Biography, Memoir, and Life Writing
From Simmons Library Research Guides
We have selected these resources to help you find relevant information on your research topic. Please contact a librarian for help using the resources listed in this guide or for help with your research process.
Contents |
About the Genre
Nonfictional life writing can fall into several different categories:
- Biographies are literature whose subject is the life of an individual
- Autobiographies are biographies of oneself narrated by oneself
- Memoirs are histories composed from personal observation and experience. While closely related to autobiography, a memoir is less formal, less well-documented, and often, about only a segment of a person's life.
- Diaries and Journals are written for the author and not for an audience. They are not organized in story form, but have individual entries, usually in date order, and are considered support documents for other types of biography
For further explanation, see entries on each of these categories in the Encyclopedia of Life Writing
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General Resources on Life Writing
- Encyclopedia of Life Writing
Level 1 Reference CT21 .E53 2001
This encyclopedia has entries on themes and topics common in life writing as well as short entries on prominent authors. - Real Story: A Guide to Nonfiction Reading Interests
Level 1 Reference Z711.55 .C67 2006
This work serves as a roadmap to nonfiction reading. It defines the genre and it's appeal and describes more than 500 popular nonfiction titles and organizes them according to genre.
Use the Simmons Eresource called [http://0-refuniv.odyssi.com.library.simmons.edu/ Reference Universe] to search for information about your topic in all of our Reference sources.
or, search for Reference sources that contain information about your specific research topic here:
Biography
- Biography Reference Center
Simmons Eresource
The Biography Resource Center provides biographical information about subjects from a diverse range of backgrounds. Entries include full-text articles from hundreds of periodicals and reference sources. You may search for subjects based on one or more personal facts, such as birth and death year, nationality, ethnicity, occupation or gender, or combine criteria to create a highly-targeted custom search.
- Cambridge Biographical Encyclopedia
Level 1 Reference CT103 .C26 1998
This encyclopedia contains brief biographical information about over 16,000 important figures from all over the world, with cross referencing . Be sure to check out the Ready Reference section at the book's end which includes useful information such as nation's past and present political leaders, literary prize winners, and sports record holders.
- Cambridge Dictionary of American Biography
Level 1 Reference CT213 .C36 1995
An alphabetical dictionary of brief biographies of notable Americans from different historical periods. At the very end of the book is an occupational index with all of the subjects organized alphabetically by vocation, (for example, all business and industry figures are listed together) which may be useful when you have to research a notable figure in a certain career field.
- Chambers Biographical Dictionary
Level 1 Reference CT103 .C4 1997
This resource contains over 17,500 biographies concentrating on important individuals or groups. It includes international coverage of the arts, science, technology, sport, politics, philosophy, and business. It is fully cross-referenced, with thousands of suggestions for further reading.
Indexes
- Biography and Genealogy Master Index
Level 1 Reference CT214 .B58
This multi-volume resource is a good place to start in locating biographical information about obscure or otherwise difficult-to-locate individuals.
- The Biography Index
Level 1 Reference CT104 .B5
This is a cumulative index to biographical material in books and magazines going as far back as 1946. Each volume covers certain year ranges (for example volume 1 covers January 1946 - July 1949). Entries are arranged alphabetically by the subject's last name and include citations for material written about them.
- Biography Reference Center
Simmons Eresource
The Biography Resource Center provides biographical information about subjects from a diverse range of backgrounds. Entries include full-text articles from hundreds of periodicals and reference sources. You may search for subjects based on one or more personal facts, such as birth and death year, nationality, ethnicity, occupation or gender, or combine criteria to create a highly-targeted custom search.
- Notable Women in World History : a Guide to Recommended Biographies and Autobiographies
Level 1 Reference CT3230 .A28 1998
Entries in this volume contain brief biographical information about noteworthy women from around the world. Annotated citations for further reading are also included.
Contemporary Biography
- Current Biography Yearbook
Level 1 Reference CT100 .C8
This series focuses specifically on individuals who are currently alive and culturally relevant. The subjects are culled from diverse fields, including music, writing, photography, politics, law, and business. Unlike more general biographical encyclopedias and dictionaries, the entries in this source are quite extensive, and include recommended further reading.
- Template:Debrett's People of Today
- Who's Who
Level 1 Reference DA28 .W6
Updated annually, this biographical dictionary contains over 32,000 entries on notable individuals of diverse backgrounds. The entries are arranged alphabetically and include information about education, careers, and notable work. Contact information is often provided.
- Who's Who in America
Level 1 Reference E176.W642
This two volume set features over 100,000 profiles of notable individuals. Information includes occupation, educational background, and contact information.
National Biography
- American National Biography
Level 1 Reference CT213 .A68 1999
A 24-volume collection of biographies of Americans who have made significant achievements or who have influenced the course of American history.
- Biographical Cyclopaedia of American Women
Level 1 Reference CT3260 .B5 1974
Originally published in 1924, this 2-volume encyclopedia features profiles of exceptional American women from colonial times through the early 20th century. While most names are not widely familiar, the biographies are an enlightening source of information about non-conforming women across several decades of American history. The entries are not arranged alphabetically, making the work easiest to navigate by the index.
- Cambridge Dictionary of American Biography
Level 1 Reference CT213 .C36 1995
An alphabetical dictionary of brief biographies of notable Americans from different historical periods. At the very end of the book is an occupational index with all of the subjects organized alphabetically by vocation, (for example, all business and industry figures are listed together) which may be useful when you have to research a notable figure in a certain career field.
- National Cyclopedia of American Biography
Level 1 Reference E176 .N28
Simmons owns 63 volumes of this biographical reference work. The biographical information is quite extensive and detailed (although not always up to date -- it should be used along with another, more modern biographical reference work).
- Oxford Dictionary of National Biography /
Level 1 Reference DA28.D4 O95 2004
This sixty volume biographical dictionary contains information on all who have changed history and accomplished greatness in Great Britain and overseas, such as John Adams. Each entry contains a great deal of early life and career details, as well as recommended reading on each subject. Note: The series focuses on those who have died before the year 2000.
Ethnic Biography
- Native American Women : A Biographical Dictionary
Level 1 Reference E98.W8 B38 1993
Artists, activists, writers, and storytellers are among the Native American women profiled for this biographical dictionary. Each entry has a detailed profile and citations of books where you can find more information about each person.
- Notable Asian Americans
Level 1 Reference E184.A75 N67 1995
Biographies of accomplished Asian Americans such as Amy Tan, Gary Locke, and Vera Wang.
- Notable Black American Women
Level 1 Reference E185.96 .N68
This resource contains biographical information on hundreds of notable black American women of all backgrounds and professions, from Gloria Naylor to Carolyn Moseley-Braun to Betty Shabazz. Entries are arranged alphabetically by the subject's last name.
- Notable Hispanic American Women
Level 1 Reference E184.S75.N68 1993
Entries in this resource are listed alphabetically by last name and include information about the subject's educational background, career and notable accomplishments. A subject index and some images are included.
- Notable Native Americans
Level 1 Reference E89.N67 1995
Entries in this resource are listed alphabetically by last name and include information about the subject's educational background, career and notable accomplishments. A subject index and some images are included.
- Who's Who Among African Americans
Level 1 Reference E185.96 .W54
More than 20,000 African American men and women are profiled in this extensive reference work. Everyone from public figures to notable doctors, lawyers, business leaders, and others who are changing and shaping their profession are all found in this book.
Women's Biography
- Biographical Cyclopaedia of American Women
Level 1 Reference CT3260 .B5 1974
Originally published in 1924, this 2-volume encyclopedia features profiles of exceptional American women from colonial times through the early 20th century. While most names are not widely familiar, the biographies are an enlightening source of information about non-conforming women across several decades of American history. The entries are not arranged alphabetically, making the work easiest to navigate by the index.
- Black Women in America
Level 1 Reference E185.86 .B542 2005
A three-volume encyclopedia on topics ranging from "Abolitionist Movement" to "Childhood." The entries are alphabetical by subject and provide extensive and organized information, a bibliography, relevant illustrations, and references to related topics.
- Continuum Dictionary of Women's Biography
Level 1 Reference CT3202.I57 1989
Unlike many biographical reference works, this dictionary does not focus on just one time period, one nation, or one type of occupation. From Chinese feminists to English novelists, you can find information about many remarkable women from all over the world, whose achievements are often overlooked, but who have still helped shape society.
- Dictionary of Women Worldwide
Level 1 Reference CT3202 .D53 2007
Entries for 25,000 women throughout the ages are arranged alphabetically in this three-volume set, which also includes genealogical charts and bibliographic references, as well as Era, Geographic and Occupational Indexes.
- Template:Macmillan Dictionary of Women's Biography
- Native American Women : A Biographical Dictionary
Level 1 Reference E98.W8 B38 1993
Artists, activists, writers, and storytellers are among the Native American women profiled for this biographical dictionary. Each entry has a detailed profile and citations of books where you can find more information about each person.
- Notable American Women
Level 1 Reference CT3260.N57
There are two parts to this biographical dictionary -- Notable American Women: 1607-1950, a three volume set edited by Edward T. James, and Notable American Women: The Modern Period edited by Barbara Sicherman et. al. The 1607-1950 volume contains extensive details about women from three historical periods occurring before 1950, and how the women shaped and changed that history. The volume about The Modern Period covers up to the mid twentieth century, and the subjects range from Helena Rubenstein to Janis Joplin. Both works have a great deal of scope and detail in their biographies, and although some information is dated, it is still valuable.
- Notable Black American Women
Level 1 Reference E185.96 .N68
This resource contains biographical information on hundreds of notable black American women of all backgrounds and professions, from Gloria Naylor to Carolyn Moseley-Braun to Betty Shabazz. Entries are arranged alphabetically by the subject's last name.
- Notable Hispanic American Women
Level 1 Reference E184.S75.N68 1993
Entries in this resource are listed alphabetically by last name and include information about the subject's educational background, career and notable accomplishments. A subject index and some images are included.
- Notable Women in World History : a Guide to Recommended Biographies and Autobiographies
Level 1 Reference CT3230 .A28 1998
Entries in this volume contain brief biographical information about noteworthy women from around the world. Annotated citations for further reading are also included.
- The Penguin Biographical Dictionary
Simmons Eresource
The Penguin Biographical Dictionary of Women has over 1,600 on women from all over the world, and through the ages.
- Significant Contemporary American Feminists: A Biographical Sourcebook
Level 1 Reference HQ1412.S56 1999
Entries within this reference resource devoted to the topic of notable feminists are also written by notable feminists. Such well-known authors include Gloria Steinem and Alice Walker. Entries are organized alphabetically, include a 5-6 page essay, as well including works, writings, and accomplishments by the select feminist. Additional entires include a selected bibliography, index, and information about the editor and contributors.
- Women in World History: A Biographical Encyclopedia
Level 1 Reference HQ1115 .W6 1999
A beautiful set of volumes. Take note of the 10,000 biographical entries on both lesser-known women not readily recognized outside of their communities and cultures alongside entries on the renowned stars of world history. The primary attraction to the reviewer are the fantastic indices found in the 17th and final volume. These four indices (Era, Geographic, Occupation/Experience, and Name) are what forge the crucial link between the breadth of coverage and the ease of use on the part of the patron..
Artist Biography
- Benezit Dictionary of Artists
Level 1 Reference N40 .D5213 2006
This 14-volume work features information on painters, sculptors, designers and engravers from antiquity to the present. In use for over a century, this first English translation is an indispensable reference for art historians, museum curators, dealers, and collectors. Entries include artist biographies, descriptions of museums and galleries, graphics (including artist signatures, monograms and stamps of sale), auction records, and scholarly bibliographies.
- Contemporary Artists
Level 1 Reference N40 .C66
Published in 1996, this volume contains profiles of over 800 artists of the post-WWII era. Painting, graphics, sculpture, mixed media, video and computer art is covered. Biographical data, exhibitions and critical essays included.
- Dictionary of Contemporary American Artists
Level 1 Reference N6512 .C854 1994
Rather than provide extensive life details about the artists profiled in this dictionary, each entry provides information about the artists' education, the art dealers that have handled this artist, and the exhibitions, collections, and shows that the artist has participated in, along with other brief biographical details. For more information, there is an extensive bibliography provided, as well as a directory of the museums and galleries that have displayed works by these artists.
- Contemporary Photographers
Level 1 Reference NH30 .C66
Not only does this work provide extensive biographical information about the photographers profiled, but there is a full timeline of exhibitions, collections, and shows for each photographer, as well as life, education, and career details, and a bibliography of works published. As a bonus, there are many full page images of the photographers' most famous photos. This is an essential source for learning about an individual photographer's work.
- Dictionary of Women Artists
Level 1 Reference N8354 .D53 1997
This two volume reference work contains detailed information about where the artists exhibited their work and bibliographies of writings by and about each artist, there are also full page reproductions of their works, and extensive biographical details about how the artists' lives have affected their works. This is an incredibly informative and valuable source.
- Index to Artistic Biography
Level 1 Reference N40 .H38
The title says it all. All you have to do is look up an artist by last name, and right next to each entry, there is an abbreviation (such as CDC for A Dictionary of Contemporary American Artists)of a reference resource where you can find more information. Note: The Beatley Library has some but not all of the reference works cited in this book.
- St. James Guide to Black Artists
Level 1 Reference N40 .S78 1997
Painters, print-makers, and all types of other artists are profiled in this work. Contains extensive biographical information and many images of artists' works.
- Women Artists in the United States: A Selective Bibliography and Resource Guide on the Fine and Decorative Arts, 1750-1986
Level 1 Reference N6536.W65 1990
A critical bibliography, comprised of approximately 4000 entries, on American women in the fine and decorative arts. Includes all types of publications and some archival materials.
- World Artists
Level 1 Reference N6489 .M37
This source is split into two volumes, the first covering years 1950-1980 and the latter covering years 1980-1990. The subjects are arranged alphabetically, and include a biography about the artist, birth date, exhibitions, collections, and a bibliography. Also, most passages include a picture of the artist.
Literary Biography
- Dictionary of Literary Biography
Level 1 Reference: Multiple Volumes
Dictionary of Literary Biography includes literary biographies and criticism of writers. Each volume is dedicated to a different genre, movement, and/or time period.
- Multicultural Writers from Antiquity to 1945: A Bio-bibliographical Sourcebook
Level 1 Reference PN452 .M85 2002
This source entries for more than 100 world writers from antiquity to 1945, "who were significantly influenced by cultures other than their own." The scope is truly international, including authors from Eastern and Western countries of the ancient world up to 1945. Signed entries include career biographies, evaluation of criticism, analysis of multicultural themes and contexts, and bibliographies for further reading. The entries focus on the socio-historical circumstances that led to the author's exile, emigration, religious conversion, education, and travel or residence in a foreign country.
- Multicultural Writers Since 1945: An A-to-Z guide
Level 1 Reference PN452 .M88 2004
A companion to Multicultural Writers from Antiquity to 1945, this work picks up where it left off and covers up to about 2000. Entries include career biographies and analysis of the authors' and works' multicultural context in the "Multicultural Theme" and "Survey of Criticism" sections.
- Cyclopedia of World Authors
Level 1 Reference PN451 .M36 2004
This resources provides biographical sketches for world authors from all over the world, throughout history--though emphasis is on English-language authors of the 20th Century. Entries include career biographies, lists of the authors' major works, and annotated bibliography for further research.
- Encyclopedia of World Writers
Level 1 Reference PN451 .E55 2005
This resource includes approximately on authors from antiquity up through the 20th century, with emphasis on the novelists, poets, dramatists, and short-story writers who are most frequently included in anthologies. Entries are cross-referenced and include biographical sketches, synopses of major works, and bibliographies for further research.
- Something About the Author
Level 1 Reference PN451 .S6
This historical multi-volume set was originally meant for children's use, but is now a staple for researching children's authors and literature. Information includes published writings of all types, illustration information, career details, and personal quotations.This is an essential series for those studying children's literature and children's librarianship.
- World Authors
Level 1 Reference PN451 .W3
The World Authors Series represent a wide variety of nations, cultures and eras: classical Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, Renaissance through the current century. The authors profiled wrote in over 30 languages including Italian, Greek, Latin, Hebrew, and Icelandic, and they include poets, novelists, dramatists, chroniclers, essayists, scientists, and theologians. This title presents biographical articles on major poets, dramatists, essayists, social scientists, and biographers during the time period represented in each volume. Profiles include career biographies, with discussions of the authors social context and their literary significance, critical evaluation of major works, a list of the author’s principal works with date first published, a list of major critical works, and a portrait or photograph, where available.
Autobiography
- Contemporary Authors Autobiography Series
Level 1 Reference PN451 .C61
This collection gathers together "mini-autobiographies" of important current writers. Writers range from creative writers, to poets, novelists, dramatists, and non-fiction writers. Included in the autobiography are photographs of interest and a bibliography of the writer's works.
Memoir
- Memoir Catalog Search
Simmons Catalog
This search links to all of the items in the Simmons Library Catalog that are "tagged" as memoirs.
Diaries and Journals
- American Diaries in Manuscript
Level 1 Reference CT214 .M37 1974
Provides a list of mainly unpublished diaries, although some published diaries are included. This book is a supplement to American Diaries. A brief description of the diary's content and the location of the manuscript is listed.
- American Diaries : an annotated bibliography of published American diaries and journals
Level 1 Reference CT214 .A74
Arranged chronologically, American Diaries lists 5,000 published diaries written by Americans from ranging from an personal account of a Civil War soldier to a diary written by famous American writers. Citations allow the researcher to find in which journal or book the diary is published in and a brief description of the diary's content is given.
