Biography & Autobiography

The Sinking of the Mizpah And Other Harrowing Tales from Fishing with the Swackies by James G Whitelaw A gripping account of life and loss at sea, this book tells the story of a small fishing family's struggles and tragedies in the north coast of...

James McRory Smith lived for over 30 years in one of Britain's most remote cottages, Strathchailleach. Located in Sutherland, this isolated spot offers no access road, running water, or electricity.The harsh environment and lack of human company posed...

Whitney Brown's memoir is a testament to the power of self-told stories and the determination to make one's own true. A deeply personal account, it explores the author's journey towards embracing manual labour and finding satisfaction in the raw beauty...

William Graves' memoir offers a unique perspective on growing up in Majorca, surrounded by the literary legacy of his father, Robert Graves. At just five years old, William was transplanted to the picturesque village of Deya, where he spent his childhood...

The Fall's enigmatic leader, Mark E. Smith, has long been shrouded in mystery. This autobiography offers a rare glimpse into his life, revealing the highs and lows of a career marked by intense creativity, personal turmoil, and a willingness to challenge...

A new biography that revolutionizes our understanding of Stalin and his world. This comprehensive study explores the paradoxes of power that defined the life of Joseph Stalin, from his humble beginnings as a poor cobbler's son to his rise as a top leader...

True Crime Case Histories - Volumes 4, 5 & 6: A Collection of 36 Disturbing True Crime Stories. This three-book collection presents a comprehensive and unflinching look at some of the most shocking crimes in recent history. The stories within are...

The Boy on the Beach: My Family's Escape from Syria and Our Hope for a New Home by Tima Kurdi Tima Kurdi's memoir is an intimate and poignant account of her family's extraordinary journey, spanning countries and continents. The story begins with the...

Valentino Rossi: A Life of Speed and Courage. At the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, Valentino Rossi has become an icon - a symbol of courage, risk, and daring. With a career spanning over two decades at the highest level of the sport, he has seen it all:...

Nancy Cooper's memoir offers a unique glimpse into the life of a young woman joining the Women's Land Army in 1943. At just seventeen, she left behind her life at Old Hill to work on farms, providing food for the country during wartime.Her experiences...

A Dialogue On Love by Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick explores the complexities of love through a deeply personal and introspective account. The author's therapy sessions with her male therapist serve as a catalyst for this exploration, combining dialogue, verse,...

Winston Churchill followed his own star, driven by a desire for greatness and historical immortality. His actions as a soldier and politician were tempered by his writings as a journalist and historian. Yet, it was the leaders he encountered along the...

The Reluctant Carer: A MemoirThis is a deeply moving and urgently needed memoir about life as a carer. When an elderly parent needs help, the answer seems simple: drop everything and be there. But in reality, caring for someone 24/7 can quickly unravel...

Isadora Duncan's autobiography offers an unflinching look at her life, from her early passion for classical music and poetry to her groundbreaking work in modern dance. This revised edition, with its new introduction by Joan Acocella, provides a vivid...

Nick Pettigrew's Anti-Social: The Secret Diary of an Anti-Social Behaviour Officer is a candid and humorous memoir about his experiences as a council worker tasked with keeping his community at peace. When government cuts push hospitals, social services,...

Hana's Suitcase - A True Story This powerful and moving true story tells the life of Hana, a Czech girl who tragically died in the Holocaust. Alternating chapters reveal her life before the war, as well as the discovery of her suitcase by a curator at a...

Carl MacDougall's memoir, Already, Too Late, is a powerful and poignant account of his unconventional childhood. Set against the backdrop of post-war Scotland, this story follows the author as he navigates a world marked by trauma, loss, and displacement...

Abandoned: A Memoir of Childhood Trauma and Resilience This powerful memoir tells the story of Monica's childhood, marked by physical and sexual abuse at the hands of her mother. Despite being forced to live with her abuser, Monica found the courage to...

Charmian Clift's Mermaid Singing is a memoir of her life in Greece in the 1950s. In 1951, she and her husband George Johnston left London for the Greek islands, seeking a simpler way of life to focus on their writing. The result was two books that have...

Neil Ruddock's memoir, Toxic, is an extraordinary and entertaining account of his journey towards transformation. By charting his path from self-destruction to recovery, Ruddock offers a powerful and uplifting story that will appeal to readers others to...

Guy Martin's most eventful year began in a Transit van and ended with him checking out of hospital. In between, he tackled an American mountain bike race, solo 24-hour bicycle races, flew a stunt plane, broke a go-kart speed record down a French...

Glückel of Hameln's memoir is a remarkable account of life in 17th-century Germany. Born into a prominent family, Glückel was married at 14 and became her husband's business partner, managing his enterprises until his death. After facing financial...

Sam Kerr's incredible journey from playing Aussie rules football as a kid to becoming one of the world's greatest athletes is revealed in this inspiring memoir. From making the switch to football to becoming one of the best female strikers in the world,...

Anthony Robles' inspiring story is one of unwavering determination and unrelenting spirit. Born without his right leg, he defied the odds from an early age.From scaling a 50-foot pole at just five years old to becoming a three-time all-American wrestler...

Nigel Havers' life story is one of contrasts - from school productions to Hollywood blockbusters, and from reality TV to high-profile relationships. With characteristic modesty and a captivating eye for the absurd, he shares the highlights and lowlights...

Discover 365 Gays of the Year, a fascinating compendium of LGBTQ+ icons, one for every day of the year. This accessible and fun introduction to LGBTQ+ history brings together people who made it, from legendary figures like Marsha P Johnson and Freddie...

Douglas "Duggy" Clark was a remarkable individual with two great passions: rugby and wrestling. Born in 1891, he left school at 14 to work for his father's coal merchant business, but it was these sports that truly defined him. By 24, Duggy had become a...

Eleni Gatzoyiannis was arrested, tortured and shot in 1948. Her crime had been to help her children escape from the Communist guerrillas who occupied their village. Eight years old at the time, Nicholas Gage's mother was one of the 158,000 victims of the...

Hans Frank: Hitler's Lawyer and Architect of Nazi Race Laws A harrowing account of one of the ten war criminals hanged at Nuremberg in 1946, who formalized the Nazi race laws. This biography sheds light on the life of Hans Frank, a man whose intellectual...

The Macdonald sisters formed an extraordinary family bond, uniting four remarkable women: Alice, Georgiana, Agnes, and Louisa. As wives and mothers, they created a single family with some of the most influential figures of their time, including poet...

Ben Parkinson's remarkable story begins with a desire to serve his country and live a life filled with purpose. As a 6'4" Paratrooper, he was driven by a sense of duty and adventure.But in an instant, everything changed when Ben's Land Rover hit a mine...

Destroyers, Greyhounds of the Fleet is a detailed and personal account of life as a naval gunner in the Second World War. This sober and serious history offers a unique perspective on the role of destroyers in protecting convoys and engaging enemy forces...

Discover the captivating stories behind the glamour. Dame Joan Collins shares her most memorable moments from a vibrant life in the limelight, from her early years as a young star to her iconic roles in Dynasty and beyond. With unflinching honesty and...

A Very Private Diary: A Nurse in Wartime by Mary Morris is a personal and poignant account of one woman's experiences as a nurse during World War II. In 1939, at just 18 years old, Mary began her training as a nurse in London, expecting an adventure and...

John A. Hobbs: The Visionary Behind Music ValleyThis captivating biography tells the story of John A. Hobbs, a man who rose from poverty to become one of Nashville's most influential citizens. Through over 50 hours of recorded interviews, his remarkable...

Last Call is a heart-wrenching account of one boy's struggles in a brutal 'approved' school for young offenders in 1950s London. John's life was marked by poverty and abuse, which led to his being sent to St. Vincent's school after being charged by his...

The Pursuit of Happyness is a true story of transformation and triumph. After landing an entry-level position in high finance, Chris Gardner found himself struggling to make ends meet as he became homeless with his young son.Despite the challenges they...

Syd Barrett: A Very Irregular Head Rob Chapman's biography is the first authoritative and exhaustively researched account of Syd Barrett's life and legacy as a musician, lyricist and artist. This book celebrates his unique contribution to Pink Floyd and...

The Faraway Nearby by Rebecca SolnitWhen Rebecca Solnit was given a hundred pounds of apricots, she received more than just a fruitful inheritance - she gained stories and adventure. As her mother's memory began to fade, the tree that once provided for...

Congo Diary: A Brutally Honest Account of Guerrilla Warfare. In April 1965, Ernesto Che Guevara embarked on a clandestine mission to Congo, leading a force of Cuban soldiers in support of the African liberation movement against Belgian colonialists. This...

Panic as Man Burns Crumpets is a humorous and poignant account of local newspapers over the past twenty-five years. The author's experiences working for his local paper are full of embarrassing moments, serious stories, and a glimpse into a dying...

Mary Creighton's harrowing account of her experiences as a mother in 1960s Ireland is a testament to the enduring power of human resilience and determination.In 1960, at just 15 years old, Mary found herself pregnant out of wedlock. Her life was forever...

Darius Rucker's memoir, Life's Too Short, is a raw and heartfelt account of his life in music. From his early days as a party band playing frat houses to his rise as a solo country music artist, Darius shares the stories behind the songs that shaped him...

Gary Noesner's memoir offers a candid look at his years as an FBI hostage negotiator, recounting harrowing standoffs and the development of nonviolent communication techniques. With vivid detail, he recounts showdowns with radical groups, such as the...

Lenny Kravitz's memoir Let Love Rule is a deeply personal and reflective work that explores his life with candor and humour. He recounts how he navigated his complex identity, embracing the contradictions that made him who he is. From his childhood in...

Thomas More: A Very Brief History by John Guy. This biography offers a fresh assessment of Thomas More's life and legacy. By examining the factors that have contributed to his complex reputation, John Guy seeks to separate fact from fiction and provide a...

W. J. T. Mitchell's memoir is a deeply personal account of his son Gabriel's struggles with schizophrenia and their complex relationship as father and caregiver. Gabriel, diagnosed at 21, left behind a remarkable archive of creative work before taking...

Richard P. Feynman's Further Adventures of a Curious Character is a captivating collection of reminiscences from one of the 20th century's most brilliant theoretical physicists and original thinkers. In this unique and engaging book, Feynman shares...

The Fall: The End of the Murdoch Empire by Michael Wolff A riveting account of the inner workings of one of America's most influential media empires, The Fall is a behind-the-scenes look at the Murdoch family and their key players. Drawing on years of...

Black Spartacus: The Epic Life of Toussaint LouvertureThis biography tells the story of Toussaint Louverture, a former slave who became a military genius and revolutionary leader in 18th-century Haiti. From his early days as a rebel to his eventual...

Ralph Nader profiles 12 CEOs who he believes performed exceptionally well as business leaders and civic reformers. These individuals, including Anita Roddick, Yvon Chouinard, John Bogle, and Andy Shallal, are celebrated for their commitment to creating a...

Harry Redknapp and Sandra Redknapp share their remarkable story of love, marriage, and life in this unique and candid memoir.From their first meeting to the present day, Harry and Sandra reveal the highs and lows of their 50+ year relationship, including...

Max Pemberton's second book offers a gripping and humorous account of his experiences as a junior doctor working with vulnerable patients.Fuelled by enthusiasm, but often lacking experience, Max tackles cases that his hospital training didn't prepare him...

Obsessive was, still is, my natural state. I didn't know that other people could feel at peace. Writer and journalist Marianne Eloise was born obsessive. Her obsessions change day to day, depending on what her brain latches onto: fixations with certain...

The Man who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius Ramanujan by Robert Kanigel In 1913, a remarkable letter arrived at Cambridge University, penned by an Indian clerk with ideas about numbers that would change mathematics forever. The recipient, G H Hardy,...

Landscape for a Good Woman: A Story of Two Lives by Carolyn Steedman is a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of two lives lived on the borderlands of culture. At its centre lies a childhood, one that is both deeply personal and...

Matt Whyman's memoir is a heartwarming and humorous account of his journey from average runner to ultrarunner. With the support of his family, he embarks on an extraordinary quest to push beyond his limits, joining a growing community of men and women...

Gabriel García Márquez recounts his personal experience of returning to the house in which he grew up and the memories that this visit conjured. At twenty-three, he was a young man experimenting with his writing when his mother asked him to accompany her...

The Diary of Lady Murasaki offers an intimate glimpse into the life of one of Japan's most celebrated authors. Written in a series of vignettes, this diary provides a unique insight into the Japanese imperial palace during the 11th century. Through her...

The Beatles: A 40th Anniversary Edition Spent eighteen months with the Beatles at their peak in 1967 and 1968, Hunter Davies collected an intimate wealth of material that has made this book the definitive account of the band. With unparalleled access to...

A personal account of ten eventful years in the Royal Navy is presented in this memoir. The author recounts his experiences participating in the Field Gun Competition and facing danger during the Falklands War, as well as other adventures that took place...

Eric Blehm's latest book tells the story of Craig Kelly, a legendary snowboarder who became an icon in the sport. A world champion and innovator, Kelly's life was marked by athletic prowess and a passion for exploring the untamed wilderness of North...

Pope Francis: Life and Revolution is an intimate portrait of Jorge Bergoglio, written by his close friend and journalist Elisabetta Piqué. This warm and personal narrative explores Bergoglio's upbringing, priesthood, and journey to the Vatican, where he...

Diego Armando Maradona was a global icon whose life was marked by both genius and controversy. This biography, written by world-renowned football writer and journalist Guillem Balagué, offers an in-depth exploration of the legendary footballer's life...

Robert Webb's journey to self-discovery is a humorous and heart-wrenching exploration of the expectations placed upon boys and men. Looking back on his life, from schoolboy crushes to becoming a husband and father, he considers the absurd rules that have...

Sammy Davis Jr's autobiography is a candid and engrossing account of his life as a man who dared to be different. Born into a world of racial segregation, Sammy Davis Jr defied conventions by living openly as a black man in a white world. Through his...

No part of Joe Trohman's life has been straightforward. In this memoir, he recounts his struggles with depression, his mother's illness and death, and his experiences in the early days of modern rock music. With humour and candour, he shares stories from...

The Bookseller of Kabul by Åsne Seierstad is a gripping portrait of a family and a country struggling to free itself from history. In this powerful account, journalist Åsne Seierstad recounts her experiences living with an Afghan family, including Sultan...

The Experimentalists: A Collective Biography of British Experimental Writers in the 1960s This comprehensive history brings together the lives and works of the British experimental writers of the swinging 1960s. Through extensive research, including...

The Bodyguard by Lee Sansum This is the story of Lee Sansum, a former Royal Military Policeman and martial arts champion who formed a close bond with Princess Diana and her sons. His experiences as part of Mohamed Al-Fayed's protection team are a...

A life of contradictions, marked by excess and refinement. Mick Jagger is a figure of enduring fascination, whose career has spanned over four decades and defied categorization. This biography offers an intimate and revealing account of the man behind...

Eight individuals share their personal journeys as refugees, from birth to persecution, and from escape to seeking asylum in this powerful collection.In their own words, these survivors tell the stories of rejection and welcome, of struggle and...

Haruki Murakami and the Music of Words is a biography that delves into the life and writing of the renowned Japanese author. Jay Rubin, a long-time admirer, shares insights into Murakami's unique style and how it evolved over time. Through interviews...

Commander Edward John Smith's remarkable career was marked by his rise from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in the shipping world. Born into a working-class family, he began his life at sea at just 17 years old and quickly...

Orson Welles: A Life in Exile Simon Callow's biography of Orson Welles is a complex and nuanced exploration of the life and work of one of Hollywood's most audacious filmmakers. Welles's first film, Citizen Kane, was hailed as a masterpiece upon its...

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah At just 12 years old, Ishmael Beah was forced to flee his home in Sierra Leone and fight alongside adult soldiers. This harrowing account tells the story of how he survived the brutal conflict and...

Peter Ackroyd introduces Swedenborg, a biography that explores the life and thought of Emanuel Swedenborg, a 18th-century Swedish theologian and mystic. Swedenborg's ideas had a profound impact on his contemporaries, shaping the development of modern...

Flip's arrival at the Watsons' lives is a moment that will stay with them forever. On a hot August afternoon, an eight-year-old girl enters their home, accompanied by her social worker, and everything changes. Flip has experienced trauma, having lost her...

Oliver Ford Davies reflects on six decades of British theatre, tracing the evolution of the performing arts through his own experiences as an actor. From Shakespeare to Shaw, Chekhov to Pirandello, this is a story of perseverance and breakthrough,...

Winston Churchill's association with India spans nearly five decades, from his arrival in Bombay in 1896 to the country's eventual independence in 1947. This period saw Churchill exert significant influence over Indian politics, often to the detriment of...

Virat Kohli: The Unlikely Champion At 27, Virat Kohli has already achieved incredible success in his cricket career, earning numerous accolades including the Arjuna Award and the ICC's ODI Player of the Year. However, behind his iconic status lies a...

Prince Felix Youssoupov and his wife Princess Irina Romanov were at the pinnacle of Russian society. Their marriage in 1914 was a union of immense wealth and social standing, but fate had other plans. Involvement in the infamous murder of Gregory...

Oliver Darkshire's memoirs are a peculiarly hilarious account of his time as an apprentice at one of the oldest bookshops in the world. The shop, steeped in history and eccentricity, proved to be a challenging yet alluring environment for its young...

Wild Game: My Mother, Her Lover and Me is a powerful memoir about the complex bond between a mother and daughter.The author's life was forever changed when her mother, Malabar, began an affair with her husband's closest friend at the age of 14. This...

Churchill: A Comprehensive Biography This authoritative biography presents a detailed account of Winston Churchill's life and career. From his early days in politics to his leadership during World War II, Jenkins provides an in-depth analysis of the...

Osama's Wife and Son: A Glimpse into their Secret World For the first time, two members of Osama bin Laden's inner circle reveal the truth about his life. His first wife Najwa and their fourth son Omar recount the drama, tensions, and everyday activities...

Twenty-five years after releasing our first single, 'Wannabe', I finally feel ready to share my story. This is not just about my time as Sporty Spice or Mel C, but about who I truly am and everything I've been through.I want to take you on a journey of...

Thomas Babington Macaulay's influential History of England played a significant role in shaping Victorian Britain's sense of identity. This book explores the complex ideas and motivations behind two key figures: Zachary Macaulay, a leading abolitionist,...

Kisses from Katie: A Story of Relentless Love and Redemption At just 18 years old, Katie Davis made a decision that would change her life forever. Leaving behind everything familiar, she embarked on a journey to Uganda, driven by a passion to make a...

A nostalgic journey through the 1990s, from the iconic fashion of scrunchies and curtains to the popular culture of Sonic the Hedgehog and the Spice Girls.This memoir takes readers back to a time when Saturday mornings were spent watching Going Live! and...

Janine Marsh's memoir of her life in northern France is a heartwarming tale of love, renovation and community. After leaving behind city jobs in London, Janine and her husband embarked on an unconventional adventure to create their dream home from...

William Rufus: A Biography Frank Barlow's vivid biography offers an unconventional and flamboyant portrayal of William Rufus, the third son of William the Conqueror. This updated edition reveals a monarch who confirmed royal power in England, restored...

Monty Don's personal journey through the natural world is revealed in this thought-provoking exploration of every living creature that shares our planet. Over the course of a year, observed from his immediate surroundings, Monty reflects on the...

Arthur Koestler's autobiography begins with Arrow in the Blue, a vivid account of his first 26 years. This memoir takes readers through a tumultuous and varied existence, marked by diverse experiences such as duelling, collective farming, and working as...

Harry Smith: American Magus offers an intimate look at the life and artistic practice of a true original. As a filmmaker, music anthologist, and enigmatic polymath, Harry Smith was a spiritual outsider who lived for art and gnosis with little thought for...

Cher's life story is a testament to her enduring talent and charisma. With six decades of chart-topping hits and a career spanning film and television, she has consistently reinvented herself.This collection of quotes showcases Cher's wit, intelligence,...

A Man Walks on to a Pitch: Stories from a Life in Football by Harry Redknapp is an entertaining history of British football that spans 50 years. From ordinary blokes playing for local teams to multi-million pound wages and global superstars, Harry shares...

Isaiah Berlin A Life by Michael Ignatieff is a magisterial biography that delves into the life and thought of one of the 20th century's most influential thinkers. Through exclusive interviews with Berlin himself, acclaimed writer Michael Ignatieff sheds...

Bringing Down the House tells the true story of six students who used advanced mathematical techniques to win millions from casinos and blackjack tables in Las Vegas. Their scheme, which involved tracking card counts, was seen as cheating by the casinos...

David Bowie: A Life of Reinvention and Artistic Vision This comprehensive biography offers an unparalleled insight into the life and career of David Bowie. Through exclusive interviews with those closest to him, as well as in-depth analysis and academic...