Perspective

The autobiography is written from the first-person, subjective point of view common to most autobiography. The author does not attempt to provide a precise history or even chronology but instead focuses on his subjective experiences during the period described. Chronologically, the book is organized in a typical fashion but numerous entries return to time periods already covered in summary and explore them in greater detail. Most events are noted only as happening within a given season (for example, spring or winter) or month. Several events in the book can be dated precisely because of their historic nature, though the author does not provide this dating. As an eye-witness participant to the events described the author is clearly reliable. The author is present in virtually every event described. He relates personal experiences in some great historical events and does not try to provide supplementary details that might place the...