Biography & Autobiography

The Last Hillwalker: A Sideways Look at Forty Years in Britain's Mountains In the depths of a Scottish winter snowstorm, three strangers find themselves stranded on a treacherous mountain slope. As they wait for rescue, the author reflects on his own...

Steven Hyden's in-depth exploration of Radiohead's groundbreaking album Kid A, published to coincide with its 20th anniversary in 2020, offers a fascinating insight into the making and meaning of this influential record. In 1999, five musicians entered a...

A memoir of love, loss, and resilience, Think You'll Be Happy is a powerful exploration of how to turn pain into purpose. After the fatal shooting of her mother, Nicole Avant finds the strength to carry on, drawing on her extraordinary upbringing and...

Billy Hutchinson's life was marked by turmoil and transformation. In the late 1960s, he grew up in a sectarian Belfast, and by the early 1970s, he had joined the UVF. At just 19, he was sentenced to life in prison, an experience that would shape his...

The Royal Family's Hidden Truths A hard-hitting analysis of the royal family's finances and behavior, Norman Baker exposes the extravagant use of public money and the questionable actions of some within the royal ranks. He also examines the...

Suad Aldarra's memoir is a powerful exploration of the human experience of migration and displacement. Born in conservative Saudi Arabia, she recounts her journey from feeling stifled by traditional expectations to finding freedom in the vibrant streets...

Dr Sparrow's practice on the Devon/Cornwall border is a place where the ordinary and the bizarre coexist. In this follow-up to his debut book, Country Doctor, he shares more hilarious and unsettling stories from his daily rounds.From the unsuccessful...

A riotous collection of memoirs that explores the absurdity of modern life, creating a wickedly incisive portrait of a world that is often both familiar and uncomfortable. David Sedaris shares his own experiences, from his struggles with obsessive...

Thomas Bernhard's life was marked by hardship and loss, yet it was in these circumstances that he found his unique perspective and voice. Born to an abandoned mother, Bernhard was raised by an eccentric grandmother and adored grandfather, shaping his...

Red Love: The Story of an East German FamilyMaxim Leo's memoir is a powerful exploration of the complexities of family, love and identity in a divided country. Growing up in East Berlin, Leo recounts the story of his family's experiences during and after...

W. H. Davies' autobiography is a candid account of his unconventional life, marked by periods of hardship and struggle, as well as moments of triumph and discovery.Born in 1871 in the Pillgwenlly district of Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales, Davies' early...

The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It The story of Veuve Clicquot champagne is one of glamour, style, and luxury, but behind the iconic yellow label lies a fascinating and little-known figure: Barbe-Nicole...

Jackie Malton's memoir is a jaw-dropping account of her experiences as a pioneering female police officer in the UK. From the early days of sexism and homophobia to her rise as one of only three female detective chief inspectors in the Met, Malton shares...

A Murder in Hollywood: The Untold Story of Tinseltown's Most Shocking Crime In the glamorous world of 1950s Hollywood, a dark and violent tale of abuse and murder unfolded. Lana Turner, a star of the silver screen, found herself trapped in a toxic...

Jackie McNamara's life and career are the subject of this gripping autobiography, which pulls no punches in revealing the highs and lows of a football career at the highest level.From his early days playing for a series of clubs to his successful spell...

From a life of uncertainty to a career in the spotlight, Jamie Vardy's story is one of perseverance and determination. Rejected by his boyhood club, Jamie's footballing journey was far from straightforward, but he refused to give up.With a series of...

Julian Clary's memoir is a humorous, insightful and touching exploration of the author's life, with a special focus on the role of dogs in his journey.From Fanny the Wonder Dog, who helped him rise to fame in the alternative comedy circuit, to Valerie, a...

Donald Fagen's Eminent Hipsters is a witty and engaging autobiography that explores the cultural figures that shaped his youth. Growing up in suburban New Jersey, Fagen found solace in the music and radio of the 1950s and 1960s, which introduced him to a...

Frances Graham was the muse of Edward Burne-Jones, a Pre-Raphaelite artist, for the last 25 years of his life. He wrote to her, 'I haven't a corner of my life or my thoughts where you are not'. This biography explores her life, a study in power, both...

A solo journey spanning several countries across the continent, from the south coast of England to the shores of Greece, is the incredible story of Susan Smillie's three-year adventure on her sailboat, Isean. With only the basics on board,...

The Life & Times of Mr Pussy: A Memoir of a Favourite CatA poignant and introspective account of the author's relationship with their beloved cat, Mr Pussy. The Gentle Author's story is one of love, loss, and the transformative power of companionship...

Owen on the Christian Life: Living for the Glory of God in ChristExplore the life and doctrine of John Owen, a highly influential English Puritan, and discover the foundation of his approach to the Christian life. This book, written by Matthew Barrett...

Richard Glazar's memoir of deportation, escape, and survival, Trap with a Green Fence, is a powerful and thought-provoking account of life in Treblinka. With economical prose, Glazar weaves a vivid description of the camp and its operations into a deeply...

The Vanishing Man In Pursuit of Velázquez by Laura Cumming In 1845, a chance discovery at a country house auction set off a remarkable quest. A dirt-blackened portrait of a prince, believed to be a long-lost Velázquez, was purchased by a bookseller named...

Annie Ernaux's latest work is a deeply personal exploration of time, memory, and writing. The book recounts a relationship with a student thirty years her junior, an experience that transforms her, briefly, back into the 'scandalous girl' of her youth...

A Monk's Journal: Reflections on Living a "Useless Life" In this deeply personal and contemplative work, Brother Paul Quenon shares his unique perspective on the monastic vocation, offering insights into the inner and outer workings of a monk's life...

Cathy Glass's fifteenth fostering memoir tells the story of a young boy's desperate need for love and care. Trapped in a world where his parents' love has turned to indifference, Danny finds solace in a new home where he can be himself.As Cathy navigates...

Fergus McCann Versus David Murray And the Decline of Scottish Football The 1990s saw a significant shift in the balance of power in Scottish football. While Rangers continued to dominate under the ownership of David Murray, Celtic's fortunes began to...

On 11 September 2012, a team of six American security operators fought to repel a terrorist attack on a US State Compound and a nearby CIA station in Libya. The six-man team, who ignored orders to stand down, fought wave after wave of machine-gun fire to...

Herman Melville is a major figure in American literature, and this new critical biography by Kevin J. Hayes offers a fresh perspective on his life and work.The book explores Melville's major works, including his first two books, Typee and Omoo, and the...

Enzo Ferrari: A Life of Ambition and Innovation This definitive biography uncovers the hidden aspects of Enzo Ferrari's career, revealing a wealth of new facts about his origins, ambitions, and private life. Luca Dal Monte's in-depth research draws on...

Thirty years of showbusiness, told in their own words. Ant and Dec, the beloved TV duo, share their story of friendship, laughter and adventure in this hilarious and heartwarming book.From their humble beginnings in Byker Grove to their rise to fame as...

The Passage of Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson (Volume 4) by Robert A. Caro This is the fourth part of Robert Caro's multi-award-winning work on American President Lyndon Johnson, spanning the years 1958 to 1964. A pivotal period in Johnson's life and...

Emma Gray's remarkable first year at Fallowlees Farm is a story of transformation and resilience. After breaking off her engagement, she takes on the challenge of running an isolated Northumberland farm, with the help of her loyal collies, Bill, Fly,...

Dwight D. Eisenhower's leadership was marked by a unique blend of strategic vision and personal discipline. As President, he guided America through a period of significant transformation, from the Korean War to the Cold War, and from D-Day to the...

The Somme Mud is a poignant account of one man's experience in the trenches of World War I. In the midst of unimaginable conditions, Private Lynch recounts his story with dignity, candour and surprising wit. Written in pencil over 20 school exercise...

A true story of obsession and endurance, The White Darkness tells the tale of Henry Worsley, a British special forces officer who spent his life idolizing Ernest Shackleton, the 20th-century polar explorer. Worsley's quest to cross Antarctica alone was a...

Cancer and Pisces is a personal and uplifting story of survival, told with humour and energy. In the summer of 2013, Mick May was diagnosed with a terminal disease, and faced the daunting prospect of a short life expectancy. Yet, instead of despair, he...

The True Life of PT Barnum is a fascinating autobiography that reveals the remarkable story of P.T. Barnum, the world's greatest showman. Born into humble means, Barnum transformed the entertainment industry with his visionary ability to create and...

Journalist Jenny Valentish explores the complex issue of substance abuse through her own story, drawing on the expertise of leading researchers and clinicians. She examines the early predictors of addictive behaviour, such as trauma and impulsivity, and...

The End of the Habsburgs: The Decline and Fall of the Austrian Monarchy The Austrian Habsburg dynasty's story is one of survival and decline, spanning over a century. From the Napoleonic era to the 21st century, the empire faced numerous challenges,...

Katherine Grainger: My Autobiography is the inspiring story of a remarkable woman who defied expectations to achieve greatness. With a career spanning six World Championships and eight World Cup gold medals, Katherine Grainger is a shining example of...

Nick Frost's love letter to food, kitchens and the people in them is a heartfelt exploration of the joy of cooking and the memories it holds. As a child, Nick's mother's stroganoff was a staple of their family, and as she struggled with her own demons,...

Aiden Aslin's harrowing account of his time as a prisoner of war in Ukraine is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for survival and resilience. In February 2022, Aslin and his unit were stationed at the frontline at Mariupol, where they were...

Down and Out in Paris and London is a vivid and moving memoir of George Orwell's time living among the desperately poor and destitute. Written in his twenties, this book documents his 'first contact with poverty' and provides a poignant portrayal of a...

Born for War: One SAS Trooper's Extraordinary Account of the Falklands WarPublished for the 40th anniversary of the conflict, this is the full, explosive story of the Falklands War from a soldier at the heart of the action. Tony Hoare recounts his...

Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner is a memoir by Dean Karnazes that delves into his experiences as a long-distance runner. The book chronicles his personal struggles, training regimens, and the mental and physical challenges he faced...

The Flitting is a poignant and deeply personal memoir about the complex bond between a father and son. When Ben Masters' father is confined to the house, he is unable to follow the butterfly season for the first time since his childhood, and his son must...

Christopher Marlowe's life was cut short in 1593, his death shrouded in mystery. For over four centuries, the official account of his murder - a violent quarrel over a bill - has been widely disputed. In "The Reckoning", Charles Nicholl uncovers new...

Barry Humphries' life story is a remarkable tale of transformation and revelation. In "More Please", the man behind the make-up and glasses opens up about his life, moving from suburban Australia to international stardom. With a mix of fascinating...

Code Name: Lise is the true story of Odette Sansom, a remarkable woman who became one of WWII's most highly decorated spies. In 1942, Odette, inspired by her father's war heroism, joins the SOE to aid Britain and her homeland, France.Despite facing...

Experience the brutal and significant battle of the Vietnam War through the eyes of the men who fought it. In November 1965, 450 US soldiers were dropped into the Ia Drang Valley, where they faced off against 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers. The ensuing...

Bede and the Theory of Everything by Michelle P. Brown is a biography that explores the life and work of the renowned scholar of the early Middle Ages. Bede, considered the father of English history, made significant contributions to various fields,...

Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight is a memoir of a family's unbreakable bond, set against the backdrop of civil war in 1970s Rhodesia. The author's childhood is a story of laughter, warmth, and disaster, of a quixotic battle with nature and loss. This...

The Grief Cure: Looking for the End of LossA personal and thought-provoking exploration of the nature of grief, its treatment, and its impact on our lives. Cody Delistraty shares his own experience of loss and his journey to find new ways of coping with...

Witold Pilecki's story is one of sacrifice and heroism. In the summer of 1940, he accepted a mission to uncover the fate of thousands of people being interned at Auschwitz, a concentration camp on the border of the Reich. Over the next two and a half...

Rachel Stevens, the S Club legend, shares her inspiring and honest story of strength, self-belief, and growth in this, her first autobiography. From the glamour of the pop stage to the challenges of mental health and self-worth, Rachel opens up about her...

The Girl in the Mirror is a heart-wrenching story of a young woman's quest to uncover the truth about her past. When Mandy returns to the house where she spent her childhood summers, she is met with a shocking discovery that has been hidden for years. As...

John Shepherd's remarkable footballing career was almost derailed by polio, but his determination and resilience saw him go on to score prolifically for Millwall, Brighton & Hove Albion and Gillingham. In and Out of the Lion's Den tells the story of how...

John Wobble's memoir, Dark Luminosity, is a frank and fascinating account of his life and career. Born in the East End of London, Wobble recounts his childhood and early days as a musician, including his time as a founding member of Public Image Limited...

At Home with The Buckleys is a humorous and lighthearted look at modern marriage, parenting, and adulting. The book is a collection of stories and comedy excursions from the Buckley family's early lives, their years of cult TV fame, and their experiences...

A Glass of Albarino and a Pillowcase of Bones is a collection of sixty-eight interconnected stories about the complexities of life. Born in Birmingham, the author recounts his journey from a working-class boy to a man who has worked in some of the most...

Casper ten Boom's life was one of unwavering dedication to serving the Lord and loving those around him. Through his watchmaking shop and home, he provided a safe haven for those in need, earning him a respected place in his community. As the Nazi...

This is the story of a mother's unimaginable loss, and her unyielding quest for justice. On a fateful day in 1993, Denise Fergus' life was forever changed when she let go of her two-year-old son's hand for just a few seconds. The consequences were...

Stephen Manderson, aka Professor Green, shares his life story in this honest and open autobiography. Born into a tough Hackney estate, Manderson's upbringing had a profound impact on his life and music.From his early days on the streets of east London to...

Oliver Reed was a man of immense talent and charisma, whose larger-than-life persona captivated audiences on screen. Yet, behind the bravado and bluster, lay a complex and deeply vulnerable individual. This is the story of Reed's life, as told by those...

If Chins Could Kill is a candid and humorous account of life in the entertainment industry. The book offers a unique perspective on the experiences of a working actor, navigating the highs and lows of a career in film and television.With a career...

Barry Lopez's Horizon is a sweeping work that recounts his travels around the world, from the Oregon coast to the farthest reaches of the globe. Through his journeys, Lopez reflects on the human experience, exploring the intersections of nature, culture,...

Ed Gamble's hilarious memoir, Glutton, is a warm and entertaining exploration of a life lived through food. From a young age, Ed's appetite was evident, and he developed a discerning palate that would serve him well in his future culinary adventures.With...

Trust Me, I'm a Nurse... by Moira McGregor Moira McGregor's memoir is a heartwarming and inspiring account of her journey from administration to nursing, spanning nineteen years. With a mix of humor and humility, she recounts her experiences, from the...

Stuart, A Life Backwards is a remarkable story of friendship and transformation, told with humour, compassion, and exasperation. The author's confessional narrative is intertwined with the tale of a chaotic, knife-wielding beggar, whom he meets during a...

Brigid Sheehan's memoir is a deeply personal exploration of her experiences with bipolar disorder, a condition she didn't receive a diagnosis for until early adulthood. Reflecting on pivotal moments in her life, she seeks to shed light on how her...

Autobiography is a deeply personal and introspective account of the life of Morrissey, one of the most iconic figures in British music.From his childhood in Manchester to his rise to fame as the lead singer of The Smiths, Morrissey's story is one of both...

Annie Ernaux's Simple Passion is a stark and unflinching portrayal of a human heart consumed by passion. The author's spare style documents the desires and indignities of a two-year relationship with a married man, where every word and event is subject...

Shell Shocked: My Life with the Turtles, Flo and Eddie, and Frank Zappa and Others A candid and humorous memoir by Howard Kaylan, the original lead vocalist of the Turtles, recounting his life experiences, including his time with the band and his...

Shirley Pitts, the eldest of six children, was born upside down on 24 November 1934. Her early life was marked by poverty and hardship, but also by a strong sense of determination and resourcefulness. As a young girl, Shirley turned to thieving as a...

Crying in H Mart is a deeply personal and moving memoir by Michelle Zauner, the indie rock sensation known as Japanese Breakfast. The book tells the story of Zauner's journey of self-discovery and growth, as she navigates her Korean American heritage,...

The Wood Life: A Not So Helpful Guide on Surviving Cricket, Life and Everything in Between by Mark Wood As a fast bowler for England and Durham, Mark Wood has experienced the highs and lows of a career in international cricket. With a career spanning...

Elizabeth Taylor: A Private Life for Public Consumption by Ellis Cashmore This book examines the iconic Elizabeth Taylor as a seminal representation of "celebrity," tracing the evolution of modern celebrity culture back to a pivotal moment in her life...

Ronnie Wood's candid and unflinching memoir takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through his life, loves, and music. Born on a working-class council estate, Ronnie's journey from a young boy with a passion for music and art to becoming one of the most...

Jonathan Sacks' words of faith and wisdom offer a beacon of enduring light in an increasingly conflicted cultural climate. This collection brings together his most compelling selections from BBC Radio broadcasts, columns, articles, House of Lords...

Fate of a Persian Boy is a deeply personal and spiritual memoir that recounts the author's incredible journey of survival and self-discovery after a near-fatal accident in London. In the aftermath of the accident, Mahmoud Izadi found himself in a coma,...

A Fast Ride Out of Here: Confessions of Rock's Most Dangerous Man Pete Way's life has been a rollercoaster of excess and self-destruction, with a trail of chaos and carnage in its wake. From the highs of founding UFO to the lows of heroin addiction, Way...

Shalom, Jack: A Celebration of the Life of Sergeant Jacob 'Jack' Goldstein, RAFVR 166 Squadron Bomber Command, Killed in Action 16 March 1945 This book tells the story of Sergeant Jacob 'Jack' Goldstein, a mid-upper gunner in a Lancaster bomber who was...

Erwin James's memoir is a powerful exploration of the human capacity for redemption. Born into a life of violence and crime, James's journey from darkness to hope is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit. After a life marked by petty...

President Bill Clinton's candid portrait of a global leader offers a striking insight into the life of an American who dedicated his intellectual and political gifts to serving the public. From his early days in Arkansas to his time in the White House,...

The Prince Rupert Hotel for the Homeless: A True Story of Love and Compassion Amid a Pandemic During the UK's Covid-19 lockdown, a four-star hotel faced an unexpected challenge. The British government's 'Everyone In' programme brought 33 rough sleepers...

Journalist and psychotherapist-in-training Moya Sarner explores the complexities of growing up and what it means to become an adult. Drawing on case studies, her training, and theories from child psychology, psychoanalysis, neuroscience, and more, she...

Roger Daltrey's life story is a testament to the power of rebellion and determination. Born at the height of the Blitz, he grew up in a world of turmoil, but it was his expulsion from school at 15 that set him on a path that would change his life forever...

Graham Coxon's memoir, Verse, Chorus, Monster!, offers a candid look at the life of the Blur co-founder and guitar legend. Born into a nomadic family, Coxon's early years were marked by frequent moves and a sense of displacement. This experience would...

Elizabeth I: A Queen Reimagined This biography delves into the life of Elizabeth I, a woman who defied convention as she ascended the throne after her sister Mary's reign. Alison Weir's in-depth exploration of Elizabeth's personal life reveals a complex...

Bombs were falling all over Britain during the Blitz, but for one young Londoner, it might have been the end of the world. Instead, she found herself evacuated to a children's home in rural England, where she was invited into the stately home of a...

Angus Buchan's story is one of transformation and growth, as he recounts his journey from a life of turmoil to one of deepened faith. In 1979, a powerful encounter with Jesus Christ marked a turning point in his life, and he shares the stories of the...

Vanessa Springora's memoir, Consent, is a powerful and devastating account of her stolen adolescence. Thirty years after the events, Springora, now in her forties, has decided to reclaim her story, laying bare the cultural attitudes and circumstances...

Blackpink in your area is now fully revised and updated, providing a comprehensive guide to the biggest K-pop girl group on the planet. The group's members, Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa, have achieved immense success with their music, fashion, and...

Join Peter Crouch on his hilarious and irreverent journey into the world of professional football. From the dressing room to the pitch, Crouch shares stories of the absurd, the bizarre and the just plain silly side of the sport.With a healthy dose of...

Down in the Valley A Writer's Landscape by Laurie Lee A poignant portrait of the landscape that shaped Laurie Lee's life, Down in the Valley is a writer's tribute to the place that inspired him. The book is a nostalgic exploration of Lee's beloved Slad...

Gloria Steinem's life has been a journey of constant movement and exploration, one that has shaped her into one of the most iconic feminist voices of our time. From her itinerant childhood to her years as a journalist, organizer, and activist, Steinem's...

Harry Hill's hilarious and honest memoir takes an unflinching look at his life and career, from a chaotic childhood to his rise as one of the UK's most celebrated comedians. With a career marked by both triumph and disaster, Harry shares stories of...

D-Day, Arnhem and the Rhine: A Glider Pilot's Memoir by Robert F. Ashby This rare and vivid memoir offers a fascinating insight into the world of a 'citizen soldier' during World War II. Robert Ashby's account of his experiences, including his training...