Here's why it's called "firsthand":
* Direct Experience: The author has lived the events they are describing, offering an intimate and authentic account.
* Personal Insights: They can share their thoughts, feelings, and motivations behind their actions, providing a deeper understanding of their life journey.
* Unfiltered Perspective: The author isn't relying on other people's interpretations or memories, giving a more direct and unfiltered view of their life.
Examples of firsthand biographies:
* "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" by Benjamin Franklin: A classic example of a firsthand biography, providing insights into the life of a Founding Father.
* "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou: A moving autobiography that explores Angelou's childhood experiences and her journey as a writer and activist.
* "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank: A poignant firsthand account of a young girl's life in hiding during World War II.
Distinguishing from other types of biography:
* Secondhand biography: Written by someone else about the subject's life, often drawing on interviews, research, and other sources.
* Collective biography: Focuses on the lives of several people, often connected by a common theme or event.