An autobiography is an account of a person's life written by that person. It is a first-person narrative that covers the author's experiences, thoughts, and reflections, often focusing on significant events and personal growth.

Autobiographies differ from memoirs in that they typically cover a broader span of life, while memoirs focus on a particular period or theme. Famous autobiographies include The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, The Story of My Life by Helen Keller, and Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela. They are valuable historical and literary documents.

Key points

• Life story written by the subject
• First-person narrative
• Broader than a memoir
• Historical and literary value