Biography & Autobiography

Rugby, Dementia and the Fight of My LifeSteve Thompson's powerful story is one of triumph and heartbreak. In 2003, he was part of England's front row when they won the Rugby World Cup. But years later, he struggles to remember that day - or much of his...

Last Shot: A Memoir of Addiction, Ambition and RedemptionJock Zonfrillo's powerful life story is one of addiction, ambition, and redemption in the high-stakes world of Michelin star kitchens. From reckless drug addict to top chef and television star, his...

Leonard Bernstein: A Life in Music and Beyond The legendary composer, pianist, author, television teacher, Harvard lecturer, cultural icon, humanist and conductor without peer, Leonard Bernstein's versatility was renowned. He captivated Broadway with...

Dervla Murphy's account of her winter journey to Baltistan is a testament to her indomitable spirit and sense of adventure. In 1977, she embarked on a three-month expedition along the perilous Indus Gorge with her daughter Rachel and her loyal companion...

This Is Not Miami by Fernanda Melchor is a collection of devastating stories that blend reportage and narrative non-fiction to probe into the motivations of murderers and misfits. Through her masterful storytelling, Melchor forces us to understand these...

The People's Game: A View from a Front Seat in Football Gary Neville has had a unique perspective on football for over 30 years, witnessing its highs and lows as a player, coach, pundit, and owner. But what he sees today is alarming - the sport is...

Hitler: Volume I Ascent 1889-1939 by Volker Ullrich. A comprehensive and nuanced biography that challenges our understanding of one of history's most infamous figures. This first volume of Volker Ullrich's monumental study sets out to humanize Hitler,...

Burnished prose brings to life Dominique Browning's journey from feeling adrift to finding a more deliberate way of life. After being informed that her magazine had folded, Browning was suddenly without the income and sense of purpose she'd known for...

Andy McNab's Seven Troop is a gripping account of his time in the SAS. In 1983, he joined Air Troop, one of the four Sabre Squadrons, and served alongside a remarkable group of men in the Malayan jungle. The bonds they formed during that time would last...

George Müller's extraordinary story is one of transformation and trust. In this revised autobiography, he shares his journey from a life of sin to a life of faith, revealing how God's presence can change the course of an ordinary person's life. Through...

Tamerlane: Sword of Islam, Conqueror of the World is a gripping account of the life of Tamerlane, one of history's most extreme tyrants. Justin Marozzi travelled extensively to write this fascinating combination of history and travelogue, offering a...

Neil Young's life story is one of contrasts - from his childhood in Canada to his success as a rock legend. This biography offers an unprecedented look at the artist's incredible career, including his time with Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills,...

Breaking the Spell: My Life as a Rajneeshee and the Long Journey Back to Freedom by Jane Stork is a deeply personal and thought-provoking account of one woman's journey into and out of a cult. At its core, this story is about the devastating consequences...

Duncan Edwards, a footballer from Dudley in the Black Country, stood out among his peers at Manchester United and England. His skill, physical strength, and toughness earned him recognition as one of the Busby Babes, the young team formed under manager...

Never Will I Die: An extraordinary story of survival, hope and finding the meaning of life in the face of deathToby Gutteridge's remarkable journey is one of unyielding determination and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity. Shot through the...

A deeply honest and fearless exploration of masculinity and what it means to be a man. Justin Baldoni reflects on his own struggles with traditional masculinity, examining topics such as strength and vulnerability, relationships and marriage, body image,...

Dame Prue Leith's life story is one of incredible appetite for life. From her childhood in South Africa to becoming a DBE, she has lived a remarkable career as a cook, caterer, restaurateur, food writer, journalist, novelist, businesswoman, teacher,...

Robert Lowell: A Study of Genius, Mania, and Character by Kay Redfield Jamison is a magisterial exploration of the complex relationship between illness and art. Pulitzer Prize finalist Kay Redfield Jamison brings her expertise in mood disorders to bear...

The Last Tango in Baghdad is an inspiring memoir that recounts a life lived in turbulent times and countries of the Middle East. Dr. Khabbaza's story is marked by both humour and tragedy, as he navigates the complexities of his cultural heritage.Through...

Diego Maradona's autobiography offers an unflinching look at the life of one of football's greatest players. Born into poverty in Buenos Aires, Maradona recounts his journey from humble beginnings to international stardom, revealing the pressures and...

The Bear's Embrace: A Story of SurvivalAstonishing and beautifully written, this memoir tells the story of Patricia Van Tighem's survival of a brutal bear attack in 1983. Despite her physical recovery, she faced a long and difficult journey to overcome...

Werner Herzog's poignant and introspective account of his 1974 journey from Munich to Paris. In response to being told that his mentor was dying, Herzog embarked on a 23-day walk, driven by the hope that she would survive if he came to her on foot. Along...

The Last Helicopter: Two Lives in Indochina by Jim Laurie A gripping account of love, betrayal and terror during the Second and Third Indochina Wars. This memoir captures the drama and tensions of the 1970s, while recalling places of beauty now lost...

Enzo Ferrari: The Man and the Machine by Brock Yates is a biography that delves into the life of the man behind the iconic Ferrari brand. For nearly seventy years, Enzo Ferrari was at the helm of a motor-sports empire that redefined high-performance cars...

Jodie Sweetin's unSweetined A Memoir is a deeply personal and raw account of her life with addiction. The actress, best known for her role as Stephanie Tanner on Full House, reveals the shocking truth about her struggles with methamphetamine addiction...

A Prison Diary Volume II: Purgatory is an extraordinary work of non-fiction that offers a unique insight into life inside Britain's prisons. Written by Jeffrey Archer, who was sentenced to prison in 2001, the book reveals the harsh realities of life...

A New York Times Best Book of 2024, Lucy Sante's memoir is a story of self-discovery and growth. Born to conservative Catholic working-class parents in Belgium, Lucy felt like an outsider in the United States, but found her place in New York City in the...

Sydney McLaughlin's personal story is one of struggle and transformation. From overcoming obstacles on the track to tackling challenges in her personal life, she has mastered both racing over hurdles and facing down fears.In "Far Beyond Gold", Sydney...

Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem A Memoir by Daniel R. Day is a remarkable memoir that tells the full story of its subject for the first time. Born into poverty, Dapper Dan recounts his journey from a hungry boy with holes in his shoes to a fashion icon who...

When a pregnancy turns into a nightmare, how do you cope? For Elle Wright, the happiest day turned into every parent's worst nightmare. Her son Teddy was born with a life-limiting condition that meant he would not survive.Ask Me His Name is a...

The Caravan Goes On: How Aramco and Saudi Arabia Grew Up Together by Frank Jungers is a unique account of one man's journey to leadership of the world's largest energy company. Over three decades, Frank Jungers rose from a North Dakota farm boy to become...

Behind the Throne: A Domestic History of the Royal Household by Adrian Tinniswood. A history of family life behind the scenes of royal households, this book uncovers the reality of five centuries of life at the English court. From the practicalities of...

Lady Killmore: A Life of Extravagance and Intrigue Enid Lindeman's life was one of unapologetic excess, marked by multiple marriages, numerous lovers, and a reputation for high-society scandal. Born into the wealthy Lindeman wine dynasty, she lived a...

Duncan Edwards: A Lost Genius of Manchester United. This intimate portrait of Duncan Edwards, a talented young footballer who tragically lost his life in the 1958 Munich air disaster, is written by Wayne Barton. The book offers a unique and personal...

In Praise of Failure: Four Lessons in HumilityA thought-provoking exploration of the importance of humility in the face of life's challenges, this book delves into several arenas of failure and presents the stories of four historical figures who led...

Talking to Women by Nell Dunn is a candid and insightful collection of conversations about life's big questions. In 1964, Dunn spoke openly with nine friends about topics ranging from relationships and work to freedom and love. This sparkling, honest,...

The Only Way Through Is Out by Suzette Mullen is a deeply personal and introspective exploration of identity, love, and self-discovery. With a life that seemed to tick all the right boxes - a successful career, a loving family, and a beautiful home -...

The world-changing true story of the mission to discover the shape of the earth is revealed in Latitude. In 1735, twelve men embarked on an extraordinary journey to South America to determine whether the world was a sphere or bulged at the equator.Their...

A mother-daughter relationship memoir that explores the complexities of life and its lessons. Farah shares her personal story of struggle and resilience, revealing how she learned to harness her inner strength in the face of adversity. The author...

Daphne Sheldrick's memoir is an incredible story from Africa's greatest living conservationist. Her life has been marked by two extraordinary stories: her romance with Tsavo Game Park and its warden, David Sheldrick, and the love story of saving elephant...

The Raven's Nest: An Icelandic Journey Through Light and DarknessAs an anthropologist and film-maker, Sarah Thomas embarked on a transformative journey to Iceland in 2008. What began as a week-long stay turned into a half-decade of self-discovery, as she...

A Thousand Days by Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr is a comprehensive and intimate account of President John F. Kennedy's presidency, drawing on the author's own experience as special assistant to the president. Schlesinger provides a detailed and balanced look...

Rudyard Kipling's life and work are deeply intertwined with the trajectory of the British Empire. In this superb biography, David Gilmour reveals how Kipling's writing mirrored the rise and fall of the Empire, from its zenith to its final decades...

A unique and thought-provoking memoir, 'The Terrorist's Son: A Story of Choice' by Zak Ebrahim, offers an intimate look at growing up with a father who was involved in terrorism. Zak Ebrahim's childhood was marked by the violent ideology of his...

Jay Sarno built two path-breaking Las Vegas casinos, Caesars Palace (1966) and Circus Circus (1968), and planned but did not build a third, the Grandissimo. This ambitious project would have marked the beginning of the mega-resort era in Las Vegas, ten...

Jenny Radcliffe's People Hacker is a gripping account of her life as a professional people hacker. Born into a world of deception and physical infiltration, Jenny learned early on how to exploit security weaknesses and gain access to private properties...

Paul O'Connell's autobiography offers an intense and revealing look at his remarkable rugby career. A true original, O'Connell shares stories of passion, heart, and determination, as well as the strategic thinking that made him a legendary player. From...

John Gotti: A Life of Power and Betrayal The story of John Gotti, also known as the Teflon Don, is one of ruthless ambition and brutal violence. From his early days on the streets of Queens to his rise to power in the American Mafia, Gotti's life was...

Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Life from Beginning to End by Hourly History is a biography that tells the story of a remarkable individual who stood up against oppressive forces, even at great personal risk. Born into a world torn apart by totalitarian rule,...

The music of Arthur Russell defies classification. His twenty-year career spanned pioneering compositions alongside artists like Philip Glass and Allen Ginsberg, to genre-expanding disco and art pop productions, and posthumously released folk songs...

The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother is a memoir that explores the complex and often fraught relationship between two individuals from vastly different backgrounds. Born to an Orthodox Jewish mother in a small southern town,...

Spitfire Girl: My Life in the Sky is an inspiring memoir by Jackie Moggridge, detailing her remarkable experiences during World War II. At just 19 when war broke out, she joined the Air Transport Auxiliary, ferrying aircraft from factory to frontline and...

George Best's life story is one of extraordinary talent and heartbreaking struggle. A football legend in his own lifetime, he brought a unique beauty to the game that captivated fans worldwide. Yet, behind the glamour of success and fame, Best struggled...

City of Lies: Love, Sex, Death and the Search for Truth in Tehran is a deeply researched and compelling portrait of life in Iran under one of its most repressive regimes.Based on extensive interviews with eight individuals from across Iranian society,...

Pramoedya Ananta Toer's memoir is a harrowing portrait of life under brutal conditions. In 1965, he was detained by Indonesian authorities and exiled to Buru, where he survived for eleven years without formal accusation or trial. Despite the harsh...

Jessica Hepburn's inspiring story is one of transformation and perseverance. From struggling to find her place in life to becoming an endurance athlete, she has proven that it's never too late to try something new.Fuelled by music and driven by a desire...

Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter's life story is one of rags to riches and back again. Born into a world of wheeler-dealing and entrepreneurial spirit, he would go on to become an international playboy and award-winning businessman. This autobiography offers a...

The Reverend Psychopath Suffer Little Children by Andrew Rynne is a shocking true story about the life of Samuel Cotton, a man who founded an orphanage with his wife Eliza but instead used their charitable donations to fund a life of luxury and cruelty...

Women in the War: The Last Heroines of Britain's Greatest GenerationThis poignant and inspiring oral history tells the remarkable stories of ten of the last surviving female members of Britain's 'Greatest Generation'. From their experiences during World...

Custer's Trials: A Life on the Frontier of a New America by T.J. Stiles is a magisterial biography that challenges the conventional image of George Armstrong Custer, revealing a complex and multifaceted individual. This Pulitzer Prize-winning work...

This memoir is a series of sharply etched vignettes that shift in time and mood, taking the reader on a journey across different places and experiences. Through a range of encounters, from everyday moments to extreme conflicts, Lara Pawson explores how...

Wentworth Woodhouse: A House, an Estate, and a Family of Great Significance For over 400 years, Wentworth Woodhouse has been home to a remarkable family whose history is marked by distinction and achievement. From the halls of this grand Palladian...

Peter Mandelson's memoir offers a unique insight into the inner workings of New Labour during its three terms in government. The book chronicles his defining relationships with key figures, including Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, as he navigates the...

Colin Bell - Reluctant Hero: The Autobiography of a Manchester City and England LegendThis revealing autobiography offers an intimate look at the life of Colin Bell, widely regarded as Manchester City's greatest ever player. Born into adversity, Bell...

Alex Higgins's life has been marked by turmoil and triumph. Considered one of the greatest pool players of all time, he earned the nickname "Hurricane" for his unorthodox style and fast-paced games.After two bouts of throat cancer, Higgins reflects on...

A Long Day in Venice: A Memoir by Abel Posse Abel Posse's memoir is a vivid account of his six years as a "consul in exile" in Venice, a city that served as the backdrop for a fascinating blend of diplomacy, politics, writing, and personal encounters...

Margaret Beaufort's life was one of calculated risk and unyielding determination. As the battle for royal supremacy raged between the houses of Lancaster and York, she found herself at the centre of a maelstrom of conspiracies and intrigue. Separated...

Ed Burns shares his remarkable career story in this candid and instructive account of making great movies without Hollywood backing. From humble beginnings as one of three children from a working-class Long Island family, Burns' journey to success is...

No Friend but the Mountains: The True Story of an Illegally Imprisoned RefugeeThis powerful account of one man's six-year detention in Australia sheds light on the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers. Kurdish journalist Behrouz Boochani was...

Dietrich Bonhoeffer's personal documents from his time in prison offer a powerful and moving account of loss, courage, and hope. Written with acute subtlety and profound insight, these letters and papers provide a deeply human story that continues to...

Chris Blackwell's autobiography takes readers on a journey through his life and career, from the early days of Island Records to the present day.With a career spanning music, art, and beyond, Chris Blackwell shares stories of his time at Island Records,...

The Colour of the Sky After RainA personal and perceptive memoir of one woman's experiences in China over three decades.From her first visit to China in 1982, Tessa Keswick was captivated by its history, culture and landscape. This beautifully written...

Close to the Knives: A Memoir of Disintegration by David Wojnarowicz This memoir is a deeply personal and powerful exploration of life, art, and activism. Written with unflinching honesty, it offers a unique perspective on the world through the eyes of...

Farm Boy Tales: My Exploits Before, During and After WWIIMaurice Goss's life story is one of unexpected twists and turns. Born in 1928, he left formal education at 13 to join the war effort, working on local farms and developing skills that would serve...

Josef Mengele Unmasking the Angel of Death by David G Marwell is a meticulous biography that delves into the life and career of one of history's most notorious war criminals. Mengele's story is complex, marked by both academic promise and horrific...

Watch. The. Ball. It's just you. Standing at the crease. Waiting. The bowler is running. His arm swinging. The ball - 155 grams of cork, string and leather - is hurled at you. At 90 mph it travels 22 yards in under half a second. You can barely see it...

Nigel: My family and other dogs is a heart-warming memoir that explores our deep connection with animals. Monty Don shares the story of his beloved golden retriever Nigel, who became an unlikely star after appearing on BBC Gardeners' World.Through...

Straight Outta Crawley Memoirs of a Distinctly Average Human Being by Romesh Ranganathan is a hilarious and irreverent autobiography that takes readers on a journey through the life of Sri Lankan comedian Romesh Ranganathan. From his early days as a...

Nowhere for Very Long: The Unexpected Road to an Unconventional LifeBrianna Madia's memoir is a beautifully written account of her adventures traveling across the American West in an orange van named Bertha. With her two dogs by her side, she embarked on...

Comedian Sofie Hagen has been without sex for 3,000 days and is determined to get to the bottom of it. She's not alone in her struggles, and in this humorous and bold exploration, she asks the questions that need answering: what's wrong with our approach...

The Devil Inside: A Sharp Investigation into the Exorcist's Cultural Impact In 1973, The Exorcist left audiences shaken, with its groundbreaking special effects and terrifying finale revolutionizing the horror genre. But what really caused the national...

Diary of an Invasion by Andrey Kurkov is a powerful and personal account of life under occupation. As Russian forces build up beyond Ukraine's borders, Kurkov chronicles the devastating impact of war on ordinary people. Through his own story and those of...

Laura Freeman's journey to recovery from anorexia is one of unexpected solace in literature. Her love of reading played a crucial role in her healing process, helping her re-discover the joy of food and life. At 14, diagnosis with anorexia seemed like a...

Sylvia Plath's life was marked by both brilliance and tragedy. This biography brings to light the poet's world with unprecedented balance and depth. Heather Clark draws on new material to explore Sylvia's early relationships, her time at Cambridge, and...

Byron: A Life in Ten Letters A fresh and gripping biography that explores the life and work of Lord Byron through his most resonant correspondence. Adopting a unique approach, this book delves into the poet's personal experiences and emotions, tracing...

Katherine Mansfield: A Secret LifeThis biography brings us closer than ever to one of the most influential writers of the 20th century. Claire Tomalin's masterful portrait reveals the complexities and contradictions of Katherine Mansfield's life, from...

Brutal: My AutobiographyIwan Thomas's life has been defined by running. From his early days as a world-class BMX rider to his rise as one of the world's fastest men, Iwan dedicated himself to the sport with unyielding passion and dedication.But behind...

This book offers a candid look at the often-overlooked aspects of family life, from difficult conversations to healing from trauma. The author shares her own experiences as a single mother and survivor of domestic abuse, as well as her journey towards...

Diana Mitford's life was one of glamour and intrigue, but also of tragic downfall. As a celebrated member of London's high society in the 1920s and '30s, she was a muse to many artists and writers, including Evelyn Waugh and James Lees-Milne. However,...

The Wright Brothers: A Story of Courage and Determination On a winter day in 1903, two unknown brothers from Ohio changed history with their achievement of powered flight. David McCullough tells the surprising story of Wilbur and Orville Wright, men who...

Queen Emma's remarkable life was marked by power, politics, love, and scandal in 11th-century England. Born into a Norman family, she married and outlived two English kings, witnessing the coronations of her sons Harthcnut and Edward the Confessor. Her...

Martin Luther Renegade and Prophet by Lyndal Roper is a groundbreaking historical biography that sheds light on the complex figure of Martin Luther. In 1517, Luther's provocative act of nailing a theological pamphlet to a church door sparked a chain...

Nothing Is Missing: A Memoir of Living BoldlyA powerful and unflinching memoir by Nicole Walters, daughter of Ghanaian immigrants who built a life of self-made success. Born into uncertainty, Nicole learned to take charge of her own safety and security...

Chris Arthey's remarkable story began with a life-long dream of motorcycle road trips across the United States. With their children grown up and a new work posting to Texas, it finally seemed within reach. However, just hours into their journey, disaster...

High Risk: A True Story of the SAS, Drugs, and Other Bad Behaviour by Ben Timberlake is a raw and uncompromising account of one man's life in extremis. From his first near-death experience to his encounters with terrorists, junkies, soldiers, and...

Strong is a moving and heartfelt memoir from celebrity campaigner, endurance athlete, and father, Ashley Cain. The book chronicles his daughter's birth and the fight for her life when she was diagnosed with leukaemia at just 7 weeks old. Ashley reflects...

Sarah Churchill had the Churchill Factor - a unique blend of determination and courage that defined her life. A woman with a career in show business and a rebellious personal life, Sarah joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during Britain's darkest...

Gertrude Bell's remarkable story is one of passion and conviction. A Victorian woman who defied convention to navigate the complex geopolitics of the Middle East, she left an enduring mark on Iraqi history. Drawing heavily from her personal diaries and...

Renoir, My Father is a moving and engaging memoir that explores the life story of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, the renowned Impressionist painter. Written by his son Jean Renoir, this book offers a unique double portrait of father and son, capturing their...

P.T. Barnum's autobiography offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of America's most famous showman and charlatan. With unflinching honesty, Barnum recounts his world-famous hoaxes and publicity stunts, revealing the full story behind his remarkable...