Biographer’s Day

Biographers Day is an American holiday dedicated to the art of biography. A biography is a literary work that depicts the life of a specific person in detail. This holiday is celebrated annually on May 16.

History

The exact origins of Biographers Day are unknown. However, the holiday is based on an event that took place in the mid-18th century when biographer Samuel Johnson met with his colleague James Boswell in London. Their meeting laid the foundation for the creation of one of England’s finest biographies, with Johnson himself as the subject.

Biographies have been written since ancient Rome, where they primarily focused on rulers and notable political figures, leaving a legacy for future generations. Biographies remain popular today, as they offer detailed insights into the lives of people, often individuals of global or local fame.

Interesting Facts

• Autobiographies are a formal genre of literature, but autobiographical novels or stories also exist, where real events are often embellished for narrative effect.
• In the 2nd century A.D., the longest collection of biographies of famous figures was compiled by Plutarch in ancient Greece.

How to Celebrate

Biographers Day encourages you to learn more about famous individuals and even consider writing your own autobiography, capturing a part of your life.

Share the holiday on social media. Ask others what biographies of famous people they’ve read and whether they’ve attempted to write their own.

When is Biographers Day in 2025?

Biographers Day is observed on May 16 each year.

Observations