Biography & Autobiography

Bob Dylan's first book of new writing since 2004's Chronicles: Volume One, The Philosophy of Modern Song is a collection of essays that explore the nature of popular music. Spanning over 60 essays, Dylan delves into the world of songwriting, examining...

Lucky is a heartwarming and inspiring story of triumph over adversity. Ed Jackson's life was forever changed when he suffered a devastating spinal cord injury, leaving him paralysed and facing a seemingly impossible future.Driven by an unyielding...

Tony Marnach and Michael Hennegan's candid and outrageous memoir is a harrowing and honest account of a life of extremes. Born on a London estate, Tony recounts his childhood where he honed his petty criminality, was abused by an older man, and became...

David Roberts was the bodyguard who knew Whitney Houston best. Hired in 1988 for her UK tour, Roberts had worked with diplomats and Fortune 500 clients, but nothing could have prepared him for the pop star's warmth and generosity. As he traveled the...

Sara Davies, the entrepreneur behind a multi-million-pound business, shares her story of building a business from scratch in this inspiring memoir. From her early days as an intern to her rise to fame as a BBC Dragons' Den investor, Davies reveals what...

Confessions of a Sociopath: A Life Spent Hiding in Plain Sight by M. E. Thomas is a bold and unflinching memoir that offers a unique insight into the mind of a self-confessed sociopath. With breathtaking honesty, Thomas shares her life story, revealing...

A gripping and inspiring memoir from global superstar Jada Pinkett Smith, Worthy is a courageous love song to self, to family, to life, and to the world. In this intimate conversation with readers, Smith recounts her story, exploring her path to...

David Sedaris's latest book is a deeply personal and darkly hilarious exploration of middle age and mortality. He had envisioned a beach house as a haven for relaxation, but soon discovered that it's impossible to escape the self. In Calypso, Sedaris...

Jo Malone's story is a gripping and heartrending tale of perseverance and determination. From humble beginnings as a teenager struggling with dyslexia, to becoming a global brand name and one of the world's most successful entrepreneurs, Jo's journey is...

Kelsey Parker: With And Without YouA deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of love, loss, and identity, Kelsey Parker's memoir is a poignant and powerful account of her experiences.Through her writing, Kelsey Parker shares her story with...

A heart-wrenching story of life in foster care, Max and Mia's Story is a powerful exploration of the complexities of family life. When the facade of a seemingly perfect family begins to crumble, the consequences are devastating for the twins at its...

The Kid Stays in the Picture by Robert Evans A candid and unflinching look at the highs and lows of a Hollywood legend, Robert Evans recounts his life story with unapologetic honesty. From his tumultuous marriage to Ali McGraw to his infamous cocaine...

Goodbye to All That is a powerful and poignant account of Robert Graves's life, from his unhappy childhood to his experiences in the First World War and his subsequent decision to leave England permanently. This vivid and harrowing memoir is also a...

The Padre: A True Story of Ruthless Zealotry For nearly two decades, Father Patrick Ryan evaded intelligence agencies across Europe, becoming one of the most wanted men in Britain. Investigative journalist Jennifer O'Leary reveals the shocking truth...

Chris Hadfield's memoir An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth reveals extraordinary stories from his life as an astronaut, and shows how to make the impossible a reality.With nearly 4,000 hours of space travel under his belt, Colonel Hadfield shares his...

Strangeways: A Prison Officer's Story is a gripping memoir that offers a raw and unflinching look at life inside Britain's most notorious prison. With astonishing candour, Neil Samworth guides readers through the tense world of HMP Manchester, where...

Top Girl is a gripping true story of a young woman's descent into the world of county lines crime. Growing up in West London, Danielle's life took a dramatic turn when she turned her back on education to pursue a life of gangsterism. After a brutal gang...

Cathy Glass's harrowing true story begins with a two-day-old baby girl, Darcy-May, who is brought to her foster care home with a police escort. The baby's mother, Haylea, has abandoned her, and Cathy is tasked with caring for her until she is old enough...

The story of the death of the boy-king Edward V and his younger brother Richard, Duke of York, is one of the most intriguing murder mysteries in English history. This gripping book by Alison Weir re-examines all the evidence surrounding the Princes'...

Jayne Senior's powerful memoir recounts her 14-year battle to help girls from Rotherham who were victims of sex trafficking and abuse. As the manager of a charity working with vulnerable teens, she heard heartbreaking stories of exploitation and kept...

Rising Strong is a book about the power of vulnerability and the importance of embracing struggle as a catalyst for courage and growth. By owning our stories of disappointment, failure, and heartbreak, we can find the strength to write a new ending and...

Eugene Sledge's memoir of his experiences as a US Marine during World War II is a powerful and poignant account of the brutality and camaraderie of war.Published in 2011, With the Old Breed is a deeply personal and honest account of Sledge's time on the...

Who I Am: My StoryGet an intimate look at the life of Melanie C, aka Sporty Spice, as she shares her full and honest account of what life was really like in The Spice Girls.This candid and unflinching memoir offers a unique perspective on the highs and...

Jaycee Lee Dugard's memoir is a raw and powerful account of her 18-year ordeal. In 1991, at the age of 11, Jaycee was abducted from a school bus stop in California, an event that would change her life forever. The last her family and friends saw of her...

Wes Streeting's memoir is a searingly honest account of his childhood and the struggles his family faced. Born into poverty on a London council estate, Streeting recounts the difficult choices his parents made to provide for him, from deciding whether to...

Sarah Harding's story is one of contrasts - glamour and hardship, fame and vulnerability. As the wild member of Girls Aloud, she was known for her partying and big chart hits, but behind the scenes, she was struggling to find herself. Now, with a...

Christie Watson's memoir is a candid and humorous account of her journey through midlife, from the highs of female friendship to the challenges of a changing body. The author recounts her experiences as a single parent, navigating the ups and downs of...

Notes on Heartbreak is a raw and breathtaking love story told in reverse. Annie Lord recounts her journey of heartbreak, from the moment she first fell in love to the months that saw the slow erosion of a long-term relationship.With unflinching honesty,...

The SAS Great Escapes Two is a gripping account of six dramatic and daring escapes executed by the world's most famous fighting force during WWII. Damien Lewis, a meticulous historian and born storyteller, recounts the stories of the SAS's most famous...

The Sunday Times bestselling author shares the principles behind maintaining a healthy mind and body. In his new book, Ant Middleton explains the principles he lives by to keep his mindset and body strong.By understanding the interconnectedness of the...

The Confessions of Saint Augustine is a deeply personal and profound work of Christian thought. Written by one of the most influential thinkers in Christianity's history, this book explores the author's conversion to Christianity and its profound impact...

Cheryl Strayed's memoir is a powerful exploration of grief, loss, and self-discovery. After the death of her mother and the dissolution of her marriage, Strayed embarks on a solo journey along the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,659-mile hike that becomes a...

The Beatles: From the Town Where They Were Born to Now and Then By Patrick Humphries This book tells the story of the Beatles' origins and early years, exploring the people and places that shaped their music. Humphries delves into the lives of the band...

Reuben's message was a simple yet desperate plea: 'brother. do. you. love. me.' It was a cry for help that would change everything. His brother Manni received the text and knew that their lives would never be the same. Together, they embarked on a...

A thoughtful and elegant book that often rivals a detective novel in its thrills. In Your Defence: Stories of Life and Law by Sarah Langford is a compelling exploration of the legal system and its impact on ordinary people.As a barrister, Sarah Langford...

The Sure Thing: The Greatest Coup in Horse Racing History In the world of horse racing, a remarkable gamble has been making headlines for decades. In the summer of 1975, a fearless gambler pulled off one of the most spectacular gambles of all time,...

Agatha Christie was a woman of contradictions. She was a bestselling writer of mystery novels, yet she struggled with mental illness. She was a pioneering female writer, yet she presented herself as a retiring Edwardian lady of leisure. In her biography,...

Chinua Achebe's personal history is inextricably linked to the Nigerian civil war, also known as the Biafran War. For over forty years, he remained silent on the subject, until he produced this powerful and poignant work.This book is a unique blend of...

A remarkable memoir by an NHS surgeon who has spent over 25 years volunteering in some of the world's most dangerous war zones. From operating under siege in Sarajevo to carrying out life-saving operations in rebel-held Aleppo, David Nott has risked his...

The Devil's Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA, and the Rise of America's Secret Government A gripping and disturbing expose of American power, The Devil's Chessboard reveals the dark underbelly of one of America's most influential figures. Drawing on new...

Dave Grohl's The Storyteller Tales of Life and Music In this deeply personal and engaging book, Dave Grohl shares the stories behind his life and career, from his early days as a young musician to his time in Nirvana and the Foo Fighters. With a unique...

Arthur The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home In the midst of a gruelling 430-mile Amazonian adventure, a chance encounter with a stray dog changed the course of Mikael Lindnord's journey. A team member's exhaustion and illness led to the dog's...

Elizabeth I: A New Perspective A groundbreaking biography that reimagines the life of England's most famous queen. Tracy Borman's Elizabeth's Women reveals the fascinating story of the women who influenced Elizabeth's life, from her childhood upbringing...

Andrew Graham-Dixon's biography of Caravaggio is a deeply humanising exploration of the life of one of the most fascinating and enigmatic artists of the Baroque era.Set against the vibrant and often violent backdrop of 17th-century Italy, Caravaggio's...

Diana: Her True Story - In Her Own Words This reissued edition of Andrew Morton's groundbreaking biography features new material from the original taped interviews and a new introduction by the author. The book offers a unique insight into the...

Clive Myrie's memoir is a deeply personal exploration of his family history and its influence on his life and career. Born to a Windrush generation family, Myrie reflects on the experiences of his parents, grandparents, and great-grandfather, who played...

A Woman in the Polar Night is a mesmerizing account of one woman's year spent living in a remote hut in the Arctic. Christiane Ritter's story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and transformation.In 1934, Christiane left her...

Dr Matt Morgan's book offers a unique insight into the world of intensive care medicine, sharing the remarkable stories of his patients and the lessons he has learned from them.Through the lens of his experiences, Morgan explains the science behind...

A candid and humorous memoir from Tom Selleck, taking readers on a journey from his unconventional upbringing to his rise to fame in Hollywood. You Never Know is a refreshingly honest account of Selleck's life, filled with stories of his mistakes,...

Mae West's memoir is a heart-wrenching account of her childhood with her serial killer parents, Fred and Rose West. The book tells the story of her upbringing in a violent and abusive environment, from being locked in a deathly basement as a toddler to...

The British Royal Family's fate seems persistently threatened after a tumultuous year following the Sussex wedding. In 2016, Meghan Markle created the ultimate fairy-tale ending, captivating her prince and finally achieving her lifelong dream of...

Smierc Miasta is a powerful and moving memoir of survival, set against the devastating backdrop of war-torn Warsaw. The author recounts his experiences as a young Jewish pianist, facing unimaginable hardships and horrors, yet finding ways to hold on to...

Daphne Phelps inherited a beautiful house in Sicily in 1947, a golden stone Casa Cuseni that would become her home and a hub for a fascinating community. With little Italian and limited funds, she faced numerous challenges, but her determination and...

Vladimir Nabokov's memoir is a rich tapestry of memories, woven from the threads of his childhood, family, and early love. The author's recollections of his comfortable upbringing, liberal-minded father, and beautiful mother, as well as his experiences...

The Ship Beneath the Ice: The Discovery of Shackleton's Endurance The story of Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship, Endurance, was thought to be lost forever, but in 2022, an audacious plan to locate the ship was hatched. The Ship Beneath the Ice recounts the...

Warren Buffett's life story is a fascinating financial success tale. For the first time, he has shared his life and work with Alice Schroeder, giving unprecedented access to his inner circle. This biography offers a complete and personal look at the man...

If I Could Tell You Just One Thing... is a collection of remarkable people sharing their most valuable pieces of wisdom. From advice on work and relationships to creativity, spirituality, and survival, the book offers words that will comfort, motivate,...

Tom Felton's childhood was unusual. From his early rise to fame at just twelve, catapulted into the limelight as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, to his experiences growing up on screen and in the wizarding world, he shares it all with candour and...

Sea kayaking the areas of the Shipping Forecast is an exhilarating and deeply moving story of one man's attempt to explore the UK's national lullaby. Avid kayaker Toby Carr, who has faced his own share of challenges, including a rare life-limiting...

Living the Asian Century: An Undiplomatic MemoirKishore Mahbubani recounts his remarkable journey from a poor childhood in a multiethnic neighborhood to an illustrious diplomatic career that spanned Asia, the West, and the world stage.From his early days...

This Book Will Save Your Life is a personal and powerful exploration of one man's journey through grief and mental health. When Ben's world was turned upside down by the sudden loss of his brother, he found the strength to learn, educate, and campaign...

This collection of personal essays offers a candid look at the life of Lauren Graham, from her childhood to her experiences in Hollywood and on the sets of her most notable roles. Graham shares stories about love, life, and the challenges of working as a...

James Dyson's autobiography is a spirited account of his life and the importance of invention. The entrepreneur shares his remarkable story, interweaving it with a wider exploration of the value of creative invention. Dyson sees people as producers, not...

Gavin Maxwell's trilogy is a worthwhile read for anyone who loves wildlife and the natural world. In the 1950s, Maxwell moved to a remote Scottish house, where he lived with a group of playful otters and formed a deep bond with them. His stories, which...

The Forgotten Highlander: My Incredible Story of Survival During the War in the Far EastAlistair Urquhart's harrowing account of his experiences as a soldier in the Gordon Highlanders, captured by the Japanese in Singapore, is a testament to the human...

Revenge: The Inside Story of Meghan and the British Royal Family. Meghan Markle's journey from Hollywood actress to global icon is a remarkable tale of perseverance and ambition. Her quest for stardom was a long and challenging one, but she finally...

Frank 'the Irishman' Sheeran, Jimmy Hoffa, and the Biggest Hit in Mob History The story of Frank 'the Irishman' Sheeran is one of the most infamous in US and Mafia history. Sheeran's life took a dramatic turn when he was ordered to kill Jimmy Hoffa, a...

Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones is a beautifully illustrated celebration of Dolly Parton's iconic sense of style, featuring 450 full-color photographs from her private costume archive. This book shares the full story behind her lifelong passion...

Auschwitz, 1942. A place of unimaginable suffering and brutality. For Arthur Dodd, a young British soldier, it was a fate worse than death. Captured by the German Army, Arthur was transported to Oswiecim, a name that would become synonymous with the...

Laura Cumming's memoir is a moving exploration of her family's secrets and the mystery of her mother's disappearance as a child. In 1929, a young girl was kidnapped from a beach, only to be found safe and well five days later, with no memory of the...

Unbroken: A memoir-manifesto from two-time world heptathlon champion and British Olympian Katarina Johnson-Thompson. This manual for achieving success offers inspiration, support and advice for overcoming obstacles, particularly for those struggling with...

A behind-the-scenes look at the life and times of rock and roll. Alan Edwards, the godfather of British music PR, recounts his journey from a scruffy, stoned 20-year-old to a seasoned industry veteran. With vivid, funny, and insightful behind-the-scenes...

The Comanche Indians and white settlers clashed for control of the American West in a 40-year battle, a conflict that centered on Quanah, the greatest Comanche chief of them all. S. C. Gwynne presents a vivid historical account of this period, drawing on...

Becoming: A Memoir of Identity In this deeply personal and thought-provoking memoir, Michelle Obama shares her journey of self-discovery and growth, from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as First Lady of the United States. With...

Greenlights is a memoir by Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, offering an unconventional and humorous look at his life's journey. Over the past fifty years, McConaughey has been reflecting on his experiences, successes, and failures, and...

Kelly Holmes: Unique - A MemoirThis is Kelly Holmes' candid and introspective memoir, offering a unique insight into her life and career.From her early days as a young athlete to her Olympic triumphs, Holmes shares her personal story, revealing the highs...

A deeply personal and often humorous memoir, A Pocketful of Happiness is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the highs and lows of life in Hollywood. Richard E. Grant shares his remarkable story, from his childhood to his Oscar-nominated...

James Ivory's memoir, Solid Ivory, is a carefully crafted mosaic of memories, portraits, and reflections that reveal the remarkable life and career of one of the most influential directors of his time.From his first film at five to memories of his...

Running with the Kenyans is a journey of discovery that takes the author to the heart of the world's fastest runners. Adharanand Finn, a Runner's World contributor, sets out to uncover the secrets behind the Kenyans' remarkable speed, packing up his...

Angela Rayner: The Unauthorised Biography of Angela Rayner Angela Rayner is a figure of great interest in British politics today. A self-declared socialist, she has pursued an unconventional path to politics, leaving school at 16 while pregnant and...

One Two Three Four: A kaleidoscopic biography of the Fab Four, tracing the chance fusion of the four key elements that made up The Beatles: fire, water, air, and earth. From the award-winning author of Ma'am Darling comes a fascinating and hilarious...

David Baddiel's My Family: The Memoir is a searingly honest and hilarious exploration of his childhood and family. On the surface, his family life seemed ordinary, but beneath the surface, his mother's extraordinary past and his father's dementia reveal...

Because We Are Bad OCD and a Girl Lost in Thought by Lily Bailey This deeply personal memoir offers a searing and humorous account of one young woman's struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Lily Bailey's story is a harrowing and intense...

The Instant Sunday Times Bestseller, Please Don't Take Mummy Away is a powerful true story from Maggie Hartley, a foster carer for over 20 years. When police are called to a local supermarket, they find a young woman and two young children, home alone...

Anthony Kiedis recounts his remarkable life story in Scar Tissue, a candid and introspective account of his experiences as the frontman of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Born in the Midwest, Kiedis moved to Los Angeles at 11 to live with his father, who was...

From Red to Read: The Story of Fergie's First Fledgling is a heartwarming and inspiring tale of perseverance and determination. In 1987, Alan Tonge became Sir Alex Ferguson's first acquisition at Manchester United as a schoolboy, but his football career...

Francis Bourgeois' The Trainspotter's Notebook is a heartwarming and hilarious memoir that shares his greatest trainspotting adventures across Britain. With his infectious passion and joy, Francis takes readers on a journey through historic terminals and...

Ayaan Hirsi Ali's life story is a testament to the power of triumph over adversity. Following the murder of Theo van Gogh, Hirsi Ali became an international figure, and her book INFIDEL chronicles her journey from a bright and curious young girl to a...

Instant New York Times Bestseller This riveting biography charts the rise of Vince McMahon, from rural poverty to the throne of one of the world's most influential media empires. Featuring exclusive interviews with over 150 people who witnessed his...

Billy Connolly's autobiography is a remarkable story of success against all the odds. Born in a Glasgow tenement flat in 1942, Billy's early life was marked by hardship and adversity, including being orphaned at just four years old and experiencing abuse...

Joni Mitchell's life is a rich tapestry of stories, songs, and experiences that have captivated audiences for decades. In "I Dream of Joni: A Portrait of Joni Mitchell in 53 Snapshots", Henry Alford offers a unique and engaging exploration of the...

Music has long been a powerful means of remembering and commemorating the past. In "Time's Echo", Jeremy Eichler makes a compelling case for its role in shaping our cultural memory.Through the lives and works of four influential composers, Eichler...

David Sedaris's fourth book is a poignant comedy that mines his peculiar childhood, career path, and life in France. He explores the human inability to communicate, often with hilarious results. In one essay, he and his classmates from many nations try...

Billy Connolly's autobiography is a remarkable story of success against all the odds. Born in a Glasgow tenement flat in 1942, Billy's early life was marked by hardship and adversity, including being orphaned at just four years old and facing abuse from...

Alexander Hamilton is a masterful biography that tells the full story of America's most misunderstood founding father. Born an illegitimate self-taught orphan from the Caribbean, Hamilton overcame all the odds to become a key figure in shaping the young...

Robert Mason's memoir of his time in Vietnam is a harrowing account of the horrors of war.As a young pilot, Mason flew over 1,000 assault missions between August 1965 and July 1966, giving a unique and intense perspective on the conflict.This book is a...

Johnnie Walker's life has been a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, marked by a willingness to challenge the status quo and follow his heart. From his early days as a BBC Radio 2 DJ, where he pioneered new music and built a loyal following, to his...

Step by Step is a vivid and fascinating account of Simon Reeve's journey to inner peace, tracing his early life struggles with mental health and his determination to overcome them. With infectious relish, Reeve recounts his travels across epic...

Jan Ullrich: The Best There Never Was Jan Ullrich's 1997 Tour de France victory sent shockwaves through the cycling world, earning him the nickname "The New Giant." He went on to become Germany's first Tour winner, dominating the sport and earning...

Jamey, just two-and-a-half years old, arrives at Cathy's home as an emergency, having been left alone all night while his mother went out partying. He is small for his age, scared, and struggling to walk, a result of being left in soiled nappies for long...