Biography & Autobiography

At 40, Pamela Druckerman finds herself wondering if her mind has caught up with her face. As she navigates this midlife milestone, she ponders the nature of adulthood and whether it's something that can be earned over time.This humorous and relatable...

Katherine E. Standefer's memoir is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationships between technology, health, and the environment. After being shocked by her implanted cardiac defibrillator, she begins to question the social and...

When Jonny and Joanna Ivey lost their daughter Edith, they were left with painful questions and a deep sense of loss. Despite one in four pregnancies ending in miscarriage and one in 200 in stillbirth, the church often fails to offer sufficient support...

This memoir tells the story of a brave and resilient girl who overcomes significant challenges to lead an outstanding life. Elisabeth Standen recounts her experiences, including losing her sight at nine, in a profoundly moving account.Through her...

What Should I Do with My Life? is a thought-provoking exploration of one of life's most fundamental questions: what path should we take?This book delves into the stories of individuals who have taken drastic steps to re-evaluate their lives, from those...

Alexander McQueen and John Galliano were two fashion icons who revolutionised the industry in the mid-1990s. Their bold designs and theatrical runway shows shook up the establishment, transforming luxury fashion into a global, multibillion-dollar...

Charlie Faulkner: The 1 and Only is the autobiography of Anthony George 'Charlie' Faulkner, a Welsh rugby legend. A key member of the 1970s Golden Era Wales team, he helped achieve Grand Slams in 1976, 1978 and 1979, and four consecutive Triple Crowns...

Dick and Angel Strawbridge recount their remarkable journey to transforming their once derelict château in France into a thriving family home and sustainable business. In this spellbinding memoir, they share the newest and biggest challenges they faced...

The Hess Flight to Scotland: A Complicated Subject Revealed The Hess affair is a complex and multifaceted topic that requires an understanding of various disciplines, including wartime aviation, political history, and human psychology. For over 80 years,...

Tracey Emin: A Comprehensive Overview This in-depth introduction to Tracey Emin's life and work provides a comprehensive understanding of one of the most important artists working today. Spanning her early career, her rise to international fame as part...

Sara Payne's personal story is one of unimaginable tragedy and unrelenting determination. In 2000, her daughter Sarah was found murdered, an event that would change Sara's life forever. This book chronicles the intense emotions she experienced in the...

The First Modern Murder by Tom Wood is a gripping true crime account that delves into one of the most complex investigations in history. In 1935, two bodies were found in Scotland, brutally mutilated and left to decompose. The case captivated the world's...

Mary J. MacLeod's second volume, More Tales from the Island Nurse, offers a charming and humorous account of community life on a small island in a bygone era. Based on her real experiences as a district nurse in the Hebrides, the stories are told with a...

Ben Macintyre's Forgotten Fatherland tells the story of Elisabeth Nietzsche, Friedrich's sister who founded a 'racially pure' colony in Paraguay with a group of fellow Germans in 1886. Over a century later, Macintyre embarked on an adventure to locate...

Dennis Bergkamp's autobiography offers a unique perspective on football and its possibilities. As one of Premier League history's most influential figures, Bergkamp shares his life story, revealing what motivates and inspires him. Born to play the game,...

Jennifer Worth's memoirs offer a unique insight into her experiences as a nurse and ward sister, treating patients who were nearing the end of their lives. This collection of stories provides a moving portrayal of life in a different era, where the pace...

Foreskin's Lament: A MemoirAuslander's biting humour and anger combine to create a rich portrait of a man grappling with his faith, family, and community.This memoir is a darkly comedic exploration of growing up in a dysfunctional Jewish family and...

Geraint Jones' Brothers in Arms offers a raw and unflinching account of his time in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. With dark humour and shocking honesty, he recounts the brutal realities of war, from the camaraderie of his fellow soldiers to the...

Goddess: The Secret Lives of Marilyn MonroeAnthony Summers presents the most comprehensive and revealing biography of Marilyn Monroe yet published.Drawing on over 600 first-hand interviews, this book sheds new light on the life and death of a woman who...

Steve Slavin's memoir, Looking For Normal, recounts his journey from childhood to adulthood, revealing a life marked by clinical depression and undiagnosed autism. This darkly humorous account offers insight into mental health and autism, while also...

Blackie Dammett's memoir offers an unflinching look at his life in Hollywood and beyond. From his early days as a wild man with a dream to his experiences as a father and writer, Dammett shares stories of love, sex, and excess. The book chronicles...

Steve Ellis tells the shocking story of his involvement with two of Britain's most ruthless gangs, the Essex Boys and their successors, the New Generation. For 20 years, these groups controlled a lucrative drugs empire in Essex and throughout the south...

Warmth Coming of Age at the End of Our World is a deeply personal and lyrical exploration of climate change. Daniel Sherrell, a millennial climate activist, shares his inner world as he navigates the crisis that threatens our planet.This memoir is not...

JFK Jr. An Intimate Oral Biography by RoseMarie Terenzio and Liz McNeil is an extraordinary biography that delves into the life of John F. Kennedy Jr., one of the most beloved figures of the 20th century. Through never-before-told stories shared by his...

Hattie Jacques: A Life Behind the Screen. This authorised biography tells the story of Hattie Jacques, a heroine of post-war British comedy. On screen, she was known for her imposing presence and memorable characters, but behind the scenes, she led a...

Deng Xiaoping and the Transformation of China by Ezra F. Vogel is a comprehensive biography that explores the life and legacy of China's most influential leader in the 20th century. This book provides a nuanced understanding of Deng Xiaoping, from his...

Life Between the Mountains and the Sea: A Memoir of an Irish ChildhoodThis captivating memoir brings to life a vanishing world, sharing Mary M. Trant's enchanting experiences growing up in rural Ireland in the 1950s.A poignant and uplifting account, it...

Albert Camus: A Life by Olivier Todd is a richly detailed biography that delves into the life of one of the 20th century's most influential writers. Drawing from personal correspondence, notebooks, public records, and exclusive interviews, Todd sheds...

Morris Day's life has been a force in American music for over four decades. In his memoir On Time, he recounts a story of turbulence and triumph, with an explosive prose that mirrors the intensity of his music. The book chronicles Morris' creative...

Lisa St Aubin de Terán's new memoir offers a long-awaited glimpse into her life, one that fills in many of the dramatic and often scandalous gaps. In this candid autobiography, she shares her experiences, from her time as a novelist to her adventures...

Bear Grylls recounts his remarkable journey to the summit of Mount Everest in this honest and compelling account.At just 23 years old, Bear Grylls became one of the youngest Britons to reach the top of the world's highest mountain. Despite being severely...

The Furious Passage of James Baldwin by Fern Marja Eckman is a deeply personal and thought-provoking portrait of one of America's most influential voices. Through hours of taped interviews, Eckman presents a vivid account of Baldwin's life, from his...

The incredible story of Britain's female gangsters from the seventeenth century to the present day is revealed in Queens of the Underworld. This book tells the true stories of women who broke the law, defied convention and became notorious figures in...

Brian May's Queen in 3-D offers an intimate look at life with one of rock's most iconic bands. Through over 300 previously unseen 3D photographs, Brian shares his personal story and chronicles Queen from the early 1970s to the present day. The images,...

Gabriel Byrne's memoir takes readers on a journey through his formative years and extraordinary career in film and theatre. Born to working-class parents in Dublin, Byrne recounts his childhood desire to become a priest before finding solace in the world...

Elmer Bernstein, Film Composer: An Authorized Biography by Peter M. Bernstein is a comprehensive and insightful look at the life and music of this Hollywood legend. Spanning 54 years, Bernstein's career was marked by landmark scores in every available...

Nicky Campbell's memoir, One of the Family, is a poignant and powerful exploration of his journey as an adopted child. With raw honesty, he shares how the unconditional love of his Labrador, Maxwell, helped him come to terms with his difficult past...

The Waugh family has long been renowned for its literary heritage. Arthur Waugh, who won the Newdigate Prize for poetry at Oxford in 1888, broke with tradition to pursue a career in publishing and writing. His sons, Alec and Evelyn, would go on to become...

Somerset Maugham was a man of contradictions. On the surface, his life seemed to be one of luxury and success, with a lavish villa in France and connections to Hollywood's elite. However, beneath this façade lay a complex web of private anguish and...

Sammy Hagar's Red is a candid and unflinching account of his life in rock music. Spanning nearly forty years, this memoir takes readers through the highs and lows of Hagar's career with bands like Montrose and Van Halen, as well as his successful solo...

Simon Michael Prior's memoir recounts his journey from London boy with rock star ambitions to an unexpected series of misadventures in New Zealand. As he navigates the country's music scene, Simon finds himself entangled in a web of eccentric characters...

Thomas De Quincey's life was marked by extremes: opium-fueled highs and desperate lows. His notorious essay 'On Murder Considered as one of the Fine Arts' remains a fascinating and disturbing work, born from his growing hatred of his former idols...

Ross Perot: The Man Behind the Myth offers a revealing portrait of the outsider presidential candidate who captured America's imagination. Based on exclusive interviews with Ross Perot, his family, and business associates, this biography sheds light on...

Sir Joseph Banks: A Life of Discovery and Influence This engaging biography restores Sir Joseph Banks to his rightful place in history as a leading figure of the English Enlightenment. Toby Musgrave's account sheds light on Banks's multifaceted...

Philip Lynott's life was marked by contradictions - between his wild rock star excesses and his sensitive soul. This biography explores these tensions, tracing Lynott's journey from a troubled childhood to stardom with Thin Lizzy. Lynott's story is one...

Derek McLean's memoir offers a candid account of his struggles with alcoholism and its devastating effects. He recounts his journey towards recovery, including a life-threatening brain haemorrhage that gave him a second chance at life. Through his story,...

Ariel Levy's memoir is a profound exploration of the human desire for freedom and intimacy. She recounts her journey of self-discovery as she navigates the complexities of love, relationships, and identity. Levy's story is one of resilience in the face...

Dolly Parton: A Life of Resilience and Reinvention. This revised edition of Stephen Miller's biography offers an intimate look at Dolly Parton, beyond the iconic image that has captivated audiences for decades. By exploring her private life, including...

Archbishop Desmond Tutu's reflections on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission offer profound wisdom on true reconciliation. In "No Future Without Forgiveness", he argues that forgiveness is not an easy or superficial process, but rather a complex...

Winnie and Nelson: Portrait of a Marriage by Jonny Steinberg is a deeply researched and moving account of Nelson Mandela's relationship with Winnie Madikizela-Mandela. Drawing on previously unseen material, Steinberg sheds light on the fractures and...

Neil Lennon: Man and Bhoy is a candid and unflinching account of the life of one of British football's most divisive figures. The story of Neil Lennon, captain of Northern Ireland and Celtic, is marked by controversy, tragedy and triumph. Lennon recounts...

This new collection of stories from David Sedaris is a masterful exploration of the absurdity and humour that can be found in everyday life. From the bizarre to the deeply resonant, Sedaris's writing takes readers on a journey through the complexities of...

Alexander the Great: A Legendary King's Rise to Power In 336 b.c., the sudden death of Philip of Macedonia led to the ascension of his twenty-year-old son, Alexander, to the throne. With swift action, Alexander quelled rebellion and expanded his father's...

John Barnes tackles head-on the issues surrounding prejudice in this thought-provoking book. As one of the country's most prominent black players, he has a unique perspective on racism and its impact.Barnes shares his personal experiences, vividly...

Howard Hughes and the Creation of Modern Hollywood by Jeffrey Richardson explores the pivotal role this enigmatic figure played in shaping the film industry. With his vast wealth, Hughes challenged the conventions that governed filmmaking during...

Steve Parrish: A Life in the Fast Lane Champion motorcyclist and truck racer Steve Parrish has lived a life that's been unusual. From competing for the world motorcycle championship to managing a successful factory team, he's had his fair share of...

Tomorrow Perhaps the Future: Women Writers and Rebels in the Spanish Civil War This portrait of women outsiders who took part in the Spanish Civil War asks questions about solidarity and resistance. In 1930s Britain, Europe, and America, women from...

The Lost Boy: A Harrowing True Story of Survival and Hope. A heart-wrenching account of a young boy's desperate search for love and care, The Lost Boy is a powerful sequel to the international bestseller A Child Called 'It'. Dave Pelzer's harrowing story...

Channel 5's beloved Yorkshire Vet Peter Wright brings us a heartwarming love letter to the places, people and creatures of Yorkshire.Peter takes us on an enchanting journey through the hidden gems of this beautiful county, sharing charming tales of his...

Ed Sheeran: A Story of InspirationThis captivating biography tells the story of Ed Sheeran's remarkable journey from a shy schoolboy with a stammer to a global music phenomenon.Through compelling new research and interviews, bestselling biographer Sean...

A no-holds-barred account of life on the front line of policing, On the Line follows PC Alice Hearn throughout ten years in the Metropolitan Police. From rookie to constable, she deals with violent criminals, heart-breaking domestic situations, petty...

The Year the World Went Mad: A Scientific Memoir by Mark Woolhouse In January 2020, Professor Mark Woolhouse received news of a new virus spreading in China. He immediately foresaw a challenging future for the world and warned the Chief Medical Officer...

Wine Girl: A Sommelier's Tale of Making It in the Toxic World of Fine DiningA memoir of overcoming trauma and finding resilience in the high-pressure world of fine dining, Wine Girl is a story of one woman's journey to break free from a notoriously...

A Promise Kept by Robertson Mcquilkin is a personal memoir that recounts the author's decision to resign from his position as president of Columbia International University in order to care for his wife, Muriel, who suffers from a debilitating illness...

This is a heartwarming and honest account of life on a Yorkshire farm. Mike Kirby's story is one of perseverance and dedication to his family's dream, set against the backdrop of the harsh yet beautiful Pennine landscape.Through long hours and hard work,...

Pearl Witherington landed in Occupied France on 22 September 1943, parachuting from a Halifax bomber with a dual mission. She was fighting for her beloved country and searching for her lost love. As the only woman agent of the Special Operations...

Dean Stott's life story is one of extraordinary courage and determination. A former Special Operations soldier, he recounts his experiences in hostile environments, counterterrorism operations, and a horrific parachute accident.After leaving the...

Christine Granville's remarkable story is one of bravery and sacrifice. As a British secret agent in Poland, Hungary, and France during World War II, she risked her life to undertake daring missions.From escaping the Gestapo in Budapest to traveling...

Apart from his first meal in 1967, pureed roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, Ed Balls' love affair with food has been lifelong. This memoir is woven from recipes that tell stories of family, love, and memories. From his childhood to parenting, each...

The Worlds of Dune explores the diverse influences that shaped Frank Herbert's iconic science-fiction epic. From Zen Buddhism to Indigenous American tribal ritual, this book delves into the many strands of inspiration that wove their way into his work...

Prince Rupert: A Renaissance Prince Charles Spencer's biography reveals a complex figure beyond his reputation as a great general and dashing cavalier. Born into a life of privilege, Rupert was also a scientist and classical scholar, embodying the ideals...

Giles Coren's humorous and practical guide to eating out offers valuable insights into the world of restaurants. From casual eateries to fine dining experiences, Coren shares his expertise on how to navigate the culinary landscape with confidence. With...

Ill Met by Moonlight is a true story of one of the most hazardous missions of the Second World War. In 1943, W. Stanley Moss and Major Patrick Leigh Fermor embarked on a perilous operation to kidnap General Kreipe, Commander of the Sevastopool Division,...

Gandhi: A Life of Transformation and Nonviolence This thought-provoking biography explores the life of Mahatma Gandhi, from his early years in India to his leadership in the struggle for independence from British rule. Eknath Easwaran delves into the...

Dinner at Buckingham Palace offers an intimate glimpse into the world of royal dining. Charles Oliver, born into the royal household as the son of a royal servant, has curated this collection of exclusive photographs, recipes, anecdotes and menus that...

Celia Paul's Self-Portrait is a deeply personal and honest account of her life as an artist. Through her words and images, she navigates the challenges of pursuing artistic freedom, revealing the sacrifices and complications that come with it.From her...

One Step Sideways, Three Steps Forward: A Biologist's JourneyB. Rosemary Grant recounts her life and career in this engaging and moving memoir, tracing her path from childhood love of nature to becoming a leading evolutionary biologist.Grant's...

Life in Alaska's early days was a daunting challenge for one young man from Oklahoma. In 1940, he and his family moved to a remote homestead on the Kenai Peninsula, more than twelve miles from the nearest road. Their dream of self-sufficiency became a...

Troy Deeney: Redemption My Story is a candid and inspiring memoir that delves into the turbulent past of Watford FC's former captain. Troy shares stories of self-sabotage, from missed opportunities to personal struggles with addiction, but never lost his...

Audrey Hepburn's everyday life is revealed in this stunning coffee table book, featuring almost 200 candid photographs that have never been published before. Edited by her son Luca Dotti and film and theater writer Ludovica Damiani, with text by fashion...

Running with the Bulls: My Years with the Hemingways Valerie Danby-Smith's life was forever changed in 1959 when she met Ernest Hemingway, an encounter that led to two years of intense travel and companionship. She became a confidante and sharer of his...

Ben Jonson: A Life by Ian Donaldson is a comprehensive biography that explores the life and works of one of England's most celebrated writers. Jonson's life was marked by drama and controversy, from his early days as a young man serving in the Low...

Gila Pfeffer's life was turned upside down when she became the oldest living member of her family at just thirty. Her mother had passed away from breast cancer, and her father from colon cancer. A blood test revealed that Gila carried the BRCA1 gene,...

Max Verstappen: A Formula One Star Born to Race. Born in Belgium to a family with motorsport talent, Max Verstappen's journey to Formula 1 stardom was not typical. His parents, Sophie Kumpen and Jos Verstappen, were both accomplished drivers who had a...

Guy Gibson and His Dambuster Crew by Charles Foster is a detailed study of the RAF's most famous bombing operation of the Second World War, led by Guy Gibson. This new book explores the stories of the six men who made up his crew, including two...

Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz was known to his contemporaries as a man of universal learning. This biography restores him to the intellectual and scientific worlds that shaped his early life and thought. Leibniz's story is one of navigating the learned and...

Ronda Rousey's autobiography offers an intimate look at her life and career. From her childhood struggles with speech problems to her rise as one of the most dominant mixed-martial-arts fighters in history, Rousey shares her hard-won lessons and insights...

The Road from Morocco by Wafa Faith Hallam is an intensely personal and emotional account of one woman's journey through a complex and often challenging life. Born into a Middle Eastern society, Saadia's arranged marriage at 13 sets her on a path that...

Walter Matthau: A Life offers an intimate look at the life and career of one of America's greatest comic talents. Born into Jewish tenements on New York's Lower East Side, Matthau began his acting career in New York Yiddish theater before serving as a...

Pamela Churchill Harriman's life was one of glamour and intrigue, with a front-row seat to some of the most pivotal moments of the 20th century. This extensively researched biography, drawing on interviews with over 400 sources, reveals the woman behind...

Admiral Togo Nelson of the East is a biography that delves into the life of Heihachiro Togo, a Japanese naval officer who played a pivotal role in Japan's emergence from isolation. Born into a feudal society, Togo witnessed the devastating effects of...

The Voyage of the Beagle by Charles Darwin is an account of his time aboard the HMS Beagle, which set sail from Plymouth Sound in 1831. During its nearly five-year journey, Darwin made detailed observations of the flora and fauna he encountered, laying...

Francis Bacon Revelations by Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swan is a groundbreaking biography that offers a rich and complex portrait of the enigmatic artist. Based on hundreds of interviews and extensive new material, this book sheds light on Bacon's life,...

Shiny Pennies and Grubby Pinafores is a heartwarming memoir about one woman's determination to create a happy family life despite hardship. After years in domestic service, Winifred Foley married and started a family, but she longed for the rural...

Thomas Aquinas: A Very Short Introduction by Fergus Kerr This introduction to Thomas Aquinas explores the philosopher and theologian's significance in medieval thought. Born into a culture that shaped his ideas, Aquinas is renowned for his synthesis of...

The Flight of 'The Arctic Fox' tells the tragic story of Flight BE142, a BEA Vickers Viscount flying from London to Naples in October 1958. On board were thirty-one passengers and crew members, including the author's brother, who was part of the crew. In...

Francesca Brown's extraordinary story is one of transformation and hope. Diagnosed with illness and despair at the turn of the millennium, she was given little chance of recovery. However, it was then that the loving angels and spirits she had remembered...

Susan Sontag was one of the twentieth century's most towering figures. Her brilliant mind and striking image made her an emblem of the seductions - and the dangers - of modernity. This biography draws on hundreds of interviews conducted with people who...

I Am Not a Gangster The true story behind a notorious London gangland leader is revealed in this gripping biography. With his trusty sawn-off shotgun, Kennedy, by his side, Bobby Cummines ruled over his north London manor with an iron fist. This book...

Natalie Wood's life was marked by tragedy and drama, her dark beauty and passionate performances captivating audiences in over fifty films. Born Natasha Zakharenko, Natalie grew up fast under the pressure of her domineering mother, who pushed her to...