what does McAdams mean by primitive autobiography self?

Answer:
McAdams means by "Primitive autobiography self" means writing a biography with preserving the older historical facts that happened around at that time.
Explanation:
Primitive - of or denoting a simple, direct style of art that deliberately rejects sophisticated artistic techniques.
Autobiography - Writing of the life history of oneself.
Hence McAdams means that, writing a biography with preserving the older historical facts that happened around at that time.