Literary biographies are reputedly more widely read than their subjects’ own works: more people have probably read David Marr’s biography of Patrick White than have tackled The Twyborn Affair or The Aunt’s Story. The same may perhaps can be said for autobiography, and it’s my bet that Geoffrey Dutton’s Out in the Open will attract more attention than, say, his novel, Andy (Flying Low), his collections of poetry, or even his impressive biography of Edward John Eyre.

What is it about writers’ lives that is so fascinating? The glimpse they give of the person behind the persona? The chance they give for vicarious adventure or illicit love affair? Another form of voyeurism? Or is it simply that the personal narrative is more accessible, an easier read?