Biography & Autobiography

The Nomad Diaries of Isabelle Eberhardt is a deeply personal and evocative account of a life lived on the margins. Born into an aristocratic Russian family, Isabelle Eberhardt reinvented herself as a woman who defied conventions, embracing a sensualist...

Lane Moore's poignant and humorous memoir explores her journey towards acceptance and connection. Born without parents, she found solace in movies, TV, and music, which became her makeshift family.Through candid stories of her struggles with...

This book tells the story of James Aldred, a professional tree climber and adventurer who has made a career out of exploring the world's most incredible trees. With his camera in hand, he has filmed wildlife for the BBC and climbed with renowned...

Understanding the Heart: Surprising Insights into the Evolutionary Origins of Heart Disease-and Why It MattersHeart disease is one of the world's leading causes of death, yet despite advances in medical treatment and pharmaceuticals, its prevalence...

The Quest for Queen Mary by Hugo Vickers is a candid and often hilarious portrait of the eccentric aristocracy of a bygone age. Edited from James Pope-Hennessy's private notes, which were kept secret for 50 years, this book offers a unique insight into...

The seas cover over two thirds of our planet and yet most of us live our lives on land. Creatures of a different element, we are both fascinated and terrified by the beauty and power of these great bodies of water. For those who venture to sea, however,...

When the War is Over tells the heartwarming story of two young evacuees, Gwenda and Douglas Brady, who were sent to live with new families during World War II. Far from home and family, they found safety in a remote Lake District village, where they...

King Charles III: the Man and the Monarch Revealed by Robert Jobson The passing of Queen Elizabeth II sent shockwaves around the world in September 2022, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for her son, HRH Charles, Prince of...

The Living Years by Mike Rutherford tells the story of his life and career as one half of the iconic duo Genesis. Born into a naval officer's family, Michael Rutherford was raised with discipline and duty, but it was rock music that ultimately shaped his...

Jane Austen: A Perceptive Life Carol Shields offers a beautifully written and perceptive look at the life of one of England's finest novelists. A renowned novelist herself, Shields brings a deep understanding to her portrayal of Jane Austen, exploring...

Jane Boleyn: A Life of Intrigue and Loyalty In the tumultuous world of 16th-century England, Jane Boleyn's life was marked by extraordinary drama. From relative obscurity to the inner circle of King Henry VIII, she navigated a treacherous landscape where...

Winner Takes All: How Casino Mogul Steve Wynn Won-and Lost-the High Stakes Gamble to Own Las VegasA gripping story of ambition, risk and the ultimate cost of success. Christina Binkley's updated edition reveals the inside story of how Steve Wynn, one of...

Cathy Glass's Can I Let You Go? is a heart-wrenching true story about love, loss and moving on. When Faye, a young woman with learning difficulties, becomes pregnant at 24, she faces an uncertain future. With the help of Cathy and her family, who welcome...

Catherine Cookson's life story is one of remarkable resilience and determination. Born into poverty, she overcame incredible hardships to become one of Britain's most beloved novelists. Her journey, marked by abandonment, abuse, and extreme hardship, is...

Ambush at Central Park: A True Story of Vengeance and Betrayal in 1920s New York. In 1922, three Irish Republican Army gunmen arrived in New York City with a deadly mission. Their target was "Cruxy" O'Connor, a young man whose betrayal had dealt a...

Gervase Phinn's school inspections are never dull, but when he receives an unexpected visit from a six-year-old angel, he is reminded to appreciate the simple joys in life. As he navigates his personal and professional challenges, including a wedding, a...

Bretman Rock's hilarious and heartfelt collection of essays offers an unfiltered look at what it means to be one of the first digital celebrities. Born in the Philippines, Bretman shares his journey from childhood to becoming a social media sensation at...

Melanie The First Lady of Woodstock by John Lambo is the first comprehensive biography of Melanie Safka, known to millions simply as Melanie. This well-researched and compelling book tells the story of her life from childhood to present day, featuring...

Born Again is a powerful memoir that explores the author's journey from success and power to finding fulfillment in unexpected places. In 1974, Charles W. Colson pleaded guilty to Watergate-related offenses and served seven months in prison, an...

The Wu-Tang Saga: A Story of Hip-Hop's Golden Era This comprehensive biography of rap supergroup Wu-Tang Clan delves into the group's history, from their humble beginnings to their rise as cultural icons. With unparalleled access to members and...

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: A Life of Humble Faith This biography offers a fresh and accessible account of the life of D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, a man who defied expectations to become a global evangelist. Born into a medical family, Lloyd-Jones initially...

Bill McDermott's remarkable journey from his youth in Long Island to becoming one of the most celebrated CEOs of our time is a story of ambition and drive. From running a deli at just 17 years old, to rising through the ranks of Xerox Corporation, he...

Heather Morris shares stories of hope and inspiration gathered from everyday lives. A farmer's tales of war, shared with her as a child, sparked her interest in listening to others' experiences. In "Stories of Hope", she explores the art of listening,...

Tracey Thorn's memoir offers a candid and humorous look at her teenage years, growing up in suburban England. With great wit and insight, she reconsiders the post-war dream of the Green Belt, a concept that has been both mocked and romanticized by...

Goldie Gardner's remarkable story begins with a dramatic moment in 1939, as he sets a new international record for speed at over 200mph. A veteran of World War I, Goldie had overcome incredible obstacles to become a skilled racing driver. This...

Mary Boleyn: A Life of Scandal and Misunderstanding The reputation of Mary Boleyn has long been marred by scandal and myth. Her affair with Henry VIII is said to have led to the annulment of his marriage to Anne, and she is rumored to have borne a child...

Richard Wagner's music has captivated audiences for centuries, but his life and work are also marked by complex philosophical ideas and personal struggles. This book explores Wagner's intellectual journey, from his early socialist ideals to his later...

Christina Lamb's powerful account of women in war exposes the shocking scale of sexual assault in modern conflict. From the 'comfort women' of the Imperial Japanese Army to the atrocities committed during the Rwandan genocide, this book sheds light on...

James Hutton: A Life of Discovery and Genius The name James Hutton may not be as well-known as some of his contemporaries, but his contributions to science were revolutionary. As a doctor, farmer, businessman, chemist, and philosopher, he was a true...

Johan Cruyff's autobiography tells the story of his remarkable career, built on the techniques he learned playing in the streets of postwar Amsterdam. He would eventually inspire Ajax to eight league championships and three European cups, winning his...

Charles M. Schulz, the creator of one of America's most beloved cartoons, remains an enigmatic figure in American culture. This biography by acclaimed author David Michaelis offers a fresh perspective on the life and work of this iconic cartoonist...

From Handbags to Hand Grenades is a gripping true story that follows Kathryn West's remarkable career as a front-line officer in London's Metropolitan Police force. Over nearly three decades, she witnessed and participated in some of the most significant...

Tim Book Two: Vinyl Adventures from Istanbul to San FranciscoA follow-up to his critically acclaimed memoir 'Telling Stories', Tim Burgess continues his journey into the world of vinyl, this time exploring the shops that sell them. With a stellar cast of...

Death Threats from an Eight-Year-Old: The Story of Jesus Jones by Mike Edwards is a candid account of life as the frontman of one of the most successful bands of the 1990s. With chart-topping hits and a reputation for being one of the best new bands at...

New York Times Bestselling Memoir Erika Jayne's life is not just about her alter-ego - it's who she truly is. In this candid and unflinching memoir, the star of Bravo's The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills shares every aspect of her life, from her rise...

The Next Moon by Andre Hue and Ewen Southby-Tailyour tells the story of a daring life lived in the shadows. From shipwrecks to undercover missions, Hue recounts his experiences as a saboteur behind enemy lines during World War II.With thousands of lives...

Elizabeth Taylor: A Life of Glamour and Grit This authorised biography offers a fascinating and complete portrait of Elizabeth Taylor, one of the most famous film stars of the 20th century. From her early rise to fame at just twelve years old, to her...

Lab Girl: A Story of Trees, Science and Love by Hope Jahren is a memoir that delves into the world of science, love, and self-discovery. Through Jahren's remarkable stories, she shares her journey from childhood to adulthood, exploring the intersection...

Jerry Seinfeld's Is This Anything? is a collection of his favorite stand-up comedy bits, carefully curated from over 45 years of writing and performing. Organized decade by decade, this book offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of one of the...

Kwek Leng Beng's story is one of remarkable success and perseverance. As the founder of one of Asia's largest conglomerates, he has built a business empire that spans five continents and includes some of the world's most prestigious hotels. Yet, despite...

Jack Whitehall and his father Michael Whitehall present a humorous and irreverent account of their unique relationship. Written in two distinctive styles, this book reflects the larger-than-life personalities of its authors.The book is a candid portrayal...

Jersey Joe Walcott: A Boxing Biography Born into poverty in 1914, Jersey Joe Walcott turned to boxing at 16 to support his family. Despite initial struggles and limited training, he was given a second chance by a fight promoter who saw potential in his...

Abigail Favale's spiritual journey is one of unexpected twists and turns. Born into evangelicalism, she underwent a feminist awakening as a college student, reshaping her life and faith. A decade later, she found herself questioning everything, including...

Julian Barnes' new book is a complex and deeply personal work that defies easy categorisation. It's a family memoir, an exchange with his philosopher brother, a meditation on mortality and the fear of death, and a celebration of art.Through this book,...

Aquinas: A Beginner's Guide by Edward Feser provides a comprehensive introduction to the life and thought of St Thomas Aquinas, one of the most influential philosophers and theologians in Western history. This book explores his key ideas on the soul,...

Jenny Slate's debut is a dazzling exploration of life's beauty and pain. With writing that feels fresh, new, and alive, she invites readers to experience the world through her eyes - a place of wild delight and unconstrained vitality. This...

Remarkable People is an uplifting collection of inspiring stories about courage and selflessness. Dan Walker shares tales of incredible humanity, empathy, compassion, and determination to transform lives.In these challenging times, this book offers a...

A Listening Ear More Stories from the Heart of Rural Ireland by Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae's second book shares more stories of life in rural Ireland, drawing on his own experiences and observations. From his childhood to reflections on the...

Small Town Girl: Love, Lies and the Undercover Police by Donna McLean is a deeply personal and thought-provoking memoir that recounts the author's experiences with undercover police officers who infiltrated activist groups. Over 40 years, at least 20 of...

Saint Francis: A Life of Devotion Born into a wealthy family in Italy, Saint Francis of Assisi seemed destined for a life of luxury. However, after falling ill, he was forced to re-evaluate his priorities and discover the true meaning of devotion. As he...

Marva Collins' Way offers a beacon of hope in America's educational crises. This updated edition recounts Marva Collins' successful teaching strategies and inspirational advice on how to motivate children to fulfill their potential.The book shares the...

Damian Barr's memoir of surviving the tough streets of small town Scotland during the Margaret Thatcher years is a unique and tender tale. In 1984, eight-year-old Damian watched in horror as his mother ripped off her wedding ring and packed their bags...

Will McGrath's memoir and essay collection tells the story of twenty months spent in Lesotho, a small landlocked kingdom surrounded by South Africa. In this unique blend of travelogue and personal narrative, the author shares his experiences with a...

Woody Guthrie: An Intimate Life offers a fresh perspective on an American folk icon. This biography and cultural history explores how intimacy played a crucial role in Guthrie's personal and political life, revealing a complex artist who challenged...

From Faith to Revolution: A Memoir This memoir tells the story of Bella Dodd's journey from her Catholic upbringing to becoming a high-ranking member of the Communist Party USA, and ultimately finding her way back to the Church. Dodd's personal account...

Katherine Mansfield's life was marked by struggle and insecurity, yet she remained driven to create. This biography offers a fresh look at her life and achievements through her innovative short stories. Claire Harman explores ten pivotal works, revealing...

Taylor Armstrong's story is one of survival and self-discovery. After nearly six years of marriage, she found herself lost without the control that her husband had imposed on her. This experience of domestic violence left her feeling uncertain about who...

Enver Hoxha: The Iron Fist of Albania The life story of Enver Hoxha, the dictator who ruled Albania with an iron fist from 1944 until his death in 1985, remains shrouded in mystery. This biography, written by Albanian journalist Blendi Fevziu, sheds...

True Colours: My Life as the First Openly Transgender Officer in the British Armed ForcesThis memoir recounts Caroline Paige's remarkable journey, from her early struggles with gender identity to her 35-year military career, where she became the first...

Billy Connolly's Made in Scotland is a humorous and heartfelt exploration of his life and homeland. The legendary comic reflects on what it means to be Scottish, tracing his roots back to his childhood in a small town in the country. With characteristic...

Justinian Emperor, Soldier, Saint is a groundbreaking biography that offers an intimate insight into the life and times of one of history's most significant rulers. From humble beginnings to achieving almost god-like status, Peter Sarris sheds light on...

The Real Bogie and Bacall by Catherine Curzon is a captivating account of the tumultuous Hollywood romance between Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Their love story, marked by fame, adversity, and enduring passion, defies expectations and has become an...

Rachel Louise Snyder's memoir is a powerful account of her childhood in an evangelical Christian community, her teenage escape, and her career as a reporter at the frontline of violence against women.After her mother's death, Snyder was thrust into a...

The Poppy Lady: The Story of Madame Anna Guérin and the Remembrance Poppy Discover the remarkable story of Madame Anna Guérin, a woman who gave her life to supporting those affected by war. Born in 1878, she was an early feminist who became financially...

Call Me Elizabeth offers an honest and compelling look at the sex industry in the UK today. When her marriage fell apart, Dawn Annandale was left with no choice but to seek out alternative means of making ends meet.The author's story is both sad and...

Travelling to Infinity: The True Story Behind the Theory of EverythingThis memoir chronicles the extraordinary marriage between Jane Hawking and her husband, renowned physicist Stephen Hawking. As his academic success grew, so did the challenges posed by...

Richard Pryor's life was marked by both incredible creativity and profound hardship. Born into a world of brothels, he found solace in stand-up comedy, using his experiences to create a unique brand of exhilarating and harrowing entertainment. This...

Fred Karno: The Legend Behind the LaughterA biography of one of the most iconic figures in British entertainment, this book tells the story of Fred Karno's remarkable life and career.From his early days as a music hall performer to his rise as a...

Wagner's music has inspired both great admiration and intense loathing. Bryan Magee presents a penetrating analysis of the composer's work, exploring how his sensational music expresses the repressed and charged contents of the psyche. Magee examines...

Bill Evans: How My Heart Sings is the first biography in English of one of jazz's most influential pianists. Peter Pettinger offers an intimate look at Evans' life, from personal struggles to commercial success, as well as his approach to music-making...

Boyd The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War by Robert Coram is a biography that reveals the remarkable story of one of America's most influential military strategists. John Boyd, a fighter pilot with an unparalleled record in simulated air-to-air...

The Power of Days: A Story of Resilience and the Fight for Women's Equity Celeste Mergens' journey to create a grassroots effort that has helped nearly 3 million women and girls in 145 countries is a testament to the power of determination and humility...

Ted Fort's memoir offers a candid and insightful look at his life, filled with unexpected coincidences and pivotal moments. Beyond the typical rags-to-riches narrative, Ted shares his experiences building a successful international engineering business...

Phyllis Rose examines five famous Victorian marriages, probing the politics of sex and marriage expectations. She challenges inherited myths and assumptions.The lives of John Ruskin and Effie Gray, Thomas Carlyle and Jane Welsh, John Stuart Mill and...

Words Without Music: A MemoirThis memoir offers an intimate look at the creative process and the moments when life merges with art. Philip Glass, one of the most prolific and popular contemporary composers, shares his story in vivid detail.The book takes...

Crown and Sceptre: A 1000-Year History of Kings and QueensThis comprehensive account explores the tumultuous history of the British monarchy, from the Norman Conquest to the present day. Tracy Borman's engaging narrative delves into the trials and...

Phil Tufnell's memoir offers a humorous and insightful look at his career as a professional cricketer. With a career marked by both triumphs and mishaps, Tufnell shares the lessons he learned along the way.From dodgy hairstyles to dodgier nights out,...

Daniel Allen Cox spent eighteen years in a group that taught him to hate himself. He grew up with firm lines around what his religion considered unacceptable: celebrating birthdays and holidays, voting in elections, pursuing higher education, and other...

ABBA The Scrapbook by Jean-Marie Potiez is a comprehensive visual biography that chronicles the remarkable story of one of the best-loved pop groups of all time. With over 1,000 unique photographs and rare memorabilia, this fully illustrated book takes...

Letters of Napoleon by J. M. Thompson offer a unique insight into the life and personality of one of history's most influential figures. Despite his reputation as a brilliant military strategist, Napoleon's letters reveal a more complex individual,...

London's super-prime property market has never been seen in such intimate detail. A year in the life of Max, London's most exclusive property agent, reveals the highs and lows of his business, where houses sell for up to £170 million and discretion is...

Richard Russell's Liberation Through Hearing tells the remarkable story of XL Recordings' three decades on the frontline of innovation in music. As label boss, producer, and talent conductor, Russell has discovered, shaped and nurtured artists who have...

Bob Odenkirk's life is a story that defies explanation. He recounts his journey from humble beginnings in Chicago comedy clubs to a career spanning decades, genres, and continents.A chance meeting with Del Close led him down the path of writing for...

Alix O'Neill's memoir offers a unique perspective on growing up in Belfast during the thirty-year conflict. Born and raised on the Falls Road, she recounts her experiences with humor and insight, sharing stories of teenage obsessions, family quirks, and...

Lime Street at Two continues Helen Forrester's moving story of her early life, set against the backdrop of war-torn Liverpool. In 1940, at just twenty years old, Helen is working long hours at a welfare centre in Bootle, struggling to make ends meet...

Frank Sinatra: A Life Behind the Myth This revised edition of J Randy Taraborrelli's biography offers an intimate look at Frank Sinatra's private life, revealing the complexities and emotions that lay beneath his iconic public persona. Through hundreds...

Wolfram The Boy Who Went to War by Giles Milton is a powerful and poignant account of one young man's survival during World War II. The story follows the family of an 18-year-old German boy, whose life was turned upside down as war engulfed his homeland...

Bitcoin Billionaires: A True Story of Genius, Betrayal and Redemption by Ben Mezrich. The story of the Winklevoss brothers' rise to bitcoin billionaires is one of unexpected twists and turns. Planning to start careers as venture capitalists, they soon...

Peggy and Me is a hilarious and heartwarming memoir about the author's life with her beloved Shih-Tzu Bichon Frise cross puppy, Peggy. The story begins when Miranda Hart adopted Peggy during a low point in her life, and she recounts the challenges of...

This is Evie Meg's debut book, sharing her personal story of living with Tourette's Syndrome. In this honest and open account, she recounts her journey from diagnosis to navigating the challenges that come with the condition.Evie also shares stories...

The extraordinary memoir from Japan's foremost geisha. Mineko Iwasaki recounts her journey from childhood to becoming one of the most renowned geishas in Gion, a world of mystery and intrigue.From her early days as a shy child with striking features,...

Leo Tolstoy's passionate writings explore fundamental questions about faith, morality and the human condition. This collection includes some of his most significant essays, offering insight into his intellectual search for truth and a more authentic...

This captivating biography chronicles the astonishing courage of Andrée Griotteray, a teenage girl in Nazi-occupied Paris who became a hero of the French Resistance. Written by her own daughter, Francelle Bradford White, this movingly written account...

James Cagney's autobiography offers an intimate look at his life and career.The actor shares his story in his own words, providing a unique perspective on his experiences as a performer and beyond.This candid memoir provides insight into the life of a...

The Rolling Stones Sixty Years by Christopher Sandford is a gripping account of the band's remarkable 60 years at the top of the rock industry. In the early days, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were just two of five young musicians with big dreams and...

Ruby Wax's memoirs were met with shock and acclaim in 2002. In this unflinching account, she reveals a childhood marred by adversity and a youth marked by privilege, leading to a breakdown and ultimately, recovery. The result is a candid exploration of...

Ted Kooser's family stories are as vibrant and enduring as the Iowa landscape that has nurtured them. With a poet's eye for detail, he captures the beauty of his mother's family in precise, evocative language. At the heart of this narrative is Elvy, a...

A day in the life of London's luxury hotel industry is revealed in this candid and often shocking memoir. As Anonymous shares their experiences working behind the scenes, the glamour of wealth and power gives way to the harsh realities of human nature...

Terry Dene's story is one of tragic neglect and abandonment. Dan Wooding's biography reveals the harsh realities of Terry's life, including the cruel treatment he suffered at the hands of those who should have known better. The author sheds light on the...

Callum L Gamble's journey from frustration to self-discovery is a powerful exploration of what it means to be different. After hitting rock bottom, he began writing down his experiences and was surprised by the insights that emerged. As he shares his...