles, as well as the emotions that come with being a writing tool. The essay takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the ups and downs of the pencil’s life, providing unique insights.

• Autobiography of a River

The essay provides a river’s perspective on its journey over time. The river shares its origins, obstacles, and changes. The essay offers a unique portrayal of the river’s life. It describes the river’s challenges and transformations over time.

• Autobiography of a Table

In this essay the table is presented as a living, emotional being with its own distinct personality and voice. Through the table’s narration, you will gain a new, exceptional outlook on the world and be privy to its experiences, feelings, and memories.

• Autobiography of a Tiger

The essay offers a new and infrequently explored viewpoint of the world as seen through the eyes of a tiger. It portrays the tiger as a sentient being, alive and able to experience a wide range of emotions similar to those experienced by humans.

• Autobiography of a Tree

The essay titled “Autobiography of a Tree” is a skillfully crafted and thought-provoking piece of literature that is sure to challenge your perceptions of trees and their place in the natural world.

Autobiography of a Umbrella

Through the umbrella’s personal accounts of its life experiences, you will develop a newfound appreciation for the value that everyday objects bring to our lives.

• Autobiography of Bicycle

The essay portrays the bicycle’s life journey from being a new bike in a store to becoming a loyal companion on long rides. It provides a unique perspective of the bicycle’s experiences throughout its life.

• Autobiography of Bird

The essay provides a unique perspective of the bird’s life, as it shares its experiences of flight, nesting, and migration. Through the this storytelling, you will develop a deep understanding and appreciation of the complexity of a bird’s life.

• Autobiography of Chair

In this essay, the chair will reveal its emotions and feelings, from the delight of being sat on for the first time to the melancholy of being abandoned and unused. Get the fresh viewpoint on the life of a chair.

• Autobiography of Clock

The clock’s intricate mechanisms and its impact on the lives of people around it will captivate you. The clock also shares its emotions and feelings, from feeling proud of keeping time accurately to feeling lonely when left to tick alone.

• Autobiography of Computer

By reading the computer’s life story, you will develop a fresh perspective on how technology has influenced our lives. You will come to comprehend how computers have transformed the way we work, communicate, and exist in our daily lives.

• Autobiography of Earth

Through the Earth’s autobiography, you will realize how humans have a significant influence on the planet’s destiny. You will comprehend the devastating consequences of environmental degradation caused by climate change, deforestation, and pollution.

• Autobiography of Lion

Prepare to be enchanted by the life story of the lion, from the excitement of the hunt to the comfort of familial connections. Allow the lion to lead you on an enthralling expedition through its life experiences.

• Autobiography of Peacock

The life story of the peacock, including its impressive feathers will captivate and intrigue you. You will feel the happiness, sadness, and successes of this splendid bird as it reveals its innermost thoughts and emotions to you.

• Autobiography of Rain

As you explore the essay further, you will develop a fresh admiration for the magnificence and potency of nature, along with a more profound comprehension of how rain influences our existence.

• Autobiography of a Soldier

This essay will help you gain a greater admiration for the selfless sacrifices that soldiers make in service to their country and a deeper insight into the distinct challenges they encounter.

• Autobiography of Sun

This essay will enable you to develop a fresh appreciation for the immense power and influence of the sun on our planet. At the same time its providing a deeper comprehension of its crucial role in maintaining life on earth.

• Autobiography of Water Bottle

With vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, you will be transported to a world of environmental awareness and sustainability, as the water bottle recounts its journey through the human world.

• Autobiography of Water Droplet

As you read the essay, you will gain insight into the challenges and victories of the water droplet. Also know its exceptional viewpoints on the significance of water to the planet and all its living organisms.

Full English Speaking Course – All Lessons – Yearly Plan

Course Content for Students & Teachers:

100+ Video and Audio based English Speaking Course Conversations

12000+ Text & Audio based Frequently used Vocabulary & Dialogues with correct pronunciations

Full Grammar & 15000+ Solved Composition topics on Essay Writing, Autobiography, Report Writing, Debate Writing, Story Writing, Speech Writing, Letter Writing, Expansion of Ideas(Proverbs), Expansion of Idioms, Riddles with Answers, Poem Writing and many more topics

Plus Access to the Daily Added Content

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

English Courses

• Mom & Son Breakfast Talk
• Dad & Son Breakfast Talk
• Going Out for Breakfast
• Healthy Breakfast Ideas
• Breakfast Table Conversation
• Talking about Household Chores
• Power Outage Conversation
• Speaking About Vegetables
• Talk About Television
• Telephone Conversation in English
• Renting an Apartment Vocabulary
• Talking about Pets
• Self Introduction Conversation
• Introduce Yourself in English
• Morning Walk Conversation
• Make New Friends Conversation
• English Speaking with Friends
• Conversation Between Siblings
• Talking about Smartphones
• Talking About City Life
• English Conversation on the Bus
• Talking about Dust Allergy
• Talking about Food Allergies
• Brushing Teeth Conversation
• Replacing Worn out Toothbrush
• Brushing Teeth with Braces
• Switching to Herbal Toothpaste
• Benefits of using Tongue Cleaner
• Talking about Illness
• Talking about Fitness and Health
• Talking About Fitness for Kids
• Visiting a Doctor Conversation
• Speaking about Lifestyle
• Conversation about Air Pollution
• Using an ATM Conversation
• Opening a Bank Account
• Car Accident Conversation
• Talking about Accident
• Exam Conversation with Kids
• At the Library Conversation
• Talking about Studies
• Offline vs Online School
• Internet Vocabulary and Dialogues
• Advantages of Homeschooling
• Inviting for Birthday Party
• Phone Conversation
• Asking for Directions
• Conversation on the Plane
• At the Airport Conversation
• Lost and Found Conversation
• Museum Vocabulary
• Conversation about Traffic
• Order Food Over the Phone
• At the Restaurant Conversation
• Talking about Music
• English Music Vocabulary
• Talk on Music Band
• Shopping for Clothes
• Buying a Smartphone
• Ordering Flowers Conversation
• English Conversation in Vegetable Market
• At the Supermarket
• At the Pharmacy
• Friends Talking about Chess
• Importance of Outdoor Activities
• Talking About Football
• Weekend Plans Conversation
• At the Beach Conversation
• New Job Conversation
• Business English Conversation
• Expressing Boredom in English
• English Conversation at the Salon
• English Speaking at the Bakery
• Talking About Studies
• Siblings Studying Together
• Speaking about Outdoor Activities
• Talk About Photography
• Essay on My School
• Essay on Summer Vacation
• Essay on Time Management
• Essay on Hard Work
• Essay on Health is Wealth
• Essay on Time is Money
• Republic Day Essay
• Essay on My Hobby
• Essay on Myself
• Essay on My Teacher
• Essay on My Best Friend
• Essay on My Family
• Essay on My Mother
• Essay on My Father
• Essay on Friendship
• Essay on Global Warming
• Essay on Child Labor
• Essay on Mahatma Gandhi
• Essay on Holi
• Essay on Pollution
• Essay on Education
• Essay on Air Pollution
• Essay on Communication
• Essay on Doctor
• Essay on Environment
• Essay on Gender Inequality
• Essay on Happiness
• Essay on Healthy Food
• Essay on My Favorite Festival Diwali
• Essay on My Favorite Sport
• Essay on My Parents
• Essay on Overpopulation
• Essay on Poverty
• Essay on Travelling
• Essay on Unemployment
• Essay on Unity in Diversity
• Essay on Water Pollution
• Essay on Water
• Essay on Women Empowerment
• Essay on Yoga
• Essay on Christmas
• Autobiography of an Umbrella
• Adopting a Village
• Teaching Children in an Adopted Village
• Programs Organized in an Adopted Village
• Volunteering in an Adopted Village
• Activities in an Adopted Village
• School Annual Day Celebration
• Republic Day Celebration
• Teachers Day Celebration
• World Environment Day Celebration
• Children’s Day Celebration
• Visiting the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre
• The Animal Sanctuary Visit
• Animal Shelter Visit
• Animal Rescue Center Visit
• Adult Literacy Camp
• Burglary of Jewelry
• India Wins Test Match
• School Children Affected by Food Poisoning
• Heavy Rains in Mumbai
• School Children Injured in Bus Accident
• Complaint Letter to the Chairman of Housing Society
• Request Letter to the Municipal Corporation
• Complaint Letter to the State Electricity Board
• Suggestion Letter to the Chief Minister
• Request Letter to the District Collector
• Request Letter to the Commissioner of Police
• Application Letter for an Internship
• Application Letter for a Job
• Request Letter for a Character Certificate
• Request Letter for a Better Lab and Library
• Global Warming Debate
• Animal Rights Debate
• Climate Change Debate
• Gun Control Debate
• Role of Religion in Society Debate
• Republic Day Speech
• Poems about Life
• Poems about Nature
• Poems for Boys
• Poems for Girls
• Poems for Mothers
• Poems for Friends
• Poems for Kids
• Poems about Trees
• Poems about Peace
• Funny Poems
• Poems About Climate Change
• Poems about Dreams
• Poems about Education
• Poems about Environment
• Poems about Eyes
• Poems about Family
• Poems about Fear
• Poems about Feminism
• Poems about Flowers
• Poems about Freedom
• Poems about Friendship
• Poems about Happiness
• Poems about History
• Poems about Hope
• Poems about India
• Poems about Joy
• Poems about Loneliness
• Poems about Love
• Poems about Night
• Poems about Power
• Poems about Water
• Poems about Women Empowerment
• Poems about Women’s Rights
• Poems on Earth
• Poems on Home
• Poems on Honesty
• Poems on Humanity
• Poems on Jungle
• Poems on Kindness
• Poems on Mental Health
• Poems on Moon
• Poems on Music
• Poems on Patriotism
• A Bad Workman Always Blames His Tools
• A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush
• A Fool and His Money Are Soon Parted
• A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned
• A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
• A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
• A Watched Pot Never Boils
• Absence Make the Heart Grow Fonder
• Actions Speak Louder than Words
• All Good Things Come to Those Who Wait
• All Good Things Must Come To an End
• All Is Fair in Love and War
• All That Glitters is Not Gold
• All’s Well That Ends Well
• An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
• An Empty Vessel Makes Much Noise
• An Idle Mind is Devil’s Workshop
• As You Sow, So Shall You Reap
• Barking Dogs Seldom Bite
• Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
• Beggars can’t be Choosers
• Better Late than Never
• Better the Devil You Know than the Devil You Don’t
• Birds of a Feather Flock Together
• Blood is Thicker than Water
• Boys will be Boys
• Charity Begins at Home
• Cleanliness is Next to Godliness
• Curiosity Killed the Cat
• Don’t Bite Off More than You Chew
• Don’t Bite the Hand that Feeds You
• Don’t Blow Your Own Trumpet
• Don’t Count your Chickens Before They Hatch
• Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk
• Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover
• Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
• Don’t Put the Cart Before the Horse
• Don’t Throw The Baby Out With the Bathwater
• Early to Bed and Early to Rise Makes a Man Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise
• Easy Come, Easy Go
• Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining
• Every Dog Has His Day
• Fools Rush in Where Angels Fear to Tread
• Fortune Favors the Bold
• Give a Man a Fish, and You Feed Him for a Day; Teach a Man to Fish, and You Feed Him for a Lifetime
• Give Credit Where Credit is Due
• God Helps Those Who Help Themselves
• Half a Loaf is Better Than None
• Haste Makes Waste
• Health is Wealth
• Honesty is the Best Policy
• If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again
• If It ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
• If the Shoe Fits, Wear It
• If you can’t Beat them, Join them
• If you Want Something Done Right, Do It Yourself
• Ignorance is Bliss
• It ain’t Over Till the Fat Lady Sings
• It Takes Two to Tango
• It’s a Small World
• It’s Always Darkest Before the Dawn
• It’s Better to Ask Forgiveness than Permission
• Its Better to Be Safe than Sorry
• It’s Better to Give than to Receive
• It’s Never Too Late to Mend
• It’s not What you Know, it’s Who you Know
• Jack of All Trades, Master of None
• Keep Your Friends Close and Your Enemies Closer
• Keep Your Mouth Shut and Your Eyes Open
• Kill Two Birds with One Stone
• Knowledge is Power
• Laughter is the Best Medicine
• Leave No Stone Unturned
• Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
• Life is a Journey, Not a Destination
• Life is Like a Box of Chocolates; You Never Know What You’re Gonna Get
• Like Father, Like Son
• Look Before You Leap
• Love Conquers All
• Make Hay While The Sun Shines
• Money Can’t Buy Happiness
• Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees
• Money Talks
• Necessity is the Mother of Invention
• No Man is an Island
• No Pain, No Gain
• Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained
• One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure
• Out of Sight, Out of Mind
• Patience is a Virtue
• Practice Makes Perfect
• Prevention is Better than Cure
• Rome Wasn’t Built in A Day
• Slow and Steady Wins the Race
• The Early Bird Catches the Worm
• The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side
• The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword
• The Proof of the Pudding is in the Eating
• There is No Place Like Home
• There’s No Time Like the Present
• Time Heals All Wounds
• Time is Money
• Too Many Cooks Spoil the Broth
• Two Heads are Better than One
• When in Rome, do as the Romans do
• Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire
• You Can Lead a Horse to Water, But You Can’t Make it Drink
• You Can’t Have Your Cake and Eat It Too
• You Can’t Make an Omelet Without Breaking Eggs
• You Scratch My Back, And I’ll Scratch Yours
• You’re Never Too Old to Learn
• You’re Only As Strong As Your Weakest Link
• Parts of Speech
• Lola’s Dream
• Snowy Learns to Brave the Rain
• The Ant Explorer
• The Blind Archer
• The Brave Ant
• The Disguised King
• The Enchanted Blade
• The Enchanted Garden of Melodies
• The Endless Bag
• The Faithful Companion
• The Farmer’s Treasure
• The Frog and the Mischievous Fishes
• The Fruit Seller’s Fortune
• The Generous Monkey of the Forest
• The Gentle Giant
• A Blessing in Disguise
• A Dime a Dozen
• A Piece of Cake
• Apple of My Eye
• As Easy as Pie
• Back to the Drawing Board
• Beat Around the Bush
• Bite the Bullet
• Break a Leg
• Butterflies in My Stomach
• By the Skin of Your Teeth
• Caught Red-Handed
• Come Rain or Shine
• Cool as a Cucumber
• Cry over Spilled Milk
• Cut the Mustard
• Devil’s Advocate
• Down to the Wire
• Drink Like a Fish
• Eating Habits
• Supermarket
• Vegetable Market
• College Canteen
• Household Topics
• Diwali Festival
• Republic Day Wishes
• Birthday wishes for kids
• Birthday Wishes for Sister
• Birthday Wishes for Brother
• Birthday Wishes for Friend
• Birthday Wishes for Daughter
• Birthday Wishes for Son
• Women’s Day Wishes
• Thanks for Birthday Wishes
• Thank You Messages for Friends
• Thanks for Anniversary Wishes

Justin Morgan

Latest articles.

• Practical English Usage
• Overview of Babson University
• Babson University’s Entrepreneurship Program
• The Founding of Babson University
• Babson University’s Impact on the Global Economy
• Babson University’s Post-Pandemic Student Preparation
• Babson University’s Notable Alumni
• Babson University’s Business Research
• Campus Life at Babson University
• Babson University’s Leading Scholars and Experts
• Babson University’s Social Impact Program
• The Future of Babson University
• Top Programs at Cardiff University
• COVID-19 Research at Cardiff University
• Culture and Values of Cardiff University

What Is an Autobiography?

What to Consider Before You Start to Write

• Writing Research Papers
• Writing Essays
• English Grammar
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Your life story, or autobiography , should contain the basic framework that any essay should have, with four basic elements. Begin with an introduction that includes a thesis statement , followed by a body containing at least several paragraphs , if not several chapters. To complete the autobiography, you'll need a strong conclusion , all the while crafting an interesting narrative with a theme.

Did You Know?

The word autobiography  literally means SELF (auto), LIFE (bio), WRITING (graph). Or, in other words, an autobiography is the story of someone's life written or otherwise told by that person.

When writing your autobiography, find out what makes your family or your experience unique and build a narrative around that. Doing some research and taking detailed notes can help you discover the essence of what your narrative should be and craft a story that others will want to read.

Research Your Background

Just like the biography of a famous person, your autobiography should include things like the time and place of your birth, an overview of your personality, your likes and dislikes, and the special events that shaped your life. Your first step is to gather background detail. Some things to consider:

• What is interesting about the region where you were born?
• How does your family history relate to the history of that region?
• Did your family come to that region for a reason?

It might be tempting to start your story with "I was born in Dayton, Ohio...," but that is not really where your story begins. It's better to start with an experience. You may wish to start with something like why you were born where you were and how your family's experience led to your birth. If your narrative centers more around a pivotal moment in your life, give the reader a glimpse into that moment. Think about how your favorite movie or novel begins, and look for inspiration from other stories when thinking about how to start your own.

Think About Your Childhood

You may not have had the most interesting childhood in the world, but everyone has had a few memorable experiences. Highlight the best parts when you can. If you live in a big city, for instance, you should realize that many people who grew up in the country have never ridden a subway, walked to school, ridden in a taxi, or walked to a store a few blocks away.

On the other hand, if you grew up in the country you should consider that many people who grew up in the suburbs or inner city have never eaten food straight from a garden, camped in their backyards, fed chickens on a working farm, watched their parents canning food, or been to a county fair or a small-town festival.

Something about your childhood will always seem unique to others. You just have to step outside your life for a moment and address the readers as if they knew nothing about your region and culture. Pick moments that will best illustrate the goal of your narrative, and symbolism within your life.

Consider Your Culture

Your culture is your overall way of life , including the customs that come from your family's values and beliefs. Culture includes the holidays you observe, the customs you practice, the foods you eat, the clothes you wear, the games you play, the special phrases you use, the language you speak, and the rituals you practice.

As you write your autobiography, think about the ways that your family celebrated or observed certain days, events, and months, and tell your audience about special moments. Consider these questions:

• What was the most special gift you ever received? What was the event or occasion surrounding that gift?
• Is there a certain food that you identify with a certain day of the year?
• Is there an outfit that you wear only during a special event?

Think honestly about your experiences, too. Don't just focus on the best parts of your memories; think about the details within those times. While Christmas morning may be a magical memory, you might also consider the scene around you. Include details like your mother making breakfast, your father spilling his coffee, someone upset over relatives coming into town, and other small details like that. Understanding the full experience of positives and negatives helps you paint a better picture for the reader and lead to a stronger and more interesting narrative. Learn to tie together all the interesting elements of your life story and craft them into an engaging essay.

Establish the Theme

Once you have taken a look at your own life from an outsider’s point of view, you will be able to select the most interesting elements from your notes to establish a theme. What was the most interesting thing you came up with in your research? Was it the history of your family and your region? Here is an example of how you can turn that into a theme:

"Today, the plains and low hills of southeastern Ohio make the perfect setting for large cracker box-shaped farmhouses surrounded by miles of corn rows. Many of the farming families in this region descended from the Irish settlers who came rolling in on covered wagons in the 1830s to find work building canals and railways. My ancestors were among those settlers."

A little bit of research can make your own personal story come to life as a part of history, and historical details can help a reader better understand your unique situation. In the body of your narrative, you can explain how your family’s favorite meals, holiday celebrations, and work habits relate to Ohio history.

One Day as a Theme

You also can take an ordinary day in your life and turn it into a theme. Think about the routines you followed as a child and as an adult. Even a mundane activity like household chores can be a source of inspiration.

For example, if you grew up on a farm, you know the difference between the smell of hay and wheat, and certainly that of pig manure and cow manure—because you had to shovel one or all of these at some point. City people probably don’t even know there is a difference. Describing the subtle differences of each and comparing the scents to other scents can help the reader imagine the situation more clearly.

If you grew up in the city, you how the personality of the city changes from day to night because you probably had to walk to most places. You know the electricity-charged atmosphere of the daylight hours when the streets bustle with people and the mystery of the night when the shops are closed and the streets are quiet.

Think about the smells and sounds you experienced as you went through an ordinary day and explain how that day relates to your life experience in your county or your city:

"Most people don’t think of spiders when they bite into a tomato, but I do. Growing up in southern Ohio, I spent many summer afternoons picking baskets of tomatoes that would be canned or frozen and preserved for cold winter’s dinners. I loved the results of my labors, but I’ll never forget the sight of the enormous, black and white, scary-looking spiders that lived in the plants and created zigzag designs on their webs. In fact, those spiders, with their artistic web creations, inspired my interest in bugs and shaped my career in science."

One Event as a Theme

Perhaps one event or one day of your life made such a big impact that it could be used as a theme. The end or beginning of the life of another can affect our thoughts and actions for a long time:

"I was 12 years old when my mother passed away. By the time I was 15, I had become an expert in dodging bill collectors, recycling hand-me-down jeans, and stretching a single meal’s worth of ground beef into two family dinners. Although I was a child when I lost my mother, I was never able to mourn or to let myself become too absorbed in thoughts of personal loss. The fortitude I developed at a young age was the driving force that would see me through many other challenges."

Writing the Essay

Whether you determine that your life story is best summed up by a single event, a single characteristic, or a single day, you can use that one element as a theme . You will define this theme in your  introductory paragraph .

Create an outline with several events or activities that relate back to your central theme and turn those into subtopics (body paragraphs) of your story. Finally, tie up all your experiences in a summary that restates and explains the overriding theme of your life. 

• How to Write a Personal Narrative
• How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech
• Tips for Writing a "What I Did on Vacation" Essay
• The Power of Literacy Narratives
• Compose a Narrative Essay or Personal Statement
• 7 Tips for Writing Personality Profiles That People Will Want to Read
• Common Application Essay, Option 1: Share Your Story
• FAQs About Writing Your Graduate Admissions Essay
• Writing Prompts for 5th Grade
• Engaging Writing Prompts for 3rd Graders
• Memorable Graduation Speech Themes
• What Are the Parts of a Short Story? (How to Write Them)
• The Law School Applicant’s Guide to the Diversity Statement
• How to Write Your Family History
• 4th Grade Writing Prompts
• How to Give an Impromptu Speech

• Literary Terms
• Autobiography
• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Write Autobiography

I. What is Autobiography?

An autobiography is a self-written life story.

It is different from a  biography , which is the life story of a person written by someone else. Some people may have their life story written by another person because they don’t believe they can write well, but they are still considered an author because they are providing the information. Reading autobiographies may be more interesting than biographies because you are reading the thoughts of the person instead of someone else’s interpretation.

II. Examples of Autobiography

One of the United States’ forefathers wrote prolifically (that means a lot!) about news, life, and common sense. His readings, quotes, and advice are still used today, and his face is on the $100 bill. Benjamin Franklin’s good advice is still used through his sayings, such as “We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid.” He’s also the one who penned the saying that’s seen all over many schools: “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” His autobiography is full of his adventures , philosophy about life, and his wisdom. His autobiography shows us how much he valued education through his anecdotes (stories) of his constant attempts to learn and improve himself. He also covers his many ideas on his inventions and his thoughts as he worked with others in helping the United States become free from England.

III. Types of Autobiography

There are many types of autobiographies. Authors must decide what purpose they have for writing about their lives, and then they can choose the format that would best tell their story. Most of these types all share common goals: helping themselves face an issue by writing it down, helping others overcome similar events, or simply telling their story.

a. Full autobiography (traditional):

This would be the complete life story, starting from birth through childhood, young adulthood, and up to the present time at which the book is being written. Authors might choose this if their whole lives were very different from others and could be considered interesting.

There are many types of memoirs – place, time, philosophic (their theory on life), occupational, etc. A memoir is a snapshot of a person’s life. It focuses on one specific part that stands out as a learning experience or worth sharing.

c. Psychological illness

People who have suffered mental illness of any kind find it therapeutic to write down their thoughts. Therapists are specialists who listen to people’s problems and help them feel better, but many people find writing down their story is also helpful.

d. Confession

Just as people share a psychological illness, people who have done something very wrong may find it helps to write down and share their story. Sharing the story may make one feel he or she is making amends (making things right), or perhaps hopes that others will learn and avoid the same mistake.

e. Spiritual

Spiritual and religious experiences are very personal . However, many people feel that it’s their duty and honor to share these stories. They may hope to pull others into their beliefs or simply improve others’ lives.

f. Overcoming adversity

Unfortunately, many people do not have happy, shining lives. Terrible events such as robberies, assaults, kidnappings, murders, horrific accidents, and life-threatening illnesses are common in some lives. Sharing the story can inspire others while also helping the person express deep emotions to heal.

IV. The Importance of Autobiography

Autobiographies are an important part of history. Being able to read the person’s own ideas and life stories is getting the first-person story versus the third-person (he-said/she-said) version. In journalism, reporters go to the source to get an accurate account of an event. The same is true when it comes to life stories. Reading the story from a second or third source will not be as reliable. The writer may be incorrectly explaining and describing the person’s life events.

Autobiographies are also important because they allow other people in similar circumstances realize that they are not alone. They can be inspiring for those who are facing problems in their lives. For the author, writing the autobiography allows them to heal as they express their feelings and opinions. Autobiographies are also an important part of history.

V. Examples of Autobiography in Literature

A popular autobiography that has lasted almost 100 years is that of Helen Keller. Her life story has been made into numerous movies and plays. Her teacher, Anne Sullivan, has also had her life story written and televised multiple times. Students today still read and learn about this young girl who went blind and deaf at 19 months of age, causing her to also lose her ability to learn to speak. Sullivan’s entrance into Helen’s life when the girl was seven was the turning point. She learned braille and soon became an activist for helping blind and deaf people across the nation. She died in 1968, but her autobiography is still helping others.

Even in the days before my teacher came, I used to feel along the square stiff boxwood hedges, and, guided by the sense of smell, would find the first violets and lilies. There, too, after a fit of temper, I went to find comfort and to hide my hot face in the cool leaves and grass. What joy it was to lose myself in that garden of flowers, to wander happily from spot to spot, until, coming suddenly upon a beautiful vine, I recognized it by its leaves and blossoms, and knew it was the vine which covered the tumble-down summer-house at the farther end of the garden! (Keller).

An autobiography that many middle and high school students read every year is “Night” by Elie Wiesel. His story is also a memoir, covering his teen years as he and his family went from the comfort of their own home to being forced into a Jewish ghetto with other families, before ending up in a Nazi prison camp. His book is not that long, but the details and description he uses brings to life the horrors of Hitler’s reign of terror in Germany during World War II. Students also read “The Diary of Anne Frank,” another type of autobiography that shows a young Jewish girl’s daily life while hiding from the Nazis to her eventual capture and death in a German camp. Both books are meant to remind us to not be indifferent to the world’s suffering and to not allow hate to take over.

“The people were saying, “The Red Army is advancing with giant strides…Hitler will not be able to harm us, even if he wants to…” Yes, we even doubted his resolve to exterminate us. Annihilate an entire people? Wipe out a population dispersed throughout so many nations? So many millions of people! By what means? In the middle of the twentieth century! And thus my elders concerned themselves with all manner of things—strategy, diplomacy, politics, and Zionism—but not with their own fate. Even Moishe the Beadle had fallen silent. He was weary of talking. He would drift through synagogue or through the streets, hunched over, eyes cast down, avoiding people’s gaze. In those days it was still possible to buy emigration certificates to Palestine. I had asked my father to sell everything, to liquidate everything, and to leave” (Wiesel 8).  

VI. Examples of Autobiography in Pop Culture

One example of an autobiography that was a hit in the movie theaters is “American Sniper,” the story of Navy SEAL Chris Kyle. According to an article in the Dallas, Texas, magazine D, Kyle donated all the proceeds from the film to veterans and their families. He had a story to tell, and he used it to help others. His story is a memoir, focusing on a specific time period of his life when he was overseas in the military.

An autobiography by a young Olympian is “Grace, Gold and Glory: My Leap of Faith” by Gabrielle (Gabby) Douglas. She had a writer, Michelle Burford, help her in writing her autobiography. This is common for those who have a story to tell but may not have the words to express it well. Gabby was the darling of the 2012 Olympics, winning gold medals for the U.S. in gymnastics along with being the All-Around Gold Medal winner, the first African-American to do so. Many young athletes see her as an inspiration. Her story also became a television movie, “The Gabby Douglas Story.”

VII. Related Terms

The life story of one person written by another. The purpose may to be highlight an event or person in a way to help the public learn a lesson, feel inspired, or to realize that they are not alone in their circumstance. Biographies are also a way to share history. Historic and famous people may have their biographies written by many authors who research their lives years after they have died.

VIII. Conclusion

Autobiographies are a way for people to share stories that may educate, inform, persuade, or inspire others. Many people find writing their stories to be therapeutic, healing them beyond what any counseling might do or as a part of the counseling. Autobiographies are also a way to keep history alive by allowing people in the present learn about those who lived in the past. In the future, people can learn a lot about our present culture by reading autobiographies by people of today.

List of Terms

• Alliteration
• Amplification
• Anachronism
• Anthropomorphism
• Antonomasia
• APA Citation
• Aposiopesis
• Bildungsroman
• Characterization
• Circumlocution
• Cliffhanger
• Comic Relief
• Connotation
• Deus ex machina
• Deuteragonist
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Dramatic irony
• Equivocation
• Extended Metaphor
• Figures of Speech
• Flash-forward
• Foreshadowing
• Intertextuality
• Juxtaposition
• Literary Device
• Malapropism
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Point of View
• Polysyndeton
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Rhetorical Device
• Rhetorical Question
• Science Fiction
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
• Synesthesia
• Turning Point
• Understatement
• Urban Legend
• Verisimilitude
• Essay Guide
• Cite This Website

How To Write An Autobiography

Autobiography Examples

11+ Autobiography Examples: A Detailed Guide

People also read

Learn How to Write an Autobiography Step by Step

Basic Types of Autobiography Writing With Examples

Simple Autobiography Format for Students to Follow

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

Autobiography vs. Memoir - Differences & Similarities

How to Write a Memoir: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever thought about telling your life story? 

An autobiography is like a special book about you – your experiences, ups, downs, and everything in between. 

But when it comes to autobiography writing , putting it all into words, it can feel a bit tricky, especially for students like you.

In this blog, we're here to help you understand what an autobiography is all about and make it easier for you to write one with the help of examples. 

We'll dive into practical examples and autobiography templates to help you see how it's done. 

So, let's dive in!

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

• 1. Memoir Vs Autobiography Example 
• 2. Autobiography Outline Examples
• 3. How to Write an Autobiography - Examples
• 4. Autobiography Examples for Students
• 5. Personal Autobiography Examples
• 6. Famous Autobiography Examples

Memoir Vs Autobiography Example 

Memoirs and autobiographies both delve into personal experiences, but they have their own styles and purposes. 

Let’s jump into example to see what is the actual difference between memoir and autobiography:

Memoir Vs Autobiography Example PDf

Autobiography Outline Examples

Any academic or professional writing needs to follow a proper format to organize the information. And an outline is the best way to follow the proper format. It helps you organize your information and structure your data into a proper format.

Here are some autobiography outline examples to help you learn the basics of the autobiography format .

Autobiography Outline for College - Example

Autobiography Sample Outline

How to Write an Autobiography - Examples

As we have mentioned earlier, there are as many stories as there are people on earth. Each of the stories is different from the others; no two of them could be the same. 

How you present your ideas really matters. That's why using the right strategies and the correct format is essential to make your writing creative.

It is important to know the difference between autobiography and biography . These examples will help you learn how to start an autobiography that leaves a good impression on the reader’s mind.

Autobiography Sample PDF

Writing an Autobiography - Example

Autobiography Examples for Students

An autobiography is your life story. If your teacher tells you to write one, they just want to hear about your life. Even if you think your story isn't super exciting, following the structure can make it work better.

These autobiography examples for students will help you understand how you can properly format the autobiography.

Autobiography Examples for Kids 

School is a time of discovery, and what better way to explore your own journey than through the lens of an autobiography? Here are some great autobiography examples crafted specifically for kids.

Autobiography Examples Ks2

Autobiography Examples For Grade 7

Autobiography Examples For Class 6

Short Autobiography Example for Students

Here is a sample of a short autobiography for you. Give it a good read and learn how to write an excellent short autobiography.

Short Autobiography for Students - Example

High School Autobiography Example

Check out this sample and learn to write an incredible  autobiography for  high school students.

High School Autobiography - Example

Spiritual Autobiography Example for College Students

Spiritual autobiographies give a glimpse into the spiritual person's life. Have a look at the following sample spiritual autobiography and give it a good read to learn more.

Spiritual Autobiography for College Students - Example

Cultural Autobiography Examples 

Here is a sample of a cultural autobiography that contains detailed information on culture. Have a look at the sample to know more about it.

Cultural Autobiography Examples

Funny Autobiography Examples 

Autobiographies are thought to be boring and mundane, but that is not the case. You can make an interesting story, as well as funny. Learn to write a funny autobiography by this example.

Funny Autobiography Examples

Educational Autobiography Example

Here is a sample educational autobiography that will help you formulate an effective and inspiring autobiography.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Social Class Autobiography Example

Writing a social class or sociology assignment could be a bit difficult. This sample will help you work on yours easily.

Rambling Autobiography Examples

Rambling autobiographies are like a casual conversation with a friend, where stories unfold in their own unique way. 

Let’s jump into some fascinating examples about this type of autobiography:

Personal Autobiography Examples

Personal autobiography or personal narrative essay provides a complete picture of the author’s life story. The following personal autobiography demonstrates how to write a personal narrative autobiography.

Personal Narrative Autobiography - Example

Autobiography Examples for Students About Yourself

Famous Autobiography Examples

Autobiographical essays are usually about famous people or historical figures. Just as a renowned autobiography of Benjamin Franklin tells us about his life, his unfinished records, his accomplishments, etc.

Below are some examples of famous autobiographies for your better understanding:

Famous Literacy Autobiography Example

Famous Autobiography - Sample

All in all, we have explored different examples, like understanding what makes memoirs different from autobiographies and exploring rambling ones. These examples are like guides to help you tell your own story and maybe inspire others on your writing journey. 

So, go ahead, give it a try, and have fun telling your unique tale!

And if you need assistance you can always content MyPerfectWords.com , the best paper writing service !

Our online essay writer can do autobiography essay writing for you! All you have to do is share your story, place the order!

Get your custom autobiography in no time!

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

autobiography

What is autobiography definition, usage, and literary examples, autobiography definition.

An  autobiography  (awe-tow-bye-AWE-gruh-fee) is a self-written  biography . The author writes about all or a portion of their own life to share their experience, frame it in a larger cultural or historical context, and/or inform and entertain the reader.

Autobiographies have been a popular literary genre for centuries. The first Western autobiography is attributed to Saint Augustine of Hippo for his 13-book work titled  Confessions , written between 397 and 400 CE. Some autobiographies are a straightforward narrative that recollects a linear chain of events as they unfolded. The genre has expanded and evolved to include different approaches to the form.

The word  autobiography  comes from the Ancient Greek  auto  (“self”) +  bios  (“life”) +  graphein  (“to write”) = “a self-written life.” It is also known as autography .

The History of Autobiography

Scholars regard Augustine’s  Confessions  as the first Western autobiography. Other autobiographical works from antiquity include Jewish historian Flavius Josephus’s  Vita  (circa 99 CE) and Greek scholar Libanius’s  Oration I  (374 CE). Works of this kind were called apologias, which essentially means “in my defense.” Writers approached these works not as acts of self-documentation but as self-defense. They represented a way to explain and provide rationale for their life, work, and escapades. There was also less focus on their emotional lives.

The Book of Margery Kempe , written in 1438 by an English Christian mystic, is the earliest known autobiography in English. (Though it didn’t see full publication until the 20th century.) Other early English-language biographies of note include:

• Lord Herbert of Cherbury’s 1764 memoirs
• John Bunyan’s  Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners  in 1666
• Jarena Lee’s  The Life and Religious Experience of Jarena Lee  (the first autobiography of an African American woman)

Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s  Confessions was published in 1782. It paved the way for the more thoughtful, emotionally centered autobiographies seen today. Autobiography as a literary genre emerged a few years later, when British scholar William Taylor first used the term to describe a self-written biography. He did so disparagingly, suggesting the form was  pedantic . In 1809, English Romantic poet Robert Southey used the term more seriously to describe self-written biographies.

Starting in the 20th century, more young people started writing autobiographies. Perhaps the most famous example is Anne Frank’s  The Diary of a Young Girl , about her time hiding from the Nazis in an Amsterdam attic. The 21st century saw an increase in autobiographical essay collections and memoirs by younger celebrities, including:

• Anna Kendrick
• Mindy Kaling
• Gabourey Sidibe
• Mike Birbiglia
• Lena Dunham
• Chelsea Handler

Autobiographies are not immune to controversy. One notable scandal involved author James Frey’s  A Million Little Pieces . Originally billed as a memoir, evidence later emerged that Frey invented key parts of the story. This example underscores how easily authors can cross over into autofiction—fictional autobiography—and how seriously readers take authors’ responsibility to accurately and honestly market their books.

Types of Autobiographies

There are a few different types of self-written works that qualify as autobiography.

Standard Autobiographies

In the most traditional form, authors recount their life or specific formative events from their life. This approach often utilizes a chronological format of events, but it doesn’t necessarily have to. An author’s approach might include a framing device such as flashbacks, in which they move from the present to the past as they remember their lives. For example, Broadway star Patti LuPone’s self-titled autobiography begins on the opening night of  Gypsy  in 2004 before moving back in time to LuPone’s childhood. An author could take a more stream-of-consciousness style, in which one memory links to another by a common theme. Irish writer Seán O’Casey narrates his six-volume  Autobiographies  in this manner

This is a type of autobiography that is narrower in scope and focus. It places greater emphasis on particular memories, thoughts, and feelings. A standard autobiography can certainly cover some of this same ground—most do—but the memoir is more interested in individual events or defined portions of the author’s life and the emotions and lessons behind them.

Henry David Thoreau is a notable memoirist. In Walden , he reflects on his time spent living in solitude in the woods of Massachusetts and what he learned about life and nature throughout this experience. Another example is  The Year of Magical Thinking  by Joan Didion, which relates the death of her husband and its impact on her life and work. Another is  Wild  by Cheryl Strayed, wherein Strayed remembers her time hiking the Pacific Crest Trail during a period of great change in her life.

Autofiction

The fictionalized autobiography, or autofiction, is another type of autobiography. The author presents their story not as fact but as fiction. This method gives them considerable space to take creative license with events and characters, thereby blurring the lines between reality and fiction. The overall goal is less about the author wanting to obscure facts and make things up and more a matter of taking another tactic to delve into their experiences in service of self-discovery.  Taipei  by Tao Lin is a work of autofiction. The central character, Paul, mirrors Lin’s own life and experiences, from the literary world of New York City to his ancestral roots in Taiwan.

Spiritual Autobiographies

These autobiographies center on the author’s religious or spiritual awakening and the subsequent journey their faith has taken them on. Common elements include struggles and doubt, a life-altering conversion, periods of regression, and sharing the “message.” These all act as endorsements of the author’s faith. Augustine’s  Confessions , Paramahansa Yogananda’s  Autobiography of a Yogi , and Augusten Burroughs’s  Toil & Trouble: A Memoir  are all spiritual autobiographies.

Autobiography vs. Biography

Both autobiographies and  biographies  are records of real lives, but there is one major distinction. A person other than the book’s subject writes a biography, while the subject themselves writes an autobiography. In this way, an autobiography is essentially a biography of the self. The biographer’s job is typically more involved, entailing detailed research into the life of the subject. The autobiographer, however, is usually not burdened by this because they lived through the events they write about. They may need only to confirm dates and stories to accurately relate the pertinent details.

The Function of Autobiography

An autobiography allows the author to tell the true story of their own life. This is the reason why autobiographies have always been written by famous people. History tends to remember notable individuals for just one significant contribution or event and, even then, the public’s perception of it may be inaccurate. Writing an autobiography allows the author to share the real story and put it into the larger context of their life and times.

Most readers pick up an autobiography expecting some degree of subjectivity from the author. After all, the events chronicled happened to the author, so the writing will of course have a biased  perspective . There are advantages to this subjectivity, though. The reader gets the real story directly from the person who lived it, unvarnished by others’ opinions or erroneous historical data.

One way this subjectivity is problematic is that the author may not possess the ability to see the story they’re telling from other perspectives. For example, they may not acknowledge any hurt they caused others, dangerous behaviors they engaged in, or the “other side” of a controversial event in which there are equally valid opposing viewpoints and experiences. Any of these deficiencies can result in a somewhat skewed narrative.

Writers Known for Autobiography & Autobiography Books

• Maya Angelou,  I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings ,  Gather Together in My Name
• Jung Chang,  Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China
• Isak Dinesen,  Out of Africa ,  Shadows on the Grass
• Carrie Fisher,  Wishful Drinking ,  Shockaholic
• Anne Frank,  The Diary of a Young Girl
• Ernest Hemingway,  A Moveable Feast
• Karl Ove Knausgård,  My Struggle
• Frank McCourt,  Angela’s Ashes
• Anaïs Nin,  The Diaries of Anaïs Nin
• Marcel Proust,  Remembrance of Things Past
• Patti Smith,  Just Kids ,  M Train
• Mark Twain, The Autobiography of Mark Twain
• Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
• Malcolm X, The Autobiography of Malcolm X
• Agatha Christie, Agatha Christie: An Autobiography
• Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
• Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi: An Autobiography 

Examples of Autobiographies

1. Maya Angelou,  I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Angelou’s autobiography is the first installment in a seven-volume series chronicling the life of the legendary poet, teacher, actress, director, dancer, and civil rights activist. Given all those roles, it’s easy to see why Angelou’s life story makes for interesting reading.

This volume centers primarily on her early life in Stamps, Arkansas, and the devastating effects of a childhood rape. It also explores racism in the American South. It discuses the important role reading plays in helping young Maya deal with the sexual assault and pervasive prejudice in her environment.

2. Helen Keller,  The Story of My Life

Keller’s autobiography details her first 20 years, starting with the childhood illness that caused her blindness and deafness. She discusses the obstacles she had to overcome and the life-changing relationship she shared with her teacher, Anne Sullivan, who helped her learn to read and write. Keller also documents her friendships with several famous figures of her day, including Alexander Graham Bell, John Greenleaf Whittier, Oliver Wendell Holmes, and First Lady Frances Cleveland.

3. Vinh Chung,  Where the Wind Leads

Chung’s autobiography recalls the harrowing story of a Vietnamese refugee and his journey to make the American Dream his own. Born in South Vietnam, Chung comes of age in a changing political climate that eventually compels his family to flee the country. Their voyage takes them through the South China Sea, run-ins with pirates, resettlement in Arkansas, and Chung’s graduation from Harvard Medical School.

How to Write an Autobiography

Autobiography is a truly universal art form and is accessible to anyone, whether you're in high school or 100 years old. Exploring the process of writing an autobiography deserves an article in itself, but the process should include these steps:

• Determine your "why." What lessons do you want to impart via your story, and why are they worth sharing with a broader audience?
• Draft an autobiographical outline. It should include information about your upbringing, impactful moments throughout your life, stories of failure and success, and meaningful mentors.
• Begin with the easiest sections. Getting started is often the greatest hurdle, so begin by writing the chapters that feel most accessible or enjoyable.
• Write your first draft. Once you write the first chapters, it will feel easier to write the rest. Capitalize on your momentum and write a full draft.
• Step away. As with anything, stepping away from your work will help foster fresh perspectives when you return.
• Edit and re-write your draft. Your first draft will probably benefit from thorough revisions, as will your second draft, and maybe your third. Continue to edit and revise until it feels right.
• Ask for help. Bring in a trusted family member or friend or professional editor to help with final edits.

Further Resources on Autobiography

ThoughtCo. shares some  important points to consider before writing an autobiography .

The Living Handbook of Narratology delves into the  history of the autobiography .

MasterClass breaks autobiography writing down into  eight basic steps .

Pen & the Pad looks at the  advantages and disadvantages of the autobiography .

Lifehack has a list of  15 autobiographies everyone should read at least once .

Related Terms

• Frame Story
• Point of View