List of biographers

List of Biographers

This is a comprehensive list of notable biographers who have made significant contributions to the field of biography writing. A biographer is an individual who writes the life story of another person, documenting their achievements, experiences, and impact on society. Biographies provide valuable insights into the lives of historical figures, celebrities, and influential individuals from various fields.

Ancient Biographers

Plutarch: A Greek biographer and essayist, Plutarch is best known for his work "Parallel Lives," which compares the lives of famous Greeks and Romans. His biographies offer valuable historical information and moral lessons.

Suetonius: A Roman biographer, Suetonius is renowned for his work "The Twelve Caesars," which provides detailed accounts of the lives of the first twelve Roman emperors. His biographies offer a glimpse into the political and social climate of ancient Rome.

Renaissance Biographers

Giorgio Vasari: An Italian painter and architect, Vasari is considered the first art historian. His work "Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects" provides biographical accounts of prominent artists of the Renaissance period.

Giovanni Boccaccio: An Italian writer and poet, Boccaccio is known for his collection of biographies titled "Famous Women." This work highlights the achievements and virtues of notable women throughout history.

Modern Biographers

James Boswell: A Scottish lawyer and writer, Boswell is famous for his biography of Samuel Johnson, titled "The Life of Samuel Johnson." This biography is considered a landmark in the genre and offers valuable insights into Johnson's life and literary contributions.

Lytton Strachey: An English writer and critic, Strachey is known for his innovative approach to biography writing. His work "Eminent Victorians" challenged traditional biographical conventions and provided a fresh perspective on notable figures from the Victorian era.

Robert Caro: An American biographer, Caro is renowned for his extensive biographical series on Lyndon B. Johnson, which includes "The Path to Power," "Means of Ascent," "Master of the Senate," and "The Passage of Power." Caro's meticulous research and detailed storytelling have earned him critical acclaim.

Contemporary Biographers

Doris Kearns Goodwin: An American historian and biographer, Goodwin has written several notable biographies, including "Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln." Her works offer in-depth explorations of the lives and leadership styles of prominent historical figures.

Ron Chernow: An American writer and biographer, Chernow is known for his comprehensive biographies of influential figures such as Alexander Hamilton and Ulysses S. Grant. His meticulously researched works provide a nuanced understanding of their subjects' lives and contributions.

Walter Isaacson: An American writer and journalist, Isaacson has written biographies of notable figures such as Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Leonardo da Vinci. His works delve into the personal and professional lives of these individuals, shedding light on their achievements and impact.

This list is by no means exhaustive, as there are numerous talented biographers who have contributed to the genre. Biographies continue to be an important source of knowledge and inspiration, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the lives and legacies of remarkable individuals.

See Also

• Biography
• List of Autobiographers
• List of Memoirists