Biography & Autobiography

Seed to Dust: A Gardener's StoryA reflective and restorative account of a life lived in harmony with nature, this book takes us month-by-month through Marc Hamer's experiences both working in the garden and outside it. We encounter new plants and...

Elie Wiesel's Night is a harrowing account of his experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. Translated by Marion Wiesel, this memoir recounts the atrocities he endured and the struggle to survive in a world stripped of humanity and...

The English Ghost Spectres Through Time by Peter Ackroyd is a fascinating collection of ghost sightings that span centuries. From medieval tales to modern-day encounters, this treasure trove of accounts offers a unique glimpse into the country's rich...

Joseph Roth's life was marked by turmoil and self-mythologizing. This biography explores his journey from childhood in Brody to a restless life spent roaming Europe between the wars, including spells in Vienna, Paris, and Berlin. Roth's decline mirrored...

The explosion that shook Edinburgh's royal residence on 10 February 1567 was just one event in a tumultuous period for Mary, Queen of Scots. This account explores the complex web of events surrounding her marriage to Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley, and his...

Doctors are often present in our most significant moments. From birth to death, they're frequently there to provide care and support. In "That's Why I'm a Doctor", forty-six physicians share stories of their most memorable experiences as doctors. These...

Richard Nixon: A Complex Life This comprehensive biography offers a radical and unique portrait of America's 37th president, Richard Nixon. Evan Thomas presents a nuanced exploration of a contradictory figure who defied categorization, driven by both...

Getting Lost is Annie Ernaux's diary from 1989, a year and a half spent in secret love affair with a married man. This unfiltered account offers an intimate look at the author's life, where desire and despair are intertwined.Ernaux's writing is spare and...

The Perfect Gentleman: A Muslim Boy Meets the West by Imran Ahmad At just one and-a-half years old, Imran Ahmad made an extraordinary move from Pakistan to London, setting him on a journey torn between his Islamic identity and his desire to embrace the...

Diane Keaton's candid and humorous memoir offers a unique perspective on beauty, aging, and self-acceptance. In Let's Just Say It Wasn't Pretty, she shares stories from her life as a mother, daughter, actress, artist, and style icon, highlighting the...

Death of a Guru by Rabi Maharaj and Dave Hunt is a thought-provoking exploration of spirituality and faith. Born into a long line of Brahmin priests, Rabi Maharaj's journey was marked by disillusionment with traditional Hindu practices, leading him to...

George Washington's leadership was shaped by his deep-seated conviction that he had been chosen to lead a nation founded on liberty. This biography explores how his unique personal qualities, rooted in virtue, enabled him to pursue his duty with...

The Kennedy Heirs: A Legacy of Tragedy and Triumph by J. Randy Taraborrelli A unique burden was passed down to the children of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Senators Robert and Ted Kennedy, inheriting both enormous privilege and immense challenge...

A nostalgic look at the world of sport that brings colour to the black and white of yesteryear. Michael Parkinson's love letter to sport is a warm and humorous reflection on his life writing about his one great passion.From his early days playing cricket...

Hardcover, 272 pages, published in 2023. Kim Hawes' memoir offers a unique insight into life on the road with some of rock's most notorious stars. From her high-profile feuds to her hard-won successes, this is a story of one woman who refused to be...

Bridget Christie's life was changed forever by a chance encounter in a bookshop. On April 30th, 2012, a man's fart in the Women's Studies Section sparked a moment of clarity that would propel her to become one of Britain's most acclaimed stand-up...

The Secret Pigeon Service Operation Columba: A Story of Wartime Espionage In 1941 and 1944, a secret British operation known as 'Columba' dropped over 16,000 homing pigeons across Europe to bring back vital intelligence from those living under Nazi...

The Rabbit Skin Cap: A Tale of a Norfolk Countryman's Youth, Written in His Old Age by George Baldry. This is a fascinating account of life in rural East Anglia during the nineteenth century. George Baldry's story offers a unique glimpse into the lives...

Ed Viesturs' gripping memoir recounts his pursuit of climbing's holy grail: standing atop the world's fourteen 8,000-meter peaks without bottled oxygen. For eighteen years, he pushed himself to new heights, driven by an unyielding motto: "Reaching the...

Edvard Munch's paintings have maintained their captivating hold on audiences for over one hundred years. This beautifully illustrated volume tells the story of how he became one of the most celebrated artists in the world. Art historian Oystein Ustvedt...

Shane MacGowan: A Furious Devotion is a comprehensive and intimate biography that chronicles the life of the Pogues' iconic frontman. From his formative years to his rise as a punk icon, this book vividly recounts Shane's experiences that shaped him into...

Winston Churchill's Finest Hour: A Reappraisal of Leadership in War. A new and dynamic assessment of Winston Churchill's life and career has been produced, challenging readers to reevaluate the complexities of this iconic figure. Catherwood argues that...

Bernadette of Lourdes: Her Life, Death and Visions is a scholarly biography that delves into the life of Bernadette Soubirous, one of France's most famous women. This new anniversary edition draws upon previously unpublished testimonies and archival...

Robbie Robertson's Testimony is a captivating memoir that weaves together the journey of one of popular music's most beloved songwriters and guitarists. Over five years of reflection, Robbie shares his unique storyteller's voice to recount pivotal events...

The story of Sala Glass and her family is one of survival, courage, and self-sacrifice. When Hadley Freeman's grandmother died, she left behind a mystery that Hadley was determined to uncover. A decade-long quest began with the discovery of a shoebox...

Cathy Glass tells the story of Dawn, a girl whose outward appearance belies a traumatic childhood. When Cathy first fostered Dawn, she was struck by the girl's sweet and seemingly well-balanced nature.However, as time passed, Cathy began to uncover the...

Politics Between the Extremes by Nick Clegg is a candid account of his experiences in British politics. As the country navigates changing divisions and a shifting political landscape, Clegg offers a frank assessment of the challenges he faced and the...

Mary Gaitskill's memoir is a poignant exploration of loss and grief. She recounts the story of losing her young cat, Gattino, and grapples with the uncertainty that follows.The author's personal account is both deeply personal and universally relatable,...

Admissions: A Life in Brain SurgeryA searing and thought-provoking memoir from renowned neurosurgeon Henry Marsh, reflecting on his four-decade career with the NHS. This is a story of human resilience, compassion, and the complexities of life.Marsh...

RuPaul's GuRu: A Collection of Philosophies for Building Your Life from Within. In this unique and thought-provoking book, RuPaul shares his insights on how to break free from self-imposed limitations and unlock your full potential. With over 80...

The lives and music of two musical icons are intertwined in this dual biography. Jeff Buckley's tragic death in 1997 sent shockwaves through the music world, echoing the fate of his father Tim, who also died young from an accidental overdose at just 28...

Against Her Will: Groomed, Trapped and Abused. This Is My True Story of Survival Sophie Crockett's life was marked by crippling anxiety and depression, which made her feel like a prisoner in her own home. However, with the courage to re-enter society in...

Peter Burkill's harrowing experience as captain of a 777 took an unexpected turn when he lost power to both engines just moments before landing at Heathrow Airport. With seconds to spare, his quick thinking and inspiration led the plane to make an...

Kate Zambreno's Book of Mutter is a deeply personal and lyrical exploration of memory, identity, and grief. Composed over thirteen years, this work weaves together fragments of the author's life, childhood, and relationships to create a complex and...

The Complete Unreliable Memoirs: Volume One by Clive James A hilarious and self-effacing guide to his remarkable life, this collection covers James's childhood in post-war Sydney, his arrival in London as a young man, and his time at Cambridge. With...

The Chief: The Life of Lord Northcliffe, Britain's Greatest Press Baron A biography of Alfred Harmsworth, 1st Viscount Northcliffe, who revolutionized popular journalism with his innovative approach to news and media. Born into a modest background,...

Everywoman: One Woman's Truth About Speaking the Truth by Jess PhillipsJess Phillips writes with humour and passion, sharing her personal experiences of speaking truth to power. She has faced criticism and abuse for her views, but believes that demanding...

Paul McCartney's Wings years have long been shrouded in mystery. This book offers a unique insight into the band's decade-long history, from 1971 to 1981. Lesley-Ann Jones draws on extensive interviews and meticulous research to reveal the crucial role...

Franz Liszt: A Life in the Spotlight This engrossing biography sheds new light on the life and career of Franz Liszt, the musical revolutionary who became an international sensation. Drawing on previously unexamined documentary sources, Oliver Hilmes...

The Lost Memoir of Edward VIII: A Royal Renegade's Unfiltered Story A previously unseen and unfiltered account of King Edward VIII, the original royal renegade who abdicated his throne to pursue his own destiny. This memoir, written by the Duke himself...

William Fiennes' childhood was marked by imagination and curiosity, shaped by the horizon visible from his family home's roof-tiles. His brother Richard, with his towering presence, inventive spirit, and passion for Leeds United, left an indelible mark...

Leadership Lessons from a Life in Diplomacy by Simon McDonald offers valuable insights into effective leadership gained from nearly four decades of experience in Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service. Drawing on his extensive career, which included working...

The Aryan Brotherhood's rise to power is a story of violence and silence. For years, this cabal of psychopathic leaders has remained an unstoppable force within America's prison system and the billion-dollar methamphetamine industry that surrounds it. In...

The Final Year of Anne Boleyn by Natalie Grueninger is a vivid and engaging account of the last twelve months of Queen Anne Boleyn's life. Behind the myths and legends, this biography reveals a complex and passionate woman who experienced both joy and...

A poignant and powerful story about love, life, and the NHS. Michael Rosen's journey to recovery from coronavirus is a testament to the human spirit, as he reflects on his time in hospital and the kindness of those who cared for him. During his...

Lorraine Hansberry's autobiography is a powerful exploration of identity and experience. Born in Chicago, she went on to become a celebrated playwright and artist, her life marked by both triumph and tragedy. Through her story, Hansberry shares her...

From a Mountain in Tibet: A Monk's Journey is the remarkable story of Lama Yeshe's life, marked by turmoil and transformation. Born into a quiet Tibetan village, he grew up surrounded by nature, but his world was forever changed when the Chinese army...

Tired and Tested: A Wild Ride into Parenthood by Sophie McCartney is a humorous and honest account of one woman's journey into motherhood. With laugh-out-loud humour, Sophie shares her experiences of navigating the ups and downs of parenthood, from the...

A candid and often hilarious memoir by one of the great artists of our time, Woody Allen shares his tumultuous life in this comprehensive and personal look. From his Brooklyn childhood to his early days as a writer for television's Sid Caesar variety...

Dougie Donnelly's life has been a remarkable journey, spanning from law graduate to award-winning radio DJ and television sports commentator. With a career that has taken him behind the scenes at some of the biggest sporting events in the world,...

Just For One Day takes you on Louise Wener's journey from awkward teenager to Britpop star. With her band Sleeper, she goes from playing gigs in small venues to performing in front of thousands.This is a humorous and honest account of the highs and lows...

Dinner with Joseph Johnson brings to life the extraordinary stories of those who shaped Britain's literary and intellectual landscape in the late 18th century. This remarkable portrait of a revolutionary age is based on the lives of the men and women who...

An Angel at My Table is a deeply personal and moving autobiography that explores the author's struggles with mental illness and her journey to becoming one of New Zealand's most acclaimed writers.After being misdiagnosed with schizophrenia as a young...

A Piece of Cake: A Memoir by Cupcake Brown This is the heart-wrenching true story of a girl who faced unimaginable hardship and yet found a way to triumph over adversity. Orphaned at eleven, Cupcake was forced into a series of disastrous placements...

Soldiers of Liberty: A Study of Fenianism 1858 -1908This comprehensive monograph uncovers the lives of over a thousand individuals who played a pivotal role in the Irish struggle for independence. Through extensive archival research, Eva Ó Cathaoir sheds...

Grey Atticus Fox was born nine weeks early to Georgie and Mike in a Kent hospital. This is her account of the 21 days they had together, and its aftermath - a search to make sense of unimaginable loss. It bears witness to both the confusion and the...

Chief Joseph Guardian of the People by Candy Moulton is a powerful portrait of the Nez Percé diplomat and defender who led his people in a desperate fight to preserve their homeland. In 1863, he signed a treaty that would ultimately lead to the forced...

The Rock, the Road, and the Rabbi is Kathie Lee Gifford's journey into the heart of scriptural faith, exploring the deep roots of Christianity in Israel. As she delves deeper into her understanding of God's Word, Kathie Lee discovers a profound...

Exposing the violent world of Essex Boys, this true story reveals the rise and fall of one of Britain's most feared gangs. Their reign of terror was marked by intimidation, beatings, and murder, but also holds a shocking secret: the men convicted of...

Shaun Pinner's extraordinary story is one of courage and defiance in the face of overwhelming odds. A former British Army soldier, he found himself back on the front line when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.Leading a section of marines, Pinner's troops...

Julian Sayarer's Messengers is a poignant and insightful exploration of everyday life in modern London. Through his experiences as a bicycle courier, Sayarer reveals the often-overlooked world behind the grand lobbies of UK banks and large companies.The...

A soulful story of mourning and gratitude, Suleika Jaouad's memoir is an intimate portrait of one woman's journey between life and death. Diagnosed with leukemia at just twenty-two, she was given a 35 per cent chance of survival, but it was during her...

Mary Berry's Recipe for Life is a deeply personal and evocative memoir that spans nearly 80 years of her life. From a childhood marked by both idyllic picnics and the threat of air raids, to a life of passion and purpose in cookery, Mary shares her story...

A harrowing and shocking true story of childhood abuse and survival. At just thirteen years old, Cassie's life was turned upside down when her mother died, leaving her vulnerable to exploitation by those around her. She fell through the care system and...

A Nurse's Story: My Life in A&E During the Covid Crisis is a moving and honest account of life as an advanced clinical practitioner in a busy A&E department during the Covid-19 pandemic. As the situation escalated, nurse Louise Curtis faced unprecedented...

Rosaleen Norton was known in Australia as 'the Witch of Kings Cross' during the 1950s and early 1960s. Her magical paintings and drawings were often portrayed as obscene, but she also attracted attention for her involvement in pagan sex-rituals with her...

Through Some Miracle Not Yet Clear to Me: A Nightmare Under Idi Amin's Dictatorship and Surviving This memoir recounts Vincent Musaalo's experiences growing up in an oppressed country, where fear and murder were ever-present. Despite the hardships, his...

Style and Substance: Why What We Wear Matters is a thought-provoking exploration of the significance of clothing in our lives. From the way we present ourselves to the world, to the memories and emotions attached to specific garments, Bay Garnett delves...

From the Underground Church to FreedomThis memoir recounts Tomáš Halík's life as a secretly ordained priest in Communist Czechoslovakia, drawing on philosophical theology and inspired by Augustine's candid presentation of his own life.Halík shares his...

Heinrich Himmler: A Biography by Peter Longerich. This comprehensive biography explores the life and inner workings of one of history's most infamous figures, shedding light on how a seemingly ordinary man rose to become the architect of the Holocaust...

Rosslyn Wemyss was a remarkable figure in British naval history, whose life and career were marked by distinction and bravery. As the Allied Naval Representative at the Armistice negotiations in 1918, he played a crucial role in shaping the course of...

Writing Our Lives is an anthology that celebrates the lives and experiences of minority women in Cardiff. The book brings together memories and reflections from women who grew up in Tiger Bay and the Docks, as well as those born or living in Cardiff more...

Bringing Home the Cows is a nostalgic and humorous account of growing up on a farm in North Devon during the 1960s. At nine years old, Bill Symondson recounts his daily chores and adventures on the dairy farm where he lived with his family.The book is...

After surviving a devastating attack that left him gravely wounded, Philippe Lançon embarked on a journey to rebuild his life and find meaning in the aftermath. In "Disturbance", he shares an intimate account of his experiences, exploring themes of...

Wind in the Fire tells the inspiring story of Bobbi Gibb's journey to becoming the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. In 1964, Gibb was captivated by the event and began training for the historic course. As she prepared, she embarked on a spiritual...

Theodora Actress, Empress, Saint by David Potter This biography tells the remarkable story of Theodora, a woman who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful figures in Byzantine history. Born into a family of circus performers, she...

Discover the remarkable life of King Charles III in 100 unforgettable moments.This stunning photographic collection from The Sun's archives takes you on a journey through the life of the longest heir apparent in British history, from his childhood to his...

Three Journeys to Santiago de Compostela is a unique collection of accounts from three pilgrims who walked the Camino in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. Hieronymus Münzer's journey began in December 1494 on the Portuguese Camino, followed by Giovanni...

Splinters A Memoir by Leslie Jamison is a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of motherhood, art, and new love. After the end of her marriage, Jamison embarks on a journey of rebuilding her life, one that takes her to unexpected places...

Groomed By A Gang by Christina O'Connor and Ann Cusack is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationships within gangs. This book delves into the world of gang culture, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that govern these groups...

The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius by St. Ignatius of Loyola is a comprehensive guide to spiritual growth and self-reflection. This translation, with its commentary, provides a manual for making, directing, or studying the Spiritual Exercises,...

Brigid Keenan's memoir is a hilarious and touching account of her unconventional upbringing in India and coming-of-age in 1960s London.Born into a colourful childhood that was abruptly cut short by independence and partition, Brigid grew up with a...

Sir Tom Jones 80: The Early Days and the Incredible Rise of the Young Tommy Woodward Discover the remarkable story of Sir Tom Jones' early life and rise to global superstardom. From his humble beginnings as a young Teddy Boy and labourer, to becoming a...

Roald Dahl's letters to his mother, Sofie Magdalene, offer a unique glimpse into the life and imagination of one of literature's most beloved authors. The first letter, penned at just nine years old, sets the tone for the humorous and often outrageous...

A piece of chewing gum holds a profound significance for Warren Ellis, a musician and composer. It was given to him by Nina Simone after her 1999 performance at Nick Cave's Meltdown Festival. This small object became his creative muse, connecting him to...

Charles Laughton: A Complex Life This biography explores the life and career of Charles Laughton, a talented actor who appeared in 50 films and 40 stage roles. From his early days at a hotel in Scarborough to his later success, Laughton's story is one of...

This biography tells the story of Roger Delgado, an actor who is often referred to as the Master. Written by Marcus Harmes, the book offers a unique insight into Delgado's life and career.From his early days as a dancer to his rise to fame in the 1960s,...

Lee Evans' life story is one of laughter and tears, as he recounts his journey from a troubled childhood to becoming one of the UK's most beloved comedians.From his unconventional school days to his early experiences in showbiz, Lee takes us on a darkly...

Redemption: From Iron Bars to Ironman is a gripping autobiography that takes readers on a journey from crime and incarceration to sporting salvation. Written with renowned sportswriter Mark Turley, this fascinating account reveals the remarkable true...

The Little Book of J. R. R. Tolkien Wit and Wisdom offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and works of one of the most influential authors in fantasy literature. Drawing on his knowledge of languages, mythology, and legend, Tolkien created an entire...

Harold Wilson: A Complex Leader Harold Wilson was a unique politician who served as Britain's Prime Minister twice, winning four General Elections in the process. This new portrait sheds light on his life and leadership, challenging common perceptions of...

Reuben's desperate message changed everything. 'Brother. do. you. love. me.' sent by his youngest brother Manni was the catalyst for an extraordinary journey of repair and rediscovery. After years of struggling to accept his Down's syndrome, Reuben had...

Erik ten Hag: The Biography by Maarten Meijer is a comprehensive and insightful look at the life and career of the highly successful football manager. Through meticulous research, Meijer sheds light on Ten Hag's unorthodox approach to the game, which has...

The Book of Fred: A Humorous Look at Life's Ups and Downs Andrew Flintoff shares his unique perspective on life, filled with anecdotes, observations, and opinions, all told with his trademark humour and no-nonsense style. From high-profile performances...

Madam Secretary: A Memoir is a candid and thought-provoking account of Madeleine Albright's remarkable life and career. As America's first woman Secretary of State, she played a pivotal role in shaping the country's foreign policy during Bill Clinton's...

Elvis Presley's life was marked by both incredible talent and tragic excess. This biography offers a fresh look at his career, placing him back in his mid-twentieth-century world rather than the Las Vegas spotlight of later years. Born into poverty in...

Lara McDonnell's story begins with a childhood marked by vulnerability and manipulation. At just 12 years old, she was targeted by a group of men who showered her with attention before exploiting her trust. Over the next four years, she was trafficked...

A captivating memoir of adventure and defiance during World War II. Hermione Ranfurly's account of her remarkable journey is one of commitment, independence, and courage. Marrying just months before the war broke out, she joined her husband in the Middle...

A letter arrives with an ultimatum: leave your farm due to land invasions. As the situation escalates, the Retzlaff family embarks on an epic journey across Zimbabwe, determined to save their beloved horses from eviction. With promises made to other...

This triumphant memoir tells the story of Samra Habib's journey towards forgiveness and freedom. Born into a threatened minority sect in Pakistan, Samra fled to Canada as a refugee and later escaped an arranged marriage at sixteen.As they navigated their...