Bias on Bios

After reading The Shoemaker and the Tea Party and the Autobiography of Ben Franklin alot of questions came to mind as to just how much work goes into the compilations of such histories. Although, I feel I have learned a great deal about the lives of these men I could not help but wonder during my reading if what was before me was indeed fact or perhaps sensationalized in some way. Better yet, can such a question really be answered. I titled this blog the Bias on Bios because without sounding negative, who can argue that all biographies indeed are tainted in some ways. In regard to The Shoemaker, the account feeds off of the work of 2 historians, Thatcher and Hawkes, who both openly admitted that George Robert Twelves Hewes had an excellent memory, quite an advantage for the interviewer looking to recount events that may have happened 50+ years ago. Let's be honest, historians tend to pad a story to make it better, including those parts that may be more appealing to the reader. Also, like most of us emotions and values tend to get in the way, and may even change someone's outlook on a certain event or subject. Especially if we feel strongly about the topic. Again, another bias to notice. Though, I am not a historian, don't you think it would be difficult to remove the undertones of personal interpretations of the those doing the research or the interviews? I would think it would be hard to avoid. It's simply a part of human nature. This again goes back to an emotional or moral standpoint.
Often, like in The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, information can get muddled or out of historical sequence, again leading to the accuracy and validity of the retelling. So again, I question and hesistate to wonder when events seem hard to piece together, how easy would it be for author or historian to embellish a story here or there. I know it seems like I am being a "Negative Nelly"  but I don't intend to be. I am just trying to keep an open mind. I do find biographies and autobiographies to be interesting as they are the best account we have at a glimpse of what life might have been like; how people lived their lives, what were their beliefs, their political thoughts, what kind of inventions/discoveries they made,and what values were important to them. So remember when reading bios proceed with caution but reap the benefits, too!