Biography & Autobiography

Sam Phillips: The Man Who Invented Rock 'n' Roll by Peter Guralnick The life and legacy of Sam Phillips, the visionary genius behind Sun Records, is revealed in this comprehensive biography. At the heart of the story are the revolutionary recordings that...

The Great Pianists brings to life the brilliant and eccentric personalities, methods, and technical peculiarities of history's greatest pianists. Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Harold C. Schonberg presents vivid accounts of their performances, styles, and...

Katharine Hepburn: A Life Beyond Legend This biography delves into the life and persona of Katharine Hepburn, one of Hollywood's most enduring stars. William J. Mann explores her remarkable journey from a young woman in Hartford, Connecticut, to a global...

The Gilded Chalet by Padraig Rooney explores how Switzerland became the landscape of our imagination. From its role in shaping literary classics to its history as a refuge for writers, this book delves into the country's enduring influence on...

A New Song: From the Backstreets of Liverpool to a Global House Fellowship MovementThis book tells the story of how God transformed lives through the ministry of men like Mr G.W. North, Norman Meeten and Dave Wetherly. Captivating testimonies from...

The Psychic Soldier: A True Story of One Man's Journey from Childhood to the SAS and Beyond. Bob Curry's life was forever changed when he discovered his "light at the end of the tunnel" during a school trip to an army base. He found solace in the...

The Rise and Fall of Osama Bin Laden by Peter L. Bergen is a comprehensive biography that reevaluates the life of a man who set the course of American foreign policy for the 21st century. This book sheds light on the contradictions of bin Laden's life,...

Vita Sackville-West brings her legendary wit and passion to this colourful family portrait. Born into a long line of extraordinary women, she tells the stories of her grandmother Pepita and mother Victoria, two women who defied convention and forged...

The Letters Project: A Daughter's Journey Eleanor Reissa's memoir is a powerful exploration of identity, family, and history. In 1986, while sorting through her mother's belongings after her passing, the author discovered an old leather purse containing...

Steve Hunt's story is one of unexpected twists and turns. In 1980, at just 20 years old, he was transferred from Aston Villa to New York Cosmos, joining a team of superstars including Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer. This experience marked the beginning of an...

The Street of Disillusion by Harry Procter Harry Procter's ambition was to become a top reporter in Fleet Street. Inspired by a 15-year-old classic, he achieved his goal at 22 and landed a job on the Daily Mail. He went on to scoop the nation with human...

The story of the Rolling Stones is one of epic rock 'n' roll. Their music defined today's cultural landscape and their history remains endlessly fascinating for fans worldwide. Yet, one crucial part of that story has never been fully explored: Brian...

Bad News: How Woke Media Is Undermining Democracy by Batya Ungar-Sargon explores how American journalism has shifted towards an elite profession, prioritizing the concerns of affluent, highly educated peers over those of the working class. This shift is...

Henry VIII's Last Victim: The Life and Times of Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey A complex figure of Henry VIII's reign, Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, was both celebrated for his chivalrous deeds and marked by insecurity and loneliness. As the heir of...

Journey into the Whirlwind is a powerful memoir of survival and resilience, recounting Eugenia Semyonovna Ginzburg's harrowing eighteen-year experience in the Soviet Union's prisons and labor camps. Arrested on trumped-up charges, she was sentenced to...

B. S. Johnson was a man of unyielding conviction, whose fierce commitment to truth and honesty earned him both respect and notoriety in his lifetime. As a young novelist in 1960s Britain, he was a passionate advocate for the avant-garde, using his...

The 30th anniversary of the invasion of the Falkland Islands in April 2012 marks a pivotal moment in recent history. This is the story of the young helicopter pilots who risked their lives during this brief but ferocious war.Most barely out of their...

Jimmy Page: A Life Behind the Mystery A comprehensive biography of Led Zeppelin's enigmatic guitarist, this book delves into the life and trials of Jimmy Page. Drawing on interviews with Page himself and those closest to him, Chris Salewicz reveals the...

Sir David Attenborough's career as a naturalist and broadcaster spans nearly six decades. In this volume of memoirs, he shares stories of the people and animals he has met and the places he has visited. Attenborough began his journey after graduating...

Philip Larkin's Selected Letters reveal a more complex figure than his poetry alone might suggest. This collection of letters offers an astonishing view of a great poet's progress, from youth to age, and provides a biographical document that no serious...

Jacques Anquetil's remarkable life is one of astonishing achievements and shocking secrets. A five-time winner of the Tour de France, he also claimed all three grand tours and won both the Tour and Vuelta in the same year. However, behind his cycling...

Joan Bakewell's life has been a rich tapestry of experiences, from her early days as a teacher and copywriter to her current role as a broadcaster and Member of the House of Lords. Now in her 80s, she reflects on the world as it has changed and the...

Catherine Simpson's memoir, When I Had a Little Sister, is a deeply personal and poignant account of growing up in a farming family. The story centers around her younger sister Tricia's tragic death by suicide at the age of 46, an event that had a...

Phil Tufnell's life has been a rollercoaster ride of twists and turns since he retired from cricket in 2003. From his days as an England spinner to his current role as a television and radio presenter, Tufnell has never been short on excitement.In "Where...

Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times by H. W. Brands A comprehensive biography that reshapes our understanding of America's seventh president, Andrew Jackson, and the Age of Democracy he ushered in. Born into poverty, Jackson rose to become a lawyer,...

Fedegraphica: A Graphic Biography of the Genius of Roger Federer is a unique and visually stunning exploration of the tennis legend's remarkable career. Beautiful infographics, stunning photography, and insightful analysis come together to showcase...

Francesco di Marco Datini's life is a remarkable portrait of a medieval Italian merchant. Through an astonishing collection of letters discovered centuries after his death, Iris Origo brings to life the story of a shrewd and enterprising man who...

The Quantum Astrologer's Handbook by Michael Brooks is a groundbreaking work that brings to life the remarkable story of Jerome Cardano. This 16th-century polymath was a gambler, inventor, and astrologer who made significant contributions to quantum...

John Blake's personal journey to reconcile with his white mother and find his place in the world is a powerful exploration of identity, faith, and forgiveness. Born into a notorious Black neighborhood in Baltimore, Blake grew up hiding his true heritage...

Boy on Fire: The Young Nick Cave is a deeply insightful biography that charts the formative years of the artist who would become one of rock 'n' roll's most iconic figures. Mark Mordue's masterful portrayal reveals how Nick Cave shaped himself into the...

Idi Amin: A Complex Legacy A nuanced and sophisticated examination of one of Africa's most infamous leaders. Mark Leopold's biography delves into the life of Idi Amin, tracing his rise to power in a British-backed coup and the violent dictatorship that...

This memoir tells the story of a century-long marriage between two people from different worlds. Vikram Seth's great uncle and aunt's love affair, spanning generations, is a fascinating exploration of their lives and experiences.Set against the backdrop...

In 1956, Deborah, Duchess of Devonshire, invited writer Patrick Leigh Fermor to visit her home in Ireland. This visit sparked a lifelong friendship and a series of entertaining letters.Their correspondence is marked by contrasting styles: Debo's...

The Unraveling: Reflections on Politics Without Ethics and Democracy in CrisisThis thought-provoking book offers a unique perspective on modern American politics, exploring the decline of moral compass among politicians and its impact on democracy...

Thousands of people around the world have experienced extraordinary signs from heaven to prove that the spirit world is real. In this book, Jacky Newcomb shares some of the thousands of tales she has heard about messages from the other side.From the...

Harry Drinkwater's War is a personal account of his experiences in World War I. Despite being told he was too short for service, Harry joined up and found himself in the trenches of the Somme. He survived unimaginable violence and recorded his...

Sir Steve Redgrave shares inspiring stories and his own experiences that reveal what it takes to succeed in sport. He assesses the factors behind record-breaking achievements and moments of brilliance, from remarkable feats like the four-minute mile to...

Looking for Spinoza: Joy, Sorrow and the Feeling BrainA neuroscientist's quest to understand the role of emotions in human survival and culture, tracing the influence of 17th-century philosopher Baruch Spinoza on modern neuroscience.Damasio draws on...

Lawrence Durrell's life and writing career are meticulously documented in this chronological chronicle. Spanning from 1851 to 2019, the book takes readers through key events that shaped his reputation after his passing. The work is divided into three...

Glen Campbell's life was marked by incredible talent and personal struggles. As a studio musician for the world-famous Wrecking Crew, he contributed to numerous iconic recordings in the 1960s and 1970s. With a career spanning over 50 years, Campbell...

Winston Churchill by His Personal Secretary: A Unique Perspective on the War Leader's Life. Elizabeth Nel served as Winston Churchill's personal secretary during World War II, providing a unique insight into his life and experiences. This memoir takes...

A powerful collection of essays about gender, sexuality, race, beauty, Hollywood, and what it means to be a modern woman. Gabrielle Union shares her personal stories with honesty and humor, tackling experiences such as bullying, beauty standards,...

Anti-Social: The Secret Diary of an Anti-Social Behaviour Officer is a deeply personal and often humorous account of one man's experiences as a council worker tasked with keeping his community in balance.The author's job is to navigate the complexities...

Discover the life and teachings of Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, the renowned Indian yoga master who modernized yoga practice. This personal tribute by one of his longtime disciples offers a fascinating glimpse into the man and his legacy.A...

Killing Time: The Autobiography of Paul FeyerabendThis is the story of Paul Feyerabend's life, written just weeks before his death in 1994. A philosopher of science and former physics student, Feyerabend was known for his powerful critiques of...

In 2002, three young women founded Diwan, Cairo's first independent bookstore. At the time, books were considered a luxury, not a necessity, and culture was struggling under government mismanagement. These three women faced numerous challenges as they...

Operation Insanity: The Dramatic True Story of the Mission That Saved 10,000 LivesIn the summer of 1995, the town of Gora de came under attack from the Bosnian Serb Army, despite being designated a Safe Area by the United Nations. British soldiers were...

Benvenuto Cellini's autobiography is a vivid account of daily life in Renaissance Italy, offering a unique glimpse into the artist's world.The book chronicles Cellini's experiences as an artist-craftsman, including his relationships with famous figures...

Lynn Toler shares her mother's wisdom for learning to conquer anger and become immune to insult in this unique and inspirational memoir. Her "rules" for life, shaped by growing up as the daughter of a poor teenager mother and enduring a husband with...

Yusif Sayigh's memoir offers a unique perspective on the Palestinian national movement and the Middle East during a period of immense political change. Born in al-Bassa, near Acre in northern Palestine, Sayigh recounts his formative years in the Levant,...

David Bowie: The Last Interview and Other Conversations by David Bowie. This collection of interviews offers a unique insight into the life and artistry of one of music's most influential figures. From his early days as a teenager on the BBC to his...

Prince Charles: A Life of Contrasts This biography offers a fresh and authoritative look at Prince Charles, the oldest heir to the throne in over three hundred years. Based on four years of research and hundreds of interviews with palace officials,...

W.B. Yeats: A Life of Poetry and Politics William Butler Yeats is widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of the twentieth century. His early work, marked by its use of Celtic mythology and lyrical directness, established him as a rising talent in...

Isabel de Clare was a woman of remarkable influence in medieval Europe. Born into a family of kings and freebooters, she inherited wealth and power through her father's ambitions.Married at just 18 to William Marshal, known as the greatest knight who...

Stephen Matthews' childhood was marked by unimaginable hardship and trauma. At just six years old, he witnessed the devastating effects of war firsthand as his family was deported from Guernsey to a German concentration camp. The experience left an...

The Line Becomes a River: Dispatches from the Mexican Border by Francisco Cantú A gripping memoir of life as a US Border Patrol agent, and the moral dilemmas that come with defending a border that is increasingly blurred. Francisco Cantú recounts his...

Willem de Kooning: An American Master is a comprehensive and authoritative biography that explores the life and work of one of the most important artists of the twentieth century. Based on previously unseen letters and documents, as well as hundreds of...

Jimmy Buchan's memoir, Trawlerman, is a gripping and often humorous account of life as a fishing vessel skipper in one of Europe's most challenging industries. Spanning thirty years, Buchan's story takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows,...

Kwame Nkrumah: The Father of African Nationalism by David Birmingham is a biography that chronicles the life and public accomplishments of this extraordinary leader. Born in 1909, Nkrumah became president of Ghana in 1960 and campaigned tirelessly for...

Claire Richards' honest and candid memoir takes readers on a journey from her childhood struggles to her rise to fame with Steps. With unflinching candour, she shares the pressures of the music industry, including the intense scrutiny over her appearance...

W. G. Sebald was one of the most extraordinary and influential writers of the twentieth century. Through his books, including "The Emigrants", "Austerlitz" and "The Rings of Saturn", he pursued an original literary vision that combined fiction, history,...

Vera Brittain's Testament of Youth is a powerful and moving account of her experiences during World War I. At twenty years old in 1914, she was preparing to study at Oxford, but four years later her life had changed irrevocably. This passionate record of...

Pete Duel: A Biography offers an in-depth look at the life and career of actor Pete Duel, best known for his starring role as Hannibal Heyes in the popular television series Alias Smith and Jones. This expanded second edition provides new insights into...

The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard YearA literary devotional that explores the passing of seasons and the creatures that inhabit them, this book is a beautiful love letter to nature. Over the course of a year, Margaret Renkl presents fifty-two chapters...

Al Kooper's autobiography offers an intimate look at the history of rock 'n' roll through his own experiences. With a career spanning over five decades, Kooper shares stories of his time with influential artists such as Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, as...

After feeling stuck in her corporate job and struggling to save her marriage, Roz Savage made a bold decision: she turned her back on a decade-long career as a management consultant to pursue a life of adventure. With a life savings investment in an...

Quentin Bell's biography of Virginia Woolf is a deeply personal and insightful exploration of her life and work.Originally published in two volumes, this acclaimed biography delves into Virginia Woolf's family and childhood, her early writings, the...

Disability Intimacy: A Revolutionary Collection of Essays on Love, Care, and Desire This groundbreaking anthology explores the complexities of intimacy in all its forms. It delves into caregiving, community, access, and friendship, offering alternative...

Wembley Stadium has been the epicentre of English football for 100 years. Its history began in 1923 with the FA Cup final, played at the British Empire Exhibition Stadium, which would later become known simply as Wembley. This event marked the beginning...

Norman Mailer's life was marked by controversy and literary innovation. This biography offers a unique insight into America's history from the end of World War II to the election of Barack Obama, tracing the development of one of the most influential...

Heather Christle's The Crying Book is a deeply personal and profoundly insightful exploration of tears and their significance in human experience. This symphonic work of non-fiction delves into the biological, cultural, and historical aspects of crying,...

Suzuki: The Man and His Dream to Teach the Children of the World by Eri Hotta is a moving and beautifully written account of the life of Shinichi Suzuki, a musician whose methods have shaped early childhood musical education worldwide. Through Hotta's...

Bert Spencer: A Faithful Assistant to Railway Legend For sixteen years, Bert Spencer worked closely with Herbert Nigel Gresley, CME of the LNER, playing a crucial role in the development of Gresley's iconic locomotives. This biography brings together...

The Gelardi family motto, Sempre Avanti, reflects their commitment to progress and excellence. For four generations, the Gelardis have been driven by this philosophy as they built a legacy in the luxury hotel industry. From Giuseppe's early days managing...

Rock music icon Gregg Allman shares his life story in My Cross to Bear, offering an unflinching look at his struggles and triumphs. From his Georgia youth to his time with the legendary band The Allman Brothers Band, Allman opens up about substance...

The Incredible Story of Green Beret Sergeant Roy Benavidez's Heroic Mission to Rescue a Special Forces Team Caught Behind Enemy Lines by Eric Blehm. On May 2, 1968, a twelve-man Special Forces team covertly infiltrated a small clearing in the jungles of...

Morgan Freeman: A Reluctant Treasure Morgan Freeman's journey to stardom was far from expected. Despite his dignified and confident demeanor, he initially found himself an overnight success at 50, an age when many actors are forced into retirement due to...

On New Year's Eve 2004, Ken Jones found himself in a desperate situation while attempting to climb Moldoveanu, Romania's highest peak. A horrific avalanche swept him down the mountain, leaving him with severe injuries and no way of calling for help.Over...

Keith Haring: A Life in Colour Discover the fascinating story of Keith Haring, celebrated artist, activist and humanitarian. This graphic novel tells the remarkable life story of an individual who lived his truth on all kinds of canvases. From his early...

Blueprint For The Perfect Crime is a true and topical account of a scandalous exposé that combines to reveal an intriguing story. The events surrounding Alan Hindley's death have been accurately recorded since his passing, painting a fascinating view of...

Losing Lisa by Ally Garbutt is a heart-wrenching account of one woman's struggle to escape a toxic relationship and reclaim her life. With unflinching honesty, the author shares her personal story of navigating the complexities of domestic abuse,...

Warren Oates: A Wild Life by Susan A. Compo is a biography that delves into the life and career of this iconic character actor. Born in rural western Kentucky, Oates' rugged looks and measured demeanor made him a standout in Hollywood's 1960s and 1970s...

The Long Lost Log: a Diary of a Virgin Sailor by Michael Chapman PincherPublished in 2022, this diary chronicles the experiences of Mick, a 22-year-old sailor who embarked on a journey to escape unemployment and family pressures.With 234 pages, this...

Bruce Springsteen's story is one of a complex and poetic individual whose music has sold 18 million copies. This biography focuses on the man behind the albums, including the songs he wrote, how they were recorded, and how they sounded live. With...

The Life and Death of Ella Grand Duchess of Russia A Romanov Tragedy by Christopher Warwick is a biography that tells the story of Grand Duchess Elisabeth Feodorovna, a woman whose life was marked by both privilege and tragedy. Born into royalty, Ella's...

Laurel and Hardy - The British Tours - Part 1 tells the story of the comedy duo's partnership from their meeting at the Hal Roach Studios, to their promotional tour of major cities in England and Scotland in 1932. This second edition has been extensively...

Kim Noble's extraordinary story is one of survival and self-discovery. Diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder at just five years old, she now lives with more than 20 distinct personalities, or 'alters', each with their own thoughts, feelings and...

A Song Flung Up to Heaven by Maya Angelou is a poignant and powerful memoir that chronicles the author's journey through some of the most tumultuous years in American history. The book begins with Angelou's return from Africa, where she had been working,...

W.G. Sebald's A Place in the Country is a deeply personal and introspective work that explores the author's intellectual obsessions and their impact on his writing. Sebald reflects on six key figures who shaped him as a person and writer, from...

A dramatic and terrifying true story of online deception. In 2016, Megan Henley's life was forever changed when she accepted a Facebook friend request from someone who seemed like a genuine acquaintance. What followed was a descent into paranoia and...

Lara Salyer's memoir offers a poignant exploration of the creative spark within each of us. As children, we embody curiosity and creativity, but as we grow into adulthood, responsibilities and expectations can stifle our originality. A physician's...

Jim Fraser's memoir offers a unique insight into some of the most notable cases he has investigated during his forty-year career as a forensic scientist and cold case reviewer.In this compelling and chilling account, Fraser draws on his personal...

Elliott Smith: A Life in Music A poignant and deeply personal portrait of one of music's most innovative songwriters. This biography delves into the life and career of Elliott Smith, a musician whose unique voice and perspective continue to captivate...

Israel Zangwill: A Public Arena This biography explores the life and career of Israel Zangwill, a Jewish writer who achieved international success with his novel Children of the Ghetto. Through a wealth of primary materials, including letters, diaries,...

The Duke and Duchess of Kent: A Royal Couple's Glamorous Story. Prince George, Duke of Kent, and his wife Princess Marina were one of the most glamorous royal couples in British society during the 1930s. Their marriage was seen as a stabilizing influence...

Nigel Marsh's life was almost perfect: he had moved his family to Sydney and ran a successful advertising agency. However, beneath the surface, he struggled with stress, weight gain, and balancing work, marriage, and four young children. When Marsh lost...

David Cassidy's story is one of the most iconic teen idol tales of the 1970s. At just 20 years old, he achieved unparalleled fame with his hit TV show The Partridge Family. But behind the scenes, a different reality unfolded. In this candid and...

A deeply personal and thought-provoking memoir, The Empathy Diaries is a poignant exploration of love, work, and connection in our increasingly digital world. Sherry Turkle's intimate narrative weaves together her coming-of-age story with her...

In Pursuit of Love: A Journey in the Footsteps of Obsession by Mark Bostridge This innovative biographical pursuit follows Adèle Hugo's reckless journey of unrequited love, which has inspired writers and composers for generations. In 1863, Adèle leaves...

Tripping Over Myself: A Memoir of a Life in ComedyA candid and humorous memoir about comedy and life, Shaun Micallef takes readers on a journey through his experiences, successes and failures, loves and losses. From his early years to national TV...