Biography & Autobiography

Derek Parfit was one of the greatest moral thinkers of the past hundred years, yet his name is not widely known. This biography by David Edmonds sheds light on the life and ideas of this fascinating philosopher. Parfit's work focused on rescuing morality...

Mother Teresa's private writings reveal a different side to her remarkable life. Her unwavering commitment to serving others is well-known, but this collection of her thoughts and reflections shows the depth of her spiritual struggle.The Nobel Peace...

Boudica's story has been shrouded in myth and legend for centuries. Yet, beneath the familiar tales lies a complex and dark history waiting to be uncovered. This biography brings new depth and terrifying detail to our understanding of one of Britain's...

A House in the Sky: A Memoir of a Kidnapping that Changed Everything by Amanda Lindhout and Sara Corbett is a gripping account of one woman's survival against all odds. Born with a sense of wanderlust, Amanda Lindhout spent her childhood escaping into...

The Grit in the Pearl: The Scandalous Life of Margaret, Duchess of Argyll by Lyndsy Spence. Margaret, Duchess of Argyll was a celebrated figure in her youth, admired and observed by millions. However, behind the glamour, she faced a devastating personal...

Marlon Brando's life and career remain a source of fascination. This biography seamlessly weaves together his personal story with his most notable roles, from On the Waterfront to Last Tango in Paris. Stefan Kanfer expertly examines each film, revealing...

Oxford held a profound place in Evelyn Waugh's imagination, shaping his literary works and lasting impression. This book explores the significance of Oxford as both location and experience in Waugh's writing, drawing on specially commissioned...

Nigel Slater's memoir, Toast, is a poignant and moving account of his childhood remembered through food. Through vivid descriptions of the contents of his family's pantry, Slater takes readers on a tour of his formative years. His mother's traditional...

Ndaba Mandela shares his personal insights into the life and principles of his grandfather, Nelson Mandela, in this unique and intimate account. Raised by the legendary figure, Ndaba offers a rare glimpse into the man behind the myth.Through 11 Life...

From Brooklyn to Benares and Back is a journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration. Dada Vedaprajinananda's life story takes readers on a path of growth, from his early days in New York to his experiences with the hippie movement, and ultimately...

Madam Secretary: A Biography of Madeleine Albright A riveting biography of the first woman U.S. Secretary of State, Madeline Albright, this book tells her extraordinary story of triumph over adversity and success in politics. Exclusive interviews with...

Danzy Senna's memoir explores the complex history behind her parents' marriage and its eventual breakdown. Born from two brilliant young American writers with divergent backgrounds, their union seemed to defy history in 1968. However, their marriage...

Doro Refugee, Hero, Champion, Survivor by Brendan Woodhouse and Doro Goumaneh is a powerful exploration of one person's journey. This book tells the story of Doro, who has experienced unimaginable hardship and yet continues to find hope and resilience in...

Hannah Gadsby's memoir is a collection of stories that weave together the varied and often dark events of her life. Drawing inspiration from the humorous style of David Sedaris, Hannah shares her experiences as someone who finds themselves on the outside...

Lynda Bellingham's memoir is a deeply personal and moving account of her life, love, loss, and laughter. With courage and emotion, she shares her battle with cancer and finds joy in the face of death. This book is a testament to Lynda's kind heart and...

A Schoolteacher in Old Alaska: The Story of Hannah BreeceIn 1904, Hannah Breece arrived in a remote and lawless wilderness, where she spent fourteen years educating the indigenous peoples of Alaska with remarkable generosity and independence. Her...

The Abuse of Power by Anthony Daly is a chilling and candid account of a dark scandal that took place in London's Soho in the 1970s. A young man from Northern Ireland, Daly moved to England seeking a new life but found himself exploited by powerful men...

Hard Choices by Hillary Rodham Clinton is a personal account of her four years as Secretary of State, during which she faced numerous crises and made difficult decisions. The memoir chronicles the hard choices she and her colleagues confronted, from...

Lucy Kellaway's story is one of courage and determination as she embarks on a journey to re-evaluate her life. With a comfortable existence that seemed perfect to outsiders, Lucy begins to question whether the life she had built truly suited her. As she...

Lenny Bruce's autobiography offers a unique insight into his life and career as a comedian. During the 1950s and 1960s, he challenged societal norms and pushed the boundaries of free speech in comedy. This autobiography provides an existential account of...

Sir Winston Churchill's wit and humour are well-documented in his famous speeches and sayings. However, many of his lesser-known aphorisms, puns and jokes offer a unique insight into the man behind the public figure. This collection brings together...

Frank Turner's memoir explores his songwriting process through 36 songs from his back catalogue. From hedonistic years in North London to Nashville studios, he reflects on the stories behind each song.The result is a candid and insightful look at what it...

Behind the scenes of modern diplomacy, a complex web of relationships and negotiations unfolds. Catherine Ashton's unique perspective offers a rare glimpse into this world, drawing on her experiences as the EU's first High Representative for Foreign...

Really Saying Something: Our Bananarama Story is an engaging and entertaining autobiography that takes readers behind the scenes of Sara Dallin and Keren Woodward's early days, world tours, and friendships with famous figures.Told with humour and...

Kobe Bryant's early life and rise to basketball greatness are revealed in this fascinating biography. By exploring Kobe's formative years, from his childhood in Philadelphia to his time in Europe and his development as a player, Mike Sielski uncovers new...

Elon Musk: A Visionary for the Future This biography delves into the extraordinary life and work of Elon Musk, one of Silicon Valley's most ambitious entrepreneurs. From his tumultuous upbringing in South Africa to his dramatic technical innovations and...

Elizabeth I's life has been largely defined by her reign as a powerful and iconic monarch. However, this period in history has often overshadowed the years leading up to her ascension, when she was still a woman in her fifties facing intense plotting...

Reconstructing the life and spiritual quest of Ibn Arabi, this landmark study offers a unique insight into the mystic's journey. Based on a detailed analysis of his own writings and secondary literature in Arabic and Persian, Claude Addas presents a...

Harry Kane: England's Hero The appointment of Harry Kane as team captain in 2017 was a bold move, but one that proved to be inspired. Despite being just twenty-three years old, Kane demonstrated the leadership qualities and humility needed to succeed at...

John Devane's powerful and emotional memoir recounts his harrowing childhood in poverty-stricken Ireland. Abused as a teenager, he went on to build a successful career as a lawyer, but the trauma of his past continued to haunt him.When a desperate client...

John Maclean: A Life of Activism and Commitment This biography explores the life of John Maclean, a man who was feared by the government and adored by workers. Maclean's story is one of activism and commitment, from his work as an organizer and educator...

Anna of Denmark: A Reevaluation of the First Queen Consort of Both England and Scotland. The death of Elizabeth I marked a significant turning point in English history, as Anna of Denmark became the first queen consort to rule both England and Scotland...

Behind the iron curtain of tyranny, a different story unfolds. In this unique and captivating account, Witold Szablowski delves into the kitchens of five of the 20th century's most infamous dictators: Saddam Hussein, Idi Amin, Enver Hoxha, Fidel Castro,...

Agnès Varda: A Life of Complicated Passion This lively biography explores the life and work of Agnès Varda, one of the most acclaimed female filmmakers of all time. With a career spanning sixty-five years, Varda wrote and directed some of the most...

The Romanovs: The Final Chapter by Robert K. Massie is a gripping account of one of history's greatest mysteries. In 1991, nine skeletons were unearthed in Siberia, sparking a decades-long quest to determine their identity. Pulitzer Prize-winning author...

Cairngorm John: A Life in Mountain Rescue is a highly acclaimed mountaineering book that has stood the test of time. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, this updated edition includes a new section titled "Ten Years After," which explores changes to the...

Inside Story: A 40-Year Retrospective of Politics and Intrigue. Philip Webster's insider account offers a unique perspective on four decades of politics, from the fall of Labour in 1979 to the shock election of Jeremy Corbyn. With his extensive...

Buster: A Dog Who Saved a Thousand Lives Buster is an extraordinary dog who has made a profound impact on his community. As an RAF dog, he demonstrated remarkable bravery and devotion to his colleagues and country. With his unique blend of loyalty and...

Rahul Bajaj was a visionary entrepreneur and patriot whose influence extended far beyond his business ventures. As a pioneer in offering financial services to India's middle class, he understood the needs and aspirations of those who powered the...

Jimmy Carter: A Presidency Divided by Crisis and Conviction. In this comprehensive biography, Julian E. Zelizer examines the presidency of Jimmy Carter, the maverick politician from Georgia who rose to national power through his ability to communicate...

Thomas Cromwell's life was one of contrasts - from humble beginnings to royal favour, and from personal tragedy to enduring friendships. Born in 1485, Cromwell grew up in a happy family before embarking on dramatic adventures across Europe. Returning to...

Sitting Bull: His Life and LegacyA unique perspective on Native American History, told by a Native American voice. This paperback edition presents a compelling monograph about Tatanka Iyotake, the iconic Hunkpapa Lakota chief.Ernie LaPointe,...

My Name Is Mahtob: The Story That Began in Not Without My Daughter Continues The daughter of an American mother who escaped from an abusive and fanatical Iranian husband tells her own story, one that spans decades of imprisonment, escape, and life after...

Ricky Tomlinson's autobiography is a remarkable story of love, hardship, humour, injustice and triumph. As an actor famous for his role as Jim Royle in The Royle Family, he has entertained millions without ever leaving his armchair. In this long-awaited...

In Search of Perfumes: A Lifetime Journey to the Sources of Nature's ScentsDominique Roques takes readers on a journey across the world, revealing the beauty and mysteries of the perfume trade. Along the way, she explores the impact of climate change on...

Françoise Gilot was known to Picasso as "The Woman Who Says No". A talented and feisty artist in her own right, she left him after ten years together. In 2012-2014, German journalist Malte Herwig interviewed her at her Paris and New York studios, gaining...

The Puma Years: A Memoir by Laura Coleman In this memoir, Laura Coleman recounts her journey in the online marketplaces jungle, where she fell in love with a magnificent cat named Wayra. At the time, Coleman was directionless and had quit her job to...

Slow Puncture: Living Well with Dementia By Peter Berry and Deb Bunt This is an account of one man's journey living with early-onset dementia. At 50, Peter was given a terminal diagnosis that changed his life forever. He has since embarked on a series of...

They Called Me a Lioness: A Palestinian Girl's Fight for Freedom by Ahed Tamimi and Dena Takruri is a powerful memoir about life under occupation. At just 16, Ahed Tamimi was filmed slapping an Israeli soldier who refused to leave her home, sparking...

Renia's Diary: A Young Girl's Life in the Shadow of the Holocaust In 1939, Renia Spiegel's world was shattered when Russia and Germany invaded Poland. Separated from her mother, she found herself at the mercy of war, fleeing night bombing raids and...

Rob Lowe's autobiography offers a wryly funny and moving account of an extraordinary life lived in the public eye. From his early days as a teen idol to his current status as a Hollywood star, Lowe chronicles his experiences with honesty and humour. He...

Sunday Times Celebrity Book of the Year 2010. Chris Evans's life seemed to have it all - wealth, fame, and success as the owner of his own radio station and media company. However, behind the scenes, he was struggling with personal demons. As the story...

Eddie Mair's life has been a long and varied one, filled with moments of triumph and frustration. From his early days working in commercial radio to his current role as host of BBC Radio 4's PM, he has consistently demonstrated a talent for getting...

The Big Cheat: How Donald Trump Fleeced America and Enriched Himself and His Family by David Cay Johnston. For years, the world watched in horror or delight as Donald Trump's presidency unfolded. Few noticed, however, that his lifelong pattern of...

Billy Graham: A Life of Faith and Purpose Pastor and bestselling author Greg Laurie shares an intimate perspective on the life of his beloved mentor, Billy Graham. With over two decades of insight into Graham's world, Laurie offers a vivid portrait of...

When an anaesthetist started praying with his patients in the Intensive Care Unit, his practice was transformed. He shares his story as part of a broader narrative about a God who responds to prayer in unexpected ways.This book weaves together the drama...

Wilfrid Brambell was a beloved character actor who left an indelible mark on British entertainment. His iconic portrayal of Albert Ladysmith Steptoe in Ray Galton and Alan Simpson's popular sitcom earned him widespread recognition, but behind the scenes,...

Lights Out, Full Throttle: The Good, the Bad and the Bernie of Formula OneJoin Johnny Herbert and Damon Hill for an unfiltered look at the world of Formula One. With over 261 Grands Prix between them, they've seen it all - from triumph to tragedy, and...

Metallica's story is one of epic proportions, from their humble beginnings in Los Angeles garages to their rise as one of the world's most iconic rock bands. With unparalleled access to the band, authors Paul Brannigan and Ian Winwood have crafted a...

Wolfgang Hildesheimer's biography of Mozart presents a nuanced portrait of the composer as a complex and multifaceted individual. By demythologizing his public image, Hildesheimer reveals a flawed but remarkable artist whose music continues to captivate...

Dr Gaius Davies explores the lives of six influential Christian figures: Martin Luther, John Bunyan, William Cowper, Lord Shaftesbury, Gerard Manly Hopkins and others. Through their stories, he reveals how each person faced unique trials and challenges,...

Pete Townshend's autobiography offers a unique perspective on his life and career as one of rock's most respected musicians. With a dedication to his craft, he has achieved incredible success, selling over 100 million records in a fifty-year period...

Howard Jacobson's memoir of his path to becoming a writer is a humorous and revealing account of his life. Born into a working-class Jewish family in 1940s Manchester, Jacobson recounts his journey from childhood to landing his first novel at the age of...

Summers of Fire: A Memoir of Adventure, Love and CourageLinda Strader's story is one of courage and resilience as she recounts her seven-year journey into the heart of wildfires that scorch the land. With honesty and vulnerability, she shares her...

A Winter on the Nile by Anthony Sattin In 1849, Florence Nightingale embarked on a journey along the Nile that would change her life forever. At just 29 years old, she was an unknown quantity, struggling to find her place in the world. A trip to Egypt,...

Brian Wilson's life and career are explored in this intimate look at his rollercoaster journey. Through the eyes of those who worked with him during pivotal moments, including the creation of Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations, the story is revealed...

This Truckin' Life: A Life on the Road Laurie Driver's memoir is a candid and humorous account of his 40 years in the haulage industry. With unflinching honesty, he recounts the struggles and hardships faced by truck drivers, who were often seen as the...

Simon Barnes' Year of Sitting Dangerously is a beautifully written account of his extraordinary year-long experiment in observing the natural world from a single spot in his garden. In 2020, with travel restrictions in place, Barnes sat down at the...

George Anson: Royal Navy Commander and Statesman By Anthony Bruce This biography explores the life and career of George Anson, a naval commander who circumnavigated the globe in the 1740s. Anson's rapid rise through the ranks was facilitated by his...

Shaun Ryder's story is one of unapologetic rebellion and rock 'n' roll excess. As lead singer of Happy Mondays and Black Grape, he was a true original, known for his swaggering stage presence and outrageous antics.In this hilarious and candid account,...

The Maggie Greville Story by Pam Burbidge is a biography that explores the life of Maggie Greville, whose father William McEwan's rise to prominence changed her circumstances forever.William McEwan was a self-made man who built his fortune through hard...

Churchill and Orwell: A Fight for Freedom In the face of growing authoritarianism, two men stood out for their unwavering commitment to individual freedom and democracy. Thomas E. Ricks explores the lives of Winston Churchill and George Orwell, who,...

During World War II, Zippa and Tony's lives were forever intertwined. As blackout wardens in London, they first met, then navigated the challenges of war together, their love growing stronger despite the difficulties.The war took them on a journey of...

Richard Ellmann's biography of James Joyce has been revised and expanded to include newly discovered primary material. This updated work sheds new light on Joyce's life, revealing previously unknown details such as a failed love affair and letters that...

Nelson Mandela's No Easy Walk to Freedom is a powerful collection of writings that chronicle his life and thoughts during a pivotal period in South African history. After twenty-seven years in prison, Mandela was finally released in 1990, and this...

John of Gaunt: His Life and CharacterThis biography explores the complex life of John of Gaunt, an English prince who played a pivotal role in maintaining stability during the tumultuous 14th century. As a skilled negotiator and statesman, Gaunt...

Philip Roth: A LifeThis definitive biography offers an unparalleled portrait of one of America's most celebrated writers. Blake Bailey spent years researching and interviewing those closest to Roth, gaining unprecedented access to his personal archive...

Johnny Rapid Exposed: How He Overcame His Past This memoir offers an unflinching look at the life of Johnny Rapid, who has overcome incredible adversity to achieve success. With honesty and vulnerability, he shares his story, revealing the challenges he...

John Bradburne's life was a remarkable spiritual odyssey. After wartime service in the Indian sub-continent, he became a perennial pilgrim, never at home in the world, not even in his native England. His restless wanderings led him through Europe to the...

Broken Blue Line: How Life as Britain's Supercop Broke MeA harrowing and deeply personal account of life on the front line of 21st-century policing, from a man who was once hailed as one of the UK's most prolific arrest-makers.This is the story of...

A nostalgic memoir that weaves together romance and a life with horses. Imtiaz Fiona Griffiths' story takes readers on a journey through India's pre and post-independence era, from her childhood in railway "hill stations" to adventures in the...

Carl Jung: A Life of Self-Discovery and Spiritual Exploration This biography chronicles the life of Carl Jung, a 20th-century thinker who revolutionized psychology with his exploration of dreams, consciousness, and spirituality. Through a unique blend of...

Naya Rivera's Sorry Not Sorry is a candid and humorous account of her life experiences, from childhood stardom to young adulthood. She shares her successes and mistakes, offering guidance for young women navigating their own paths.Through stories about...

Undercover in the world of drug barons and dirty bankers, Robert Mazur spent five years infiltrating Colombia's criminal hierarchy. He was known as Bob Musella, a wealthy, mob-connected big shot living the high life. Behind his designer suits and...

Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin was a trailblazing scientist whose groundbreaking discoveries challenged the conventional wisdom of her time. Her work on the composition of stars, which she presented in what has been hailed as one of the most brilliant PhD...

Randy Travis shares his deeply personal story in Forever and Ever, Amen, a memoir that takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of his life. From humble beginnings to international fame, Travis recounts his remarkable tale of success,...

Alexander the Great A Life From Beginning to End A boy groomed for greatness from an early age, Alexander's life had a profound impact on the world. He achieved immortality in just ten years and his genius for strategy is still studied today. This...

Beyond the Eye of the Storm is a personal and reflective memoir that follows George Horner's experiences as a community nurse in the aftermath of the global pandemic. This book continues his diary entries, focusing on the diverse world of community...

Otto Frank's journey home from Auschwitz began on 27 January 1945. However, it was only then that he started to uncover the truth about what had happened to his wife Edith, daughters Margot and Anne, and the four others who were hiding with him in the...

Is This OK? One Woman's Search For Connection Online is an unflinchingly honest and laugh-out-loud account of growing up as a millennial woman in the era of the early internet.The author recounts her experiences with disastrous online relationships, the...

Discover the fascinating history of the English monarchy from Egbert to Elizabeth II. This comprehensive guide reveals the lives and reigns of the monarchs, as well as their consorts, mistresses, and bastard children. From the saintly Edward the...

The Kabul Beauty School is a true story of heartbreak, hope and resilience. In a small beauty school in war-torn Afghanistan, a community of women comes together to share their stories and find a sense of independence.Debbie, an American hairdresser,...

Miss Major Speaks: Conversations with a Black Trans RevolutionaryA remarkable life story told with intimacy, warmth and an undeniable levity, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy shares her experiences as a veteran of the Stonewall Riots, a former sex worker, and a...

Anna Malaika Tubbs tells the incredible stories of three women who raised three world-changing men. Their lives are a testament to resilience and resistance in the face of racial prejudice, Jim Crow laws, exploitation, and violence.Berdis Baldwin,...

The Tender Bar A Memoir by J.R. Moehringer is a poignant and deeply personal account of one boy's struggle to find his place in the world. Growing up without a father, J.R. found solace in the local bar, where he was surrounded by a diverse cast of...

Jane Austen For Dummies provides an accessible guide to understanding and appreciating the life and works of one of literature's most beloved authors. This friendly companion chronicles Austen's life, examines her novels, and explores the enduring themes...

The Long Ride Home: An Extraordinary Journey of Healing After a remarkable transformation in Mongolia, Rowan's autism symptoms began to reappear, threatening his progress. His father, Rupert, embarked on a new quest with his son to find the answers they...

The 1960s were a time of fierce competition in the world of sports cars. Enzo Ferrari's company had emerged as the dominant force, creating speed machines that were unbeatable on the track. However, Henry Ford II saw an opportunity to challenge this...

Orson Welles: A Life in Film and Theatre Simon Callow's comprehensive biography explores the life and work of one of the most complex artists of the 20th century. This detailed account examines Welles' ambitious career, which spanned multiple mediums...

Mary Pickford's remarkable career in Hollywood was marked by her trailblazing ambition and innovative approach to the film industry. Born Gladys Louise Smith, she began her acting career on stage before transitioning to motion pictures.Pickford's...