Biography & Autobiography

Lewis Hancox's Escape from St Hell is a life-affirming sequel to the Eisner Award-nominated graphic memoir Welcome to St Hell. This humorous and honest personal story follows Lewis as he navigates his transition journey, leaving his small hometown for...

Storm Kings: America's First Tornado Chasers The story of America's fascination with tornadoes is one of science, adventure, and human curiosity. From the early experiments of Ben Franklin to the devastating storms of the 19th and 20th centuries, Lee...

Wellesley Tudor Pole's life is a paradox of contrasts. On the surface, he appears as a conventional London businessman, but beneath this façade lies a complex and enigmatic individual. This book delves into the two worlds of Wellesley Tudor Pole,...

Ann Patchett's Truth & Beauty is a deeply personal and poignant exploration of a lifelong friendship between two women. The book is a searing account of their bond, which was forged in the Iowa Writer's Workshop and lasted for twenty years, spanning...

The Secret Lecturer offers a candid and no-holds-barred account of life on campus in the UK higher education sector. After years of cutbacks, the author presents a personal and revealing insight into the deteriorating state of the sector.From the seminar...

Edna O'Brien explores the life of James Joyce, one of Ireland's most celebrated writers, in this biography that coincides with the 100th anniversary of Ulysses. Joyce's life was marked by turmoil and creativity, as he navigated the challenges of his...

My Body is a Book of Rules is a candid and deeply personal memoir that explores the complexities of mental illness, identity, and trauma. Elissa Washuta's journey is marked by the turmoil of bipolar disorder, the aftermath of sexual violence, and the...

A unique perspective on the American western frontier is offered in "My Life on the Plains: Personal Experiences with Indians". Edited by John Cirignani, this book presents a contemporary reading experience of General George Armstrong Custer's memoir,...

The Light Between Us: Stories from Heaven. Lessons for the Living by Laura Lynne Jackson is a deeply personal and insightful exploration of the author's experiences as a psychic medium.Through her remarkable story, Laura Lynne Jackson shares the ways in...

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, the first volume of Maya Angelou's autobiography, is a deeply moving and powerful portrayal of her childhood and early life. Born in the American south of the 1930s, Maya Angelou recounts her experiences growing up with...

Jony Ive: The Genius Behind Apple's Greatest Products This intimate biography sheds new light on the creative genius behind Apple's most iconic products. From his early interest in industrial design to his meteoric rise, Leander Kahney tells the riveting...

A New York Times notable book, Do Something is a poignant coming-of-age memoir that explores the complexities of growing up in a city on the brink of change. Born in the Bronx, Guy Trebay's life was marked by privilege and turmoil, as his family's...

Bill Buford's journey into the world of Italian cuisine began as a profile of Mario Batali, a charismatic chef with a voracious appetite. Buford's assignment was to write about Batali's rise to culinary fame, but he soon found himself immersed in the...

Shoji Morimoto's unique service has brought him a fascinating perspective on human connection. After being told he contributed nothing to his old job, he wondered if a person who 'does nothing' could still have a place in the world. This led to the...

Brandi Carlile's memoir is a deeply personal and moving account of her life, shaped by music, faith, and identity. Born into a musically gifted family, Brandi grew up in a state of constant change, moving from house to house and trailer to trailer,...

The Lives of the Artists by Giorgio Vasari is a comprehensive collection of biographical accounts that explores the development of Renaissance art. Spanning over 500 years, the book delves into the lives of prominent artists, from the early infancy of...

Roy Keane, captain of Manchester United and the Irish national team, shares his story in this candid autobiography. Born in Cork in 1971, Keane's footballing career was marked by both triumph and controversy. From signing with Manchester United in 1993...

Günter Grass' Peeling the Onion is a deeply personal and unflinching account of his life, from his childhood in Danzig to his experiences as a young soldier and the writing of his acclaimed novel, The Tin Drum. This remarkable autobiography offers a...

From WHAM! to WOO: A Life on the MicJaney Lee Grace recounts her remarkable music career, from her early days as a singer in Manchester and Birmingham nightclubs to her time with iconic bands like WHAM! and Boy George. She shares stories of her highs and...

Alexandra Shulman's memoir is a thought-provoking exploration of the meaning of clothes and how we wear them. Part fashion history, part social commentary, the book delves into the emotions, ambitions, and expectations behind our wardrobes.From the bra...

Seneca A Life is a biography of the Roman philosopher and statesman Seneca, tracing the events of his life from his early years in Spain to his rise to power under Nero, and his eventual downfall. The book explores the tensions between Seneca's external...

Inside Vogue House One: A Story of Seven Magazines and Sixty Years of Stories Grant Scott's book explores the history of Vogue House One, a building that has been home to seven magazines over the past sixty years. Through the stories of these magazines,...

Doddie Weir's autobiography is a testament to his unyielding spirit and passion for life. With a rugby career marked by both triumph and adversity, Doddie shares his remarkable story, from facing off against some of the game's greatest players to...

Working Stiff chronicles the author's two years of training as a New York City forensic pathologist, taking readers behind the scenes of death investigation and the daily life of a medical examiner.From the gruesome to the harrowing, the author shares...

Laura Coffey's Enchanted Islands A Mediterranean Odyssey is a captivating memoir that weaves together love, grief, and mythology in a magical journey through the Mediterranean. As she travels through the islands thought to be the setting of Homer's epic...

Things My Mother Never Told Me by Blake Morrison A poignant and revealing exploration of family conflict, love, and war, this book tells the story of a remarkable woman who defied convention to build a life. Through a series of letters and personal...

Nabeel Qureshi's personal journey from Islam to Christianity is a story of courage, conviction, and the search for truth. In this expanded edition, he shares his dramatic conversion and the inner turmoil that followed, offering a unique perspective on...

Madame Tussaud and the History of Waxworks by Pamela Pilbeam is a fascinating exploration of the life and work of the renowned wax modeller. This book delves into the history of wax modelling, tracing its development from a humble craft to a popular form...

Benjamin Franklin: A Life of Enduring Influence This comprehensive biography explores the remarkable life of Benjamin Franklin, a true Renaissance man who helped shape America's national character. From his early days as a runaway apprentice to his later...

Arnold Schwarzenegger's life story is a testament to the power of determination and hard work. Born in a small Austrian town in 1947, he grew up with a dream of becoming a bodybuilding champion and a movie star. By the age of 21, he had achieved his...

Rassie Erasmus has been called a genius, but his approach to rugby is unconventional. In this candid and insightful memoir, he shares his experiences as a player and coach, revealing the strategies and methods that led to his success. From his role in...

The Seven Storey Mountain is the unedited and complete autobiography of Thomas Merton, a deeply personal and profound exploration of his spiritual journey. From his early years as a worldly artist to his eventual discovery of faith and monasticism,...

Jenny Lawson's Furiously Happy is a humorous exploration of her lifelong battle with mental illness. Lawson tackles the complexities of depression and anxiety with her signature wit and honesty. In this book, Lawson shares her experiences and insights on...

Alison Hammond's life is a testament to the power of laughter and positivity. From her early days in television to her current role as host of ITV's This Morning, her sunny personality has brought joy to millions.With a career spanning from small roles...

Romesh Ranganathan reflects on the realities of adulthood, confronting the uncomfortable truth that growing up isn't quite as he imagined. As he navigates the demands of daily life, he grapples with fundamental questions: Can he save his family in a...

Adam Nicolson's The Smell of Summer Grass is a poignant and humorous account of his family's quest to find a personal idyll in the Sussex Weald. In 2015, Nicolson and his wife, Sarah Raven, left behind the city and built a life on a run-down farm, where...

Emma's story is one of survival and resilience. At the age of 11, she was subjected to a traumatic experience that would change her life forever. Her grandad's actions were presented as normal, leading her to believe that their relationship was special...

Urban Outlaw: How I Became an Unlikely Entrepreneur by Breaking All the RulesMagnus Walker's story is one of inspiration and determination. Born in Sheffield, England, he left school with just two O levels and drifted before buying a one-way ticket to...

A true story of resilience and determination, A Pocketful of Holes and Dreams follows the remarkable journey of a young boy who grew up in poverty, yet went on to build a fortune. From a young age, Jeff Pearce learned to rely on his wits and...

Tony 10: The Astonishing Story of the Postman who Gambled EUR10,000,000 and Lost it All This is the remarkable true story of Tony O'Reilly, a postman who became embroiled in a world of high-stakes betting and lost everything. From a modest bet of €1,...

Jim Moginie, founding member of the iconic Australian rock band Midnight Oil, shares a deeply personal and moving memoir of family, loss, and rediscovery. For over fifty years, Moginie was a driving force behind the band's success, but a nagging sense of...

Audrey Hepburn's Real Story is a biography that explores the remarkable life of a young girl who survived the hardships of war and went on to conquer the New York stage and the Hollywood screen. Alexander Walker's book delves into the combination of luck...

Catching Babies: A Midwife's Tale is a heartwarming and inspiring memoir that follows Sheena Byrom's journey from a nervous student nurse to a dedicated midwife with 35 years of experience with the NHS.From her early days as a student nurse, Sheena Byrom...

Old Soldiers Never Die is a powerful and moving account of life in the trenches during World War I, from the perspective of a regular soldier. Frank Richards' remarkable tale vividly brings to life the trials and tribulations faced by ordinary rank and...

A harrowing true story of survival and spiritual awakening in the face of unspeakable tragedy. The 1972 Andes plane crash, which claimed the lives of 27 people, became a modern legend of human resilience. Four decades later, a climber's discovery of a...

Lady Jane Grey A Tudor Mystery by Eric Ives The Tudor dynasty was thrown into crisis in July 1553 following the death of childless Edward VI. In a shocking turn of events, his cousin Jane Grey was proclaimed queen, only to be ousted 13 days later by her...

Sins of My Father is a gripping and deeply personal account of a daughter's search for the truth about her father's life. When Lily Dunn was just six years old, her father left for India to join a cult, a decision that would shape her childhood and...

A Moveable Feast is a personal and poignant account of Ernest Hemingway's time in Paris after World War I. This restored edition presents the original manuscript as the author prepared it to be published, offering a unique insight into Hemingway's early...

A harrowing glimpse into the world of a paramedic is offered by Lysa Walder in this account of her 20-year career with the London Ambulance service. The book recounts scenes of tragedy, heroism, loss and horror, as well as stories of triumph and humour...

Escape into a world of adventure with this collection of life-affirming short stories from Anna McNuff. From kayaking down a gorge in New Zealand to running night-time marathons through the Californian desert, Anna's stories are a testament to the power...

Jeremy Wade's life has been a quest for the world's most elusive fish. With catches like goliath tigerfish from the Congo and arapaima from the online marketplace, his expertise has earned him a reputation as one of the world's top anglers. Now, he...

Jennifer Worth's memoir of her time as a midwife in 1950s London offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of women in the East End during a pivotal period in British history.The conditions in which many women gave birth were harsh and impoverished,...

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor: A Passionate and Turbulent Life This biography is a rich and passionate portrayal of the tumultuous relationship between two of Hollywood's most iconic stars. After thirteen years of writing, Roger Lewis has created a...

Elif Shafak's memoir, Black Milk, is a deeply personal and affecting account of her struggles with postpartum depression and her journey to rediscover her writing life.After the birth of her first child in 2006, Shafak found herself unable to find the...

Rival Queens: The Betrayal of Mary, Queen of ScotsTwo powerful monarchs, one island, and a single question: who would survive to rule? In this gripping biography, Kate Williams brings to life the tragic story of Mary, Queen of Scots, and her tumultuous...

Jonathan Smith's personal journey from pupil to teacher offers a unique insight into the world of teaching, where the challenges of influencing a child and maintaining a work-life balance are constantly present.Through his experiences, Smith explores the...

A New Understanding of Adolf Hitler's Worldview Adolf Hitler is one of the most studied men in history, yet many of the things we think we know about him are wrong. Historian Brendan Simms's major new biography reveals that Hitler's main preoccupation...

Xi Jinping: Understanding the World's Most Powerful Leader Xi Jinping, the Chinese premier, is a figure shrouded in mystery, despite his regular appearances on television and in news headlines. Historian and writer Michael Dillon sets out to unveil the...

Seve: The Official Autobiography Severiano Ballesteros was a golfer like no other. From the moment he picked up his first club, he was unstoppable. With a career spanning over two decades, Seve dominated the golfing landscape, leaving a trail of 94...

The Paris Trilogy is a powerful exploration of a woman's life, told in three semi-autobiographical stories. Colombe Schneck's writing is a direct and bright-eyed gaze at the world and her self, without shame or modesty. The book delves into themes of...

Discover the life and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor who ruled with wisdom and integrity.This biography explores the emperor's psychological journey, examining his relationships, Stoic tutors, and the challenges he faced as a leader at...

Christina Noble's story is one of remarkable courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable hardship. Born into poverty and abuse, she survived the harsh realities of her childhood and went on to become a global advocate for the rights of the...

The Jersey: the All Blacks: the Secrets Behind the World's Most Successful Team The All Blacks' phenomenal success in rugby is a story that has captivated fans around the world. With a better winning record than any other sports team in history, they...

Ed Gamble's hilarious memoir, Glutton, is a warm and entertaining exploration of a life lived through food. From a young age, Gamble's appetite was evident, and he developed a strong preference for certain dishes over others. This book shares a relatable...

One Voice is a deeply personal and poignant autobiography that combines song lyrics and memories, offering a unique glimpse into the life of Ireland's greatest musical icon.Through a collection of stories, songs, and reflections, Christy Moore shares his...

Without Warning and Only Sometimes is a heartwarming and moving memoir about a childhood marked by extremes and contradictions. Kit de Waal's parents lived in a household where opposites coexisted, with her mother working multiple jobs and her father...

The Girl from Hockley is a remarkable story of resilience and determination. Born into the industrial slums of Birmingham in 1903, Kathleen Dayus recounts her vivid childhood and life as a young munitions worker during the war, marriage, and struggles...

Philomena Lee's story is one of family secrets, love and loss. In 1952, she was sent to the convent at Roscrea in Ireland after falling pregnant as a teenager. She cared for her baby for three years before the Church took him away and sold him to America...

Adam Worth, the Real Moriarty: A Life of Crime and Deception The remarkable true story of Adam Worth, the master thief who inspired Conan Doyle's Moriarty, is a tale of cunning and deception. From the bestselling author of 'Operation Mincemeat' and...

Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon was a trailblazing figure who paved the way for future generations of feminists and human rights activists. Her remarkable life and achievements are the subject of Jane Robinson's engaging biography.This book shines a light...

John Cooper Clarke's memoir is a vivid and humorous account of his remarkable life, filled with stories of remarkable personalities and a boggling encyclopaedic take on popular culture. From his rock and roll and performing career to his interests in...

Frank McCourt's memoir of growing up in poverty-stricken New York and Ireland is a heart-wrenching and humorous account of his childhood. Born into a family struggling to cope with the hardships of poverty, McCourt recounts the difficulties he faced,...

The Iron Duke is a gripping biography of Britain's greatest soldier, the man who posed the most serious threat to Napoleon. Richard Holmes masterfully recreates the life and campaigns of the Duke of Wellington, from his early days in India to his...

Donald J Trump: A Biography of Business and Politics The Trump family's story is one of incredible ambition and drive, spanning generations and continents. From their humble beginnings in Germany to their rise as one of America's most influential...

A Year in the Life of the Yorkshire Shepherdess by Amanda Owen is a heartwarming and humorous account of life on a remote Yorkshire hill farm. Amanda Owen shares stories of the challenges and joys of farming, from the harsh winter months to the beauty of...

Brendan Behan's Confessions of an Irish Rebel is a poignant and unflinching account of his life, touching on both the highs and lows of his extraordinary journey. The book picks up where his earlier work, Borstal Boy, left off, providing a unique and...

To Shake the Sleeping Self: A Journey from Oregon to Patagonia, and a Quest for a Life with No RegretJedidiah Jenkins recounts his 16-month bicycle journey from Oregon to Patagonia, chronicling the people and places he encountered along the way, as well...

Craig Harrison's memoir of his time as a sniper in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan is a vivid and intense account of his experiences on the battlefield. The book recounts his active service, including his longest confirmed sniper kill, and provides a...

James Bulger: A Father's Story of Love, Loss and Justice The tragic murder of James Bulger in 1993 left an indelible mark on his father's life. In this heart-wrenching account, Ralph Bulger recounts the devastating aftermath of the crime, including the...

Benjamin Netanyahu's memoir is a gripping personal story intertwined with the dramatic history of Israel and the Jewish people. Born at the dawn of Israel's independence, Netanyahu and his brothers were instilled with purpose, raised in a family with a...

What's it really like to be a parent? Josh Widdicombe and Rob Beckett share their honest and humorous experiences of navigating the challenges of parenthood. From the sleep-depriving, tear-inducing moments to the unbridled joy and pride that come with...

China in Ten Words is a courageous and intimate memoir that frames the Chinese experience in ten telling words. People. Leader. Reading. Writing. Revolution. Grassroots.Yu Hua, widely regarded as one of China's greatest living writers, presents a...

George Michael: A Life of Contrasts George Michael's life was a paradox of fame and vulnerability, of public spectacle and private turmoil. From the formation of Wham! in 1981, he catapulted to international stardom, his music defining the decade. Yet,...

Nigel Owens - the Final Whistle is the long-awaited sequel to his bestselling autobiography, Half Time. The book tells the story of the second half of Nigel's career as one of the most famous referees in World Rugby, including his experience officiating...

Jonny Wilkinson's autobiography is a candid and introspective look at a remarkable career that spanned three decades and four World Cups. The book reveals the psychological struggles that Wilkinson faced in order to dominate his sport, and how these...

Sky's Story by Louise Allen When Sky and her sister Avril were taken into care, their lives were marked by neglect and trauma. Raised in a household plagued by compulsive hoarding, the girls arrived at foster carer Louise's home in a state of...

Jennifer Worth's enchanting new collection from Call the Midwife takes you back to the East End of London in the 1950s. Heart-warming and funny, these stories feature all of Worth's beloved characters, with a particular focus on a certain boiler man. A...

Society of the Snow: The Definitive Account of the World's Greatest Survival StoryOn 13 October 1972, Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 took off, never to return. The plane's fatal crash in the Andean mountains left 16 survivors to face unimaginable...

Written in 1857, Wonderful Adventures of Mrs Seacole in Many Lands is the autobiography of a Jamaican woman whose remarkable life story offers significant insights into the history of race politics. Born before arriving in London, Seacole faced racism...

Discover the heartwarming story of one of Britain's most beloved partnerships, the 60-year marriage of Timothy West and Prunella Scales.From their early days as actors in the 1950s, to their secret courting, marriage, and establishment as a household...

A compelling reconstruction of the life and thought of St Paul, this biography paints a vivid picture of the Roman world in which he preached his revolutionary message. Tom Wright, arguably the most influential Pauline scholar in the world today,...

Alan Turing: The Enigma The story of Alan Turing, the mathematician whose code-breaking work played a pivotal role in the Second World War, is one of genius and tragedy. In 1938, Turing, a shy young academic, was recruited by British Intelligence to work...

Deborah Devonshire's memoir is a witty and poignant account of her upbringing and life as a member of the aristocracy. With candour and humour, she recounts her experiences growing up with her family, including her parents and siblings, and shares her...

Clive Bell and the Making of Modernism A Biography by Mark Hussey is a revelatory biography that restores Clive Bell to his rightful place as a pioneering voice in modern art. Bell's groundbreaking book Art challenged the narratives of art history,...

Kate Bush: A Life in Music This comprehensive biography offers an in-depth exploration of Kate Bush's life and work, from her early beginnings to her current status as a musical icon. With a focus on her unique creative methods and timeless albums, the...

Barbara Hulanicki's autobiography is a lively and witty account of her life, from the early days of her BIBA Shop to its rise as a Swinging London icon. The story of how the business grew from a small room to a five-story department store is one of...

Discover the remarkable story of the lost city of Machu Picchu, a site of breathtaking beauty and historical significance.In 1911, Hiram Bingham, a pre-historian with a passion for exploration, embarked on a journey to Peru in search of the legendary...

This Boy is a powerful and moving memoir that explores the complexities of Alan Johnson's childhood and the experiences of two remarkable women who shaped his life. The story is one of resilience and determination, set against the backdrop of post-war...

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a remarkable story of a woman whose life was forever changed by the discovery of her cancer cells. Born a poor black tobacco farmer, Henrietta's cells were taken without her knowledge and went on to become a...

The Durrells of Corfu by Michael Haag The Durrell family's story is one of unexpected twists and turns, as revealed in this fascinating biography. Michael Haag, with his intimate knowledge of the family, draws on previously unpublished autobiographical...