> I would agree to the extent that knowing the authors bias might color the text, and that we could infer a more nuanced and realistic picture from that knowled

> I would agree to the extent that knowing the authors bias might color the text, and that we could infer a more nuanced and realistic picture from that knowledge. But I see no way that Gibbon's sex life (or lack thereof) should influence how we approach his history. This. The example that’s used in the article seems extreme and the author of the article is not elaborating on how this connection is made. Could be true could be not. Also, I can add from personal experience that you don’t need to know the author to judge an artwork but knowing the author helps you connect to the art on a whole different level. As another example, first listen to Beethoven’s symphony No. 5 and then read about his personality traits and struggles in life, etc. it is fantastic. This is art of course and history might be another matter in which the artist’s credibility is in question.