Biography & Autobiography

Corrie ten Boom's memoir explores the years leading up to her family's experiences during World War II. Living above the family watch shop, Corrie reflects on her childhood and the values that shaped her family's life in the Netherlands. This book...

Lewis Hamilton's explosive arrival on the Formula 1 scene has made front-page headlines. In his first season in grand prix racing, he thrilled the world by finishing on the podium in his first nine consecutive races, a record that stood for years. This...

Dick and Angel Strawbridge's dream of living in France became a reality when they fell in love with a 19th-century fairytale château, complete with 45 rooms, seven outbuildings, 12 acres of land and its own moat. The couple, who had previously lived in a...

Alan Partridge: Big Beacon is a deeply silly book that is also glorious. With its innovative 'dual narrative' structure, this novel tells the story of Alan Partridge's triumphant return to TV, as well as his selfless efforts to restore an old lighthouse...

The Africa House is a story of passion, adventure and betrayal, set against the backdrop of a bygone era. Stewart Gore-Brown, an English gentleman, built a feudal paradise in Northern Rhodesia, complete with servants and rose gardens, in the hope of...

This is a compelling and intimate memoir that explores the complexities of identity, family, and the black British experience. Through a series of poignant portraits, Colin Grant shares his own story and those of his loved ones, revealing the nuances and...

Ronald Reagan's personal and political journey as an anti-communist is the subject of this book. Peter Schweizer's account challenges common perceptions of Reagan's role in the demise of the Soviet Union, instead revealing a decades-long battle against...

Amy Winehouse: A Life of Turbulent Talent Amy Winehouse's life was marked by both incredible success and devastating struggles. Her chart-topping songs captivated audiences worldwide, but her personal life was a constant source of headlines. This...

Rupert Isaacson's The Horse Boy is a heart-wrenching and uplifting true story about a family's quest to heal their autistic son. When Rowan, their two-year-old son, was diagnosed with autism, Rupert and his wife Kirstin were filled with despair. But one...

Charles Darwin's Voyage of the Beagle is a remarkable account of a naturalist's observations during a lifetime voyage. In 1831, at the age of twenty-two, Darwin embarked on a journey that would set in motion the intellectual currents leading to his...

The Presidents: A Comprehensive History of American Political Leadership This book offers a unique and in-depth exploration of the role and office of the US President, spanning 230 years of American history. Written by a range of experts, including...

Ronan O'Gara's autobiography is a candid and illuminating account of his remarkable sporting career. The Cork native shares the story of his on-field successes, including his record-breaking points scoring achievements and Munster's historic Heineken Cup...

Danny O'Donoghue: The Biography The story of Danny O'Donoghue, front man of the multi-platinum band The Script, is one of perseverance and determination. Born into a musical family, O'Donoghue's path to stardom was far from straightforward. After years...

Nick Grimshaw's coming-of-age stories offer a humorous and heartfelt look at his journey from self-loathing to self-care. From partying with pop stars to growing up and coming out, these tales cover life's pivotal moments, loves, losses, and the fun had...

Amartya Sen's memoir, Home in the World, is a deeply personal and intellectually rich exploration of his life and experiences. Born in India and raised in various parts of the country, including Bengal, Sen recounts his journey from childhood to...

The discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 was a momentous event that opened a door to the ancient Egyptian world. The story of the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who held the concession to excavate the tomb, is one of passion, ability, and tragedy. This...

Robert McCrum's life-changing stroke in 1995 left him with a profound awareness of his own mortality. Twenty-one years on, he's noticing a change: death has become a familiar companion for his friends. As he navigates this new reality, McCrum confronts...

Fredrick Forsyth's life has been a journey of intrigue and adventure. From his early days as the youngest pilot to qualify with the RAF, to his time as a journalist in East Berlin during the Cold War, Forsyth has seen some of the most exhilarating...

Electric Wizard's story is one of unbridled creativity and unapologetic excess. Born in the market town of Wimborne Minster in Dorset, England, in 1993, the band's music was a reflection of their surroundings - a fusion of biker culture, video-nasties,...

Explore the natural world that inspired one of America's most celebrated poets. Emily Dickinson's Gardening Life reveals the lesser-known passion for plants that fueled her writing. Through a year in the garden, this book uncovers details about...

Desert Solitaire: A Season in the WildernessEdward Abbey's poignant and poetic account of his time as a seasonal ranger in the American wilderness is a powerful exploration of the tension between nature and civilization. Living out of a trailer, Abbey...

Steve Gallant's story is one of physical bravery, moral courage, and redemption. After being sentenced to life imprisonment for murder, he was given a second chance when he vowed to never use violence again. However, on his first day out of prison on day...

Audrey Hepburn: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon is a stunning illustrated biography of the legendary fashion icon and actress. Discover the key moments of her fascinating life and the iconic looks she pioneered.From her early life in World War II...

Jennie Jerome and Sara Delano: two remarkable women who shaped the lives of their sons, Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Born into upper-class America in 1854, they defied convention to forge their own paths. Jennie's social manoeuvres in...

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's outrageous and hilarious follow-up to his memoir is bursting with personal confessions and revealing anecdotes about the world of top-flight football. In Adrenaline, he shares his thoughts on his time in the Premier League, including...

A powerful true story about the potential for mercy to redeem us, Just Mercy is a clarion call to fix America's broken justice system. The US has the highest rate of incarceration in the world, with one in every 15 people born there today expected to go...

Lee Miller was a photographer of extraordinary talent and a woman of immense complexity. Born in 1907, she moved seamlessly from art student to Vogue model, muse to Man Ray and the Parisian surrealists, and eventually established her own studio. Her...

Gervase Phinn's second volume in his Dales series, Over Hill and Dale, is a hilarious and heartwarming account of his time as a school inspector in North Yorkshire. With his notebook and pen in hand, Phinn navigates the challenges of working with the...

George Orwell's Homage to Catalonia is a personal account of his time fighting in the Spanish Civil War. In 1936, Orwell arrived in Barcelona as a journalist, but soon found himself drawn into the conflict, joining the Republican militia to fight for the...

Nicole Maines shares her candid coming-of-age story, a journey from childhood in rural Maine to the spotlights of Hollywood. With clever wit and unflinching honesty, she tackles the lessons she's learned along the way, including the importance of...

Fierce Bad Rabbits: The Tales Behind Children's Picture BooksClare Pollard's insightful exploration of the history and meaning behind our beloved picture books. From Edward Lear to contemporary classics, Pollard sheds light on the stories that have...

Little St. John's Day in 1827 marked the beginning of a remarkable diary, written in the Irish language by Humphrey O'Sullivan. This diary, a testament to his courage and originality, offers a unique glimpse into life in a small Irish town during a...

Erik ten Hag: the Biography by Maarten Meijer is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the life and career of the highly acclaimed football manager. Through a meticulous analysis of his methods and achievements, Meijer reveals the driving forces...

Umar ibn al Khattab: A Life of Unwavering Commitment to Truth and Justice This book tells the remarkable story of Umar ibn al Khattab, the second caliph after Prophet Muhammad, who embodied courage, honesty, and humility. From his early days before...

Daphne du Maurier's The Rebecca Notebook and Other Memories is a collection of occasional pieces from her workshop, offering a glimpse into her creative process and personal life. The title piece, a remarkable notebook from her time writing Rebecca,...

Frank Vandenbroucke, the cycling prodigy known for his dazzling speed and heavenly looks, had it all - until his life was torn apart by addiction and tragedy. This is the story of a talent destroyed by drugs, as told by award-winning author Andy McGrath...

Oscar Wilde's greatest works are presented in this luxurious Deluxe Hardbound Edition. The collection showcases Wilde's witty charm and profound insights, offering a unique glimpse into his literary masterpieces. With its durable hardcover binding, this...

Brian Clough's twenty years as Nottingham Forest manager were marked by a complex mix of triumph and turmoil. This biography, written by Duncan Hamilton, offers a deeply personal and intimate portrait of the legendary football manager, from the club's...

Dame Elizabeth Anionwu's memoir is a powerful and moving account of her life, from a sheltered childhood to a life of purpose and activism. Born in 1947, Elizabeth overcomes the challenges of her background to become one of the UK's greatest nurses, and...

Watch Your Back is a memoir that takes readers on a journey through the life of its author, from a difficult childhood to a long and fulfilling career in law enforcement.The story begins with the author's early life, marked by instability and hardship,...

A bold and intimate exploration of a childhood shaped by utopian ideals. Susanna Crossman recounts her experiences growing up in a community that defied traditional family structures, where children were encouraged to question authority and explore...

Richard Guay's memoir offers a unique perspective on the US Army's experience during the Vietnam War, from training to combat missions. The book is a firsthand account of life as a UH-1 Huey helicopter pilot, with vivid descriptions of the challenges and...

Breaking the Code Westminster Diaries by Gyles Brandreth In the tumultuous years of the 1990s, the British Parliament was a hotbed of controversy and infighting. Gyles Brandreth, a Conservative MP at the time, offers a candid and insightful account of...

The Nowhere Men: The Unknown Story of Football's True Talent Spotters A fascinating insight into the world of soccer scouts, where the decisions that shape the game are made by faceless and nameless individuals. Award-winning sportswriter Michael Calvin...

The Life of Saint Columba by Adomnan of Iona This biography offers a vivid depiction of the life of Saint Columba, a man renowned for his prophetic and miraculous powers. Written by his successor, Adomnan, the Life provides a unique insight into...

John Calvin: A Complex Life This biography presents a nuanced portrait of John Calvin, a figure at the heart of the Protestant Reformation. Calvin's life was marked by a profound conversion and a lifelong commitment to his faith, which had a profound...

Faust's Gold: Inside the East German Doping Machine has been updated to reveal the shocking truth behind the country's secret "State Plan". In the 1970s and 1980s, thousands of unsuspecting athletes were given massive doses of anabolic steroids, leading...

Ray Parlour's autobiography is a candid and humorous look back at his 16-year career with Arsenal. From his early days as a trainee to his record-breaking 333 Premier League appearances, Parlour shares stories of his time on and off the pitch. With a...

Shelley: The Pursuit by Richard Holmes is a groundbreaking biography that offers a serious and critical reappraisal of the life and work of the enigmatic Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. This meticulously researched book provides a detailed portrait...

Amanda Owen's latest book takes readers on a journey back to the Yorkshire Dales, where she shares stories of her family's adventures on their hill farm. From the challenges of caring for their nine children to the surprises that come with living off the...

Janet Vaughan was a trailblazing doctor and medical researcher who dedicated her life to improving the lives of others. Her pioneering work in haematology, combined with her advocacy for social and educational reform, had a profound impact on the medical...

Football has been Harry Redknapp's life since childhood, under the street lamps of Poplar and on the hallowed grounds of Highbury. His love for the game has endured, even as his career has spanned triumph and heartache. In this autobiography, Redknapp...

In 1976, Vicki Mackenzie secluded herself in a remote cave, 13,000 feet up in the Himalayas, for a decade-long period of solitude and spiritual exploration. She faced unimaginable cold, wild animals, floods and rockfalls, and grew her own food in a...

Lady Colin Campbell presents a striking analysis of the clash between two worlds in her latest book, Meghan and Harry: The Real Story Persecutors Or Victims. With five decades of experience in the public eye, Lady Campbell scrutinises the evidence of the...

Denis O'Connor's life was forever changed by a tiny creature he rescued from a snowstorm. A three-week-old kitten, left for dead, would go on to bring him joy and companionship in ways he never expected. This heartwarming story is a testament to the...

The Gastronomical Me is a memoir of travel, love and loss, but above all hunger. In 1929 M.F.K. Fisher left America for France, where she tasted real French cooking for the first time, inspiring a prolific career as a food and travel writer.Here, Fisher...

The Adversary: A True Story of Monstrous Deception In a shocking turn of events, a respected doctor's life unravels, revealing a trail of deceit and violence that spans eighteen years. This is the true story of Jean Claude Romand, a man who led a double...

The Marriage That Shaped the Monarchy In 1936, the British monarchy was plunged into crisis when King Edward VIII abdicated the throne. His younger brother, King George VI, was thrust into the role, but his shy and sensitive nature made him an unlikely...

Keir Starmer: A Life of Contrasts Keir Starmer is the first leader of the Labour Party with a genuinely working-class background since Neil Kinnock. His biography offers a unique insight into the life of a politician who has navigated the complexities of...

The No. 1 Sunday Times Bestseller, Parenting Hell, is a humorous and relatable exploration of the challenges of parenthood. Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe share their own experiences of the madness, absurdity, and chaos of raising children, offering a...

Born in Baghdad, Nadhim Zahawi's life took a dramatic turn when he was forced to flee Iraq with his family at the age of 12, under threat from Saddam Hussein's regime. In this candid and thoughtful memoir, he vividly recalls his upbringing in the Middle...

The HMS Tireless's nuclear reactor defect in 2000 was a pivotal moment in the life of Chief Engineer Stephen Bridgman. The crew's swift action to prevent a potential nuclear reactor accident at sea was a testament to their expertise and bravery. This...

Misty Copeland's journey to becoming one of America's most groundbreaking dancers began with a single moment of courage. At just thirteen years old, she stepped into a community centre's after-school ballet class, where she would discover a world of...

Love in the Fast Lane is a passionate memoir of a young Irish woman's rebellion against convention and her awakening to love and her own sexuality. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Dublin's bohemian scene in the 1930s and 1940s, the book paints a...

The Three Kings: A Football Legacy The lives of three football clubs - Celtic, Liverpool and Manchester United - are intertwined with the stories of their three greatest managers: Jock Stein, Bill Shankly and Matt Busby. Born within a 20-mile radius of...

Fighting Scared is a personal account of a remarkable life, from boy-soldier to paratrooper, that offers insight and wisdom into the world of counter-terrorism and the SAS.Robin Horsfall's story is one of physical and moral courage, as he recounts his...

Strength from Within is a deeply personal and insightful exploration of the author's experiences living with physical disabilities. The book delves into the challenges she faced, both externally and internally, and shares her journey of coping and growth...

Sparkle's Story by Louise Allen is a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking memoir about a young girl's journey towards self-discovery and acceptance. When Louise takes in Sparkle, a damaged and destructive girl, she is met with hostility and anger...

The Middle Class A History by Lawrence James This sweeping history of the British middle class reveals a group so familiar yet so often misunderstood. From the death of feudalism to the spread of literacy and the coming of the industrial and sexual...

All Things Remembered is the story of a life that defies expectations. Born Clifford J. Price, Goldie's journey from the jungle to Buckingham Palace is a testament to his resilience and determination.From his early days as a DJ and producer, to his role...

A House Full of Daughters is a deeply personal exploration of family, memory, and love, spanning seven generations of women. Juliet Nicolson, a renowned historian, delves into the stories of her own family, separating fact from fiction to uncover the...

Chapter and Verse - New Order, Joy Division and Me by Bernard Sumner This memoir offers a unique perspective on the life and times of Bernard Sumner, co-founder of the influential post-punk band New Order. Born in Salford, Sumner recounts his childhood...

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor's story is one of intrigue and deception. This book reveals the truth behind their years in exile, challenging the notion that they were naive dupes of the Germans. Through extensive research, it uncovers the Duke's active...

Alice Randall presents a celebration of country music, reflecting on her search for the first family of Black country music. The genre brought Randall and her activist mother together, and she holds a unique distinction in American music history: she is...

Richard Herring's memoir is a humorous and moving exploration of masculinity, mortality, and the author's personal experience with testicular cancer. The book delves into the complexities of what it means to be a man, examining the societal expectations...

The Last Real World Champion: The Legacy of "Nature Boy" Ric Flair Ric Flair's in-ring presence was a spectacle that captivated fans for decades. As a multi-time world heavyweight champion in the NWA, WCW, and WWE, he cemented his place as a generational...

Nikki Grahame's life story is a heart-wrenching account of her battle with anorexia nervosa. From the age of eight, she was plagued by feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, which ultimately led to her developing a severe eating disorder. Over the next...

Lyndon B. Johnson Portrait of a President by Robert Dallek is a comprehensive and engaging biography that delves into the life of one of America's most complex presidents. Based on extensive research and personal interviews, this book offers a nuanced...

Natasha Vins' story is one of courage and conviction in the face of adversity. As a young girl, she faced intense pressure from her teachers to conform to the Soviet State, while her family's Christian faith was increasingly persecuted. The consequences...

Angela Merkel's remarkable story is one of transformation and leadership. Born into a pastor's family in East Germany, she rose from a life of quiet dedication to become one of the world's most influential leaders. This intimate and deeply researched...

Bring Tim Burton's beloved tale to life with this delightful cross-stitch kit. Perfect for crafters of all skill levels, the kit includes a 32-page mini book with simple instructions and four easy patterns to stitch. The kit also includes 3 pieces of 4"...

Robin: A Biography by Dave Itzkoff Robin Williams was a man of incredible energy and creativity, whose life was marked by both brilliant highs and deep personal struggles. This biography, drawing on over 100 original interviews and extensive archival...

When a Crocodile Eats the Sun is a personal and powerful account of the author's return to his birthplace, Zimbabwe, in 2006. Peter Godwin, a renowned writer, is summoned by his mother to face the reality of his ailing father and the country's descent...

A family story of blood and memory and the haunting power of the past. Fergal Keane's memoir, Wounds, explores the complex legacy of the Irish War of Independence and the Civil War that followed. Keane delves into the experiences of his own family,...

L. Ron Hubbard, the enigmatic founder of the Church of Scientology, has long been shrouded in mystery. A writer of science fiction, Hubbard's life took a dramatic turn when he began to preach his own brand of self-help and spiritual guidance. But what...

Dire Straits: The Inside Story of One of the Biggest Bands in Rock History Dire Straits filled giant stadiums around the world and sold hundreds of millions of records, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape of the 1980s. Their enduring legacy...

This is the story of a remarkable friendship between a New York woman and a London bookseller, told through a series of letters and diary entries.Helene Hanff's account of her correspondence with Messrs Marks and Co, sellers of rare and secondhand books...

Salman Rushdie's memoir of survival and the power of love to heal is a moving and life-affirming account of a traumatic event and its aftermath. On the morning of 12 August 2022, Rushdie was attacked with a knife while giving a lecture, an incident that...

The Painted Surgeon by Aali J Sheen is a thought-provoking account of a British surgeon's experiences with racial injustice and unconscious bias. Detained by US immigration nine years after receiving a prestigious award for his research, the author...

Vera Atkins was a woman who rose to the top of Britain's secret service during World War II. Her story is one of remarkable achievement and secrecy. Drawing on recently released government files and unprecedented access to family papers, Sarah Helm...

Lady Katherine Knollys: A Life Unacknowledged Born in 1524, Katherine Knollys was the first child of Mary Boleyn, who was having an affair with King Henry VIII. Despite being the king's daughter, Katherine's existence was largely unknown to him, yet she...

Brett Anderson's memoir offers a candid and moving account of the highs and lows of his life and career as the frontman of Suede. The book recalls the band's early days, from playing small gigs in London to their rise to fame, and explores Anderson's...

From Here to Eternity: Travelling the World to Find the Good DeathCaitlin Doughty's journey takes her to the farthest reaches of the globe in search of cultures that have found innovative ways to approach death. With curiosity and a touch of morbid...

Below Stairs is a remarkable true story of an indomitable woman who, despite her lowly position, never stopped aiming high. In 1920s London, Margaret's life in service began, entering a world of stoves to be blacked, vegetables to be scrubbed, and...

Sir Edward Grey's words, spoken from the Foreign Office window in August 1914, remain a poignant reminder of the end of an era. This biography, based on archival sources, offers a detailed account of Grey's life and the significant events of the late...

Thomas Hardy: A Life of Contrasts Thomas Hardy's life was marked by paradoxes - a near-death experience at birth, a successful writing career, and a troubled personal life. Claire Tomalin's biography reveals the complexities of this Victorian novelist...

The Enemy Within: A Tale of Muslim Britain Sayeeda Warsi explores the complex relationship between Muslims and the wider British society, drawing on her own unique position as a child of Pakistani immigrants, a politician, and the UK's first Muslim...

Cheat, Play, Live is a deeply personal and moving account of one woman's journey towards freedom and self-discovery. After leaving behind a high-powered career and an unhappy marriage, she embarks on a life-changing journey of self-discovery, taking her...

The Black Prince A new biography of the legendary figure behind the legend. Michael Jones presents a thrilling vision of the man who won his spurs at Crécy, captured the king of France at Poitiers, and ruled a vast swathe of southwestern France as lord...

Richard Holmes presents a compelling account of John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough, a man who rose from humble beginnings to become Britain's greatest soldier. Churchill's military prowess was matched by his strategic genius, and his victories at...