Biography & Autobiography

The Swimmer: The Wild Life of Roger Deakin by Patrick Barkham This is a unique and joyful work of creative biography that brings to life the remarkable story of Roger Deakin, author of cult classics Waterlog and Wildwood. Through a treasure trove of...

Rome, during his adolescence, was a city that captivated André Aciman. After being expelled from Egypt, he and his family moved to a rented apartment in Via Clelia, where they struggled to rebuild their lives. Amidst the challenges, Aciman found solace...

The Power of the Outsider A Journey of Discovery by Samuel KasumuThis thought-provoking book explores the concept of being an outsider and its potential to be a source of strength, leading individuals to achieve great things. Drawing on his own...

Laura Dockrill's raw and honest account of her experience with postpartum psychosis is a powerful exploration of motherhood, mental illness, and recovery. After giving birth to her son, Laura struggled to cope with the demands of new motherhood,...

Sheila Hancock's memoir, Just Me, is a candid and engaging account of her life after losing her partner. In this book, she recounts her experiences as she navigates new challenges and discovers fresh perspectives. From facing everyday obstacles to...

Studios of Their Own Where Great Artists Work by Alex Johnson explores the unique spaces and habits of over 50 famous artists from around the world. Evocative illustrations bring to life the eclectic creative spaces used by artistic visionaries,...

No Safe Place: Murdered by Our Father is a heart-wrenching account of honour killing and survival. Bekhal Mahmod recounts her life in danger after her sister Banaz was brutally murdered by their father and uncle, who sought to restore the family's...

Harry Winston: The Definitive Biography of an American Icon By Ronald Winston and William Stadiem Skyhorse, 2023 Born into humble beginnings, Harry Weinstein transformed himself into one of the world's most renowned luxury brand creators. From spotting a...

Lord Palmerston: A Biography by David Brown A comprehensive and engaging biography that sheds new light on the life and legacy of Lord Palmerston, one of Victorian politics' most charismatic figures. This book draws on unprecedented research in...

The Bromley Boys: A True Story of Football at the Bottom. In the late 1960s, football was at its peak in England, with the country's team winning the World Cup. For Dave Roberts and his friends, however, there was only one team to support - Bromley...

Nedum Onuoha's autobiography offers a unique perspective on the world of football and beyond. By combining his experiences as a black man in two different countries, Onuoha sheds light on issues of identity and racism in sports. This is not just a story...

Rory Gallagher: A Life in Music Regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Rory Gallagher's career was marked by his dazzling showmanship and accomplished songwriting. From his early days with an Irish showband to forming Taste, one of...

Simu Liu's memoir We Were Dreamers is a heartwarming and humorous account of his journey as an Asian Canadian. Born to Chinese immigrant parents, Simu recounts the challenges he faced growing up between two cultures, including the struggles of navigating...

The Nine of Us Growing Up Kennedy by Jean Kennedy Smith This memoir offers an intimate and illuminating look at life in the Kennedy household during a pivotal time in American history. Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith shares fascinating anecdotes and...

Joseph Smith Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Lyman Bushman is a narrative that explores the life and personality of the founder of the Mormon Church. Bushman, a cultural historian and practicing Mormon, moves beyond popular stereotypes to examine Smith's...

Zora Neale Hurston's Barracoon is a deeply affecting record of an extraordinary life. In 1927, she interviewed Cudjo Lewis, one of the last-known survivors of the Atlantic slave trade, who had been abducted from Africa and sold in America. Hurston spent...

A True Story of One Young Boy's Fight for the Liberation of Europe During World War II This is the remarkable true story of James Watson, an English boy who served with the Black Watch during World War II. At just 17 years old, he enlisted to serve his...

No Name in the Street by James Baldwin In this deeply personal book, James Baldwin reflects on the experiences that shaped him as a writer and activist. From his childhood in Harlem to his observations of life in America and Europe, he grapples with the...

James Frey's memoir recounts his journey towards recovery and self-discovery in the aftermath of a life-altering event. During his time in rehab, he formed an unlikely bond with Leonard, a charismatic figure who would become a source of support and...

No Modernism Without Lesbians by Diana Souhami is a fascinating tale of love, identity and artistic innovation in 1920s Paris. This book tells the story of four remarkable women - Sylvia Beach, Bryher, Natalie Barney, and Gertrude Stein - who formed a...

Bipolar Rollercoaster This powerful memoir takes readers on a journey into the turbulent mind of a mother struggling with psychosis and mental health challenges. With five children to care for, she faces an immense love and responsibility that is often...

Ruth Fitzmaurice's inspiring story is an urgent and uplifting letter to life itself. When her husband Simon was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease, their lives were turned upside down. But in the midst of this challenge, Ruth found solace in the...

John Lennon: A Life Reveals the Genius and Complexity of Music's Greatest Legend. Philip Norman's groundbreaking biography offers an intimate and insightful look at John Lennon, the iconic songwriter, composer, and member of one of the most influential...

Elisabeth's Lists: A Life Between the LinesLulah Ellender inherited a curious object - a book of handwritten lists from her grandmother, Elisabeth. At first glance, these everyday fragments seem ordinary, but they reveal an extraordinary life lived in...

In the Days of Rain by Rebecca Stott is a deeply personal family memoir that explores the complexities of growing up in and breaking away from a fundamentalist Christian cult. As Rebecca recounts her own experiences, she delves into the story of her...

The Sultan: A Memoir by Wasim Akram and Gideon Haigh is a candid and insightful biography of one of cricket's greatest fast bowlers. For over two decades, Wasim Akram's remarkable career was marked by electrifying performances on the pitch, as well as...

Crowdie and Cream and Other Stories by Finlay J. Macdonald is a nostalgic collection of stories about growing up on Harris in Scotland between the wars. First published individually in the 1980s, these accounts were later gathered together into this...

Accidental Ironman is a humorous and entertaining memoir about one athlete's journey from being last pick at school football to completing 10 Ironmans outside the top 500 finishers.The author recounts his sporting history, including how he took up...

Stephen Hawking: A Life Well Lived by Kitty Ferguson is a meticulously researched biography that chronicles the remarkable life of one of the world's most celebrated scientists. Born in 1942, Stephen Hawking defied the odds when he was given just two...

Judith Kitchen's Half in Shade is a deeply personal exploration of family, identity, and the power of photography to capture moments in time. When she discovered boxes of old family photos, Kitchen was drawn into a world of memories, speculation, and...

A Drink at the Bar: A Memoir of Crime, Justice and Overcoming Personal Demons by Graham Boal QC is a revealing memoir that offers a unique insight into the world of law and justice. With a career spanning over thirty years as a criminal barrister and...

Daphne Park: Britain's Cold War Spy Master is a gripping biography that reveals the remarkable life of the only female spy to reach the top of MI6. Born in a Tanzanian shack, Park defied the odds to become one of the most senior operational agents in...

The Lives of the Caesars presents a provocative succession of portraits of the Roman emperors from Julius Caesar to Domitian. Suetonius' biographies are known for their anecdotal and salacious nature, offering a lively and engaging account of each...

Danny Trejo's life story is one of stark contrasts - from the dark streets of his childhood to the bright lights of Hollywood stardom. This memoir takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows, including time in notorious prisons and encounters...

The West appears to be at a year zero, with the seeming end of relative peace and prosperity. The pandemic, Putin's invasion of Ukraine, growing tension with China, a rolling back of globalisation, Brexit, and painful interest rates have shattered our...

This gripping narrative follows Emily Halnon's quest to break the record for the Fastest Known Time by a woman on the Pacific Crest Trail. After losing her mother to a rare cancer, Emily sought to honor her remarkable spirit with an extraordinary...

Clementine Churchill's life was marked by moments of great challenge and personal sacrifice. This biography presents an inspiring story of one of the most important women in modern history, whose efforts to preserve her husband's health during World War...

Remain in Love tells the story of Chris Frantz's life with Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club, as well as his enduring love affair with Tina Weymouth. From their early performances at iconic clubs like CBGB to recording groundbreaking albums like Remain In...

Without a Doubt is a deeply personal and sweeping account of Marcia Clark's experience in one of America's most infamous trials. With unflinching honesty, she takes us inside her own thoughts and feelings, as well as those of the people involved in the...

Edmund White's life is one of literature, and his memoir is a testament to its power. Each momentous occasion in his life was marked by a book that shaped his understanding of the world. From Proust's Remembrance of Things Past to Ezra Pound's poetry,...

The Poison King: The Life and Legend of Mithradates, Rome's Deadliest Enemy by Adrienne Mayor. This biography tells the story of Mithradates, a king who defied the Roman Empire with his military genius and secret elixir against poison. From his early...

The Philosophy of the King of the Norfolk Poachers is a memoir by Fred Rolfe, detailing his life of poaching and its consequences. Born into a world where survival depended on living "agin the law," Rolfe recounts his experiences from childhood to old...

Peter Townsend's remarkable life is one of great heroism and personal struggle. In Time and Chance, he tells his side of the story, placing the episode of his romance with Princess Margaret within the context of his full and varied life. The 1950s saw a...

Dr Tony Holohan's remarkable leadership during Ireland's Covid 19 pandemic brought him to the forefront of public attention. However, behind the scenes, he was also facing personal challenges at home. His wife of 25 years, Emer, was battling cancer, and...

Ibn Saud: The Desert Warrior and His Legacy by Michael Darlow and Barbara Bray is a biography that explores the life of one of the most influential figures in modern Middle Eastern history. Born into a harsh desert nomad lifestyle, Ibn Saud went on to...

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's memoir offers an unapologetic look at his life and career. Born into poverty, he rose to become one of the world's most gifted footballers, dominating top clubs including Barcelona, PSG, and Manchester United. With characteristic...

The Virgin Queen: A Life of Love and Politics Carol Ann Lloyd explores the complex courtships of Queen Elizabeth I, revealing how her romantic and political decisions shaped her reign as England's most iconic monarch. From her early days as a potential...

Abraham Lincoln: A Life offers a fresh perspective on one of America's most studied and admired leaders. This abridged biography by Michael Burlingame provides a comprehensive look at Lincoln's life, from his childhood to his presidency, and explores the...

Howard Webb's autobiography offers a unique insight into the world of modern football. From his early days as a young referee to his high-profile matches, including the 2010 World Cup final, Webb shares his experiences and the challenges he faced. Webb's...

The Secret Prison Governor: Unvarnished Truth from Behind Bars A former prison governor shares his unflinching account of life in the UK's harsh prison system, revealing the brutal realities of ruling over prisoners from all walks of life. With decades...

Unrequited Infatuations: A Memoir by Stevie Van Zandt Stevie Van Zandt's life story begins in a bedroom in suburban New Jersey, where his devotion to Rock and Roll was forged. This autobiography chronicles the moments that shaped him into the person he...

Bee Rowlatt's search for Mary Wollstonecraft takes her to unexpected places. From Norway to California and Paris, she uncovers the life and legacy of the first celebrity feminist. Along the way, she discovers the importance of finding balance between...

Eddie Izzard's autobiography is a hilarious and dazzling account of her life, from her early days as a performer to her current status as a national icon. With her unique blend of surreal humour and disarming candour, Eddie shares the story of how she...

Bez's remarkable journey from party boy to unlikely politician and eco-warrior is a story of transformation and redemption. From his early days as a maraca-wielding dancer in the iconic band Happy Mondays, Bez's life has been marked by excess and...

George Orwell's Shooting an Elephant is a searing and honest account of his time as a police officer in Burma, where he was forced to kill an elephant in front of a crowd. This essay, along with others in the collection, showcases Orwell's unique ability...

The Invisible Girl: A True Story of an Unheard Voice by Torey HaydenThis deeply moving true account tells the story of Eloise, a young girl with a troubling obsession and a complex past. After experiencing violence, neglect, and abuse, Eloise struggles...

A New York Times Bestseller and a powerful memoir by tennis legend Billie Jean King. In this inspiring and intimate self-portrait, Billie Jean King recounts her life's journey to find her true self. From her groundbreaking tennis career, including six...

Anthony Rapp's memoir Without You tells the story of his journey with the cast and crew of Rent, as well as the personal struggles he faced behind the scenes. Following the sudden death of Jonathan Larson, the show's creator, Anthony found himself...

Ricky Hatton's life story is one of incredible highs and lows. From his early days on a Manchester council estate to his rise as a four-time World Champion boxer, Ricky's journey has been marked by moments of triumph and devastating defeat. This...

This biography presents Anne Boleyn as a figure of considerable importance and influence in her own right. Based on the latest scholarly research, it offers a fresh look at the issues surrounding her downfall.The book explores Anne's life and legacy,...

This is my life, my truth and my story. For a very long time, I wasn't in control of my own life. My life was in someone else's hands.Abuse can take many forms, and it's often hidden from view. But for me, the pain was all too real. This book is my...

Natalie Sudman recounts her harrowing experience in Iraq, where a roadside bomb nearly took her life. In this deeply personal account, she shares the extraordinary events that unfolded as her spirit side worked to repair her body.With unflinching honesty...

A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's life is a testament to determination and courage, spanning from his childhood in Rameswaram to becoming India's eleventh President. In this collection of anecdotes and profiles, Dr Kalam reflects on key moments that inspired him...

Big John Fury's life has been marked by a fierce determination to stand up for himself and his family. Born into a long line of bare-knuckle fighters, he learned to box from a young age within the Irish traveller community before turning professional...

The Greatest Band That Ever Wasn't: The Story Of The Roughest, Toughest, Most Hell-Raising Band To Ever Come Out Of The Pacific Northwest, The Screaming Trees. In the midst of Seattle's grunge movement in 1992, the Screaming Trees were poised to make a...

Agatha Christie's personal memoirs about her travels to Syria and Iraq in the 1930s offer a unique glimpse into her life beyond her famous novels. In this chronicle, she recounts her experiences working on archaeological digs with her husband Max...

Behind the Sequins: My Life by Shirley Ballas Shirley Ballas shares her extraordinary story of overcoming adversity and achieving success in the high-octane world of dance. From her childhood on a rough estate to becoming a multi-award-winning Latin and...

Eric Portman: A Portrait of Eric Portman is the first ever biography of British film star and stage actor Eric Portman. This comprehensive portrait draws on previously unseen photographs, private family documents, letters, and insights from those who...

Lenny McLean - a name synonymous with fear and respect in the world of boxing. This infamous fighter was known for his unyielding strength and protective heart, earning him a reputation as one of England's most notorious prize-fighters. The Guv'nor...

Shirlie and Martin Kemp It's a Love Story tells the story of the British couple who have been a staple of popular culture for decades. From their early days as part of the iconic boyband East 17, to their successful music careers and family life, this...

The Book of Heaven A Story of Hope for the Outcasts, the Broken, and Those Who Lost Faith by Houston Asher and Katie Asher. This book is about more than just one person's experience with autism and trauma. It's a story of transformation, where a mother...

Aelfred's Britain: War and Peace in the Viking Age by Max Adams In 865 AD, a massive army of Norse warriors invaded England, threatening to destroy the kingdom. King Ælfred son of Æðelwulf, a new ruler of Wessex, faced an apocalyptic threat that seemed...

The Fabulous Frances Farquharson: A Life of Colour and Style Born in Seattle, Frances Lovell Oldham was a society belle with a taste for adventure. At 17, she left her hometown to pursue a career in Europe, where she charmed Eastern European princesses...

Front-line Dispatches from the Advertising War In 1970, Jerry Della Femina wrote an insider's account of working on Madison Avenue during its golden age. This gossip-filled story caused a sensation and became a cult favourite. Years later, it inspired a...

Lady Hale's remarkable story is one of perseverance and determination. As a pioneering figure in the law, she has left an indelible mark on British society. From her humble beginnings as a 'girly swot' to becoming the most senior judge in the country,...

Ludwig Bemelmans' Hotel Splendide is a charming and uproariously funny memoir that offers a unique glimpse into the world of a luxury New York hotel in the 1920s. Behind the smooth facades of the gilded dining room and banquet halls, Bemelmans uncovers...

Escape into nature with Matt Baker's heartwarming journey through the changing seasons and life on his family farm. Peppered with hand-drawn sketches and stories from his TV career, this is a touching insight into Matt's life outside of the spotlight. As...

Gerald Durrell's account of his South American adventure is a humorous and inspiring tale of wildlife exploration. When transporting animals across vast distances, it's not as simple as boarding them onto the nearest ship. Instead, Durrell sets out to...

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, SpyThis biography tells the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life, drawing together his roles as theologian and spy in a searing account of moral courage in the face of monstrous evil. With previously unavailable...

Jacques Pépin's memoir is a captivating account of his life in the kitchen, from his early days as a homesick boy working on a farm in war-ravaged France to his rise as an Emmy Award-winning chef and culinary icon.Through his journey, Pépin shares...

A Search in Secret India by Paul Brunton is a personal and introspective account of his journey through India. Living among yogis, mystics, and gurus, Brunton seeks to understand the spiritual traditions of the East. As he travels, Brunton encounters...

Steve Perryman: A Spur Forever! My Lilywhite and Blue Life is an autobiography that delves into the life of Steve Perryman, a player synonymous with Tottenham Hotspur in the 1970s and 1980s. As captain of the team, he became the record appearance maker...

The Memory Palace of Matteo Ricci by Jonathan D. Spence In 1577, Matteo Ricci embarked on an extraordinary journey from Italy to Ming dynasty China, driven by his mission to bring Christian faith and Western thought to the court of the Chinese emperor...

Gilles Deleuze: A Life of Intellectual Encounter Frida Beckman explores the life and philosophy of Gilles Deleuze, tracing his remarkable intellectual journey through numerous friendships, collaborations, and disputes with influential thinkers. From his...

A personal account of the discovery of late antiquity by one of the world's most influential historians. Peter Brown recounts his life and work, describing his efforts to recapture the spirit of an age that was previously regarded as decadent and in...

God Helped Us Smuggle Hash: An Unusual True Story of Hippies in the 1960s and the Unorthodox Love Story That Complicated It by Pepper Sweet. In the late 1960s, a cultural revolution was underway. For some, this meant rejecting the status quo and...

The Prophet's Heir: The Life of Ali ibn Abi TalibBy Hassan Abbas, Yale University Press, 256 pages, hardcover.This biography offers a nuanced and compelling portrait of Ali ibn Abi Talib, one of the most important spiritual and intellectual authorities...

This paperback edition explores themes and ideas through prose.The text is presented in English, with no further information available about the author or publisher.

The Wright Brothers by David McCullough tells the story behind the story of two brothers who changed history with their invention of the first powered machine to fly. On a winter day in 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved something that would take...

Laura Belbin's honest and humorous account of her life transformation from young woman to mother and wife is both heart-wrenching and laugh-out-loud funny. With unflinching candour, she shares her struggles with anxiety, body changes and the challenges...

Out of Egypt tells the story of André Aciman's Sephardic Jewish family, from their arrival in Egypt at the turn of the century to their forced departure three generations later. This beautifully-written memoir chronicles childhood innocence, intricate...

Susannah Constantine's Ready for Absolutely Nothing is a candid and humorous memoir that offers a fresh perspective on the life of a style icon. Beneath her status as a 'style guru', Constantine reveals a complex and varied social landscape, replete with...

Nicky Campbell's memoir, One of the Family, is a heart-wrenching and ultimately uplifting story about his journey as an adopted child. With raw honesty, he shares how Maxwell, his Labrador, helped him come to terms with his difficult past and find a...

Malcolm Alexander's life was turned upside down when he left his job in suburban Glasgow to become an island doctor. The decision was sparked by a sense of restlessness that had been growing inside him, and the opportunity to apply for the job came at...

Cue the Rocky Music is a memoir about following your dreams and finding courage in the face of adversity. Mike Kunda's journey is one of perseverance and determination, as he navigates his way through life with a sense of purpose.From wearing costumes to...

Thomas Becket: A 900-year-old Story Retold brings to life one of Britain's most complex characters. Born into a merchant family, he rose to become Archbishop of Canterbury and advised two kings, but ultimately lost everything when he defied his closest...

Jack Johnson: A Life of Defiance and Triumph The first black heavyweight champion in history, Jack Johnson's life was marked by both triumph and turmoil. Prize-winning biographer Geoffrey C. Ward brings to life the complex figure behind the headlines,...

The Last Act of Love: The Story of My Brother and His Sister by Cathy Rentzenbrink is a heart-wrenching yet uplifting tale of love, loss and survival. In 1990, tragedy struck when Matty was knocked down by a car, leaving his family to face an...

Michelangelo's final years were marked by both personal turmoil and creative triumph. As he approached his seventies, the renowned artist felt that his productive life was drawing to a close.However, fate intervened when Michelangelo was tasked with...

Going Solo is a heartwarming and empowering story about one woman's courageous decision to become a single mother. After experiencing two miscarriages and learning that her fertility levels were dwindling, Genevieve Roberts made the choice to embark on...