A biography is a written account of someone else\’s life, while an autobiography is a written account of one\’s own life. The key difference between the two is that a biography is written by an author who is not the subject of the book, while an autobiography is written by the person whose life is being chronicled.
One of the main differences between the two is the level of objectivity. A biography is typically written with the goal of providing an objective and unbiased account of the subject\’s life, while an autobiography is often more subjective, as the author is the subject of the book and may have their own biases and perspectives.
Another key difference is the level of detail and personal information included. A biography often includes more detailed information about the subject\’s life, including their childhood, education, career, and relationships. An autobiography, on the other hand, often focuses more on the author\’s personal experiences and reflections.
The research process for writing a biography and an autobiography also differs. For a biography, the author typically conducts extensive research on the subject, including interviews with family members, friends, and colleagues, as well as reviewing public records and other primary sources. An autobiography, on the other hand, is typically based on the author\’s own memories and experiences.
Additionally, a biography is usually written about a public figure, such as a celebrity, politician, or historical figure, while an autobiography is usually written by a private individual.
In a biography, the author is free to express their opinions and perspectives on the subject, while in an autobiography, the author is the subject and therefore, their opinions and perspectives are already known.
Another difference is that a biography is written after the subject has passed away, while an autobiography is written while the subject is still alive.
A biography also tend to be more formal in tone, while an autobiography is often more personal and conversational.
Lastly, a biography is often written to provide insight into the subject\’s life and legacy, while an autobiography is often written as a form of self-expression or a way for the author to tell their own story.
In conclusion, while both a biography and an autobiography are written accounts of a person\’s life, they have significant differences in terms of the level of objectivity, the level of detail included, the research process, the audience, the tone and the purpose of writing.