Biography & Autobiography

Bilquis Sheikh's remarkable journey to a personal relationship with God is a testament to the power of faith and conviction. Originally published in 1978, her story has captivated millions, selling over 300,000 copies. This 25th anniversary edition...

Adam Kay's diary provides a candid and often humorous account of life as a junior doctor in the NHS. With 97-hour weeks and life-or-death decisions, Kay's experiences are both harrowing and hilarious. This unflinching and deeply personal book offers a...

Shu Wan's extraordinary life story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for survival and resilience. For thirty years, she lived in the vast and silent landscapes of Tibet, struggling to survive amidst the harsh realities of the wild.Her...

George Washington, the first president of the United States, has long been a figure of reverence and respect. This biography, written by acclaimed author Ron Chernow, offers a fresh and nuanced portrait of the man behind the myth.Chernow's meticulously...

Robert Mitchum: A Life of Rebel Cool Robert Mitchum was a Hollywood icon whose on-screen persona was matched only by his real-life exploits. A hobo in the Depression, he turned to movie acting after stints as a boxer and songwriter. Despite early...

A mother's love can be a powerful force, but it can also be a heavy burden. When her son's mental health began to deteriorate, bestselling author Amanda Prowse found herself grappling for ways to help him. Josiah's story is a raw and honest account of...

Christopher Fowler's Film Freak is a gritty and humorous account of his journey through the British film industry in the late 1970s. As a young screenwriter, he finds himself struggling to make a name for himself, instead of writing blockbuster films,...

Ant and Dec's 30-year friendship on TV is a remarkable story of enduring camaraderie. From their early days on the set of Byker Grove to their current success, the two friends have shared countless experiences, both on and off screen. This full and...

Jim Thompson, a former American society dilettante, became a legendary spy and silk magnate in Thailand at the end of World War II. As the Cold War reached Thailand, America had a choice: should it help other nations build democracies from their...

The Wyndham Sisters: A Tale of Privilege and Passion Born into a world of great wealth and privilege, the three Wyndham sisters - Mary, Madeline, and Pamela - were cultured bohemian daughters of a maverick politician and an artistic mother. Their lives...

Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim is a humorous collection of essays by David Sedaris, exploring the complexities of family relationships, cultural differences, and the often-disappointing gap between our aspirations and everyday actions.Through...

Smith Wigglesworth: The Complete StoryJulian Wilson's comprehensive account of the life of Smith Wigglesworth provides a fascinating insight into the remarkable story of a man who made a profound impact on the world for the gospel.Although he died in...

When William Kamkwamba was 14, his family told him he had to leave school to work on the farm. But William had other plans. He found a way to make a difference, bringing light to his family and village, and hope to his nation.Malawi was facing a severe...

For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II has been a unifying figure in American politics, forging a unique bond with 13 U.S. presidents.This fascinating book explores the intricacies of the "special relationship" between the U.S. and the U.K. through the eyes of...

Susan Travers's extraordinary life is a testament to her bravery and determination. In 1942, she made a decision that would change her life forever: to join the Free French forces in North Africa. As the only woman to ever serve officially in the French...

The Tidal Year is a poignant and moving memoir about grief, self-discovery, and the healing power of wild swimming. Freya Bromley's journey takes her to every tidal pool in Britain, from the rugged coastline of Scotland to the hidden pools of Cornwall,...

William Blake Vs the World William Blake, the poet, artist, and visionary, remains an enigmatic figure, misunderstood by many. Yet, his life and work continue to fascinate, drawing people from all walks of society. This book explores the life and times...

Casey Watson is asked to care for a troubled nine-year-old named Sam, who has a violent streak and was previously released by his guardians. As she tries to understand Sam's behaviour, she uncovers a mysterious past that is far darker than she initially...

David Carpenter brings to life the dramatic events in the last phase of Henry III's reign, shedding new light on the characters of the rebel Simon de Montfort, Queen Eleanor, and Lord Edward. The second volume in the definitive history of Henry III's...

Benito Mussolini's autobiography offers a unique insight into the life and ideology of the Italian dictator. Dictated at the request of American Ambassador Richard Washburn Child, this volume captures the essence of Mussolini's personality and politics...

A Beautiful Tapestry: Two Ordinary Women, One Amazing God, Many Lives Transformed This inspiring book tells the story of two remarkable women, Marilyn and Tracy, who have been transformed by their experiences of blindness and deafness. Despite the...

Mao: The Unknown Story is a groundbreaking biography that shatters the myth of the Chinese leader. Written by bestselling author Jung Chang and her husband, historian Jon Halliday, this book is the result of a decade of research and interviews with those...

Franci's War: The Incredible True Story of One Woman's Survival of the Holocaust In 1942, Franci Epstein, a young Jewish woman, was imprisoned in Terezin, a concentration camp close to her home in Prague. Few could expect anything other than death, but...

Sarah Moss's My Good Bright Wolf is a powerful and moving memoir about the complexities of girlhood and the struggles of self-control. Growing up in a household where the female body and mind were subject to intense scrutiny, Moss recounts the ways in...

Michael Stipe: The Biography by Rob Jovanovic For over a quarter of a century, Michael Stipe has been the iconic face of R.E.M., a band that has built a devoted following and achieved widespread success. This biography delves into Stipe's life beyond his...

Dita Kraus' memoir is a powerful and heart-breaking account of her life, spanning turbulent decades of the 20th and 21st centuries. Born in Prague in 1929, Dita Kraus recounts her experiences from childhood friendships before the war, to the...

Henry and June is a deeply personal account of Anais Nin's complex relationships with two men: her lover, Henry Miller, and his wife, June. Spanning a pivotal year in Paris, Nin's journals offer a vivid and intense portrayal of a woman's awakening to her...

White Sands is a creative exploration of why we travel, blending travel writing, essay, criticism and fiction with a smart and cantankerous wit. Geoff Dyer's episodic and wide-ranging book is a humorous and insightful look at the world through the eyes...

Out of Africa is a poignant account of a life lived on the African continent, written by Karen Blixen in the 1930s. The book tells the story of her experiences on a coffee farm in Kenya, where she formed strong friendships with the people and developed a...

The Moth This Is a True Story A collection of captivating stories from the world of storytelling, where the art of oral tradition is brought to life. The Moth, a non-profit group, has been reviving this lost art, helping storytellers hone their craft and...

Diane Foley's story is one of extraordinary loss and moral courage. Eleven years have passed since her son, James Foley, was kidnapped in Syria, and yet for her, that moment remains unending. In "American Mother", Colum McCann recounts Diane's journey as...

Aldo Kane's remarkable story is one of survival, resilience, and self-discovery. As a trained Royal Marines Sniper and world record breaker, he has navigated some of the most challenging environments on Earth.In his debut book, Lessons From The Edge,...

Bret Hart's autobiography is a candid and unflinching look at the world of professional wrestling. With meticulous detail, Hart recounts his life on the road, including the highs and lows of his career, as well as the personal struggles he faced. This is...

Ibn Arabi: The Voyage of No Return by Claude Addas This book provides a concise introduction to the life and thought of Ibn 'Arabi, considered the 'Greatest of Sufi Masters'. Through a detailed analysis of his works and ideas, Claude Addas offers a...

A young boy's journey to find his way home after being lost in India for 25 years. Saroo Brierley's incredible story of survival and determination is a testament to the human spirit. As a five-year-old, Saroo was separated from his family in India, but...

The Explorer and the Journalist: Frederick Cook, Philip Gibbs and the Scandal that Shocked the World In 1909, a telegram from American explorer Frederick Cook sent shockwaves through the polar exploration community. Cook claimed to have reached the North...

Hannah Silva's non-fiction book explores the complexities of love, motherhood, and identity through an unconventional lens. She navigates her life with the input of two unreliable narrators - an algorithm and a toddler - who encourage flights of...

Robert Trivers is a renowned biologist and social scientist whose groundbreaking theories have revolutionized multiple disciplines. His life story is as fascinating as his work, and he shares it with wit and insight in this entertaining memoir. With...

The Lady in the Van is a true story about an extraordinary friendship between a writer and a homeless old lady. In the 1970s, a series of attacks on her van led to a remarkable offer of help from the writer, which marked the beginning of a 15-year...

Shaun Bythell's diary offers a unique glimpse into the world of a bookshop, where the boundaries between bookseller and bibliophile blur. With wry humor and a sharp eye, Bythell shares the trials and tribulations of running Scotland's largest second-hand...

Harry Gordon Selfridge changed the face of retail. In the late 19th century, shopping was a chore, with browsing and impulse buys discouraged. Stores sold goods, but only if you wanted to buy them. Then, Selfridge arrived, revolutionising the way people...

Travelling Towards Chekhov: Diaries of an English Actress is a memoir by Caroline Blakiston, a renowned English actress who has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. Her book chronicles her adventures in Russia at a...

William Wilberforce was determined to end the evil of slavery in Britain, despite the powerful interests that stood in his way.For nearly half a century, Wilberforce fought tirelessly in Parliament to achieve his goal, using his influence to bring about...

Still Grumpy After All These YearsThis candid account of a half-century in British television reveals the highs and lows of a career spanning reporter, presenter, producer and CEO of ITV. The author shares stories of producing popular programmes, meeting...

A deeply researched and beautifully illustrated study of saxophone legend John Coltrane's signature album, A Love Supreme, is presented in this book. Written with the full co-operation of the Coltrane family and featuring rare, unpublished interviews...

Patsy McGarry's memoir, Well, Holy God, is a candid and thought-provoking account of his life as a journalist, particularly in his role as Religious Affairs Correspondent for The Irish Times. The book spans his career, covering significant events such as...

Edmund Blunden's autobiography is a powerful and poignant account of his experiences as an infantry subaltern in France and Flanders during the First World War. The book recounts the disastrous battles of the Somme, Ypres, and Passchendaele, where...

Christian Lewis's journey along the UK's coastline is a testament to the healing power of nature. After hitting rock bottom with severe depression, he made an impulsive decision to walk the entire coastline, leaving behind the only life he knew. With...

Sonny Barger, the legendary leader of the Hell's Angels, shares his life story in this autobiography. For forty years, he rode with the Angels, obeying only the law of the HAMC. From the club's formation in the 1940s to his periods of imprisonment,...

The Last Women of the Durham Coalfield: Hannah's Granddaughter The Second World War had a profound impact on the lives of women in the Durham coalfield, who took on new roles in the ammunition factories supporting the war effort. For eight hours a day,...

The Greatest Footballer You Never Saw: The Robin Friday Story Robin Friday was a footballer who defied expectations, refusing to be bound by convention. His talent was undeniable, but his personal demons ultimately proved too great to overcome. This book...

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a fascinating account of a woman whose life was forever changed by the discovery of her cancer cells. Born a poor black tobacco farmer, Henrietta's cells were taken without her knowledge and became a...

Calum MacLeod's vision for a road on Raasay was a romantic and quixotic venture that consumed almost twenty years of his life. At the age of 56, he set out to build a road single-handedly, driven by a desire to see new generations return to the north end...

Jenny Lawson's memoir is a humorous and often uncomfortable account of her life, full of embarrassing moments and quirky family experiences. The author recounts her childhood, including being followed to school by her father's turkeys and getting her arm...

Lady Gregory's Toothbrush by Colm Tóibín is a fascinating insight into the life of Augusta Gregory, a remarkable figure in Celtic history. A woman of complex convictions, she navigated the contradictions of her time, championing causes close to her heart...

Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness by William Styron This is a deeply personal account of depression, a condition that had a profound impact on the life of acclaimed writer William Styron. With remarkable candor, Styron recounts his struggles with...

Playing with Fire: The True Story of Fireman ScamA shocking true story of deception and betrayal, this book tells the astonishing tale of a firefighter's web of lies and the family's fight for justice.Based on the BBC Sounds podcast series "Love-Bombed...

A Galaxy of Her Own tells the story of fifty inspirational women who have played a crucial role in the history of space exploration. From Ada Lovelace to the women behind the Apollo missions, these women have made significant contributions to the field...

From humble beginnings on a Hackney council estate to his current status as a renowned entrepreneur, Alan Sugar's story is one of determination and resilience. Born in 1947, Sugar's early life was marked by uncertainty, but it was this very uncertainty...

Ron Greenwood: A Biography of Football's Gentleman Ron Greenwood was a highly respected figure in English football, known for his ability to balance success with sportsmanship. As the manager of West Ham United, he led the team to two major trophies in...

A deeply researched and personal portrait of John F. Kennedy Jr., America's Reluctant Prince offers a surprising and revealing look at the life and legacy of the Kennedy heir. Through exclusive interviews and previously classified documents, historian...

Insider insights from one of Formula One's most successful figures, Ross Brawn, offer practical advice for overcoming obstacles and achieving success in both racing and beyond.Brawn, a four-decade veteran of the high-stakes world of Formula One, shares...

King Henry IV: The Life of England's Self-made King by Ian Mortimer In 1405, a storm forced King Henry IV to seek shelter at a small Yorkshire manor house. That night, he awoke in a state of panic, convinced that traitors were poisoning him. This was not...

Feh: A Memoir by Shalom AuslanderA scathing and subversively funny memoir about the author's attempt to escape the biblical story he was raised on and construct a new narrative for himself and his family.Auslander recounts his midlife journey to rewrite...

Bob Smeaton From Benwell Boy to 46th Beatle... and Beyond Born in Benwell, a working-class area of Newcastle, Bob Smeaton's love affair with music began as a young listener and observer. He went on to become the frontman of White Heat, a band that,...

Behind enemy lines, with no backup or air support, a small team of British soldiers must fight to survive. This is the true story of Captain David Blakeley and his team, who were given a critical mission in Iraq in 2003. With thousands of heavily armed...

Discover the stories behind the world's most successful entrepreneurs. This collection of six biographies delves into the lives of Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Jack Ma, and Richard Branson, exploring what drives their success and...

An Autobiography by Angela Y. Davis is a powerful and enduring account of a life committed to radical change. First published in 1974, this book has resonated just as strongly today, thanks to Davis's ongoing activism and her extraordinary example...

Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister is a gripping group biography of three extraordinary women who helped shape twentieth-century China. The Soong sisters, from Shanghai, were at the centre of power and left an indelible mark on history. Their lives...

The Secrets of My Life is a candid and introspective memoir by Caitlyn Jenner, a celebrated Olympic icon and member of one of the most famous families in the world. Caitlyn reflects on the inner conflict she experienced growing up in an era of rigidly...

Discover the lives of 50 women who defied the odds and changed the world. From queens and politicians to explorers and sports figures, these women pursued their ambitions and achieved their dreams, often in the face of adversity.From artists and...

Boris Johnson's premiership was marked by turmoil and crisis, with Britain facing some of its most significant challenges in decades. From the Brexit deadlock to the Covid-19 pandemic, and from the Afghanistan crisis to the Partygate scandal, Johnson's...

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the composer we think we know, is a myth. John Suchet's biography reveals a more complex, human figure. Mozart was blessed with a happy disposition, yet struggled with depression. He achieved success at a young age, but often...

This memoir is a personal account of the author's 25 years working as Motown's tape library director, a unique perspective on the music industry's history. The book is a collection of memories that the author hopes will be of interest to former...

Robert Dallek's definitive biography of John F. Kennedy offers a fresh perspective on the life and legacy of the 35th US President. Drawing on previously unseen archives, Dallek sheds new light on Kennedy's life, revealing a complex and multifaceted...

Chasing the Light: How I Fought My Way Into HollywoodOliver Stone's intimate and groundbreaking memoir takes readers on a journey through his life, from his childhood on New York's Upper East Side to the tumultuous world of 1970s and 80s Hollywood.With...

Adam Shoalts embarks on a 3,400-kilometre journey from his doorstep to the Arctic, following the migratory route of a majestic peregrine falcon. This gripping narrative takes readers on an astonishing odyssey across Canada's diverse landscapes, from lush...

Rylan Clark's memoir, TEN: The Decade That Changed My Future, offers a candid and humorous look at the past decade of the UK's most-loved presenter. With openness and heart, Rylan shares his life lessons, from the highs of fame and celebrity to the...

Give Them Lala is a collection of humorous and brutally honest essays from Lala Kent, exploring her journey to fame, sobriety, and self-discovery. For Lala, embracing her true self means being authentic, bold, and unapologetic. This debut book shares her...

Charles Williams' 'The Figure of Arthur' is a poetic exploration of the Arthurian legends. The work features contributions by the British writer, C. S. Lewis, and is part of Williams' oeuvre, which includes literary and theological writings. As a member...

Shy Keenan's childhood was marked by unimaginable abuse and neglect, yet she was born with a fierce inner fire that would ultimately define her. This powerful and deeply personal memoir recounts her harrowing experiences, from infancy to adulthood, and...

Painting the Sand A gripping account of the human psyche in the face of extreme danger, this memoir follows the story of a bomb disposal operator serving in the British Army. With a record-breaking 119 improvised explosive devices defused, the author...

Phil Mickelson: The Unauthorised BiographyA frank and revealing biography of the legendary golf champion, written by longtime Sports Illustrated writer and bestselling author Alan Shipnuck. This raw and unauthorised biography captures a singular life...

Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy was a multifaceted artist whose remarkable life and work continue to inspire and fascinate. This biography, the first major study in decades, offers a fresh and in-depth exploration of Mendelssohn's life, music, and art...

The Stirrings by Catherine Taylor A poignant and powerful memoir of coming of age, set against the turbulent backdrop of 1970s and 80s Britain. This is a story of one young woman's journey, shaped by the place and time she grew up in, and the experiences...

Simon Callow explores the complex and fascinating world of Richard Wagner, delving into the life and art of one of music's most influential figures.Wagner's legacy is marked by both genius and controversy, as he navigated poverty, revolution, and...

Muhammad Ali's life story is a testament to his unyielding spirit and unwavering conviction. In this candid and deeply personal account, Ali shares his experiences, struggles, and triumphs with Richard Durham, a writer who captured the essence of his...

Chris Patten's diary of his time as the last British governor of Hong Kong, covering the period from June 1992 to 1997, offers a unique insight into the complexities of negotiating with China and the challenges of maintaining democracy in the territory...

On 9/11, a hijacked plane crashed into the World Trade Center's North Tower, sending Michael Hingson, a blind man, and his guide dog Roselle into a desperate fight for survival. As the tower burned around them, Michael chose to trust Roselle's judgment,...

Ray Bishop's autobiography is a brutal and shocking account of his life on the run. Born on a council estate in South East London, Bishop's early life was marked by violence and brutality at the hands of the police. He turned to petty crime and was sent...

Edmund Phelps is a leading figure in economics, known for his groundbreaking work on unemployment, inflation, and innovation. In "My Journeys in Economic Theory", he shares the story of his life's work, from his early contributions to the development of...

The Evil Within Murdered by Her Stepbrother - the Crime That Shocked a Nation. the Heartbreaking Story of Becky Watts by Her Father The shocking true story of Becky Watts' tragic murder has left a family shattered and a nation in shock. This is the...

A Brightly Guided Life: How a Scientist Learned to Hear Her Inner Wisdom Ingrid Honkala's life has been shaped by extraordinary experiences that few of us can imagine. From a near-drowning at three to encounters with mysterious "Beings of Light", she has...

The Girl with the Saddest Secret is a heart-wrenching true story about a young girl's difficult upbringing and the foster carer who fights to provide her with a safe and loving environment. Angela Hart, a well-loved foster carer, takes in Jasmine, a...

Monty Don's personal journey through the natural year, month by month, season by season, observed from the immediate world around him, is a celebration of every living creature that we all share.This book is a reflection of the natural world that Monty...

The story behind the Netflix documentary that has captivated audiences worldwide. Alex Lewis's journey to uncover the truth about his past is a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking account of the bond between brothers and the devastating legacy of a...

For anyone looking to take on the iconic 26.2-mile distance, Vassos Alexander shares his own journey and offers practical advice on how to succeed.From the first tentative steps to the finisher's medal, Vassos shares the lessons he's learned, including...

Jean-Dominique Bauby's memoir is a haunting and harrowing account of his experience with locked-in syndrome, a condition where a person is paralysed from head to toe, yet remains conscious and aware. Using his only functioning muscle, his left eyelid,...

The Kennedy Curse: A Revealing Account of America's Most Famous Family The Kennedys have long been synonymous with American royalty, their name evoking a sense of charisma and public service. However, beneath the surface of their glamorous image lies a...

An Odd Undertaking is a fascinating read on an unusual topic, offering a unique perspective on life and death. Bill Wood's memoirs of his career as an undertaker in London during the 1990s provide a thought-provoking and entertaining account of the work...