Biography & Autobiography

The Naked Civil Servant is a humorous and moving account of Quentin Crisp's outrageous youth, detailing his unhappy childhood and the stresses of adolescence that led him to London.This candid and entertaining memoir follows Crisp's journey as he...

To Miss with Love by Katharine Birbalsingh is a remarkable and eye-opening exposé of the education system. A third of teachers leave within their first term on the job, but one teacher refused to quit. This book chronicles the extraordinary chaos and...

Flâneuse: Women Walk the City in Paris, New York, Tokyo, Venice and London by Lauren ElkinLauren Elkin's Flâneuse is a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between the city and creativity. The book delves into the lives of women who have...

Billy Waters Is Dancing Or, How a Black Sailor Found Fame in Regency Britain by Mary L. Shannon In the vibrant streets of Regency London, a remarkable figure emerged to captivate audiences with his extraordinary talent. Born into enslavement in 1770s New...

Danny Goldberg's memoir of his time with Nirvana offers a fresh perspective on the band's most pivotal years. From 1990 to 1994, Goldberg worked closely with Kurt Cobain, witnessing the band's meteoric rise to fame and the highs and lows of Cobain's...

A New York Times Bestselling Memoir Patti Smith's Year of the Monkey is a poignant and poetic exploration of life's turning points. After a series of New Year's concerts, Smith embarks on a year of solitary wandering, tracing the Western landscape and...

J.R.R. Tolkien, Artist and Illustrator is a lavishly illustrated study of the renowned author's paintings and drawings, set in the context of his writings. Tolkien's art is closely linked to his writing, and his paintings and drawings display remarkable...

Get an intimate look at the life and mind of the eight-time world-champion motorcycle racer, Marc Márquez. In this book, he shares personal insights and credos from his experiences on and off the track, revealing what drives him and what matters most to...

The Strength of Love explores the impact of trauma and the importance of resilience, adaptability, curiosity, and positivity when recovering from it. Kate Garraway shares her own story of coping with the challenges of Covid and its devastating effects on...

Basil Rathbone is the actor most closely associated with Sherlock Holmes, but few know the full story behind his remarkable life. In "The Curse of Sherlock Holmes", biographer David Clayton explores the behind-the-scenes world of a man who was defined by...

The Death Zone by Matt Dickinson In April 1996, a devastating storm struck Mount Everest, claiming the lives of eight climbers from around the world. Against all odds, film-maker Matt Dickinson and professional climber Alan Hinkes battled through...

Daja Wangchuk Meston's memoir is a poignant account of his journey to forgiveness and self-discovery. At just 17, he left behind his worldly possessions and embarked on a path to heal the wounds of his past. Born in the United States to hippie parents,...

Crying With Laughter: My Life StoryThis autobiography offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of Britain's most beloved comedians. Blending humour and heartache, Monkhouse shares stories of his personal struggles and showbiz experiences, providing a...

Winston Churchill's financial life has long been shrouded in mystery, with the popular image of a wealthy statesman at odds with the reality of a life lived on a financial cliff-edge. This book offers a fresh perspective on Churchill's private finances...

The remarkable mothers who shaped the lives of three literary giants are revealed in this fascinating biography. Julia Stephen, Clara Miller, and Aurelia Plath were extraordinary women in their own right, and their relationships with their daughters had...

The Eagles' story is a tale of both heavenly highs and hellish lows. Their music embodied the American dream, but behind the scenes, the band's personal relationships were marked by bloodletting betrayal, hate-filled hubris, and the darker side of excess...

Roy Gilchrist's meteoric rise to international cricket stardom was marked by a tragic combination of exceptional talent and troubled temperament. Born in rural Jamaica in 1934, Gilchrist's prowess as a fast bowler quickly earned him recognition, but his...

Tony McCarroll's candid and humorous account of Oasis's early years offers a fresh perspective on the band's formation and the tumultuous events that followed. The story begins with McCarroll's own recruitment to the band, then known as The Rain, and...

Lucy Spraggan's memoir offers a candid and unflinching look at the darker side of fame, as experienced by a musician who has navigated the highs and lows of a successful career.This personal and introspective account provides a unique insight into the...

Timmy Mallett's autobiography is a moving and uplifting tale of courage and determination in the face of heartache. The book weaves together history and personal stories as he recounts his 2018 pilgrimage along the El Camino de Santiago, a route...

Sherlock's Squadron: The Incredible True Stories of the Unsung RAF Heroes of World War Two This book tells the remarkable story of John "Sherlock" Holmes, a young RAF pilot who flew with 196 Squadron during World War II. Despite being told he wouldn't...

Witold Gombrowicz's Diary is a remarkable collection of essays, notes, and confessions that span a wide range of subjects, from politics to literature and the human experience of mortality. Beginning with the iconic opening lines "Monday Me. Tuesday Me...

Maria Callas: A Life of Turmoil and Triumph The legendary soprano Maria Callas remains an enduring figure of fascination, with many regarding her as the greatest singer of all time. This biography brings her remarkable story to life, from her...

Modernists & Mavericks: Bacon, Freud, Hockney and the London PaintersThis comprehensive account of painting in London from the Second World War to the 1970s explores the lives and artistic concerns of a group of acclaimed artists, including Francis...

From the streets of war-torn Afghanistan to the corridors of a British hospital, Waheed Arian's story is one of resilience and determination.Born into a world of conflict, Waheed's early memories are of bombs and chaos. Yet, it was in these desperate...

C.S. Lewis: A BiographyThis acclaimed biography explores the complex life of C.S. Lewis, a writer whose work has inspired both great devotion and great hostility. From his childhood in Ulster to his adult life, the book charts Lewis's journey towards...

Mark Johnson's story is one of struggle and survival. His childhood was marked by abuse and neglect, which had a profound impact on his life. Despite his sensitive and intelligent nature, Mark found himself constantly falling through the cracks,...

Georgia Harrison's story is one of survival and triumph. In 2020, her ex-boyfriend shared intimate footage of her online without her consent, but she refused to be defined by that moment. Instead, she took back her power and fought for justice,...

Dorothy Day: The World Will Be Saved by Beauty is a deeply personal and revealing biography of a remarkable woman. Written by her granddaughter, Kate Hennessy, this book offers a unique insight into the life of Dorothy Day, a Catholic social activist,...

The longitude problem was a scientific dilemma that had puzzled sailors and astronomers for centuries. Thousands of lives and the fortunes of nations hung in the balance as a solution was sought. One man, John Harrison, dared to challenge the scientific...

Reverend David Railton MC served as a chaplain on the Western Front during World War I. He supported the soldiers in their worst moments, burying the fallen, comforting the wounded, and helping the survivors to remember and mark the loss of their...

Ronnie Archer-Morgan's life story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Born into a challenging environment, he overcame adversity to achieve great success in his chosen field. This memoir, which has been described as "a mercurial...

Prison Break - True Stories of the World's Greatest Escapes by Paul Buck A gripping history of the world's most daring prison breaks, from the 18th-century rogue Jack Sheppard to modern-day escape artists. This book delves into the stories of those who...

Ian Storey-Moore, the Nottingham Forest legend, scored over 100 top-flight goals for the club, becoming the most sought-after striker in the land. His sensational on-off transfer to Derby County for a British record fee was front-page news, leaving Brian...

Drew Pritchard's story is one of passion and perseverance. For him, finding and restoring lost treasures is not just about making a profit, but about uncovering the past and bringing history back to life. With a keen eye for beauty and a willingness to...

A Palestinian doctor's extraordinary life is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for hope and resilience. Izzeldin Abuelaish's story is one of determination and compassion, as he has devoted his life to medicine and reconciliation between Israelis...

Behind the scenes of one of rock's most iconic bands, a unique and intimate story unfolds. Peter Hince, the band's long-time road manager, shares his remarkable experiences touring the world with Queen. From the creation of a chart-topping hit to the...

Avicii: The Life and Music of Tim Bergling A new star is born when a young musician's life is marked by both incredible success and tragic loss. This book tells the story of Tim Bergling, the Swedish DJ and singer-songwriter who became a global...

Kitchen Confidential: A Wickedly Funny and Shockingly Delicious Memoir Tony Bourdain's memoir reveals the secrets of the culinary world, sharing 25 years of sex, drugs, bad behavior, and haute cuisine. With his signature "take-no-prisoners" attitude,...

From Here to the Great Unknown: a MemoirThis deeply personal and profoundly moving memoir is a story of love, loss, and healing, told by Lisa Marie Presley and her daughter Riley Keough. Faithfully completed by Riley, this book is a raw and riveting...

John Launer's collection of essays offers a unique perspective on the life of a doctor, drawing on his experiences as a medical columnist and his own struggles as a patient.Through fifty essays, Launer shares his insights on the skills and qualities that...

Dervla Murphy's autobiography is a deeply personal and introspective account of her unconventional first thirty years. Born with a strong-willed spirit and a love of books, Murphy recounts her determined childhood, marked by a close relationship with her...

A Last Kiss for Mummy is a heart-wrenching true story about a teenage girl and her baby in need of a loving home. At just fourteen, Emma is a child herself, having been in foster care several times before. When she discovers she's pregnant, her mother...

Tap Code tells the incredible true story of Captain Carlyle "Smitty" Harris, an Air Force pilot who was shot down over Vietnam in 1965 and spent eight years in captivity. Through his experiences, he taught fellow prisoners the Tap Code, a long-unused...

Charles Wright's memoir, Wright on Bowls, is a personal and introspective account of his life and experiences.Through a series of vignettes and reflections, Wright shares stories about his life, his passions, and his relationships, offering a unique...

The Man Within: An Intimate Portrait of Winston ChurchillThis collection of exceptional black-and-white photos, many previously unpublished, is woven together with Churchill's own powerful words to tell his story. From his childhood to his passions,...

This biography takes the reader on a journey through the life of John Betjeman, from his troubled childhood to his later years of literary success. Spanning over six decades, the book covers Betjeman's time at Oxford, his relationships, and his...

A History of the World in 21 Women is a personal selection of women who have shaped the course of history. From pioneering scientists to courageous activists, these women have left an indelible mark on the world. Jenni Murray brings their stories to...

Viv Albertine's second book is a memoir, manifesto, and polemic that explores the complexities of life in the 21st century. The story begins with a pivotal moment when the author receives news of her mother's passing, prompting a series of reflections on...

The Wild Truth: The Secrets that Drove Chris McCandless Into the Wild The story of Chris McCandless, who gave away his savings, hitchhiked to Alaska, and starved to death in 1992, has fascinated many, but the real story of his life and journey has not...

Tommy Caldwell's memoir is a gripping account of his journey to the top of rock climbing, from his childhood to his record-breaking free climb of Yosemite's Dawn Wall.After a harrowing ordeal in the mountains of Kyrgyzstan and a devastating accident that...

The Golden Spruce: A True Story of Myth, Madness and Greed In 1997, a shocking act of violence was committed in the heart of North America's last great forest. A British Columbia timber scout, driven by desperation, destroyed the legendary Golden Spruce...

Albert Speer - Escaping the Gallows: Secret Conversations with Hitler's Top Nazi In 1961, a unique friendship blossomed between a British Army officer and Albert Speer, Hitler's former number two. Over three years, the officer, who would later become the...

Decca Aitkenhead's life was forever changed on a hot still morning on a beautiful beach in Jamaica. Her four-year-old boy was paddling peacefully at the water's edge when a wave pulled him out to sea. Her partner, Tony, swam out and saved their son's...

Little Wilson and Big God is the first part of Anthony Burgess's two-volume autobiography, tracing the life of a young man from his birth in 1917 to the start of his writing career in 1959. Born into a Catholic family with Irish and Lancashire roots,...

Giles Chance's remarkable journey from early pioneer in Chinese business interaction with the West to superpower status is a story of ambition, endeavour, failure, and success. This personal account offers a fascinating glimpse into an ancient Chinese...

Trust Me, I'm a (Junior) Doctor is a humorous and touching account of Max Pemberton's first year as a junior doctor in the NHS.As he navigates the challenges of his new role, Max discovers that being a doctor is not about saving lives, but about dealing...

Commemorating the Platinum Jubilee of a life dedicated to public service, this book tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II's remarkable reign. From her early years as a young princess to her internationally acclaimed role as head of state, the Queen has...

Discover the shocking truth behind the business and lifestyle of Sir Philip Green in this jaw-dropping expose. Oliver Shah uncovers the truth behind one of Britain's biggest business scandals, following Sir Philip Green's journey to the big time, the...

Benjamin Franklin: A Life of Enduring Influence Walter Isaacson's biography of Benjamin Franklin is a sweeping narrative that explores the life of America's most fascinating founding father. From his early days as a runaway apprentice to his later years...

Laurie Lee's autobiographical trilogy, Red Sky at Sunrise, is a poignant and evocative account of his early life in the Cotswold valley. The trilogy begins with Lee's earliest memories, set against the stunning backdrop of a steep valley, where he spent...

The Intel Trinity: The Human Story Behind the World's Most Important Company The story of Intel Corporation is one of innovation and genius, driven by the lives of three key figures: Robert Noyce, Gordon Moore, and Andy Grove. This book tells the full...

Terri Thal's memoir offers a unique perspective on the Greenwich Village folk scene of the 1960s, drawing on her own experiences as a woman at the cultural forefront of the era. As a 21-year-old manager for Bob Dylan and other notable musicians, Thal...

Tales of a Midwife is a candid and insightful memoir by Maria Anderson, a midwife with over 20 years of experience. After a dramatic start to her career, fainting at her first three births, Maria recounts the highs and lows of life inside the maternity...

Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink FloydBy the founder member of one of the world's most influential rock bands, Nick Mason, comes a unique and intimate look at the history of Pink Floyd.From their early days in the London underground to their...

A true story of transformation and leadership, No Excuses is the diary account of Alison Colwell's journey as the head teacher of a struggling secondary school. With a zero-tolerance approach and a focus on discipline, Colwell aimed to turn the school's...

Join Andrew Cotter as he shares a year of extraordinary experiences with his Labradors, Olive and Mabel. Their lockdown adventures, from internet fame to everyday moments, offer a unique perspective on the precious time we have with our dogs.With a...

Peggy Seeger's memoir is a luminous and beautifully realised account of a life that has been marked by both joy and turmoil. Born in New York City in 1935, Seeger's childhood was steeped in music and left-wing politics, values that have remained a...

Louise Brooks, Frank Zappa, & Other Charmers & Dreamers by Tom Graves is a collection of long-form journalism and in-depth interviews with a range of fascinating personalities. The book features a lead piece on Graves's encounter with the reclusive...

Woodbrook is a rare house that has been the name of a small, rural area in Ireland for generations. The Kirkwood family has owned it since the seventeenth century. In 1932, David Thomson, then eighteen years old, took up residence there as a tutor. He...

Aged thirteen, Martha's life is marked by abuse and neglect, but she finds hope in education. Rescued by the courts, she is sent to a convent school, where she faces a new form of cruelty. Despite the hardships, Martha finds solace in books and her own...

Art Sex Music is a memoir that chronicles the life and work of Cosey Fanni Tutti, a musician and artist who has continually challenged boundaries and conventions for four decades.From her early days as a founding member of the avant-garde band Throbbing...

Ray Monk's biography of Ludwig Wittgenstein is a deeply intelligent and generous portrait of a remarkable life. By interweaving the philosophical and emotional aspects of Wittgenstein's existence, Monk's energetic enterprise triumphantly carries out the...

Sofka Zinovieff's first year as an Athenian is a refreshingly funny and inquiring account of her journey into a new life. As she navigates the challenges of expatriate life with her husband and two young daughters, Sofka must also contend with the...

Brian Clough, one of Britain's most iconic football managers, left an indelible mark on the sport. This Memorial Edition of his autobiography offers a candid and entertaining look at his life, including his achievements on the pitch, his battles with...

Pieces Of A Boy: A Few Queer Things That HappenedThis unflinching collection of essays offers a raw and honest exploration of personal history, navigating the complexities of estrangement, elite performing arts education, Berlin hedonism, and the...

The Howard Marks Book of Dope Stories by Howard Marks A fascinating exploration of the complex and often contradictory relationship between humans and substances, The Howard Marks Book of Dope Stories delves into the world of drugs, examining their role...

War in Val D'Orcia: An Italian War Diary, 1943-1944 by Iris Origo A personal and poignant account of life in Tuscany during World War II, Iris Origo's diary chronicles her experiences as a woman living under occupation. With a new introduction by...

Kim Hughes was a batsman of majestic beauty, known for his golden curls and boyish charm. His rise and fall as captain and player is a story of unparalleled drama in Australian cricketing history. This is the untold story of a man whose insecurities and...

The Bells of Old Tokyo is a hauntingly original book about Tokyo and the Japanese relationship to time, memory, and history. For over 300 years, Japan closed itself to outsiders, developing a remarkable and unique culture. Anna Sherman's remarkable book...

The Most Beautiful: A deeply personal story of love, loss, and artistic partnership. Mayte Garcia shares the intimate story of her relationship with Prince, from their unconventional meeting backstage at a concert to their fairy-tale wedding and...

The Truths We Hold: An American JourneyThis memoir by Kamala Harris offers a life story that genuinely entrances, as she reflects on the core truths that unite us. Drawing on her own experiences and the wisdom of those who have inspired her, she...

Carra My Autobiography is a candid and insightful look at the life of Liverpool Football Club's beloved vice-captain, Jamie Carragher. With a career spanning over 500 appearances, Carragher has become synonymous with old-fashioned football values -...

Son of the Underground: The Life of Isaac Liu, Son of Brother Yun, the Heavenly Man Born in the midst of turmoil, Isaac Liu's life has been shaped by the extraordinary circumstances of his family's past. His mother's desperate prayer for a miraculous...

One Medicine: How Understanding Animals Can Save Our LivesDr Matt Morgan's journey began with a curious observation: how do birds survive inhaling objects while flying? This question sparked an investigation that spanned continents and millennia,...

The Road Past Mandalay by John Masters This is the second part of John Masters' autobiography, detailing his experiences fighting with his Gurkha regiment during World War II. The book chronicles his promotion to command one of the Chindit columns behind...

John McGahern's memoir is a poignant and deeply personal account of childhood love and loss, told with exceptional restraint and tenderness.With exceptional restraint and tenderness, McGahern presents a story of intense and haunted family relationships,...

Birhan Woldu's life story is one of incredible resilience and hope. Her image, broadcast at the end of Live Aid, became a symbol of the devastating famine in Africa, but few knew her true story. Journalist Oliver Harvey tells her life story, from her...

Never The Easy Option: The Gareth Ellis Story is a personal and unflinching account of a life lived on the edge. Gareth Ellis shares his remarkable story, from his early days as a young athlete to his experiences as a prisoner of war.With unvarnished...

Valencian master Sorolla's Impressionist paintings capture the essence of Spain's most beautiful gardens and architecture. This collection of works, presented for the first time, showcases Sorolla's quest to render the radiant peace of a summer afternoon...

One Blade of Grass is a deeply personal and profoundly insightful memoir that explores the transformative power of meditation and Zen practice. Henry Shukman's journey from struggling with depression, anxiety, and chronic eczema to finding a sense of...

Carlos Lozano's memoir offers a unique and intimate look at the life of Salvador Dali. In a colourful and energetic style, Lozano shares his eyewitness account of life with the famous artist, providing a fresh perspective on the surrealist painter's life...

Runnin' with the Devil: A Backstage Pass to the Wild Times, Loud Rock, and the Down and Dirty Truth Behind the Making of Van Halen The story of Van Halen's rise to rock stardom is one of the most thrilling in music history, with a mythos that was both...

Danny Baker's second volume of memoirs continues his candid and humorous account of his life. Since the publication of his first book, he has been approached by numerous friends and family members asking him to include certain stories or anecdotes. In...

The Vatican Pimpernel by Brian Fleming During World War II, a remarkable individual risked his life to save thousands of people from persecution. Monsignor Hugh O'Flaherty, a Catholic priest, established an escape organization within the Vatican, where...

Priestdaddy is a memoir that tells the story of Patricia Lockwood's unconventional upbringing. Her childhood was marked by an impoverished environment, a mother who spoke in riddles, and a father who underwent a religious conversion on a submarine to...

Rupert Everett's life has been a whirlwind of drama, glamour, and high-profile friendships. From his early days as a young actor to his rise to fame, Everett has been surrounded by extraordinary people and events. This memoir offers a candid and humorous...

All Things Bright and Beautiful is a heartwarming memoir of life as a Yorkshire vet in the 1930s. James Herriot's story is one of determination, love and companionship, set against the backdrop of a Britain on the verge of war.As a young vet, James faces...

And When Did You Last See Your Father? is a deeply personal and poignant portrait of family life and the complexities of father-son relationships. The book explores the author's own experiences with loss and bereavement, creating a powerful and...

Geoffrey Robertson QC has been at the heart of some of the most high-profile legal cases over the past three decades. His work has been driven by a commitment to human rights, justice, freedom and democracy. In his memoir, Robertson shares his insights...