Biography & Autobiography

Elsie and Mairi Go to War Two is the extraordinary true story of two women who risked their lives to help soldiers on the Western Front during World War I. In 1914, Elsie and Mairi, both in their early twenties, joined the war effort in London, before...

Eyewitness to War and Peace is a gripping memoir that takes readers on a journey through the life of a fearless journalist in Northern Ireland. With unparalleled access to key players, Eamonn Mallie shares his reflections on groundbreaking interviews...

Adam Smith: What He Thought, and Why It Matters by Jesse Norman Adam Smith is widely regarded as the father of modern economics, but what he really thought and the implications of his ideas remain fiercely contested. This book provides a succinct and...

Paramahansa Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi is a deeply personal account of his spiritual journey, spanning from his childhood in India to his encounters with influential figures in the East and West.Born into a Bengali family, Yogananda recounts his...

George Herbert's poetry is a treasure trove of inner experiences, recorded in a variety of forms. This biography, Music at Midnight, brings together the life and poetry of the man behind some of the most famous poems in the English Language. Born in...

Samuel Pepys: A Life of Unparalleled Openness Claire Tomalin's biography offers a fresh perspective on the remarkable life of Samuel Pepys, a naval administrator, friend, and colleague of the powerful and learned. Pepys is best known for his...

Fight Or Flight: My Life, My Choices is the autobiography of Irish rugby legend Keith Earls, a story of struggle and triumph that takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of his remarkable career.From his early days as a teenage star in...

Julie Andrews shares the story of her early years in HOME, a vivid and honest memoir of her childhood and upbringing. Born in Surrey, Julie's idyllic early life was cut short when her parents divorced and her mother remarried, leading to a move to London...

The Life and Death of Mary Wollstonecraft is a biography that presents a vivid evocation of the life of one of the most controversial figures of her day. Mary Wollstonecraft was a radical thinker who refused to be bound by convention, and her life was...

You've Got This And Other Things I Wish I Had Known by Louise Redknapp is a refreshingly honest guide to life's ups and downs. With over two decades of experience in the spotlight, Louise shares her personal stories and poignant observations on life,...

Brian Eno's diary and essays, originally published twenty-five years ago, offer a unique insight into the mind and working practices of a music industry icon. In 1994, Eno resolved to keep a diary, and what he wrote was astonishing - a collection of...

Blue is a deeply moving and personal memoir of crime and calamity, of adventure and achievement, of friendship and failure, of serious illness and slow recovery. John Sutherland, a former police officer, shares his remarkable story of a life in blue,...

The Climb: A harrowing account of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster, as experienced mountaineer Anatoli Boukreev recounts his role in the tragic events. On May 1996, a severe blizzard struck, catching twenty-three climbers, including expedition leaders,...

De Gaulle, a complex and multifaceted figure, was the architect of France's modern political landscape. His life was marked by contradictions, from his conservative and Catholic upbringing to his role as a champion of democracy and his later imperial...

When Michelle Miller found herself widowed at 31 with two small children, she could have taken a very different path. Instead, she chose to meet new people and explore the dating scene. This memoir chronicles her 46 most memorable and cringe-worthy...

A biography of John von Neumann, the influential scientist who shaped our century. Born at the turn of the 20th century, von Neumann's remarkable life spanned multiple fields of science, from computer science to physics and mathematics.From his work on...

The Oxford English Dictionary was a monumental undertaking that took seventy years to complete, drawing from the collective knowledge of tens of thousands of brilliant minds. At its core lies a fascinating and mysterious story of two remarkable men whose...

A devastating story of coercive control and domestic homicide. On 19 July 2016, Claire and Charlotte Hart were murdered in broad daylight by their father using a sawn-off shotgun. He then committed suicide. Luke and Ryan Hart, the two surviving sons,...

A Long Way South is a memoir of Sara Stewart's travels in Latin America during a tumultuous period in the 1970s. The book recounts her experiences, from crossing the Atlantic to exploring the region's diverse landscapes and cultures.Sara's journey took...

John Templeton was a renowned investor with a remarkable track record, earning him a place among the greatest stock pickers of the 20th century. His investment strategy, which has been extensively documented in The Templeton Touch, has been widely...

Isabel Allende's memoir is a powerful exploration of what it means to be a woman. The author reflects on her own life, from her childhood to her experiences as a feminist in the late 1960s, and shares her insights on the importance of female empowerment...

George Russell: The Rise of a Formula 1 Star George Russell's journey to the top of the Formula 1 world is a story of raw talent, dedication, and perseverance. From his early days karting in East Anglia to his current status as a Mercedes driver, Russell...

Spike: An Intimate Memoir by Norma Farnes is a deeply personal and affectionate account of the life of Spike Milligan, a man of many talents and faces. For 35 years, Norma Farnes was Spike's manager and close friend, and in this memoir, she shares her...

Belonging to 2 Troop: A Memoir of the Falklands War 1982This is a powerful and authentic account of the courage and resolve shown by soldiers and their loved ones during one of the toughest conflicts since World War 2. As the Falklands campaign unfolds,...

Atatürk: The Rebirth of a Nation The collapse of the Ottoman Empire after the First World War marked the emergence of new nations, with Turkey at its forefront. The creation of Mustafa Kemal, a soldier-statesman, was instrumental in dragging his country...

Javier's journey is a three-thousand-mile odyssey from his small town in El Salvador, through Guatemala and Mexico, and across the U.S. border. At nine years old, he is forced to leave behind his beloved aunt and grandparents to reunite with a mother who...

Josephine Tey: A LifeDiscover the remarkable story of Elizabeth MacKintosh, the woman behind the Golden Age Crime Fiction writer Tey. Born in Inverness in 1896, MacKintosh lived a life of multiple identities and pursuits, from playwright and novelist to...

Low Life: The Spectator Columns 'The Final Years' by Jeremy Clarke In these poignant columns, Jeremy Clarke recounts his life's final years with humour and defiance, never succumbing to self-pity. Diagnosed with cancer in 2013, Clarke chronicles his...

Diane K. Boyd's memoir is a gripping portrait of wolf repopulation, tracing her four-decade journey as a pioneering wildlife biologist. With unwavering passion and determination, she faced numerous challenges in her quest to study and protect wild wolves...

Richard Burton: The Complete Life The life of Richard Burton, the Welsh actor who captivated audiences with his powerful performances, is revealed in this comprehensive biography. From his early days in the West End to his iconic roles in Hollywood,...

The Unlikely Duke by Harry Beaufort A memoir that combines the wit of P.G. Wodehouse with the warmth of a true friend, this book offers a unique glimpse into the life of the 12th Duke of Beaufort. With his life as a rock performer and his...

Duveen is a biography of the world's most famous art dealer, offering a unique insight into the life and career of a man who played a pivotal role in shaping the art world of the 20th century. Samuel Nathaniel Behrman's book provides a detailed and...

Ashley Mullenger's memoir is a heartfelt love letter to the sea and the fishing industry, which transformed her life from a clean-cut office worker to a proud commercial fisherman. Her journey began with a chance fishing trip off the Norfolk coast, which...

Beware of the Bull: The Enigmatic Genius of Jake Thackray is a critically-acclaimed biography of the late singer-songwriter, revealing a life as extraordinary as his writing. Jake's story is one of a complex, charismatic and self-effacing man whom many...

Alberto Prunetti's memoir offers a humorous and poignant look at life on the margins in modern-day Britain. The author's journey, from arriving in the UK with limited English and a passion for George Orwell's work, to navigating the challenges of finding...

Eve Babitz, the iconic figure of 1960s Los Angeles, was a woman of striking contrasts. At just twenty years old, she posed nude alongside Marcel Duchamp, cementing her status as an instant icon of art and sex. As the decade wore on, Babitz's reputation...

Tony Blair: The Tragedy of Power by Tom Bower In 1997, Tony Blair became the youngest Prime Minister in British history at the age of 43, with a landslide majority and an approval rating of 93%. His New Labour government promised to modernize Britain,...

Tony Jacklin's Ryder Cup Journey is a candid and introspective account of his experiences as a player and captain of the European team. The book chronicles his remarkable transformation of the competition, which had fallen into decline in the 1970s, and...

The Creator of the Wombles: The First Biography of Elisabeth Beresford Elisabeth Beresford, the creator of the beloved Wombles, was a writer driven by a desire to succeed in a world where financial uncertainty loomed. From her early life in Paris to her...

A Hart Life is the story of Colin Hart, the former tour manager of two of the most innovative rock bands of all time, Deep Purple and Rainbow. For over thirty years, he was the constant presence in their lives, witnessing the highs and lows of their...

Nigel Owens' autobiography is a candid and humorous account of his journey towards self-acceptance. The former rugby referee opens up about the personal struggles he faced, including a period of crisis that led him to attempt suicide, and his experiences...

Coach Mike, a trainer of champions, shares his revolutionary approach to success in this book. He exposes common fitness industry myths and guides readers to achieve their goals. Mike is joined by a lineup of guests, including athletes and experts in...

The Makers of Rome: Nine Lives This collection of nine biographies offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Rome's greatest statesmen, from the early days of the Republic to the establishment of the Empire. Plutarch's Roman Lives brings to life the...

The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution Walter Isaacson's book tells the story of the people who created the computer and the Internet, from Ada Lovelace to Steve Jobs. This narrative explores the...

Clancy Martin's account of his struggles with suicidal thoughts is a powerful exploration of the human condition. In this unflinching and deeply personal book, he shares his experiences of feeling overwhelmed and disconnected, and the ways in which he...

Bobby Charlton's story is one of triumph and tragedy, of highs and lows, and of a lifelong devotion to the club he loves. From his early days as a member of the Busby Babes to his 17-year career with Manchester United, Charlton played in 754 games,...

Pan's People: Our StoryThe glamour of 1960s and 1970s television is captured in the remarkable story of the surviving members of Pan's People, the iconic dance troupe that was the highlight of Top of the Pops. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the...

Ellen Wilkinson: A Life of Activism and Internationalism Ellen Wilkinson was a trailblazing figure in British politics and social justice, whose remarkable life spanned several decades of radical change. From her early days as a fiery school debater to...

I Am An Island is a deeply personal and moving memoir about one woman's journey to find belonging in the most unexpected of places. When Tamsin Calidas and her husband left behind the city for a remote island in the Scottish Hebrides, they embarked on a...

David Lloyd George, one of the world's greatest statesmen, defied expectations to rise to prominence despite a humble upbringing in rural North Wales. This biography, by experienced MP and author Damian Collins, sheds light on the impact of Lloyd...

At the age of 27, Giles Smith had a moment of clarity standing in the sleet at a bus stop in Colchester. He had probably failed in his mission to become a musician, at least for the time being. This realisation marked the beginning of Lost in Music, a...

Joan Didion's memoir, Where I Was From, is a moving exploration of her own confusions about the place and the way she grew up, and the culture that shaped her life. The book follows her family's journey from Virginia in 1766 to the edge of the Pacific in...

Gene Simmons, the notorious mainman of KISS, tells his story in this candid and unflinching autobiography. Born in Israel and arriving in New York at the age of eight, Simmons recounts his early beginnings and the events that shaped him into one of the...

Ava Gardner: A Reluctant Goddess Ava Gardner was a woman of captivating beauty and charismatic presence, whose allure drew in some of the most iconic figures of Hollywood's Golden Age. Her life was a complex tapestry of glamour, scandal, and tragedy, as...

Bob Alexander QC's memoir is a personal and reflective account of his life, spanning over six decades. From his early years to his later years as a respected lawyer, Alexander shares his experiences, insights and reflections in a candid and introspective...

Health and Safety is a memoir about the author's immersion into New York City's dance music underground in the summer of 2016. As a journalist covering gun violence, climate catastrophes, and right-wing rallies, she led a double life, pushing the limits...

The RNLI's remarkable 200-year history is a testament to the power of kindness and community. Since 1824, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution has been dedicated to saving lives at sea, with an estimated 150,000 lives saved over the past two centuries...

In Two Minds: Stories of Murder, Justice and Recovery from a Forensic Scientist is a gripping memoir that delves into the minds of mentally disordered offenders. Dr Das, a forensic psychiatrist, shares his experiences treating and rehabilitating violent...

A Dancer in Wartime: The Touching True Story of a Young Girl's Journey from the Blitz to the Bright Lights by Gillian Lynne. This memoir is a unique and captivating read for ballet lovers, offering a glimpse into the life of a world-renowned...

The Electricity of Every Living Thing is a poignant exploration of nature and its impact on our lives. Katherine May's journey along the 630-mile South West Coast Path offers a powerful insight into the healing power of wild landscapes and the importance...

Jack in the Box Or, How to Goddamn Direct by Jack O'Brien In this unique and humorous memoir, Tony Award-winning director Jack O'Brien shares stories from his 50-year career in the theatre, offering insights into the world of directing. With a wealth of...

Roy Snell has spent over 16 years providing close protection for high-profile clients, including international royalty and celebrities. His extensive experience has been shaped by training at the Regency College, where he honed his skills alongside the...

Bombshell: The Night Bobby Kennedy Killed Marilyn Monroe A shocking new investigation into the death of Marilyn Monroe reveals a conspiracy involving the US Attorney General. Drawing on secret police files, private diary entries, and first-hand...

The formation of England was a story of resilience and unity, forged in the face of adversity. Against the odds, a kingdom was formed from a divided island, with rival kingdoms and Viking hordes threatening its survival. It was a time of great turmoil,...

Ramble Book is a tender and hilarious memoir from Adam Buxton, exploring the ups and downs of his life, from childhood to adulthood. With wit and self-awareness, Buxton shares stories of parenthood, friendships, and the challenges of growing up in the...

Paul Simpson's Revolutionary Spirit is a poignant and often hilarious memoir that charts the author's journey to artistic validation. Born out of the 1970s Liverpool music scene, Simpson's story is one of self-destruction and mystical visions, of a...

Julia Engelhorn's life before and after a devastating event are intertwined in a story of survival and healing. The author recounts the joys and struggles of parenthood, followed by a period of unimaginable darkness, where she was left to pick up the...

Laurence Bergreen's Marco Polo: From Venice to Xanadu is a thrilling and masterly reconstruction of the life and wanderings of one of the great adventurers of world history. In 1271, Marco Polo embarked on a journey east from Acre into central Asia along...

Clover Stroud's honest and deeply personal book about motherhood is a powerful exploration of the complex emotions that come with raising a family. Charting a year in the life of her youngest child, Clover searches for answers to questions that many of...

A thirty-three-year-old writer's life is turned upside down when his quiet European suburb is invaded. His world changes overnight, and he must confront the harsh realities of war. This book is a personal and poignant account of the invasion of Ukraine,...

The World According to Joan Didion is a deeply personal and insightful exploration of the life, craft, and legacy of one of the most revered and influential writers of our time. Evelyn McDonnell, a renowned journalist, essayist, and scholar, delves into...

The Pigeon Tunnel is a memoir by John le Carre, recounting his years serving in British Intelligence during the Cold War and his subsequent writing career. With storytelling elan, le Carre shares his experiences, from the dramatic to the humorous, and...

Jenny Doan's memoir is a heartwarming story of faith, family, and the power of giving. From humble beginnings as a homeschooling mom, Jenny's journey is one of overcoming hardship and igniting generosity, which ultimately led to the remarkable success of...

Do the Birds Still Sing in Hell? A Powerful Story of Love and SurvivalThis is the incredible true story of a British soldier's desperate attempts to escape a prisoner of war camp, driven by his love for a girl he had left behind.With remarkable courage...

Frank 'Lefty' Rosenthal and his partner Anthony 'the Ant' Spilotro ran Las Vegas for the mob, but their arrangement was eventually undone by their own obsessions. The story of how the mob lost its stranglehold on the city is told in this book, which...

Julie Andrews shares her remarkable story of Hollywood's golden age in Home Work, the second instalment of her internationally bestselling memoirs. Her arrival in Hollywood marked the beginning of a movie career that would make her an icon to millions...

David Jason My Life Born into a tumultuous world, David Jason's early life was marked by both hardship and resilience. As a young man, he struggled to find his place, but eventually discovered a talent for making people laugh, leading to a successful...

Christ Stopped at Eboli In 1948, Carlo Levi was exiled to a remote region of Italy, where he was forced to confront the harsh realities of rural life. The result was a deeply personal and poignant account of his experiences, which offer a unique insight...

Jon Smith's The Deal offers a unique insight into the world of football business, revealing the complexities and mysteries of the sport's lucrative money-making scene. Through his personal story, Smith shares his experiences as a super-agent, from...

The Bravo Two Zero Mission: A Soldier's Story of Survival and Betrayal In 1991, a British Special Forces patrol, code-named Bravo Two Zero, was sent behind enemy lines in the Gulf War. The mission was to gather intelligence and conduct sabotage, but it...

When a fishing vessel sinks suddenly in a savage storm, its crew is left to drift in freezing Alaskan waters without a life raft. A desperate mission begins as a Coast Guard crew risks everything to rescue the survivors. This is the true account of the...

By the laws of statistics, John Wyatt should not be here today to tell his story. He firmly believes that someone was looking after him during those four years. The odds stacked against him are staggering, and his survival is a testament to the human...

Beyond Possible: 14 Peaks: Nothing Is ImpossibleNimsdai Purja's incredible journey to conquer the world's highest mountains is a testament to the human spirit at its best. With a background in military service and exceptional physical stamina, Purja...

Discover the inspiring story behind Billie Eilish's trailblazing career and the values that drive her success. This book offers a unique insight into the life and philosophy of the multi-award-winning artist, exploring themes of self-expression,...

Anthony Bourdain's life was a testament to his insatiable curiosity and passion for storytelling. Through the stories and recollections of those who knew him best, this book offers a remarkably full and nuanced vision of his life and work. Laurie...

The Plot to Sink Galleon: A Cautionary Tale of Unchecked Prosecutorial Power In 2008, Raj Rajaratnam, the founder of the iconic hedge fund Galleon Group, chose to go to trial rather than concede to a false narrative concocted by ambitious prosecutors...

Jordan Henderson's autobiography is a candid and insightful look at the life of one of the most iconic figures in modern football.Born in Sunderland, Henderson began his football career there before joining Liverpool in 2011. He went on to establish...

Cody McClain Brown's memoir is a humorous and heartwarming account of his experiences adjusting to life in Croatia. After falling in love with an enigmatic woman, Cody and his partner relocate to Split, where he encounters a vibrant culture and a strong...

For those who crave adventure and a touch of glamour, Jayne McCarthy's memoir offers a thrilling tale of a globe-trotting hairstylist's journey across the world.With a restless sense of adventure and an open mind, Jayne McCarthy embarked on a journey...

For many, becoming a father is a long-held dream, but what happens when that dream doesn't come to fruition? The emotional impact on men who don't become fathers is often overlooked, but Robert Nurden's journey sheds light on the complexities of life as...

Clive Myrie's memoir is a deeply personal exploration of his family history and its influence on his life. Born to a Windrush generation family, he draws on his ancestors' stories to reflect on his own experiences as a black journalist, reporting on some...

Lucasta Miller's Keats: A Brief Life in Nine Poems and One Epitaph offers a compelling portrait of the poet, uncovering the stories behind nine of his most famous poems. By examining the backstories of his work, Miller sheds new light on Keats' life and...

Franz Jägerstätter's courageous stand against the Nazi regime is a powerful testament to the enduring power of faith and conscience. In 1943, he was executed for refusing to serve in the army, a decision that was both deeply personal and profoundly...

Jane Austen: A Life is a meticulously researched biography that offers a profound understanding of one of Britain's most beloved novelists. Claire Tomalin's masterful portrayal of Austen's life is both detailed and witty, making this a perfect biography...

Malorie Blackman's life is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. From her early days as a young girl from South London, who fell in love with books and found solace in her local library, to her journey as a writer, marked by trauma,...

Charles Darwin: A Life of Discovery The life of Charles Darwin is a complex and intriguing one, full of mysteries and contradictions. This biography offers a vivid and comprehensive picture of Darwin as a man and a scientist, shedding new light on his...

David Lloyd's autobiography is a hilarious and engaging account of his life in cricket. Born into a family that cherished the game, Lloyd recounts his childhood memories of playing cricket in the street, including the infamous tin bath ritual. As he rose...

The Greatest Escape: A Gripping Story of Wartime Courage and Adventure In the summer of 1944, one of the largest and most daring POW escapes of the Second World War took place. Organized by two ordinary soldiers, an Australian bank clerk and a British...

Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar shares his remarkable life story in his own words, from a small boy with dreams to becoming a cricket god. His journey spans 24 years at the top of the sport, including record-breaking schoolboy exploits, a century-scoring...

A Gravedigger's Tales by Ian Shipley is a unique and fascinating account of life as a village gravedigger. The author recounts his 28 years of experience, sharing stories of mishaps, misadventures, and the often-overlooked profession of digging graves...