Which do you prefer? Biographies written about someone? Or Autobiographies written by the actual person (and/or ghost-writer)?
I prefer biographies written about someone more than I do autobiographies. I like to read about historical figures, as I think they are more interesting. Yes, I have and will read the occasional memoir or autobiography, but if I have to choose one, I’ll go with the biography of the historical person every time. This preference reflects my love of history. I also am slightly distrustful of autobiographies. I personally feel that anyone who feels the need to write an entire book about him or herself suffers from an overly-large ego. I also question their motivation behind writing such a book. What makes them more interesting, or deserving, than you or me? So, my natural preference for anything historical and my skepticism draw me to biographies.
What about you? What is your preference?
Suey – LOL! I'm just distrustful by nature, I think, especially when it comes to the written word. I learned the lesson about not believing everything you read very, very well, I guess.
I didn't think of it that way, but that totally makes sense. Hmmmm… yeah!
Bellezza – Jackie O and Princess Di would be fascinating figures for biographies. I haven't picked up one on either one yet, but I would definitely not be adverse to doing so. I agree that it's not a genre I normally pick up, but every once in a while, they hit the spot!
Sarbear – I know it's naive, but I guess I feel that with autobiographies, it's not the whole truth. It's an edited truth so that the author can show the audience what they want to show. Biographies lose some of that bias and editing, in my opinion.
My two favorite biographies are about Jackie Kennedy (Can I remember the exact title? Not now!) and one I read this summer called The Diana Chronicles by Tina Brown. The later was fascinating, I could not put it down. Not normally a genre I pick up readily, I do enjoy a good biography from time to time.
Woot, woot for history! I agree with you — I like biographies better too.
Yay for history!!
I'm a history fan as well!