Autobiography Examples

Autobiographies have been in any reader's reading list. It could be one autobiography or many, that is not of consequence. Everyone, who aims to be someone big someday, would dream of seeing their autobiography in the best seller list. But why do you have to be famous to write an autobiography? Anyone can write an autobiography. In this article, I have discussed a few autobiography examples.

Many influential people of modern times have brought about a difference in the mindset of the people via their autobiographies. They have used it, as a way to to put forth their experiences and inferences in a way, that people (the readers) relate to it better.

Autobiography Examples # 1 - Autobiography of Adolf Hitler: Through his book "Mein Kamph", which literally means "My Struggle" Hitler has put forth his life story and political views. The writing is so brilliant that even today a reader, at some, level is compelled to concur to his beliefs. The dictation of "Mein Kamph" begun in 1923 while Hitler was in imprisonment for committing political crimes.

This book has been a universal best seller and is still available freely at book stalls.

Autobiography Examples # 2 - Autobiography of Mahatma Gandhi: "My experiments with Truth", the book written by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi is one of the world's most influential books ever written. Just like Hitler, Mahatma Gandhi has tried to propound his beliefs, through his book. He has tried to show the difference between right and wrong. It covers his life up to 1920.

Unlike many autobiographies, Gandhi has shown a very truthful and humble side to himself in his autobiography.

Autobiography Examples # 3 - Autobiography of Barrack Obama: Barrack Obama is practically a modern day hero. In a way he has brought about a sense of sanity back to the world. His book "Dreams from My Father", has shown a very human and 'down to earth' side of this brilliant man. Barrack Obama has spoken about his race, education, culture and life in this book. His realistic writing style can make any reader relate to it, at the most primal level.

This book is not just about his life's journey but is also about his inferences, out of the experiences that he has had in this journey, so far.

A few more popular examples of autobiographies are:
"Daughter of Destiny" by Benazir Bhutto
"Memoires De La Vie Privee" by Benjamin Franklin
"The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Haley
"The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr." by Martin Luther King, Jr.

Tips to write an autobiography:
Like the examples of autobiographies discussed above, any autobiography needs to deal with a few aspects:
Introduction: One needs to give on introduction about themselves in the autobiography. This introduction needs to contain basic aspects like name, where you live, when and where were you born, what conditions were you born in, etc.

You in totality: This part of the autobiography deals with a general point of view, that you hold about yourself. It also needs to let the reader be able to visualize you in the current day. You need to include your current situations, habits, lifestyle etc.

Life, in general: This part of the autobiography deals with your view about life, on a general note. You need to include your understanding of life and its implications. This part is your route to propound your belief. So, make it descriptive.

View and aims: Here, you talk about where do you see yourself in the future or what you expect to happen in the future. This part, mostly, should be in compatibility with the previous aspect, else your reader could get confused and lose interest in the book.

Conclusion: Like all stories, an autobiography also needs to have an apt conclusion. You can leave a lasting impression on the reader with the help of your conclusion. Remember, you do not need to have a "moral of the story". You can simply end it with hope, if you like.

Always remember, it is your autobiography, not an example of an autobiography, you can write it the way you like. So, experiment and enjoy. As they say, "if you find it interesting while writing it, the reader will find it interesting while reading it". This is where I sign off. Hope to find your autobiography on the stands soon!!