Comparing Biography and Autobiography
... The effects of perspective can be seen in an autobiographical work by Calamity Jane, and in a biography of Abraham Lincoln. ... The purpose of Calamity Jane’s autobiography is rather clear, as she states at the close of the piece that she hoped “this little history . ... With these stories dominating her autobiography, it would be reasonable to assume that her life was defined by such excitement. ... In stark contrast, Helen Nicolay’s biography of Abraham Lincoln looks at instances of the President’s childhood, and how it influenced the adult Lincoln. ... Beyond anecdotal evidence from Lincoln’s childhood, Nicolay also uses a tone of reverence when describing him in her biography.