Biography & Autobiography

Vivien Leigh: A Groundbreaking Biography Alan Strachan's comprehensive new biography offers a fresh and detailed portrait of one of cinema history's most iconic actresses. Drawing on previously unseen sources from her archive, now held by the V&A, this...

Forty Autumns: A Family's Story of Courage and Survival on Both Sides of the Berlin Wall by Nina Willner. The story of Hanna, a schoolteacher's daughter who escaped to the West after the end of World War II, is one of survival and courage. Separated from...

Mod to Rocker: A 60s Rock 'n' Roll JourneyThis eyewitness account takes you back to the gritty world of rock 'n' roll during the Swinging Sixties. Post-war Britain was ready for change, and youth culture was taking on the establishment. The result was a...

Andy Cohen's most important job takes centre stage in this hilarious and heartwarming account of his life as a father. After a New Year's Eve broadcast, he wakes up to a hangover and the responsibilities of parenthood. As he navigates life at home with...

Shirley MacLaine's memoir chronicles her remarkable experiences filming Wild Oats in the Canary Islands. Despite initial doubts from her agent and production challenges, she found herself drawn to the film's location shoot, which became a pivotal moment...

Love Child: A Memoir of Family Lost and FoundThis memoir tells the story of Allegra Huston's journey to discover her family's secrets and forge connections with those she never knew. Born to a legendary film director, Allegra's early life was marked by...

Alan Turing Remarkable Lives by Dermot Turing is a fascinating biography that sheds new light on the life of a remarkable individual. Recent research has uncovered fresh perspectives, making this story accessible to modern readers. Turing's life was...

Philip II: A New Life. This biography offers a fresh perspective on one of Europe's most powerful monarchs. Philip II (1527-1598) was the king who married Mary Tudor and launched the Spanish Armada against her sister Elizabeth I. Drawing on four decades...

Charles: The Heart of a King by Catherine Mayer is a landmark publication that offers fresh and fascinating insights into the life of Prince Charles. Born to be king, yet he aims much higher, this biography reveals the complexities of a man who has lived...

Michael Ball's remarkable career spans over three decades, with a string of iconic roles in musical theatre that have captivated audiences nationwide. From his breakout performance in Les Miserables to his critically acclaimed portrayals in Aspects Of...

A gripping and unflinching account of life in Baghdad during the Iraq War, as seen through the eyes of a young journalist. Michael Hastings recounts his experiences covering the conflict for Newsweek, from the chaos and violence of the front lines to the...

Behind the celebrated code-breaking at Bletchley Park lies another secret. The men and women of the 'Y' Service were sent out across the world to run listening stations, intercepting German military messages for decoding back at Bletchley Park. Their...

A nurse's compassion and empathy are forged in the fire of human connection. In "How to Treat People", Molly Case shares stories of extraordinary moments that define us as people.Through rich, lyrical prose, she introduces readers to patients navigating...

A Curious Boy: The Making of a Scientist by Richard Fortey is a memoir that reveals a life shaped by truth and courage. This remarkable story follows the author's journey from restless curiosity about the natural world to becoming a leading scientist and...

Jack Charlton's autobiography tells the story of a man whose strength of character has driven him to achievements beyond his natural talents. Born in Ashington, Northumberland, Jack grew up with football in his blood and went on to play for England's...

Tracey Thorn's My Rock 'n' Roll Friend is an exploration of female friendship and women in music. A personal and insightful look at her own experiences, it offers a unique perspective on the power of relationships and creative expression.Written by the...

Iris Origo: A Life of Perseverance and Courage Iris Origo was a remarkable woman whose life was marked by intelligence, wit, and unwavering commitment to her values. Born into an American family in Italy, she grew up with a unique blend of cultures that...

Vampira: Dark Goddess of Horror by W. Scott Poole is a fascinating exploration of 1950s America and its treatment of women and sex, as well as a captivating story about the life of Maila Nurmi, who reinvented herself as Vampira during this era. Nurmi's...

Loved as I Am: An Invitation to Conversion, Healing, and Freedom through JesusSr. Miriam James Heidland's journey from athletic ambition to a deepening relationship with Christ is one of transformation and hope.Through her story, she invites readers to...

Des Geraghty's memoir offers an intimate look at the life and career of Luke Kelly, a singer and folk musician who was one of the most iconic figures of Irish music in the 1960s and 1970s.Kelly emigrated to Britain in 1958, but it was his time with The...

Evelyn Atkins and her sister Babs embarked on an unexpected adventure when they bought an island off Cornwall. After years of leading a humdrum life in suburban Surrey, Evelyn's early retirement from her demanding job gave the sisters the freedom to...

Isaac Newton was a man of remarkable genius who made his most significant contributions to science before the age of twenty-five. During a period of great isolation, he found himself in the prime of age for invention, as he wrote.This biography sheds...

A remarkable recounting of a human journey through an inhumane world. This graphic novel tells the story of a young Syrian who was forced to flee his home after war and torture, and his struggles to survive and dream of returning. As he travels from...

Alexis de Tocqueville's work on American democracy remains unparalleled in its insight and depth. In his landmark Democracy in America, published in two volumes between 1835 and 1840, Tocqueville offered a profound analysis of the US system of government...

The Coppers' Lot offers a unique insight into the world of policing in Britain today. This book takes readers on a journey through the experiences of exceptional police officers who have put their lives at risk to protect and serve their communities.From...

Rassie Erasmus shares his remarkable life story and experiences in this candid memoir. A true original, Rassie has never been afraid to challenge the status quo, whether as a player or coach at the highest level of rugby. From his early days as a key...

Stuck in the Middle with Ewe: or how I Lost My Heart and Found My Flock in Northern Ireland by Holly Crawford. In this humorous and poignant memoir, English journalist Holly Crawford recounts her whirlwind romance with a Northern Irish farmer. When she...

Christian O'Connell's decision to leave his high-profile radio job in London was not just a sudden change of heart, but a calculated risk that would take him to the other side of the world. With millions of listeners and numerous awards under his belt,...

The Sanest Guy in the Room: A Life in Lyrics is a compelling memoir that offers a unique glimpse into the life and career of songwriter Don Black. With a career spanning decades, Black has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Shirley...

Gary Bell's riotous legal career has been the subject of much discussion, as seen on BBC Breakfast. In this autobiography, QC Gary Bell recounts his life in law, sharing stories from his remarkable career. Bell's journey is one of twists and turns,...

Jimmy Bullard's story is one of genuine passion for football and a life lived on his own terms. Before turning pro, he worked as a painter and decorator, giving him a unique perspective on the game. With a straightforward approach to the sport, Jimmy has...

This Road I Ride is a testament to the power of sheer will and determination. Juliana Buhring's incredible journey from novice cyclist to Guinness World Record holder is a story of adventure, resilience, and self-discovery.After a life-changing event,...

Victoria Sweet's memoir God's Hotel explores the intersection of medicine and humanity through her experiences at Laguna Honda Hospital. This unique hospital, with its low-tech approach to care, became a transformative environment for Sweet, who...

Dostoevsky's life was marked by brilliance and brutality. From his early days as a revolutionary to his later acceptance into the Tsar's inner circle, he navigated a world of seismic change in Russia. Amidst this turmoil, he found time to write some of...

From storeroom to boardroom: a journey of integrity and courage in global business. Babs Omotowa's remarkable story challenges conventional perceptions of African business leaders. With a career that defies expectations, he has shown that issues like...

Kyle Carpenter's remarkable memoir reveals a central truth: life is worth everything we've got. On November 21, 2010, Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter made an unforgettable act of selfless heroism in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, sacrificing his own body...

An Iron Girl in a Velvet Glove: The Life of Joan Rhodes tells the fascinating and tumultuous story of a woman who followed her own unique path. Born into poverty in 1920s London, Joan Rhodes endured a difficult start to life before forging a superhuman...

Cleopatra: Last Queen of Egypt A biography that strips away preconceptions to reveal the true story of one of history's most fascinating figures. Joyce Tyldesley, an expert in ancient Egyptian culture, uses her knowledge to create a comprehensive and...

Sola chronicles the true story of a young woman's journey across South America, from the narrow comforts of her old life to the vibrant foreign continent that captivated her heart. Along the way, she encounters a cast of characters who challenge her...

Discover one of Twentieth-Century Russia's most celebrated autobiographies, now in a remarkable new translation. Konstantin Paustovsky's masterpiece, 'The Story of a Life', is a grand and novelistic memoir that spans his life from Ukrainian youth to...

The Journal Of Sir Walter Scott (Canongate Classics S) Sir Walter Scott's personal journal is a remarkable account of his life over six years, from 1820 to 1826. During this period, he struggled with financial ruin, bereavement, and declining health, yet...

John Cheever's journals offer a unique glimpse into the inner life of this complex and conflicted writer. Through his candid and often startling entries, we see a man torn between love and loneliness, desire and self-loathing.The contradictions that...

The Crane Wife: A Memoir in Essays by C. J. Hauser is an elegant and humorous exploration of life's unexpected twists. Ten days after calling off her wedding, CJ embarked on an expedition to study the whooping crane, only to discover she had almost...

Set in 66 Queen Street, Edinburgh's New Town, this book tells the story of people and events associated with the house for 210 years, from 1790. It explores how the Scottish Enlightenment shaped the lives of its diverse characters, who range from heroes...

Howard Hughes: His Life and Madness The enigmatic life of Howard Hughes has captivated the public imagination with its unique blend of secrecy, luxury, and reclusiveness. This biography delves behind the glamour to reveal the complexities of Hughes'...

Adam Gamal's memoir offers an unprecedented glimpse into America's most secretive military unit. As one of its few Muslim Arab American members, Gamal shares his personal story of service and sacrifice, from arriving in the US as a young man with limited...

In 1992, Horace's dream of becoming a rockstar with his band the Pointy Birds seemed within reach. However, his day job at a Soho record store was stealing all his time and energy. Then, someone called Ricky offered to manage the band, and finally, the...

Dani Shapiro's life was turned upside down when her parents were involved in a devastating car accident. At just twenty-three years old, she received a phone call that would change everything - neither of her parents was expected to survive. In this...

Motor Neurone Disease is a cruel affliction that gradually strips away independence and dignity, leaving both sufferers and carers trapped in a devastating cycle. This book chronicles one couple's harrowing experience with the condition, revealing its...

T.S. Eliot's life was marked by extremes - both his high virtues and deep flaws were intertwined. This biography by Lyndall Gordon offers a perceptive exploration of the poet's work, as well as his relationships with four women who played significant...

Sharon Gless shares her unflinching story in this candid memoir about five decades in Hollywood. With a career spanning groundbreaking roles and iconic TV shows, Gless pulls back the curtain on her life, revealing the highs and lows of her remarkable...

Trans tells the story of Juliet Jacques' life to the present moment, from her early days as a writer navigating a world dominated by London cliques, to her journey of self-discovery and transition.In this unflinching memoir, Jacques chronicles her...

Gideon Lewis-Kraus embarked on a journey to find meaning and connection in his life. After leaving behind the pain of his past, he set out to explore the world and discover new ways of living. He undertook three ancient pilgrimages: walking the Camino de...

The King Who Had to Go: Edward VIII, Mrs Simpson and the Hidden Politics of the Abdication Crisis In 1936, the British monarchy was plunged into crisis when King Edward VIII announced his intention to marry Wallis Simpson. The government's response was...

Baron Gustaf Mannerheim was a figure of immense complexity and achievement in the 20th century. His life spanned two world wars, espionage, and leadership, as he defied capture by the Bolsheviks to lead Finland's resistance against Russia. Mannerheim's...

Girl Walks Out of a Bar: A Memoir by Lisa F. Smith is a candid and darkly comic account of her formative years, marked by alcoholism, divorce, and recovery. Lisa Smith's story is one of how addiction can flourish in the midst of success, as she recounts...

Amyr Klink's solo circumnavigation below the Antarctic Convergence is a testament to his seamanship and dedication to the art of Southern Ocean sailing. In "Endless Sea Alone Around Antarctica--As Far South as a Boat Can Sail", he recounts his journey...

Madonna: An Intimate Biography of an Icon at Sixty For over three decades, Madonna has been a constant presence in popular culture. This definitive biography offers a unique insight into her life, from her early days as a driven young woman to the...

A beautifully written memoir about the life and love between twins, exploring the complexities of twin relationships and the raw experience of loss. This heartfelt book shares Eva Jo Sombathy's story with her twin Neva, offering a poignant love story...

Liz Phair's memoir in stories offers a genre-bending exploration of her life and career. With raw candor and deft storytelling, she reflects on pivotal moments that have stayed with her, revealing the indelible memories that make up our humanity. Phair...

Bette Davis's final years were marked by a remarkable career renaissance, and Kathryn Sermak was privileged to witness it firsthand. For ten years, Kathryn worked closely with Bette, learning the ins and outs of her demanding life. Their time together...

Stuey Ungar, the world's greatest poker player, was a man who won at his game and lost control of his life. Commissioned by Stuey in 1998, this intimate biography is based on hundreds of hours of taped interviews and conversations. Born into a Jewish...

David McCullagh's biography of Eamon de Valera is a groundbreaking portrait of one of Ireland's most consequential figures. De Valera was a leader of the Easter Rising, a rebel during the Civil War, and later the founder of Fianna Fail and President of...

A memoir from one of America's most celebrated chefs, Kwame Onwuachi, offers a powerful and heartfelt account of his culinary coming-of-age. Born into a Nigerian family in New York, Onwuachi recounts the journey that took him from selling drugs to...

Anthony Salvin: Pioneer of Gothic Revival ArchitectureThis comprehensive study sheds new light on the life and works of Anthony Salvin, one of Britain's most important architects during the 19th century. Incorporating previously unpublished material, Dr...

Rebecca Weller's journey to sobriety began with a simple yet profound question: how could she live without alcohol? At 39 and a Health Coach, she knew better than to down several bottles of wine per week. Yet, after decades of social drinking, the...

Boris Johnson: The Rise and Fall of a Troublemaker at Number 10 by Andrew Gimson is an in-depth account of Boris Johnson's time as prime minister, from his landslide election victory to his tumultuous resignation. Gimson sheds light on the factors that...

Julie Tullis's remarkable life story is one of determination and courage. Born in London during World War II, she recounts her early days and family life before turning to climbing as a way to cope with the challenges of her time.Tullis's passion for...

Yukio Mishima: A Life of Turbulent Genius This biography offers an intimate and insightful look at the life of Yukio Mishima, one of Japan's most famous figures in the 20th century. Written by Henry Scott Stokes, who was among the few non-Japanese...

Ari Gold's memoir offers a candid look at his career as one of Hollywood's most powerful agents. With a ruthless approach to deal-making and client relationships, he built a reputation that made him highly sought after until his retirement in 2011. This...

Joseph Smith survives today as one of nineteenth-century America's most controversial religious figures. He claimed visions of angels, dictated a lost record of the ancient inhabitants of the New World, announced new revelations from heaven, and restored...

A heart-warming story of devotion and perseverance, At the Coalface is the memoir of Joan Hart, a pioneering nurse who dedicated her life to helping others. Born in 1932, Joan began her nursing training at just 16 years old, before going on to work in...

Forty Nights is a harrowing and often hilarious account of addiction and one man's journey to recovery. After suffering severe psychosis from crystal meth addiction, former commando Chris Thrall refused medical intervention and let his life descend into...

A powerful memoir of overcoming adversity that will appeal to readers you to find strength from within and shape your own destiny. Bharti Dhir's life was forever changed when she was abandoned as a baby, only to be found by a passerby in the Ugandan heat...

London Hughes' memoir offers an uplifting and humorous account of her journey to self-discovery and success. From secretly writing Frasier fan fiction as a teenager to becoming a stand-up comedian, actress, and host of The Netflix Afterparty, London's...

Normandiefront: D-Day to Saint-Lô Through German Eyes offers a unique perspective on one of history's most pivotal moments. For decades, the story of D-Day has been told from an Allied point of view, but this book provides a fresh and alternative account...

Wallis in Love: A New Perspective on the Duchess of Windsor's Life. Andrew Morton presents a fresh and fascinating portrait of Wallis Simpson, the woman who captivated the Prince of Wales and became the Duchess of Windsor. Through meticulous research and...

Michel Leiris's fourth and final volume of his renowned autobiography is now available in English for the first time. Translated by Richard Sieburth, this monumental work brings to light the life of an ex-surrealist and maverick anthropologist who...

Sydney Kentridge was a lawyer whose everyday fights against injustice left an indelible mark on his country's struggle for racial equality. His story is inextricably linked to South Africa's emergence from apartheid, and he played a pivotal role in some...

Ryan Hall's journey to becoming an Olympic athlete and American record holder in the half marathon is one of transformation and discovery. As a child, he hated running, but a single day changed everything when he felt compelled to run 15 miles around his...

Sylvia Kristel's candid and heartbreakingly honest memoir reveals the highs and lows of her meteoric rise to international superstardom. After winning the Miss TV Europe competition in 1973, she auditioned for the lead role in Emmanuelle, which...

Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl is a powerful and unflinching account of one woman's struggle for freedom and self-preservation. Written by Harriet Jacobs, this autobiographical memoir chronicles her harrowing escape from slavery and her seven...

Rudolf II: A Fresh Perspective on the Mad Emperor Thomas DaCosta Kaufmann offers a new interpretation of Rudolf II's reign, challenging the common perception of the Habsburg ruler as a recluse. Instead, Kaufmann presents a nuanced portrait of an engaged...

Henrietta Maria Conspirator, Warrior, Phoenix Queen by Leanda de Lisle A fresh perspective on one of history's most reviled consorts. This biography retells the story of the civil war from Henrietta Maria's point of view, unpicking myths to reveal a...

American Standard: Cheap Trick from the Bars to the Budokan and Beyond tells the story of one of rock's most unlikely success stories. From their humble beginnings in Rockford, Illinois, to their rise to international stardom, this is a tale of artistic...

A Perfect Union of Contrary Things is the definitive biography of musician and vintner Maynard James Keenan. Co-author Sarah Jensen's 30-year friendship with Keenan provides unique insight into his life and career, tracing his journey from childhood to...

The Tangier Diaries is a memoir that brings to life the decadent and flamboyant world of 1960s and '70s Tangier. This edge city, known as the 'Interzone', was a magnet for artists, writers, millionaires, and socialites who sought an intense and...

Widows of the Ice: The Women That Scott's Antarctic Expedition Left Behind by Anne Fletcher. In 1912, three women were left to pick up the pieces after their husbands' tragic deaths in Antarctica. Kathleen, Oriana and Lois had been married to Captain...

This humorous and incisive reflection on education is Daniel Pennac's autobiography, offering a unique perspective on his journey from being a self-described "dunce" to becoming a brilliant teacher and bestselling author.Through his story, Pennac shares...

Goodbye Sarajevo: A True Story of Courage, Love and SurvivalIn May 1992, Hana's life was forever changed when her sister Atka put her on a UN evacuation bus fleeing the besieged city of Sarajevo. Separated from each other for months, their promise to be...

Ross Kemp's life has been a series of wild adventures and unexpected twists. Born into a family that spent most of its time in his mother's hairdressing salon, Ross grew up with an imagination that took him far beyond the fields and streams at the end of...

Britney: Pieces of a Modern Icon by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike is a thought-provoking exploration of the artist's enduring impact on popular culture. This narrative weaves together a diverse range of stories, interviews and experiences to create a nuanced...

Saadat Hasan Manto's life and work serve as a prism to capture the human dimension of sectarian conflict in the final decades and immediate aftermath of the British raj. Ayesha Jalal draws on Manto's stories, sketches, and essays, as well as a trove of...

Ma, He Sold Me for a Few Cigarettes is a heart-rending memoir that recounts the author's early life in poverty-stricken Dublin. Born into a tumultuous and impoverished household, Martha Long shares her story of resilience and determination.With...

Begun as a collection of anecdotes for his son, Benjamin Franklin's autobiography has become a self-portrait of an American icon. Written by one of America's most remarkable figures, this memoir chronicles his achievements in literature, science and...

Marie-Antoinette: The Making of a French QueenA fresh perspective on one of history's most misunderstood monarchs, this biography fundamentally redefines our understanding of Marie-Antoinette.John Hardman sheds new light on Marie-Antoinette's role in the...

Who Dares Wins: The Sequel to Born FearlessBig Phil Campion shares his deeply personal life story, warts and all. From suffering terrible abuse in kids' homes to psychological abuse at a top public school, he guides you through his soldiering career,...

Street Boys: 7 Kids. 1 Estate. No Way Out is a powerful true story about seven young boys who grew up in a London street gang, facing guns, gangs and violence on one of Britain's toughest estates.From the age of eight, life took a drastic turn for these...

Dame Vera Lynn's wartime memoir recounts her experiences entertaining troops in Burma during World War II. At 27 years old, she embarked on an adventure that changed her life forever, driven by a desire to make a difference. This powerful and...

Ed Balls' memoir offers a candid and insightful look at his life in politics, from opposition to government. With unflinching honesty, he shares lessons learned from successes and failures, providing a unique perspective on the inner workings of...