Biography & Autobiography

Vicky Phelan's remarkable story is one of resilience and power, a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges. From a life-threatening accident in early adulthood to a devastating diagnosis of cervical cancer,...

Maryse Condé's memoir is a searing portrait of a life marked by political upheaval, motherhood, and the search for identity. Born in Guadeloupe, Condé recounts her formative years in Africa, from the late 1950s to 1968, where she navigated the...

A Noble Ruin: A Fresh Perspective on Mark Antony's Life and Legacy Mark Antony's life was a complex tapestry of passion, sensuality, and tragedy. As a close ally of Julius Caesar, a lover of Cleopatra, and a mortal enemy of Octavian, Antony played a...

Stephanie Catudal's memoir is a raw and illuminating account of her experience with grief and the redemptive power of love. When her husband Rivs fell ill with lung cancer, the painful memories of her childhood came flooding back, forcing her to confront...

Gervase Phinn's sparkling collection of humorous writing offers a fresh perspective on growing older. With a career spanning over sixty years, Phinn draws on a diverse range of experiences to uncover humour, character, warmth and wisdom. From his early...

Instant New York Times , USA Today , and Wall Street Journal Bestseller! This intimate and light-hearted memoir by Randy Rainbow takes readers on a journey through his life, from his childhood to his rise as a viral sensation and three-time...

Country Doctor: Hilarious True Stories from a Rural PracticeDr Sparrow's bedside manner may sometimes leave a little to be desired, but if you're in dire straits, this doctor will have you in stitches. His often misguided attempts to make sense of his...

The Autobiography of Malcolm X Malcolm X's remarkable story is one of transformation and defiance, from a life of struggle and disillusionment to a powerful voice for change. This autobiography, completed just before his tragic death in 1965, takes the...

The Prince of the Marshes And Other Occupational Hazards of a Year in IraqBy Rory Stewart, a British diplomat who navigated the complexities of Iraq's occupation, this book offers a unique portrait of heroism and the tragedy that intervention inevitably...

David Walliams' autobiography is a searingly honest account of his life, revealing a fascinating and complex mind. Born to be funny, he launched to fame with Little Britain, but behind the scenes, he was hiding secrets. In this roller-coaster ride of...

Shame begins with a shocking and pivotal moment: a Sunday in June, when a father's violent act changes the course of a young girl's life forever. This powerful and deeply personal story explores the lasting impact of traumatic memories on a life, and the...

Crassus The First Tycoon by Peter Stothard is a biography of the Roman statesman and financier Marcus Licinius Crassus, who lived from 115 to 53 BCE. Crassus was a pioneer in finance and politics, and his story poses questions about the intertwining of...

Eileen Agar's autobiography offers a thrilling insight into the life of a pioneering artist. Born in Argentina in 1899, Agar's exuberant and colourful life is revealed in this book, tracing her journey from her early years to the late 1980s. From grand...

Brian Lenihan In Calm and Crisis offers a unique insight into the life and career of Ireland's Minister for Finance, who played a pivotal role in the country's recent economic crisis. This collection of recollections and reflections from those who knew...

Barry Cryer: Same Time Tomorrow? The Life and Laughs of a Comedy Legend This book is a heartwarming and humorous tribute to the life of Barry Cryer, a comedy legend who left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Written by his son, Bob Cryer,...

Giles Darby's memoir recounts his experiences as a British banker jailed in the US for his involvement in a $7m fraud. In 2008, Darby and two co-defendants were extradited to the US to face trial in connection with the collapse of the energy giant Enron...

The Secret Race Inside the Hidden World of the Tour de France: Doping, Cover-ups, and Winning at All Costs A candid and explosive account of the world of professional cycling, this book exposes the doping culture that once dominated the sport and its...

Noël Coward's life story begins with a photograph of him as a toddler, laughing hysterically in a lace dress, and a later image of him as a young boy, naked and smiling on a cushion. These early images are reproduced in the first of Coward's...

Love from the Pink Palace: Memories of Love, Loss and Cabaret Through the AIDS CrisisA heart-wrenching and life-affirming memoir of love, loss and cabaret through the AIDS crisis, from the star of IT'S A SIN. When Jill Nalder arrived at drama school in...

John Wayne: The Life and Legend by Scott Eyman is a detailed and engaging biography that explores the life and legend of the iconic Hollywood actor. Eyman delves into Wayne's early life, revealing the complexities of his relationships with his mother and...

This is the story of a country transformed from a land of fairy tales to a war-torn nation. Shirin Ramzanali Fazel recounts her own journey, leaving behind the turmoil of Somalia and forging a new life in Italy, and later in England. Her experiences as a...

Hampton Court Palace has been a stage for centuries of British history, with power, scandal, and intrigue unfolding within its walls. This book takes you on a stroll through 500 years of history, from royal residents to common visitors, thieves,...

The life story of a legend, told in his own words. From humble beginnings in poverty-stricken streets to international icon and celebrated footballer, Pele's story is one of extraordinary achievement and humour.With wit and humility, Pele shares his...

Maria Montessori: A Biography by Rita Kramer brings to life the remarkable story of a woman who revolutionized the classroom. Her innovative approach to teaching small children inspired a global movement, leaving a lasting impact on child development and...

Life, Death and Biscuits is a deeply affecting memoir that shares the human story behind the Covid pandemic. Written by intensive care nurse Anthea Allen, the book recounts her experiences on the front line of one of the largest hospitals in Europe...

A powerful and deeply affecting family memoir, tracing the remarkable stories of a father's journey from Vienna to the UK and beyond. In 1938, Jewish families were desperate to flee, and the right words in the right order could mean the difference...

Behind the scenes of the WWE, a world of chaos and surreal moments awaits. Former WWE head writer Brian Gewirtz shares his story of perseverance and tenacity, from his unexpected rise to one of the most powerful men in professional wrestling. Gewirtz's...

Paul O'Grady's Autobiography is a candid and humorous account of his life, spanning a decade of highs and lows. The book is packed with stories of his time as a comedian, including a plane crash, a rowdy tour, and a close encounter with Madonna...

Fourteen-year-old girl Adrianna arrives at Casey's doorstep with no possessions, no English, and no explanation. She is a beautiful young Polish girl, terrified, malnourished, and unwell. As Casey cares for her, she begins to uncover the shocking truth...

Last of the Summer Wine: The Inside Story of the World's Longest-Running Comedy ProgrammeThis is the story behind the longest-running comedy programme in the world, which premiered in 1973 and ran for 37 years, concluding in 2020. Despite its enduring...

Paul Monette's memoir is a deeply personal account of growing up gay in America. Born into a seemingly ordinary family in the 1950s, Monette struggled to reconcile his true self with the expectations of those around him. This is a powerful and...

Still Pictures: A Memoir of Photography and Memory Janet Malcolm's latest work is a deeply personal exploration of the power of photography to capture and shape our understanding of ourselves and our lives. Through twelve family photographs, Malcolm...

Kuki Gallmann's memoir is a poignant and evocative account of her life in 1970s Kenya, where she brought up a family and found love in the midst of breathtaking landscapes. As the sun sets over the savannah, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills...

James Herriot's second memoir, It Shouldn't Happen to a Vet, offers a glimpse into the life of a recently qualified vet in the 1930s. Set in the Yorkshire village of Darrowby, the story follows the challenges faced by Herriot and his colleagues as they...

Discover the complete genealogical history of Britain's royal families, from 800 AD to the present, in this comprehensive reference book. Alison Weir explores the royal family tree in unprecedented depth, providing vital biographical information on every...

Lisa Faulkner's story is one of unexpected twists and turns. When she learned she wouldn't have biological children, her plans for motherhood were derailed. Yet, in the months and years that followed, she discovered alternative paths to building a family...

The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History Boris Johnson's leadership has been shaped by one man: Winston Churchill. In this biography, Johnson explores the 'Churchill Factor' - the unique blend of qualities that made Churchill a great leader. With...

A remarkable true story of medical experimentation and human resilience. In 1967, a baby boy's life was forever changed by a botched circumcision, leading to a radical treatment that would alter his gender. The result was a case that would become...

Miles Davis' autobiography is a deeply personal and introspective account of his life and career. The book is a reflection on his experiences as a musician, from his early days as a young trumpeter to his later years as a legendary jazz icon.Throughout...

Behind the scenes of Britain's greatest theatre, a remarkable story unfolds. For twelve years, Nicholas Hytner led the National Theatre, shaping its future and pushing the boundaries of the art form. This is a tale of both triumph and failure, of...

Michael Malay's personal journey is a story of finding home in England, a journey that mirrors the lives of the animals he studies. In "Late Light", he weaves together natural history and memoir to explore the mystery of our animal neighbours.Through his...

Mala's Cat: A Memoir of Survival in World War II This deeply moving true story tells the remarkable tale of a young girl's survival in the shadow of the Holocaust. Mala Szorer, just twelve years old, is forced to give up her childhood as her village...

Becoming Beyoncé: The Untold Story is a deeply personal and insightful biography that reveals the woman behind the star. Through exhaustive research and exclusive interviews, highly acclaimed biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli sheds light on Beyoncé's...

The Journals of Sylvia Plath offers a unique and intimate portrait of the author, combining vivid prose with exact transcriptions of her private journals. Spanning the last twelve years of her life, these journals provide a detailed account of her...

Letters to Freya 1939-1945 is a remarkable true story of a man of conscience at the heart of the Third Reich. Helmuth James von Moltke, a young lawyer, worked tirelessly against the Nazi regime, fighting for Jews and foreign prisoners, and organizing a...

Daisy Dunn brings to life the remarkable story of Pliny the Younger, a Roman lawyer, senator, poet, and collector of villas, who survived the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius and went on to become a confidant and friend to the Emperor. Through his...

Catholic Legends: The Life and Legacy of Blessed Pope John Paul IIThis biography explores the life and legacy of John Paul II, one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century. Born Karol Józef Wojtyla, John Paul II became the first pope in...

A unique and inspiring memoir from a former SAS trooper, offering a gripping first-hand account of his experiences in the Falklands War and beyond. The author's remarkable journey, from leaving school without qualifications to rising through the ranks...

Lincoln Vs. Davis: The War of the Presidents The untold story of the Civil War has finally been told. Nigel Hamilton, the New York Times bestselling presidential biographer, reveals the drama of how Abraham Lincoln grew into his critical role as U.S...

Steve Winwood: A Life in Music Born in Birmingham, Steve Winwood was already a semi-professional musician, playing keyboards and guitar while still at school. By the time he was 18, he had achieved chart-topping success as lead vocalist with The Spencer...

The Aquariums of Pyongyang is a harrowing account of life in a North Korean concentration camp, told by one of its few surviving victims. Kang Chol-Hwan recounts the forced labour, public executions, and near-starvation rations he endured in the camp, as...

Mark Beaumont's remarkable journey around the world on a bicycle is a testament to his unwavering determination and unrelenting spirit. In 194 days and 17 hours, he broke the Guinness World Record for the fastest solo circumnavigation of the globe,...

R.S. Thomas, Wales's national poet and vicar, is often seen as a solitary figure, but his life is a rich and complex story. In this biography, Byron Rogers reveals a man who was both fiercely independent and deeply human. Thomas's poetry is renowned for...

Trevor Horn's story is told through the prism of twenty-three of his most important songs, offering an intimate look at the making of music's most memorable moments. From the Buggles' groundbreaking 'Video Killed the Radio Star' to Band Aid's 'Do They...

William the Conqueror by David Bates This biography offers a fresh perspective on the life of William, a pivotal figure in British and European history. By combining biography and a multidisciplinary approach, Bates examines the various phases of...

Inheriting Magic is a heartfelt and candid chronicle of Jennifer Love Hewitt's journey through grief, joy, and celebration. The book recounts her experiences, sharing memories, photographs, recipes, and the magic-making ethos that has become a hallmark...

Edward III, the charismatic king of fourteenth-century England, was a ruler of unparalleled success. His reign, spanning over fifty years, was marked by spectacular military triumphs and a series of challenges that tested his authority, from...

Queen Victoria: A Complex and Fascinating Monarch Lucy Worsley's biography of Queen Victoria offers a fresh and engaging portrait of one of Britain's longest-reigning and most extraordinary monarchs. Through a detailed examination of twenty-four days in...

Arthur Lee: A Life of Genius and Excess Arthur Lee was a figure of mesmerizing complexity, a musician whose innovative blend of folk, jazz, and rock helped shape the California sound of the 1960s. His band, Love, was a pioneering force, and their 1966...

Adrian Smith offers a fresh and convincing perspective on a pivotal figure in the history of twentieth-century Britain and her empire. This timely new biography depicts a highly professional figure within the Royal Navy and at Combined Operations and SE...

Primo Levi's The Periodic Table is a poignant collection of short stories that weave together the author's experiences in Fascist Italy and Auschwitz with his passion for scientific knowledge. Translated by Raymond Rosenthal, this Penguin Modern Classics...

Balthild of Francia: A Forgotten Heroine of the Middle Ages This book tells the remarkable story of Balthild, a seventh-century woman who defied the conventions of her time. Born into slavery, she rose to become a queen of France, promoting social and...

Beatrice Mary Victoria Feodore, the youngest daughter of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, was born in 1866 and lived a life marked by her close relationship with her mother. Following her mother's extended period of mourning for her husband, Beatrice...

Jeremy Hardy Speaks Volumes is a fitting tribute to the brilliant comedian who left an indelible mark on British comedy. With a career spanning from the 80s Alternative Comedy circuit to his iconic radio shows and stand-up routines, Jeremy Hardy's unique...

The Boy with the Topknot: A Memoir of Love, Secrets and Lies in WolverhamptonSathnam Sanghera's coming-of-age story is a complex and deeply personal exploration of family, identity, and belonging. Growing up in Wolverhampton in the 1980s, Sanghera...

The Practice of the Presence of God with Spiritual Maxims is a spiritual guide that explores the idea of living in the presence of God at all times. Written by Brother Lawrence, this book offers practical wisdom and insights into the nature of...

This sequel to the bestselling Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls features 100 brand-new bedtime stories of incredible women throughout history and around the world. Each story is a unique narrative that transforms a biography into a fairytale, filling...

Find out how one little dog's incredible journey changed the life of an ultramarathon runner forever.Gobi, a stray dog found in the Gobi Desert, became the closest companion of Dion Leonard during an 80-mile ultramarathon across China. Despite the...

Michael Ovitz: The Rise and Fall (and Rise) of the Most Powerful Man in Hollywood Michael Ovitz's story is one of unrelenting ambition and unapologetic success. As co-founder of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), he revolutionized the role of the agent,...

Killing Pablo is a gripping account of the violent rise and fall of Pablo Escobar, the head of the Colombian Medellin cocaine cartel. His criminal empire held a nation of thirty million hostage in a reign of terror that would only end with his death.A...

Leslie Thomas QC's memoir is a powerful and personal account of his life's work as a lawyer, dedicated to fighting for the underdog and holding the State to account. Spanning over five decades, the book recounts some of the most significant and...

Tim Matheson's memoir is a behind-the-scenes look at his seven decades in Hollywood, from his early days as a contract player to his current role on the Netflix hit Virgin River. With a career spanning multiple genres and collaborations with some of the...

Shirley MacLaine's remarkable life is captured in a dazzling memoir of photographs, revealing over 70 years of her journey on the silver screen. With a vast collection of images from her personal archive, known as her "wall of life", MacLaine shares...

Celebrating the Seasons with the Yorkshire Shepherdess is a heartwarming book that takes readers behind the scenes of life at Ravenseat Farm. Amanda Owen shares her intimate view of life with her husband Clive and their nine children, from lambing and...

The Story of the Trapp Family Singers The real-life story behind the iconic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical is finally told in the author's own words. Baroness Maria Augusta Trapp recounts her romance with the baron, their escape from Nazi-occupied...

Richard Branson's life has been a whirlwind of reinvention and innovation, from building the Virgin brand into a global phenomenon to pushing the boundaries of space travel. In this updated memoir, he takes readers on a journey through his most...

Thunder and Lightning is a memoir of life on the tough streets of Bangor, a town where the IRA, UDA, and UVF were causing chaos, yet the author's concerns were more focused on making his first million through the Gerbil Breeding Association.As a young...

A powerful and thought-provoking memoir, Maybe I Don't Belong Here is a deeply personal account of racism, identity, and recovery. David Harewood shares his journey from working-class Birmingham to the bright lights of Hollywood, uncovering devastating...

Edge of Taos Desert: An Escape to Reality is a remarkable account of Mabel Sterne's journey to the American West in 1917. As a patron of the arts and spokeswoman for the New York avant-garde, she sought a new life in the Southwest, and New Mexico proved...

Discover the extraordinary lives of Ireland's most inspiring women, from patriots to pirates, warriors to writers, and mistresses to male impersonators. This book tells the stories of women who defied convention and forged their own paths in a world...

Sarah Moss's Names for the Sea Strangers in Iceland is a deeply personal and evocative account of her family's experience living in Iceland during the financial crisis. From their makeshift home in Reykjavik to the remote farms and fishing villages of...

Out of Orange: A Memoir is a powerful and surprising account of crime, punishment, friendship, and marriage, told by Catherine Cleary Wolters, the inspiration for Alex Vause from the Netflix show Orange Is the New Black.Wolters shares her true story,...

Tennessee Williams's life was a turbulent and passionate journey, marked by a single-minded pursuit of greatness. This biography, written by acclaimed theatre critic John Lahr, sheds new light on the man and his work, revealing the complex moral and...

Things I Didn't Throw Out by Marcin Wicha A wry and unsentimental account of the attempt to understand a parent as an independent person with their own history, this book offers a unique perspective on family relationships and the complexities of...

In For A Penny A Business Adventure, Peter Hargreaves shares the story behind the extraordinary success of his investment company, Hargreaves Lansdown. From humble beginnings in a spare bedroom, Hargreaves and his business partner Stephen Lansdown built...

Brahms, the latest volume in the acclaimed Master Musicians series, offers a fascinating insight into the life and work of one of music's most beloved composers. This in-depth biography explores the personal history of Johannes Brahms, delving into his...

George A Magpie is a memoir of love, obsession and feathers, a story of a complex and charismatic bird that will capture your heart. Frieda Hughes' vivid and intimate portrait of her life with George A Magpie is a testament to the enduring power of love...

Hidden Valley Road is a groundbreaking and deeply moving account of a mid-century American family with twelve children, six of whom were diagnosed with schizophrenia. The story is one of psychological breakdown, sudden shocking violence, and hidden...

The Flame Trees of Thika is a poignant and evocative memoir of Elspeth Huxley's childhood in Kenya, where her family's pioneering spirit and determination shaped their new life in the wilderness. With painstaking effort, they transformed a remote plot of...

Kofi Annan's memoir, INTERVENTIONS, offers a unique perspective on global diplomacy during a tumultuous period in UN history. With candour and eloquence, Annan recounts his experiences, from shuttle-diplomacy during crises to the creation of the...

The harrowing true story of abduction and survival from Elizabeth Smart, the courageous young woman who lived it. In her memoir, Elizabeth reveals how she survived and the secret to forging a new life in the wake of a brutal crime.On June 5, 2002,...

Behind the scenes of one of the most iconic television shows of all time, William Shatner shares his unique perspective on the making of Star Trek. This behind-the-scenes look at the legendary series offers a fascinating glimpse into the creation of a...

The Mitford Letters Between Six Sisters A rare and captivating collection of unpublished letters, this book brings to life the witty, passionate, and often tumultuous relationships between six remarkable sisters. The letters, penned by the Mitford...

The Last Enemy is a remarkable account of one man's experience as a Spitfire pilot in the Second World War. Shot down during the Battle of Britain, Richard Hillary's life was forever changed when he was forced to undergo pioneering plastic surgery to...

Nooruddeen Choudry's story is inextricably linked to the city of Manchester, where he grew up as a Muslim, Manchester United supporter, and working-class Mancunian. Born in 1979, a pivotal year for British politics, music, and football, Nooruddean's life...

Swimming with Seals by Victoria Whitworth In the cold waters of Orkney, Victoria Whitworth found an escape from a failing marriage and a series of life crises. Her journey took her into the midst of seals, gulls, and orcas, providing a transformative...

Hardy Women: Mother, Sisters, Wives, Muses by Paula Byrne is a deeply personal and insightful exploration of the life of Thomas Hardy, one of Britain's most beloved authors. Through the eyes of the women who shaped his passions and imagination, Byrne...

Elizabeth's early years are a fascinating and complex tale of intrigue and self-discovery. The young Elizabeth I navigated the treacherous landscape of the Tudor court, where loyalty and betrayal were constantly at odds. With her intelligence, wit, and...

Elizabeth Taylor: A Life of Unparalleled Fame and Personal Struggle Elizabeth Taylor is a name synonymous with Hollywood glamour and beauty. With a career spanning over sixty films and two Academy Awards, she is a true icon of the silver screen. However,...

The Irish Rangers were the first soldiers into the infamous Sangin town, a pivotal moment in their tour of duty. Handpicked by their commanding officer, this elite group of men were the fittest and most skilled within the unit. One soldier, in...