Biography or die trying quote

Biographies have existed as a literary genre for centuries. The earliest known examples are commemorative inscriptions inside ancient Egyptian tombs, and in the early second century CE, Greek and Roman literature started recording the lives of humans, not just gods.

By the 18th century, biographical writing became more popular as writers aimed to document notable figures, and it was during this time that The Life of Samuel Johnson () by James Boswell was released, becoming a standout and a forerunner for the biographies we know today.

What made Boswell’s book somewhat of a blueprint for the modern biography was his approach to storytelling. He conducted interviews, did extensive research, and, in the end, gave a nuanced portrait of his subject.

This trend continued throughout the 19th century, and exploded in popularity as the proliferation of radio, movies, and television gave us easier access to public figures, and fostered a celeb