Biography & Autobiography

The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal PerformanceJosh Waitzkin shares his remarkable story of personal achievement and the principles of learning and performance that have propelled him to the top twice. A public figure since winning his first...

Ruminations of a Yorkshire Vet by Julian Norton is a heartwarming and humorous collection of stories from a veterinary practice in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.Through his experiences, Julian Norton shares the joys and challenges of caring for...

Jesus by A. N. Wilson is a biography that reappraises our readings of the Gospels, presenting a compelling portrait of the man behind the myth. Wilson's book rescues Jesus from the tangles of Christian history, offering a nuanced and insightful...

Ledley King's autobiography is a candid and introspective look at his remarkable football career, from his childhood in East London to his time as captain of Tottenham Hotspur. The book chronicles his successes and struggles, both on and off the pitch,...

Harold Bloom's personal odyssey is a four-part spiritual autobiography, presented as brief, luminous readings of poetry, drama, and prose. This book offers a unique glimpse into the life of a renowned literary critic, as he revisits the literature that...

George VI: The Dutiful King George VI reigned through some of the most turbulent times in British history, from the turmoil of European politics leading up to the Second World War to the austerity and social transformation of the post-war period. Despite...

The first and only memoir by one of the original Navajo code talkers of WWII tells the story of a young man's journey from his childhood on a New Mexico reservation to his role in developing a secret military language that helped the US win the war in...

Dr. Ben Carson's remarkable journey from a struggling inner-city student to a world-renowned neurosurgeon is a testament to the power of perseverance and faith. Against the odds, he overcame adversity to achieve his dreams, thanks in part to the...

Titanic Voices brings together the most comprehensive collection of Titanic survivors' accounts ever published. This unique book includes many unpublished and long-forgotten stories, as well as an authoritative editorial commentary, offering a fresh...

Sara Gibbs' life has been marked by labels - a cry baby, a scaredy cat, a spoiled brat, a weirdo, a show off - but none as defining as the one she received at thirty, changing her life's trajectory forever. She had always felt like an outsider, as if...

Agatha Christie's autobiography is a personal and introspective account of her life, written in 2011. The book offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of the most famous mystery writers of all time, covering her childhood, her writing career, and...

Rosie Swale-Pope's remarkable journey began as a personal challenge, born from heartache and a desire to turn her life around after losing her husband to cancer. With nothing but a small backpack and a determination to keep moving, she set off on an epic...

Y-Dang Troeung's memoir, Landbridge, is a powerful and poignant account of loss, survival, and the complexities of identity. Born in the Khao-I-Dang refugee camp in Thailand, Y-Dang was one of the last 60,000 Cambodian refugees to be admitted to Canada,...

Leah Remini's memoir is a frank and poignant account of her painful split with the Church of Scientology. Born into the church as a child, Remini's journey from indoctrination to disillusionment is a raw and revealing exploration of her experiences. With...

Nella Last's War: A Mother's Diary 1939-45 In September 1939, Nella Last began a diary that would become a powerful record of the Second World War. As a middle-aged housewife from a bombed town, she wrote regularly about her experiences, offering a...

Pepsi and Shirlie - It's All in Black and White Wham! Life and FriendshipA candid and intimate look at the enduring friendship between two of the most iconic figures of 80s pop culture. The story of how Pepsi and Shirlie, two young women with big dreams,...

Ian Curtis's life was a complex mix of artistic genius and personal turmoil. His widow, Deborah Curtis, offers a deeply personal and insightful look at his life in this biography. With a foreword by Jon Savage and an introduction by Steven Morris,...

Douglas Bader's remarkable story has inspired generations, not only as a highly decorated air ace but also for his courageous determination to overcome adversity and his profound impact on the lives of those with disabilities.Through his remarkable...

A young man from a well-to-do family embarked on a journey to Alaska, hitchhiking to the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley in April 1992. Four months later, his body was found by a moose hunter. This is the story of how Christopher Johnson McCandless came...

ABBA's enduring legacy is a fascinating story. Fifty years after their breakout hit Waterloo, the Swedish sensation remains a global phenomenon, captivating audiences of all ages. Giles Smith explores the reasons behind their enduring appeal, weaving a...

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's personal servant, Srutakirti dasa, offers a unique perspective on the life of one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the 20th century. This book of meditations provides a glimpse into the daily life and...

Lisa Woollett's Rag and Bone is a beautifully written exploration of the past we've discarded. Through her walks along the Thames and into the Kentish estuary, she uncovers the surprising story of our changing consumer culture, revealing what we can...

Michelangelo's epic life is a story of unparalleled artistic genius and personal turmoil. From his early days as a young artist in Florence to his later years as a master sculptor and painter, Michelangelo's work was marked by a fierce dedication to his...

Tony Gale's autobiography is a unique insight into the life of a footballing legend. With a career spanning 21 years, Tony played over 720 games on almost every league pitch across the four divisions, making him one of only 16 players in the UK to have...

Hetty Green was a woman who lived by her own rules in an age when women's roles were strictly defined. Despite being barred from voting, she took control of her finances and built a fortune that would be worth about 1.6 billion in today's dollars. This...

Anna's extraordinary presence in the life of Fynn, a 16-year-old boy, had a profound impact on those around him. Found wandering alone in the foggy streets of London's Docklands in the 1930s, Anna was taken in by Fynn's family and cared for by them. Her...

Sabrina Verjee's remarkable journey takes readers on a path of perseverance and determination. With 214 Lake District fells to conquer, four attempts to complete a record-breaking Wainwrights run, and a single goal in mind, Verjee shares her inspiring...

Janine Marsh's life took an unexpected turn when she stumbled upon a rundown old barn in northern France, sparking an offer and a move to the rural Seven Valleys area of Pas de Calais. Leaving behind her job in London, she embarked on a journey to live...

Louis XIV: A Life of Ambition and Power Philip Mansel's biography of Louis XIV is a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the life of one of history's most fascinating figures. This book takes the Sun King beyond the confines of Versailles, revealing...

A Bookshop of One's Own: The True Story of a Feminist Business Born from Passion and PerseveranceIn the 1980s, a group of women dared to challenge the status quo by founding a bookshop that would promote the work of female writers and create a safe space...

Guy Grieve's life was stuck in a rut, trapped in a job he hated and commuting 2,000 miles a month. But he had a dream of escaping it all to live alone in one of the wildest places on earth - Alaska. That dream finally came true, and Guy found himself in...

Stanley Spencer, Paul Nash, Mark Gertler, Richard Nevinson and Dora Carrington were five of the most exciting, influential and innovative British artists of the twentieth century. They met as students at the Slade School of Art in the years leading up to...

Nigel Farage is one of the most influential British politicians of the 21st century, and his story is one of controversy and unexpected success. In Michael Crick's biography, One Party After Another, Farage's rise to prominence is revealed in detail,...

Dale's story continues in All Because of Henry, the heartwarming and thought-provoking sequel to A Friend Like Henry. Seventeen years have passed since the events of the first book, and Dale is now facing a new and uncertain future. As he navigates the...

Limitless: The AutobiographyAstronaut Tim Peake takes readers on a journey through his extraordinary life, from a shy boy with a passion for flight to a decorated soldier and space explorer. Drawing on exclusive diaries and audio recordings from his...

Mark Vanhoenacker's love letter to the world's greatest cities is a journey around both his mind and the planet's metropolises. As a commercial airline pilot, he has spent decades crossing the skies and touching down in cities he's longed to see.From the...

Wallace Stevens, one of the most important American poets of the twentieth century, lived a life that was both ordinary and extraordinary. As a lawyer who rose to become an insurance-company vice president, he composed brilliant poems on long walks to...

Steve Thompson's Unforgettable is a deeply affecting read that explores the human mind's capacity for hope and courage in the face of adversity. The book tells the story of Thompson's journey with early onset dementia, and the impact it has had on his...

Jonathan Van Ness shares his story in this memoir, offering a candid and humorous look at his life, from his childhood to his rise to fame as a hairstylist and TV personality.From growing up in a small town in the Midwest to finding his place in the...

Sir Patrick Stewart's long-awaited memoir offers a unique glimpse into the life of a beloved actor and living legend. With a career spanning six decades, Stewart has captivated audiences around the world with his indelible command of stage and screen...

Senator Joe McCarthy's meteoric rise to power and his devastating impact on American politics are revealed in this masterful biography. Based on exclusive access to his personal and professional papers, medical and military records, and recently unsealed...

Annie Ernaux's father died exactly two months after she passed her exams for a teaching certificate. Barely educated and valued since childhood strictly for his labour, Ernaux's father had grown into a hard, practical man who showed his family little...

The 007 Diaries: Filming Live and Let Die Roger Moore's behind-the-scenes account of the making of his first James Bond film is a candid and humorous look at the world of cinema's most famous secret agent. From his unveiling as the new 007 in 1972 to his...

Elena Davis's life took a dramatic turn in 1959, when she left her job in New York to settle in the northwest coast of Mallorca, Spain. What began as a four-month stay turned into a 47-year adventure, as she adapted to a vastly different way of life.As...

The Showman: The Inside Story of the Invasion that Shook the World and Made a Leader This is the first inside, intimate account of the Russian invasion of Ukraine from the perspective of President Zelensky and his team. Based on four years of reporting...

Falling Leaves Return to Their Roots: The True Story of an Unwanted Chinese DaughterThis memoir tells the story of Adeline, a young girl who grows up in a family torn apart by war, rejection, and abuse. With the help of her aunt, Adeline escapes to the...

This is a new way of talking about living through and with grief, as Stacey Heale shares her personal story of loss and healing in a refreshingly honest and insightful way.Stacey Heale's memoir is not just a story of grief, but a thoughtful exploration...

Know My Name is a profoundly moving memoir that exposes a patriarchal culture biased to protect perpetrators and a criminal justice system designed to fail the most vulnerable. Chanel Miller's story is one of pain, resilience, and humour, as she recounts...

The Best of Days: A Memoir of the SeaA memoir of journeys into deep waters on merchant ships, this book takes the reader on a journey from tranquil tropical harbours to violent storms far from shore. The story begins with humble origins on the coast of...

Red Cloud, an American Legend: The Untold Story The life of Red Cloud, a great Sioux warrior-statesman, has long been shrouded in mystery. Born in 1821 near the Platte River in modern-day Nebraska, Red Cloud overcame numerous social disadvantages to...

Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: A Cultural Study of the Gospels This book offers a fresh perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus, exploring the cultural context in which the four Gospels were written. Ken Bailey's expertise in Middle Eastern...

This Isn't Love by Ann Cusack and Hope Daniels is a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human relationships. The book delves into the nuances of love, relationships, and the ways in which they can both bring us together and drive us...

Victoria Coren's memoir is a story of transformation, from a difficult childhood to a life of adventure and success. Her journey into the world of poker became a defining part of her life, one that brought her both happiness and heartbreak.With a unique...

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor's story is one of scandal and intrigue. Following their abdication, the couple was kept in exile, with the Duke facing accusations of being a Nazi sympathiser. This book reveals the truth behind the Duke's involvement with...

Richard Charkin's remarkable career as a publisher spans over five decades, taking him through various roles and companies. He shares his unique experience to illustrate the profound changes that have shaped the publishing industry, from its identity and...

Jeremy Bowen's memoir, War Stories, is a gripping account of his 30-year career as a foreign correspondent. From his early days as a trainee at the BBC to his experiences in some of the world's most dangerous places, Bowen shares his personal story of...

Rita Clifton shares her personal story of overcoming imposter syndrome, a phenomenon that affects 70% of people in their professional lives. She reveals how she learned to work with her imposter self, rather than hiding from it, to achieve success in her...

George III: A New Perspective on Britain's Most Misunderstood Monarch Andrew Roberts presents a fresh and nuanced portrait of George III, Britain's longest-reigning king. Contrary to the prevailing view of him as a cruel and tyrannical ruler, Roberts...

Women in Jazz: The Women, The Legends & Their Fight This book tells the stories of women who have made a significant impact on the jazz scene. From female agents and musicians to composers and writers, the contributors share their experiences and...

The Selden Map: A Puzzle of the Past In 1659, a mysterious map was delivered to Oxford's Bodleian Library, where it remained hidden for nearly a century. The 'Selden Map' is an enigmatic work of art that has puzzled historians and cartography experts...

Step into the life of a doctor in a small Irish village, where the boundaries between medicine and community are blurred. Lucia Gannon's memoirs offer a unique glimpse into the daily life of a GP, revealing the complexities and challenges of a role that...

Amy Liptrot's The Instant is a poignant and deeply personal exploration of love, heartbreak, and the human connection to the natural world. In this thought-provoking book, the author recounts her journey as she leaves behind the isolation of her Orkney...

The Invisible Painting: My Memoir of Leonora Carrington This enchanting portrait of a woman's life is woven from conversations, memories, and stories, revealing the artist behind the iconic persona. Gabriel Weisz Carrington draws on his mother's life,...

Under the oak trees of the Oakwood Cemetery Annex in Montgomery, Alabama, lies the final resting place of a remarkable RAF officer, Air Commodore Geoffrey Stephenson CBE. His grave, marked by a date of 1954, stands out from the others, as it tells the...

Herbert Kenny's story is one of extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable darkness. In April 1945, as an army dispatch rider, he was the first Allied soldier to push open the gates at Belsen Concentration Camp. For forty years, his...

Sir Francis Drake: A Life of Adventure and Intrigue Discover the truth behind one of Britain's most legendary maritime heroes, Sir Francis Drake. His career was marked by daring raids, naval battles, and a quest for survival in a world dominated by...

J.G. Ballard's autobiography takes us on a journey through his extraordinary life, from the vibrant surroundings of pre-war Shanghai to the deprivations and unexpected freedoms of Lunghua Camp. He recounts his first attempts at fiction, his friendships...

Richard Rogers is a renowned architect whose work is infused with his passion for life, social justice, and playful design. This book tells the story of his life and career, as well as his vision for creating better places to live and a better society...

Conversations with Stalin by Milovan Djilas offers a unique and chilling portrayal of the Soviet leader, drawing on three meetings held with Stalin during and after World War II. Djilas provides a vivid and unnerving account of the dictator's...

Edward Snowden's Permanent Record is a gripping memoir that reveals the story of his life, from his childhood in the American suburbs to his adult years as a spy and whistleblower.Spanning his journey from building the US government's mass surveillance...

Elon Musk: How the Billionaire CEO of SpaceX and Tesla is Shaping Our FutureFrom PayPal to SpaceX and Tesla, Elon Musk is a name synonymous with innovation and entrepreneurship. This book tells the story of his life, from his troubled childhood in...

Surviving the Storms: Extraordinary Stories of Courage and Compassion at Sea This collection of heart-wrenching and life-affirming stories brings together incredible first-hand accounts of rescues carried out by the remarkable RNLI lifesavers. Through...

Virginia Woolf's diary is a remarkable record of her innermost thoughts and feelings, a deeply personal and honest account of her life. From 1915 until her death in 1941, she wrote with unfailing courage and wit, sharing her thoughts on the world around...

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah is a deeply affecting and humorous account of one man's coming-of-age in apartheid South Africa. Born to a white father and black mother, Trevor's birth was a crime in the eyes of the...

For the first time, the true story of John Lennon's childhood is revealed in this poignant and raw memoir. Julia Baird shares the full extent of the pain and difficulties she faced growing up with her brother, as well as the happier times, to cast a new...

David Millar's autobiography is a candid and unflinching account of his life as a professional cyclist. From his early days sleeping in rented rooms in France to his rise to fame on the Tour de France, Millar recounts the highs and lows of his career,...

Sam Neill's memoir is a charming and entertaining account of his life, filled with stories of family, friends, and film. With a good-humoured appreciation for the absurd, he invites readers into his world, sharing anecdotes from over forty years of...

Barbara Ker-Seymer was a trailblazing photographer who defied convention in both her work and personal life. With a keen eye for the modern world, she captured the essence of her subjects, often challenging the status quo. Her studio, located on Bond...

Discover the powerful voices that have shaped our world. Great Women's Speeches brings together a collection of inspiring speeches by women who have dared to ask for more. From trailblazers like Marie Curie and Emmeline Pankhurst, to modern-day activists...

A heart-wrenching and inspiring collection of true fostering stories, Too Scared To Cry brings together three previously published tales of hope and resilience. Maggie Hartley, one of the UK's most experienced foster mothers, shares her personal stories...

The thrilling true story of one soldier's Special Forces operations in the Falklands War. On April 2 1982, Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, and D Squadron, 22 SAS, joined the cutting edge of Britain's campaign to retake the islands. Mark 'Splash'...

Roll Out The Beryl is a memoir by Kaye Crawford, published by Fantom Films Limited in August 2023. The book offers a personal and introspective look at the life and experiences of its author.Through this autobiography, Kaye Crawford shares her story,...

John le Carré's private life was shrouded in secrecy, a trait that served him well in his espionage career and also in his personal relationships. Adam Sisman's biography, The Secret Life of John le Carré, reveals the stories that were kept hidden, even...

Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley: Two Lives, One Legacy The lives of two remarkable women, Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley, are intertwined in a story of passion, pioneering spirit, and tragedy. Despite being mother and daughter, they never met,...

General Patton's Principles for Life and Leadership, 5th Edition is the original account of the principles that guided the life and leadership of General Patton. Authored by Porter B Williamson, this book offers a unique insight into the values and...

Judy Garland: A Complex Life A nuanced and multifaceted portrait of the legendary actress, this biography challenges the common perception of Garland as a troubled figure. Instead, it reveals a woman driven by a strong sense of duty and a desire to...

Edd China's memoir is a testament to his unconventional approach to life. As a child, he was already an unstoppable enthusiast, with 35 ongoing car projects while studying at university. His love affair with VW began with a 1303 Texas yellow Beetle,...

The Bad Room: A True Story of SurvivalAfter years of physical and mental abuse, Jade thought she had found a safe haven with her foster mother. But she was wrong. This is her heart-wrenching true story of survival.For six long years, Jade and three other...

The Sunday Times Bestseller. Take control of your life and build resilience with the powerful and inspiring new book from Jason Fox, author of Battle Scars. In Life Under Fire, Fox shares his experiences from high-stakes operations and expeditions to...

James Herriot's seventh instalment in his classic series of memoirs is a heart-warming story of determination, love and companionship from a country vet.After his wartime service in the RAF, Herriot is settling back into life in Darrowby, where the world...

The Stoltman Brothers' Journey to the Top Tom 'The Albatross' and Luke 'The Highland Oak' Stoltman, the world's strongest brothers, have conquered the mighty world of Strongman. Their remarkable journey is one of overcoming adversity, honouring their...

Charlotte Dujardin and her charismatic horse Valegro burst onto the international sports scene with their record-breaking performance at the London, 2012 Olympics. The world was captivated by the young woman with the dazzling smile and her dancing horse...

Judi Conner's childhood was marked by a sense of uncertainty and disconnection. Her parents, part of a global movement called Moral Re-Armament, had left behind conventional careers and family life to work towards a 'hate-free, fear-free, greed-free...

Tweak is a raw and honest account of Nic Sheff's struggles with addiction and his journey towards recovery. At the age of 11, Nic experienced his first intoxication, which marked the beginning of a long and tumultuous journey with substances such as...

Published in 1924, Beau Geste is a story of adventure and loyalty, set in the French Foreign Legion in North Africa. The story follows the exploits of the fictional Beauregard "Beau" Geste, a young man who joins the Legion and becomes embroiled in a...

The Path to Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson (Volume 1) by Robert A. Caro This comprehensive biography tells the story of Lyndon Johnson's rise to power, from his humble beginnings in the Texas Hill Country to his attainment of national prominence at...

Azar Nafisi's memoir is a powerful exploration of the intersection of literature and identity in contemporary Iran. In the aftermath of the Islamic Revolution, Nafisi, a teacher of English literature, was forced to resume her classes in secret, with a...

American Mercenary: A Riveting Post-Military Adventure Daniel Corbett, a former Navy SEAL Team 6 operator, takes readers on a wild ride through the unadulitated world of being a hired gun. After training with the US Navy, Corbett opted for a career in...

Bon: The Last Highway: The Untold Story of Bon Scott and AC/DC's Back In BlackBy Jesse Fink, this biography offers a fresh and unflinching look at the life of Bon Scott, the enigmatic frontman of AC/DC. Fink's investigation uncovers new information about...

The Princess Bride: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of the Film A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the cult classic film, featuring never-before-told stories, exclusive photographs, and interviews with the cast and crew. Actor Cary Elwes...