Biography & Autobiography

Building a successful business takes time and effort. Maria Hatzistefanis's story is a testament to this.The skincare company Rodial, which launched its popular 'snake' serum, was dubbed an 'overnight success'. However, the company's founder had been...

Keir Hardie: Labour's Greatest Hero? Born in 1856, Keir Hardie's life was marked by hardship and struggle. Despite being illegitimate and facing poverty from an early age, he went on to become one of the most influential figures in British politics...

A personal memoir from the life of a Hollywood casting icon, Marion Dougherty recounts her journey in discovering and nurturing the careers of numerous legendary actors. With over fifty years of experience in the industry, she shares stories of her time...

Kenny Dalglish's love affair with Liverpool Football Club is one that has endured for decades. His relationship with the club began in 1977 when he joined from Celtic, and it was marked by both triumph and tragedy. Dalglish played a pivotal role in the...

Lieutenant-Colonel (Retd) Diane Allen recounts her 30 years in the British Army, from her early days as one of the first women at Sandhurst to her later successes and challenges. Her story spans multiple countries, including Northern Ireland and Germany,...

The Man Who Ran Washington: A Biography of James A. Baker III For over two decades, one man's counsel shaped the course of American politics. From the end of Watergate to the aftermath of the Cold War, James A. Baker III was the go-to advisor for...

A harrowing true story of survival and resilience, Next Stop Siberia recounts the experiences of a Polish family who were deported to Russia's Siberian Gulag labour camps during World War II. The Soviets' lesser-known persecution of this family is a...

Simple Peace explores the inner life and development of St. Francis of Assisi, offering a deeper understanding of this beloved saint's spiritual journey.This book provides a unique perspective on the life of one of history's most famous figures,...

The Tiger's Revenge: A Largely Unknown and Most Daring Raid of World War Two By Evan Morris Grosvenor House Publishing Limited, 2023 This remarkable story has remained largely unknown since the end of World War Two. In 1944, a hand-picked team of British...

Sitting Pretty: A memoir-in-essays from disability advocate Rebekah Taussig explores what it means to live in a body that doesn't fit. Growing up as a paralyzed girl, Rebekah longed for stories that allowed disability to be complex and ordinary,...

A Fish Supper and a Chippy Smile by Hilda Kemp is a heartwarming biography that explores the life of 'Hooray' Hilda Kemp, a spirited matriarch who ran a fish-and-chip shop in London's East End during the 1950s and 60s. Growing up in poverty-stricken...

Viv Groskop's memoir about pursuing her dream of stand-up comedy is an inspiring and humorous account. After years of wanting to try it, she decides to attempt 100 gigs in 100 nights with three children, a mortgage, and other responsibilities. The result...

Alicia Keys shares her personal journey of self-discovery in this intimate memoir. The singer-songwriter has long been known for her heartfelt lyrics and extraordinary vocal range, but away from the spotlight, she has grappled with private heartache over...

On 13th October 1972, Coche Inciarte boarded Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 with plans to sit beside his friend Gastón Costemalle. However, another passenger took the seat ahead of him, leaving Coche further back in the plane.The plane crashed on a...

Rick Wakeman: A Life in Electronic RockThis frank and authorised biography tells the story of Rick Wakeman's larger-than-life career, from his early days as a student at the Royal College of Music to his rise as one of the world's most innovative...

Chris Evans's remarkable journey from council estate to media mogul is revealed in this witty and energetic autobiography. Born with a passion for music and voices, he began his career as a newspaper boy, armed with a small silver radio that sparked a...

Erik Satie: A Life of Contrasts Erik Satie was a composer who defied conventions, blending art and music in innovative ways. His life was marked by contradictions - he studied at a conservative school after working as a cabaret performer, and his fashion...

Miles to Go Before I Sleep: Letters on Hope, Death and Learning to LiveA deeply personal and philosophical account of one woman's journey through cancer diagnosis, treatment, and mortality. Claire Gilbert shares her honest and raw letters to loved ones,...

The Emptiness of Our Hands: 47 Days on the StreetsThis powerful memoir chronicles the true story of Phyllis Cole-Dai and James Murray, who lived on the streets of Columbus, Ohio in 1999. With a single intention to be present with everyone they met, they...

The Black Box by Marquett Burton is a personal memoir that explores the author's journey towards self-improvement and growth. Each chapter delves into a formative experience, accompanied by an explanation of how it helped shape their mindset in that...

For over thirty years, Geoff Shreeves has been an integral part of the game's fabric, respected by everybody in the sport while still asking the toughest questions. His unique brand of experience, insight and humour brings an astonishing catalogue of...

Francis Morland was a leading figure in Britain's 'New Generation' art movement, alongside artists such as David Hockney. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he became the first major drug trafficker in UK history. Morland's secret life involved...

A behind-the-scenes look at daily life at the United Nations. Miles Stoby's account provides an insightful and humorous perspective on the day-to-day business that goes on inside the organisation. As a prominent diplomat who devoted decades of service to...

Martin Scorsese's films are a testament to his personal achievement in modern American cinema. His movies, such as Mean Streets and Taxi Driver, have created a distinctive world and style that he has made his own. This revised edition of Scorsese on...

Lori Garver recounts her fight to transform NASA and launch a new space age. As she rose to second-in-command at the agency, she aimed to break free from the self-interested system of government-controlled space exploration. Instead of just breaking a...

The Death of Guy Gibson Who, Or What, Killed the Dambuster VC by M. S. Morgan In September 1944, Wing Commander Guy Penrose Gibson led a daring raid on German towns, cementing his reputation as one of the most famous Allied aviators of the Second World...

Antony Armstrong-Jones, known to the world as Lord Snowdon, was a complex figure whose life has captivated and intrigued for decades. This biography offers an unvarnished look at his life, separating fact from myth. Born into a world of privilege,...

Lions and Shadows: An Education in the Twenties by Christopher Isherwood A witty and outrageous memoir that blends autobiography and fiction to describe the inner life of a writer evolving from public school boy to Cambridge drop-out in London's Bohemia...

Charles Lamb: A Life of Electrifying Wit and Humour. This meticulously researched biography brings to life the fascinating story of Charles Lamb, a pioneer of urban Romanticism. With his unique blend of irony, whimsy, and melancholy, Lamb captivated...

A. A. Milne's autobiography offers a unique glimpse into the life of a writer, from his idyllic childhood to his success in the literary world. With characteristic self-deprecating humour, Milne recounts his experiences at Westminster School and...

Colin Powell shares the principles that have guided his life and career in this inspiring memoir. A companion to his previous work, My American Journey, It Worked for Me offers valuable insights into achieving success and turning dreams into reality.A...

Alfred Hitchcock's fixation on blonde actresses was more than just a cinematic quirk - it was a defining aspect of his artistic vision. This engrossing account finally puts these enigmatic women at the center of the story, revealing the lengths their...

Get an intimate glimpse into the remarkable life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Gyles Brandreth's candid biography offers a unique perspective on the monarch's story, told with humour and moving honesty.This is the definitive portrait of a woman who...

The Shoemaker and His Daughter by Conor O'Clery In 1962, Stanislav Suvorov's life was forever changed when he was imprisoned for selling his car for a profit. Five years later, he was released and forced to start anew in Siberia with his family. This is...

TS Eliot's Hidden Muse: A Life Revealed in Letters For over four decades, TS Eliot kept his personal life closely guarded, but a treasure trove of letters to one woman has finally been uncovered. Lyndall Gordon sheds new light on the poet's life and art,...

The Point of Distraction is a memoir by Will Eaves that explores the creation of eight piano pieces. Eaves shares his experience of writing these new compositions after many years away from the keyboard, drawing on old notebooks and teenage enthusiasms,...

If Truth Be Told: A Monk's Memoir is an honest account of Om Swami's life, one of India's foremost spiritual leaders. Born with a burning desire to explore his spirituality, Om Swami recounts his journey from a young boy who saw a vision of God in a...

The Martyr and the Red Kimono: A Fearless Priest's Sacrifice and a New Generation of Hope in Japan In 1941, a Polish priest named Maximilian Maria Kolbe was brutally murdered in Auschwitz. Yet his life had been remarkable - marked by fierce intelligence,...

Lauren Goodger shares her honest account of life in the spotlight. Before becoming a celebrity, she was just an ordinary girl trying to build a life with her long-term partner. Now, she faces constant scrutiny from the paparazzi and has her private life...

Francis Benali: A Life of Endurance and Dedication Francis 'Franny' Benali's remarkable story is one of unwavering commitment to his craft, both on and off the football pitch. With nearly 400 games played for Southampton FC over a 20-year career, he...

Gina Yashere's memoir is a lively and humorous account of her journey to success. Born with a birthmark that echoes her grandmother Patience's, Gina was destined to fulfill her dreams. According to family superstition, Patience's powerful legacy was...

All My Mother's Secrets: A Powerful True Story of Love, Loss and Family Torn Apart. In 1920s London, Annie's life is defined by hard work and secrecy. As the eldest daughter of a laundress, she toils in the family business, caring for her younger brother...

Uncovering Intuition: A Practical and Mystical Guide to Living an Intuitive LifeThis comprehensive guide offers practical advice and spiritual insights to help you tap into your inner wisdom. Sheryl Wagner shares her personal journey of discovering...

The Great Healing Revivals of the 20th Century Don Stewart's eyewitness account offers a unique insight into the lives and ministries of influential figures in the healing evangelist movement. With personal remembrances and documented stories, Stewart...

Mary Newton's life was never ordinary. Growing up in a small Watford semi with her large Irish family, she was always getting into trouble - whether it was choking back giggles at Holy Communion or eating Chappie dog food for a bet. But despite the...

A Life of One's Own: Nine Women Writers Begin Again by Joanna Biggs is a deeply philosophical exploration of reading as a source of existential comfort. This intricate and intimate group biography sheds light on the motivations, desires, and...

Pete Postlethwaite's autobiography is a vibrant and candid account of his life and career as a character actor.From his early days training as a teacher to his breakthrough role in the 1988 film Distant Voices, Still Lives, Postlethwaite recounts his...

Honey, Baby, Mine: A Mother and Daughter Talk Life, Death, Love (and Banana Pudding) is a deeply personal and poignant conversation between two women who have always been close. When Diane's life-threatening illness forced them to re-evaluate their...

This book tells the story of one woman's journey to create something with her own hands. In 2019, she embarked on a project to build a mini-cabin in the Norwegian wilderness using only a chainsaw and her own ingenuity.With each cut of the saw, she aimed...

Buster Crabb: Ian Fleming's Favourite Spy Lionel 'Buster' Crabb was a man of many talents and vices. As a British naval frogman and bomb disposal expert, he worked with intelligence agencies during World War II, conducting covert operations for both SIS...

Salah King of Europe: The Rise of a Football Legend Frank Worrall's insightful biography tells the electrifying story of Mohamed Salah's journey from Italian club Rome to Liverpool FC, and his subsequent rise to becoming one of the Premier League's most...

Early Days is a childhood memoir by Miss Read, recounting her idyllic upbringing with two remarkable grandmothers in Lewisham and Walton-on-the-Naze. The author's early years were marked by an extended family of uncles, aunts, and cousins, where she...

George Frideric Handel: A Life of Musical Genius In 1712, a young German composer arrived in London to serve as musician to King George II. This marked the beginning of a remarkable four-decade period during which Handel would compose some of the most...

The Recollections of Skinner of Skinner's Horse A colourful career is recounted by James Skinner in this memoir. Skinner began his military exploits as a mercenary for Indian princes, becoming legendary as the leader of the 'Yellow Boys', his renowned...

Jenn Shapland's My Autobiography of Carson McCullers is a unique and captivating exploration of the life and work of one of America's most beloved writers. While working in the archives, Shapland discovered love letters that revealed a new side of...

After the loss of his son Jack in 2015, journalist Cosmo Landesman embarked on an unconventional journey to write about grief and suicide. His initial intention was to create an anti-suicide memoir that reflected his anger and cynicism towards how...

Gary Barlow's life story is one of remarkable transformation. Fifteen years ago, he hit rock bottom, struggling with his weight and feeling out of shape and out of work. He turned to food for comfort, but eventually realised that drastic change was...

Cricketing Caesar: A Biography of Mike Brearley Mike Brearley was one of England's greatest cricket captains, leading his team to three Ashes victories. Yet his rise to the top was far from inevitable. After a spell out of the game, he returned to...

Discover the lives and work of four ambitious Renaissance women who defied convention to make their mark in 16th-century England. Ramie Targoff's groundbreaking narrative sheds light on the private lives of Mary Sidney, Aemilia Lanyer, Elizabeth Cary,...

Richard P. Feynman's second collection of stories offers a glimpse into the life of one of the twentieth century's greatest physicists. In "What Do You Care What Other People Think?", Feynman recounts his experiences, including a poignant moment with his...

William Woodruff's second volume of memoirs picks up in the early 1930s, as he arrives in Poplar and lands a job at a steel foundry. Despite the grim conditions, he proves indomitable.Outside work, Woodruff cycles to Berkhamstead in search of an old...

Chester A. Arthur: A Life of Transformation When President James Garfield was shot in 1881, no one expected Vice President Chester A. Arthur to become president. Despite his promising start, by the early fifties he was known as a corrupt politician...

Vacationland: True Stories from Painful BeachesA poignant and sincere account of one man facing his forties, John Hodgman shares his real-life wanderings through three wildernesses: the hills of Western Massachusetts, the painful beaches of Maine, and...

Chris Tarrant looks back on his legendary 50-year career in television and shares some extraordinary stories from his time behind the camera.From his early days as a presenter to his more recent forays into comedy, Chris Tarrant regales us with candid...

John Lennon's life was marked by contradictions - a rock star and school clown, writer and wit, iconoclast and eccentric millionaire. As a Beatle, he captured the group's moment in history with his plain-speaking rejection of authority. This biography...

Andrew Carnegie's Autobiography and "The Gospel of Wealth" offer a unique insight into the life of one of America's most influential industrialists. Born in Scotland, Carnegie immigrated to Pennsylvania as a young man and through hard work and...

The Cold War was a time of great tension, and for those stationed at British V-Bomber bases, it was a period of heightened anxiety. The threat of nuclear war hung over them like a constant shadow, and the ground crews who maintained these formidable...

Leonardo DiCaprio: The BiographyThis updated edition delves beneath the Hollywood star's polished image to explore what makes him tick. From his early days in TV commercials and soap operas to his current status as one of the highest-paid actors in the...

Talib Kweli's memoir offers a firsthand account of hip-hop as a powerful force in shaping American culture. Born into an Afrocentric household, Kweli grew up surrounded by music that would later define his life and career. As he recounts his journey from...

Cathy Glass shares her 30 years of experience as a foster carer and mother in this comprehensive guide to managing children's behaviour. With over 150 children under her care, she has developed practical methods for guiding, nurturing and disciplining...

Art Tatum's playing was a marvel of perfection. His deep-in-the-keys full piano sonority and tone control in pyrotechnical passages were considered miracles of performance. This biography, Too Marvelous For Words, provides the first full-length account...

Donald Campbell: The Man Behind the Mask by David Tremayne The image of Donald Campbell somersaulting to his death in his Bluebird boat is etched into the national psyche, but what was he like as a person? This biography paints a fascinating portrait of...

Robert Baden-Powell: A Biography by Lorraine Gibson This biography explores the complex and often contradictory life of Robert Baden-Powell, Britain's first celebrity. Born into a difficult childhood, Baden-Powell's experiences shaped his dual...

Nathan Ligo's remarkable journey to becoming a karate master is told in this unique and intimate memoir. As one of only three foreign students to complete Mas Oyama's prestigious Young Lions' program, Nathan shares his experiences of intense physical...

Ephraim Kholmyansky's life was marked by defiance and determination. In 1979, he initiated an underground network to spread Hebrew, Jewish tradition, and Zionist values throughout the Soviet Union's peripheral cities. However, his efforts were soon met...

Donda West shares her experiences as the mother of hip-hop superstar Kanye West in this powerful memoir. Raising Kanye offers a candid look at the challenges she faced as a single mother and her later experiences as Kanye's manager, revealing valuable...

The history of the English throne in the Tudor era is marked by intrigue and turmoil. Amidst the power struggles and religious conflicts, one man stood out for his unusual presence at the royal court: William Somer, Henry VIII's fool. Somer's role as a...

Count Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy: A Life of Contrasts This landmark biography by A. N. Wilson offers a nuanced exploration of the complex life of one of literature's greatest figures. Wilson challenges the long-held notion that Tolstoy's works were a...

Jim Elliot's life was marked by a deep commitment to his faith and a sense of purpose that led him to become a missionary in Ecuador.His story is one of courage, sacrifice, and the power of conviction, as he shared the Good News with those who had never...

Becoming Forrest: One Man's Epic Run Across AmericaAfter being urged to "do one thing in life that made a difference", Englishman Rob Pope embarked on an extraordinary journey. He left his job as a veterinarian and set out to recreate the epic run...

John Burnside's memoir is a haunting exploration of love, obsession and the darker side of glamour. It begins with memories of a brutal murder and follows the author through a series of uncanny encounters that blur the lines between reality and fantasy...

Shadowman Records of a Life Corrupted is a memoir by Johnny Daukes that explores the complexities of his life and the events that have shaped him.The book delves into themes of identity, trauma, and personal struggle, offering a candid and introspective...

Kevin Armstrong's story is one of serendipity and rock 'n' roll. In the early 80s, he found himself signed to EMI as a solo artist, but fate had other plans. A chance studio date with an unnamed star at Abbey Road changed everything, catapulting him onto...

A Short Life on the Ocean Wave by Robert Howe is a memoir that recounts his time in the Merchant Navy. During this period, he experienced diverse occupations and travelled to various locations, including Africa and Hong Kong as British Protectorates, and...

A remarkable story of transformation and resilience. Rosemary Conley's life was marked by unexpected challenges, from being told she might not survive childhood to discovering she was overweight as a teenager. However, it was this very moment that...

Nancy Mitford's humorous letters to her family and friends offer a unique glimpse into her life and the world around her. This collection of correspondence provides a fascinating portrayal of one woman's experiences in the 20th century.Written in a witty...

Mary Hazard's journey as an NHS nurse spans 60 years, from her early days in post-war London to a lifetime of dedication to care.Raised in a strict convent in rural Ireland, Mary's experiences were transformed when she began her training in London. She...

A Nurse's War: A Diary of Heroism and Heartache on the Home Front by Patricia Malcolmson and Robert Malcolmson is a poignant and engrossing account of life on the Lancashire front line during World War II. This diary, meticulously kept by Kathleen...

If the Oceans Were Ink: An Unlikely Friendship and a Journey to the Heart of the Quran by Carla Power. This powerful journey explores one of the greatest divides shaping our world today. A story of friendship, stereotypes, and misconceptions, it follows...

Forrest Mims' memoir offers an intimate portrait of a self-made scientist who defied conventional wisdom to forge a distinguished career in science. Despite lacking academic training, he sparked his childhood curiosity and went on to create innovative...

The Auto/biographical I: A Feminist Study of Self and Biography This influential study explores postmodern ideas about the self, examining how selves are constructed through biography and autobiography. With particular focus on women's writing, Liz...

Ian Gould's autobiography offers an intimate look at his remarkable career as one of the world's top umpires. From playing for England, Middlesex and Sussex to officiating in high-pressure Test matches, Gould shares his experiences of witnessing some of...

Fiona Neary's memoir offers a unique perspective on the fostering system in Ireland during the 1980s. Her family's decision to take in foster children had a profound impact on their lives, and each child who passed through their home left an indelible...

Janice Galloway's childhood was marked by quiet desperation and unspoken rage. Growing up in a tiny attic room above a doctor's surgery, she learned to keep out of the way, ignored by her elders amidst a household of complex relationships. In this...

Rise of a Killah: A Memoir by Ghostface Killah This autobiography offers an intimate look at the life and experiences of one of hip hop's most iconic figures. From his early days as a member of the Wu-Tang Clan to his solo career, Ghostface Killah shares...

The Islamist by Ed Husain A personal account of one man's journey into and out of Islamic fundamentalism. At 16, Ed Husain was drawn to a radical interpretation of Islam that would change his life forever. Five years later, he rejected extremism and...

Clive James's autobiographical trilogy, Always Unreliable, offers a candid and witty account of his life. Spanning three volumes, Unreliable Memoirs, Falling Towards England, and May Week Was in June, this collection provides an intimate look at the...

The Axe and the Tree: How Bloody Persecution Sowed the Seeds of New Life in Zimbabwe by Stephen Griffiths. This powerful account tells the story of Peter and Brenda Griffiths, British missionaries who played a critical role in the development of the Elim...

This verse composition provides an in-depth look at Shri Sai Baba's life and teachings, as recorded by his devotees. Conceived during Baba's lifetime with his express permission, it is considered the definitive work on his life and legacy.Translated from...

The Outlier: The Unfinished Presidency of Jimmy Carter by Kai Bird is a landmark presidential biography that re-evaluates the complex triumphs and tragedies of Jimmy Carter's presidency. Four decades after his one-term tenure, Carter's legacy remains a...