What type of writing is a biographical account of someone's life?

A biographical account of someone's life is classified as a biography. This genre involves an in-depth exploration and representation of an individual's experiences, accomplishments, and timeline, often narrated by someone other than the person whose life is being detailed. Biographies aim to present a comprehensive view of the subject's life, including historical context, personal anecdotes, and achievements, allowing readers to gain insights into the person's influences and contributions.

An essay, while it can include biographical elements, is typically more focused on a specific topic or argument rather than providing a full account of a person's life. An autobiography, on the other hand, is written by the individual themselves, offering a personal perspective on their life experiences. Lastly, a memoir is a subset of autobiography and focuses on specific themes or periods in a person's life rather than attempting to cover their entire life story. Thus, "biography" is the most appropriate term for a comprehensive written record of someone else's life.