Biographical research

Biographical research techniques and sources can be used to explore both public and private individuals. So, whether you’re interested in writing about a celebrity or preserving your ancestors’ life histories, here’s how to get started.

Mapping out what’s already known

As you begin to research a person, it’s a good idea to identify what’s already known. If s/he is a public figure, you’re bound to find all sorts of details fairly easily. A quick online search would be the first thing to do, followed by checking out biographical) and the Wikipedia-style Biographical Dictionary (). There are also numerous subject-specific reference books and websites, ranging from famous Scottish women to the FBI’s most wanted criminals. If an actual biographical or autobiographical book has already been published, add that to the top of your reading list too.