Essays in Biography

Essays in Biography by Carl Rollyson explores the nature and history of the biographical genre through essays on notable biographers, literary and historical figures, and philosophical and political icons. Rollyson highlights the challenges of capturing incomplete and revisable lives, urging readers to approach biographies with a critical eye. The book discusses the unique form of biographical essays, emphasizing their importance as a distinct way of understanding lives while questioning modern critics' tendency to separate creator from work.