Abstract: The essay recounts how the author sets off on his study of autobiography, goes on to diary and finally moves into the area of common people’s biography and diary. In the reminiscence of his own research career, it also illustrates the author’s own publications at various periods.

Key Words: autobiography; diary; common people; biography

Philippe Lejeune (1938- ) is the world known French autobiography researcher. He has a large number of publications on autobiography and personal diaries, including On Autobiography (1975), On Diary (2006). All his work lays a theoretical foundation in defining the genre autobiography and expanding the scope in the study of diary. He is one of the founders of the Association of Autobiography and Autobiographical Legacy.