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Cover of Reading Biography

Reading Biography

by Carl Rollyson

Book Details

Publisher:iUniverse
Published:2004
Pages:85
Format:BOOK
Language:en

Reading Info

About This Book

Most book reviewers know very little about the history or the art of biography. Indeed, if there is any art in biography, it is the rare reviewer that acknowledges it or knows how to discuss it. Usually the reviewer regards biography as an occasion to wax eloquent about what he or she thinks of the subject. Little space, if any, is devoted to the biography's structure or style, to the biographer's peculiar problems, or to how the biography relates to others about the same subject. Carl Rollyson,

Our Review

This essential guide to biography criticism tackles the art form most reviewers overlook, offering readers a sophisticated framework for analyzing biographical structure, style, and the unique challenges biographers face. Carl Rollyson moves beyond simply judging the subject matter to dissect the craft itself, exploring how a biography is constructed and how it relates to other works on the same figure. This is a masterclass in reading with a critical eye, transforming the way we engage with life stories.

Rollyson’s work is indispensable for aspiring critics, literature students, and any serious reader who wants to understand the architecture behind a great life narrative. He equips you with the analytical tools to appreciate biography as a literary art, not just a factual report, fundamentally changing how you perceive and discuss non-fiction. This book will make your next encounter with a biography a deeper, more discerning experience.

Themes

Biography & Autobiography

Subjects

Biography & Autobiography