Quote:
Originally Posted by mikeod
I guess I wonder about the purpose of writing biographies of deceased people that reveal potentially negative aspects of their lives or beliefs that were not apparent when they were alive. They (the subject of the book) are not going to change. Are we enhanced by the knowledge of their frailties? Does this negate or diminish the rest of their lives or accomplishments? Is it fair to judge actions done so many years ago by today's standards?
When I was growing up, my grandparents believed a good meal consisted of meat, potatoes, and gravy. Nutritionists today would not think that a proper meal and one that may predispose someone to future health problems. We're my grandparents bad?
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I don't think it's a negative biography, per se. It appears it just doesn't gloss over the man's foibles.
I don't think that's a bad thing.