Empathy, Wives, and Ethical Dilemmas: Reflections on Biography Writing

This chapter explores the concept of empathy in biographical work, highlighting the role of the wives of Herman Melville and Lewis Mumford in shaping their husbands' legacies. It discusses the complexities and ethical dilemmas faced by biographers, using the example of Luis Mumford and his biographer, Don Miller. The chapter also reflects on the challenges of writing biographies and capturing the multifaceted nature of individuals.