Портрети на писателки: размишления за микроисторията, историята на жените и биографичното писане

This article addresses some methodological questions concerning biographical writing from a historical perspective. First part of the article consists of reflections on the so called biographical turn, which can be seen happening in both the academic and the wider context. The place of the individual is reflected in connection with the larger changes in historical research where microhistory and women’s history have been particularly important. It is argued that biographical writing and interest towards life-writing has been important for women writers acting outside of the academic research’s milieu. The second part of the article consists of interpretations of two biographies written by women writers in Finland during the 20th century. Methodological questions concerning with the authenticity and truthfulness are studied through these cases.