Biography & Autobiography

The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Man Against the Sea Sebastian Junger recounts the most devastating storm in history, as seen from the perspective of a doomed fishing trawler. The 'perfect storm' is a rare combination of weather systems that collide in...

Martha Long's latest memoir is a powerful and poignant account of her experiences growing up in poverty and abuse. At 16, she leaves the convent school with a burning ambition to escape her impoverished past and build a better life for herself. As she...

The Enterprise, NCC 1701 and The Model Maker The story of the iconic Star Trek Enterprise model begins in 1964, in a model shop where it was first brought to life. The model's journey took a dramatic turn in 1966, when it appeared on television screens...

Jamaica Kincaid's travel memoir, Among Flowers, is a vivid and engrossing account of a three-week trek through Nepal's Himalayan landscape. The journey, undertaken with three botanist friends, is a quest to gather seeds for planting at home, but it also...

The funniest man in British sport, Peter Crouch, shares his unique perspective on life after football. As a former professional, he reveals how the sport's culture can leave players unprepared for the real world. Crouch explores his own journey and those...

The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie and the Gospel of Wealth is a unique collection of two influential works by the industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. In this volume, Carnegie shares his remarkable life story, from his early days as a...

Henry Ford's autobiography offers a unique insight into the life and business strategies of one of America's most influential entrepreneurs. In this book, Ford shares his journey from humble beginnings to building a financial empire, providing valuable...

William the Conqueror: The King Who Changed the Course of British History Born into a tumultuous past, William rose to power as a leader driven by determination. He established himself as a Duke before seizing the English crown, defeating King Harold in...

Cory Richards' memoir is a gripping account of his journey to quiet the chaos within. Born into a family marked by violence and mental illness, Richards found solace in the outdoors, pursuing a career in adventure photography and climbing. However, a...

Philip Yancey's memoir, Where the Light Fell, is a deeply personal and broadly resonant coming-of-age story that explores the complexities of faith and family. Born into a troubled past, Yancey recounts his journey from the backwoods of the South to the...

George Harrison's spiritual journey is a story of transformation, from the turmoil of his youth to the peace and harmony of his later years. Joshua Greene sheds new light on the enigmatic Beatle, exploring the music and experiences that shaped his...

Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young: The Biography by Peter Doggett is a fascinating and timely re-telling of a corner of music history. The story of the band's rise to success and their impact on 1960s counterculture is told through the lens of four key...

In the early twentieth century, being born black or female in America was a challenging experience. This poignant memoir tells the story of Vivian Baxter Johnson, a remarkable woman who defied conventions and forged her own path. Maya Angelou shares the...

George Harrison: A Life of Contrasts Philip Norman's biography of George Harrison offers a fascinating portrait of the most undervalued and mysterious Beatle. Despite his significant contributions to the band's music, Harrison struggled with feelings of...

James I: A King of Contrasts This major study of James I, the first Stuart king of Scotland, draws on a wide range of sources to assess his impact on his kingdom. Brown examines James's creation of a new, prestigious monarchy based on a series of bloody...

Eugene de Kock: A Prisoner's Confession In 2011, Anemari Jansen met Eugene de Kock, a prisoner serving time in Pretoria Central Prison, and was struck by the contrast between his soft voice and his notorious reputation. De Kock's story is one of brutal...

The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert Ames by Kai Bird The life and death of Robert Ames, a CIA operative who played a pivotal role in the Middle East, is a story of extraordinary connections and tragic loss. Ames' unique approach to intelligence...

Brian Clough and Peter Taylor were two of the most successful managers in British football history, but their decision to take on Brighton & Hove Albion in 1973 was a surprise to many. Clough, fresh from leading Derby County to the Football League title...

The Collected Schizophrenias by Esmé Weijun Wang is a deeply personal and unflinching account of the author's experiences with schizoaffective disorder. Diagnosed in 2013, Wang's condition had begun to manifest years earlier, causing her to feel...

A candid portrait of David Foster Wallace, written by the journalist who accompanied him on a pivotal road trip. David Lipsky's account of their five-day journey together offers a unique insight into the life and thoughts of one of America's most...

Raymond Davis's story is one of the most sensational and misunderstood events of the War on Terror. In his memoir, The Contractor, Davis offers a firsthand account of the events that led to his imprisonment in Pakistan in 2011. The incident began with a...

Michael Collins: A Life of Vision and Leadership The life of Michael Collins, the greatest of all Irish nationalists, is a complex and fascinating story of idealism, determination, and political realism. Collins' vision for a united Ireland was marked by...

A captivating collection of extracts from women's diaries, spanning four centuries, offers a unique glimpse into the experiences of women across time. From the demands of daily life to the complexities of relationships, these voices provide a rich and...

Azra Raza's The First Cell is a searing account of the devastating impact of cancer on individuals and society. Drawing on her own experience as an oncologist and her husband's struggle with leukemia, Raza offers a deeply personal and insightful...

The Last Corinthian: The Cricketing Life of MJK Smith is the remarkable story of Mike Smith's illustrious cricketing career. A standout player and captain, Smith broke records at Oxford and went on to lead Warwickshire and England to great success. His...

The Prison Doctor: Women Inside by Amanda Brown Amanda Brown, a renowned Prison Doctor, takes us inside the UK's largest women's prison, Bronzefield, where she has witnessed the complexities of women's lives behind bars. From those struggling with...

When the Heavens Went on Sale: The Misfits and Geniuses Racing to Put Space Within ReachA gripping account of the private companies driving the revolutionary new space race, from the 3-million copy bestselling author of Elon Musk. Ashlee Vance follows...

Committed: A Love Story by Elizabeth Gilbert explores the complexities of marriage, debunking myths and confronting fears. The author reflects on the transition from romantic fantasies to the humbling responsibilities of adulthood, revealing the...

Justin Webb's childhood was marked by dysfunction and hardship, with his mother's un-diagnosed psychological problems and step-father's untreated issues creating a chaotic home environment. His experiences at Quaker boarding school were no better, with...

Abdi Nor Iftin's memoir is a story of love and longing for America, born from a childhood fascination with the country's pop culture and heroic figures. As a young boy, he identified with the Americans who brought hope and stability to his war-torn...

Amy Winehouse's story is one of incredible talent and tragic loss. This book, written by her father Mitch, tells the full story of her life, from her mischievous early years to her rise to stardom and her struggles with addiction. With exclusive extracts...

The Listener In the Shadow of the Holocaust by Irène OoreThis memoir recounts the author's mother's harrowing experiences surviving World War II in Poland, where she lived a life of constant hunger and fear. The stories of her mother's past have had a...

The Power of Hope is a deeply personal and honest account of Kate Garraway's journey through one of the most challenging periods of her life. Her husband's long battle with Covid-19 and its devastating aftermath is told with remarkable candour and...

A journey to the Tibetan plateau in the high Himalayas, in search of solace and a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard. In 1973, Peter Matthiessen embarked on a 250-mile trek to Dolpo, as part of an expedition to study wild blue sheep. The journey was...

A riveting inside story of life inside Aerosmith, featuring the band's most famous moments and personal struggles, is told by the band's lead guitarist. Born in Massachusetts, Joe Perry's passion for guitar quickly turned into an obsession, leading him...

Fassbinder Thousands of Mirrors is a kaleidoscopic study of the late West German filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder, presented in a unique and fragmented style. Written in the spirit of Fassbinder's own rapid filmmaking process, this book offers a...

Margaret Thatcher's autobiography is a candid and compelling account of her remarkable life and time in power. The story of her journey from a young woman to the first female Prime Minister of Great Britain is told in her own words, bringing together her...

Thinking in Pictures: A Personal Journey into Autism Temple Grandin's unique perspective on the world is one of concrete and visual thinking, shaped by her experiences as an autistic individual. In this thought-provoking book, she shares her insights...

Torey Hayden returns with a deeply-moving sequel to her first book, One Child. Seven years have passed since she was reunited with Sheila, a disturbed six-year-old she tried to rescue. Now, Sheila is back, a gangly teenager with bright orange hair, no...

Anna Funder's Wifedom: Mrs Orwell's Invisible Life A fascinating and intimate portrait of a remarkable woman, Eileen O'Shaughnessy, whose literary brilliance and practicality played a crucial role in shaping George Orwell's work. This book uncovers the...

Nick Grimshaw's Soft Lad is a humorous and heartfelt coming-of-age story that takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of his life. From partying with pop stars to growing up and finding self-care, Grimshaw shares his most pivotal moments,...

Socrates A Man for Our Times by Paul Johnson is a riveting account of the life and philosophy of one of history's most influential thinkers. Johnson masterfully disentangles centuries of scarce sources to offer a compelling picture of Socrates, whose...

Kevin Bridges: A Life in Laughter Kevin Bridges' autobiography is a hilarious and poignant exploration of his life, from his childhood in Glasgow to his rise as one of Britain's most beloved comedians. With his trademark social commentary and sharp...

Sylvia Beach And The Lost Generation by Riley Noel Fitch is a meticulously researched biography that explores the life and legacy of the iconic American publisher. Fitch's engaging narrative delves into the world of 1920s Paris, where Beach's legendary...

The Iron Lady: Margaret Thatcher from Grocer's Daughter to Iron LadyThis biography offers a comprehensive account of Margaret Thatcher's life, from her upbringing in Grantham to her leadership of the Conservative party and her time in Downing Street...

Carol Burnett's behind-the-scenes story of her iconic weekly variety series, The Carol Burnett Show, is a hilarious and tender look at the making of television history. In this book, Carol Burnett reminisces about the outrageously funny and tender...

Cristiano Ronaldo: The Biography by Guillem Balague A comprehensive and intimate portrait of one of the greatest footballers of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo's life story is revealed in this fully updated biography. From his early days on the island of...

The Fear Bubble by Ant Middleton Ant Middleton's life has been shaped by fear, from the daily challenges of his Special Forces work to the isolation of prison and the extreme conditions of his record-breaking Everest climb. Yet, for Middleton, fear is...

Gucci Mane's extraordinary life story is told in his own words, offering a raw and unflinching look at the volatile rise, fall, and rise again of one of the most influential artists in modern rap.From the platinum-selling trap pioneer's early days to his...

Stella Rimington's memoir offers a unique insight into the world of British intelligence, drawing on her own experiences as a counter-subversion, counter-espionage and counter-terrorism expert. From her early days at MI5 to her appointment as...

A gripping account of the Second World War from the perspective of a young tank commander, Tank Action by David Render and Stuart Tootal, is a remarkable story of survival, comradeship and leadership in combat. Fresh from Sandhurst, Render was sent to...

Seven Pillars of Wisdom is a deeply personal and literary account of the author's experiences in the Middle East during the First World War.Written between 1919 and 1926, this book tells of the author's involvement in a campaign against the Turks, a...

Anna Wintour: a biography of singular focus and legendary ambition, tracing the ascent of a young woman who would become the most powerful woman in media.From her early days as a fashion intern to her current position as the editor-in-chief of Vogue,...

Brent Scowcroft's career has been marked by a series of pivotal moments in American foreign policy. From managing the US departure from Vietnam to urging the first President Bush to repel the invasion of Kuwait, Scowcroft has played a central role in...

Edward Elgar: Music, Life and Landscapes by Christopher Grogan Edward Elgar's music is often seen as inextricably linked to the English landscape, a connection that has captivated audiences for generations. This book explores the complex relationship...

Cyril Bertram Mills was a household name in British entertainment, but few knew about his secret life in British intelligence. For over 40 years, Mills worked for MI6 and MI5, gathering crucial aerial intelligence on Nazi rearmament and monitoring a top...

Amanda Brown's candid memoir recounts the unimaginable sexual abuse she suffered from the age of eight at the hands of her stepfather, Davy Tweed. The story at home was starkly different from the public persona of Tweed, a prominent figure in Ulster and...

Erling Haaland: The Biography Norwegian striker Erling Haaland has taken the football world by storm, scoring 25 goals in just 20 games in the Premier League. At the halfway point of the season, he is well on his way to breaking records, including the...

The Commanders: The Leadership Journeys of George Patton, Bernard Montgomery and Erwin RommelA fascinating biography of three unique leaders who rose to the highest ranks, shedding light on the complexities of their personalities and the decisions that...

Mary Weiland's memoir offers a candid and humorous account of her struggles with addiction and mental illness. The author's experiences, which include a dramatic incident in 2007, reveal a more complex picture than the public persona of her husband, a...

The story of a catastrophic collapse, told by the man who brought it about. In 1995, Nick Leeson was arrested and sentenced to six and a half years in prison for his role in the downfall of Barings Bank. This is his account of the events leading up to...

The homes of three influential writers, linked to the Bloomsbury Group, are revealed in this engaging and evocative book. The authors' personal lives, including their relationships and intimate encounters, are explored in vivid detail, shedding new light...

Paper Houses: A Memoir of the '70s and Beyond Michele Roberts, a highly acclaimed novelist, shares her life story in this vibrant and powerful portrait of an alternative era. Born out of rebellion and radical politics, Roberts' journey takes her to the...

Andy Murray's remarkable career has been marked by numerous triumphs, but one moment stands out: lifting the Wimbledon trophy on 7th July 2013, ending a 77-year wait for a British man to achieve this feat. In his new book, Andy Murray: Seventy-Seven, he...

Hans Sloane was a collector of unparalleled scope, whose name is still commemorated in London's streets and squares. Yet, the man himself and his remarkable achievements have largely faded from memory. Born in northern Ireland, Sloane built a lucrative...

John le Carré's memoir is a unique and fascinating account of his life, spanning his years in British Intelligence during the Cold War to a career as a writer. With his characteristic wit and incisiveness, le Carré offers a fresh perspective on the...

Where Memories Go is a deeply personal and thought-provoking account of one woman's experience with dementia, written by her daughter, Sally Magnusson. The book chronicles the author's eight-year journey with her mother, who suffered from the disease,...

Cilla Black's autobiography offers a deeply personal and intimate look at a life of incredible highs and terrible lows. For the first time, she shares her unique story, revealing the woman behind the bright red hair and jet black voice that has...

The remarkable life of P.L. Travers, creator of the beloved Mary Poppins, is revealed in this captivating biography. Valerie Lawson sheds light on the life of Pamela Lyndon Travers, an Australian journalist who became a prominent figure in London's...

Guy Martin's latest book is a candid look at his life, filled with stories of adventure, hard work and everyday life. The truck fitter, who has been featured on Channel 4, shares his own stories, without filter, giving readers a unique insight into his...

Zana Muhsen's harrowing account of her experiences as a teenager in North Yemen is a powerful and thought-provoking read. Born and bred in Birmingham, Zana was forced to leave her home at the age of 15 to spend a holiday with relatives in North Yemen...

Susan Richards's life was marked by hardship and struggle, but when she takes in a new horse, Lay Me Down, a turning point is reached. This poignant and evocative story is a testament to the transformative power of the human-animal bond.After years of...

Break Point by Ollie Ollerton is a heart-stopping true story of survival and redemption. Ollie Ollerton, star of TV's SAS: Who Dares Wins, shares his incredible journey of facing break points in his life, from the gruelling SAS selection process to...

Mihir Bose's life was forever changed by a single act of kindness from a Home Office official, Mr Crombie. Born in Kolkata in 1947, Bose had dreamed of making a life in Britain, but faced numerous challenges, including racism and social exclusion. In...

Helen Skelton's inspiring memoir, In My Stride, is a testament to her remarkable life and the lessons she's learned along the way. From kayaking the online marketplace to competing in a boxing match, Helen has faced numerous challenges that have taught...

A Soldier's Song by Ken Lukowiak is a personal account of his experiences serving in the Falklands in 1982. The book offers a candid and unflinching look at the realities of war, as seen through the eyes of a soldier who was part of the 2 Para regiment...

Phil Collins' candid and witty autobiography takes readers on a journey through his epic career, from his early days as a child actor to his rise as one of the most successful songwriters of the pop music era. With rare insight, Collins shares stories of...

Haben Girma's inspiring memoir is a testament to one woman's determination to find connection. Born in Eritrea, Haben grew up in a city that would shape her courage and strength. Her family's experiences during Eritrea's thirty-year war with Ethiopia...

Jan Karski's remarkable story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for courage and resilience. As a young Polish student, he finds himself at the forefront of the resistance movement, forced to live under a new identity and risk his life to save...

Laurie Lee's A Rose for Winter is a deeply personal and evocative portrait of a country in turmoil. Fifteen years after his initial visit, Lee returns to Andalusia, finding a land scarred by the Civil War, yet still radiating a fierce and indomitable...

Dave Davies' memoir is a powerful and candid account of his life, from his time as lead guitarist of the Kinks to his personal struggles and recovery. The book offers a unique insight into the band's history and the tumultuous times that shaped their...

Life under pressure is a harsh reality for those who serve on a nuclear submarine. Richard Humphreys recounts his five-year experience aboard the submarine service, from the confines of a 430ft steel tube 300ft underwater, to the unique consolations of...

Laura McKowen's memoir is a powerful exploration of sobriety and the unexpected blessings that come with it. When she finally found the courage to stop drinking, McKowen discovered a life of honesty, connection, and purpose. In this straightforward and...

George III: A Life of Majesty and Madness King of Britain for sixty years, George III faced numerous challenges that tested his resolve and leadership. This concise and penetrating biography by Jeremy Black delves into the archives to provide a nuanced...

Edward Parnell's Ghostland is a moving exploration of what has haunted writers and artists, and what is haunting him. In this unique and elegiac meditation on grief, memory and longing, Parnell delves into the landscapes that have inspired some of the...

Agnes Mary Frances Robinson was a woman of remarkable talent and versatility, whose contributions to literature and culture spanned two centuries. This biography brings together Robinson's life and work, revealing the extraordinary woman behind the...

Daughters of Shame by Jasvinder Sanghera is a powerful and moving account of the author's own experiences with honour-based violence and forced marriage. Sanghera shares the stories of young women who have suffered similar traumas, including those who...

What on Earth Can Go Wrong: Tales from the Risk BusinessBy Richard Fenning, former CEO of Control Risks, this book offers a unique insight into the world of high-stakes risk management. With a career spanning three decades, Fenning has navigated some of...

Endgame is a penetrating investigation into the current state of the British monarchy, exposing the institution's struggles with outdated ideas and its efforts to adapt to a rapidly modernizing world.Based on over a decade of conversations and interviews...

Steve Coogan's autobiography is a candid and humorous account of his life, from his noisy childhood to his emergence as a household name. Born and raised in Manchester, Coogan recounts his early days as a performer, including his first break on the...

Flying Forwards, Facing Backwards is a fascinating account of Jim Walls' 40-year RAF career, spanning from his early days as a Boy Entrant to his time as an air electronics operator on the Nimrod MR1 and Vulcan B2s.With detailed insight into the world of...

Sabine's War: The Incredible True Story of a Resistance Fighter Who Survived Three Concentration Camps Sabine's War is a remarkable true story of survival and bravery. In 1940, at just 22 years old, Sabine joined the resistance movement in Holland,...

Christopher Reeve's life was forever changed by a tragic accident that left him paralysed from the neck down. Yet, in a remarkable display of courage and determination, he refused to accept his new reality. Instead, he has become a powerful advocate for...

Jimi Hendrix was a complex figure, driven by a desire to create something new and authentic. His music was a fusion of different styles, and he was willing to take risks to achieve his vision. As he navigated the vibrant music scene of 1960s London, he...

Laurie Lee's enchanting collection of essays brings together his earliest loves and obsessions, capturing a world that is lost forever. Spanning his Gloucestershire childhood, reflections on life, love, and death, and evocative travel writings, this book...

Tony Blair's A Journey is a candid and introspective account of his time in power, offering a unique insight into the complexities of politics and leadership. Spanning his decade as Prime Minister, the book chronicles his successes, controversies, and...

John Tusa's memoir is a candid and insightful account of his life and career as a journalist, broadcaster, and arts leader. The book offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of the BBC, including a tumultuous period under the leadership of...

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's teenage years were marked by a journey to Italy, a country that would profoundly shape his music and art. At thirteen, he was already a child prodigy, but his father Leopold had set his sights on Italy, a land of vibrant culture...

Elizabeth's Rival: The Tumultuous Tale of Lettice Knollys, Countess of Leicester Lettice Knollys, a woman of extraordinary life, left an indelible mark on the Tudor era. As cousin to Elizabeth I and possibly Henry VIII's illegitimate granddaughter,...

Taylor Swift: The Whole Story is a comprehensive account of the pop superstar's incredible journey to fame. From her childhood dreams of a musical future to her determined and budding teen musician, this book reveals the true story behind America's...