This book examines biography as an art and literary form by uncovering the author's own experience as crime writer James Ellroy's biographer while scrutinizing how issues of reputation, perspective, time, and setting affect the genre. Powell follows the history and form of biography by analyzing recent controversies surrounding biographies of Philip Roth and John le Carré, as well as historical examples found in biographies of Byron and Beethoven. He explores the evolution of biographical styles, merging rigorous scholarship and experiential narrative in tracing the work of biographers who have historically protected their subjects, damaged their reputations, or even canceled them. All the while, he also reveals the twists, turns, and challenges he faced in rendering Ellroy’s life into literary biography.

Steven Powell is Honorary Fellow in the Department of English at the University of Liverpool, UK. His previous books include Love Me Fierce in Danger: The Life of James Ellroy (2023), which won the Edgar Award, James Ellroy: Demon Dog of Crime Fiction (2016), and 100 American Crime Writers (2012).