Biography & Autobiography

Things The Grandchildren Should Know by Mark Oliver Everett is a remarkable story of survival and self-discovery. Growing up in an unconventional family environment, Everett's upbringing was marked by both chaos and resilience. Despite the challenges he...

A deeply personal and often humorous memoir about the long shadow that can be cast when the core relationship in your life compromises every effort you make to become an individual. Deborah Orr's story is one of what we inherit - the good and the very...

Anna Marie Tendler's memoir offers a candid account of her experience in a psychiatric hospital, where she underwent various tests and therapies. She reflects on the expectations and pressures that modern women face. Tendler's story is one of...

Rommel?' 'Gunner Who?' A Confrontation in the Desert is the second volume of Spike Milligan's legendary memoirs. This outrageous and hilarious account of life as a gunner in World War Two sees our hero into battle in North Africa, eventually.Before the...

Hugh Jackman: A Hollywood Juggernaut Hugh Jackman is an international superstar who has joined the ranks of Australian actors Mel Gibson and Russell Crowe as a household name. His career in film and theater spans over three decades, with a string of...

A darkly comic and moving reflection on what it means to be human in a world without certainties, Metamorphosis: A Life in Pieces is a deeply personal exploration of the author's journey. When Robert Douglas-Fairhurst's life took an unexpected turn, he...

Sophie Morgan's memoir is a deeply personal and powerful account of her life-changing injury and its aftermath. After a car accident at 18, Sophie was left paralysed from the chest down, forcing her to re-evaluate everything she thought she knew about...

The Bay City Rollers were one of the brightest musical phenomena of the 1970s, emerging from a decade marked by economic uncertainty and social change. Their story begins with Alan Longmuir, an apprentice plumber from Edinburgh who was inspired to form a...

The One: The Life and Music of James BrownThis definitive biography delves into the life of James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, revealing a complex and fascinating individual who transformed American music. Through extensive research and interviews with...

Frank Gardner's remarkable story of survival and resilience is one that will leave you moved and inspired. On June 6, 2004, while reporting live from Riyadh, Frank was ambushed by Islamist gunmen, suffering life-changing injuries that could have ended...

DeMar DeRozan's story is one of resilience and courage in the face of adversity. In "Above the Noise", he shares his personal struggle with depression, shedding light on the importance of speaking out about mental health. Born and raised in Compton,...

John Milton's life was far from straightforward. A complex and multifaceted individual, he defied easy categorisation. This biography sheds new light on his fascinating world, exploring the contradictions that defined him - Heaven and Hell, light and...

Richard III's Books: A Glimpse into the Life and Library of a Medieval Prince This fully illustrated survey explores the books that belonged to Richard III, one of England's most infamous kings. By examining the types of books he owned - including works...

Pride: The Story of the LGBTQ Equality MovementThis comprehensive account explores the history of the LGBTQ movement, from the early days of activism to the ongoing challenges facing the community today. The book documents key milestones in the fight for...

Geoblocking and Global Video Culture explores how access to digital video content is controlled and circumvented across different regions. The book examines the cultural implications of these strategies, including the use of VPNs.The analysis spans...

Life in the Balance: A Doctor's Stories of Intensive CareThis deeply personal and thought-provoking account offers a unique insight into life on the intensive care unit, where doctors and nurses work at the cutting edge of medical technology to save...

The Cartiers: The Untold Story of the Family Behind the Jewelry Empire by Francesca Cartier Brickell is a captivating biography that delves into the fascinating history of the Cartier jewelry dynasty. From revolutionary France to the 1970s, this...

David Sedaris's Theft by Finding Diaries: Volume One is a unique collection of diary entries that showcase his wit and insight into life. Spanning nearly four decades, these writings offer a candid look at the author's journey from art student to writer,...

Nick Drake's life was marked by both brilliance and tragedy. This unflinching portrait reveals the complexities of his story, from his early years to the missed opportunities that defined his recording career, and the remarkable 'Drake cult' that has...

Dianne Lake's memoir offers a poignant and disturbing account of her life with Charles Manson and his 'family'. At 14, she became one of "Charlie's girls", a devoted acolyte of the cult leader. Over two years, she endured manipulation, psychological...

Deborah Feldman's memoir tells the story of her escape from a strictly religious sect and her journey to independence.Growing up in the Satmar community, Deborah was raised under a code of customs that governed every aspect of her life. Yet she found...

At the heart of this warm and evocative memoir is Julian Norton's love for his work as a Yorkshire vet. Based at the Skeldale Veterinary Centre, Julian has treated an incredible range of animals, from alpacas to exotic pigs, puppies to rabbits.With...

John Calder's memoirs are a testament to his unwavering commitment to publishing books that challenge the status quo. Throughout his career, he has faced censorship and criticism from various quarters, yet remained steadfast in his pursuit of literary...

Nicky Perfect's job as a crisis and hostage negotiator is one of the most demanding and high-stakes professions. For over a decade, he has been deployed to defuse volatile situations, from kidnappings to terrorist incidents, where life often hangs in the...

Rose Dugdale's life was marked by contradictions - from her privileged upbringing to her radical choices. Born into a Chelsea townhouse and raised on a Devon estate, she was presented to the Queen at Buckingham Palace as a debutante in 1958. Yet, by...

Vaclav Havel: A Life This biography offers a unique insight into the life of Vaclav Havel, a complex and fascinating figure who played a pivotal role in modern Czech history. Through his close friendship with Michael Zantovsky, one of Havel's closest...

Will the Circle Be Unbroken? A Memoir of Learning to Believe You're Gonna Be OkayThis memoir is a story of love, loss and the power of hope. Sean Dietrich recounts his journey after the unthinkable, as he navigates the cycles of the past and finds the...

Prince William at 40: The Making of a Modern Monarch explores the life and character of the Duke of Cambridge as he approaches a significant milestone birthday. This biography delves into the complexities of William's personality, his relationships with...

Spike Milligan's autobiography - in his own words. This unique collection gathers together the loose threads of his life, as told by his long-time manager and companion, Norma Farnes. With her guidance, Milligan shares his most intimate reflections on...

Daniel Tammet's unique perspective on life and mathematics is presented in this thought-provoking book. Numbers are seen as beautiful and mathematics illuminates our lives, according to Tammet. He shares his insights through anecdotes, everyday examples,...

Frank Whittle's groundbreaking concept of flight revolutionized aviation. In 1938, he presented the Air Ministry with a proposal for a jet-powered fighter aircraft, but received no response. This biography charts Whittle's perseverance in building a...

Oliver Sacks's life has been marked by an insatiable energy and curiosity. From his youthful obsession with motorcycles to his work as a neurologist, he has pursued his passions with unbridled honesty and humour. As he recounts his experiences in...

Simon Reeve's Journeys to Impossible Places is an account of his most astonishing adventures and experiences around the world. Combining travel writing with investigative journalism, he sheds light on lesser-known conflicts and events from diverse...

Unfollow by Megan Phelps-Roper explores the complexities of faith and identity through her own experiences growing up in a fire-and-brimstone religious sect. From her early days as a devoted member to her eventual departure at the age of 26, this memoir...

The Love You Make: An Insider's Story of the Beatles A comprehensive and revealing biography of the Fab Four, written with the full cooperation of each band member and their intimates. This book tells the inside story of the music and madness, feuds and...

Ivory, Apes and Peacocks is an extraordinary memoir that takes readers on a journey through Africa's wonders, as seen through the eyes of a visionary. The book chronicles hair-raising adventures, personal sorrow, and a natural world now largely lost from...

The Velvet Underground: A Revolutionary Force in Music and Art. Rebellion has its roots in the music world, and for The Velvet Underground, this was particularly true. Formed around a psychedelic rock band within Andy Warhol's Factory, they embodied the...

Peter Hoffman's memoir in fourteen ingredients explores the world of food and its many stories. A culinary pioneer, he weaves together personal tales from his life in restaurants with passionate explorations into the cultural, historical, and botanical...

The Box with the Sunflower Clasp: A Family's Flight to Wartime Shanghai A beautifully crafted Chinese box with a sunflower clasp is all that remains of a family's past, but it holds a story of love, loss and survival. Rachel Meller's memoir uncovers the...

Christina Rossetti was born into an Italian family in England, and as the youngest of four siblings, she grew up with a passion that would eventually define her life's work. Despite being known for her fiery nature, Christina learned to temper her...

Desperate Romantics by Franny Moyle is a fascinating account of 19th-century British art and the bohemian lifestyle that shocked Victorian society. The lives of these extraordinary individuals, marked by love triangles, jealousy, and addiction, are...

Liz Truss's remarkable journey from schoolgirl revolutionary to Britain's shortest-serving Prime Minister is revealed in this gripping account. From her drive and impulsiveness to her ideological certainty, Harry Cole and James Heale meticulously report...

April Balascio's memoir reveals an astonishing tale of manipulation, upheaval and silent fear as she bravely uncovers the truth about her father, a serial killer. When online research into unsolved murders in her hometown sparked memories of her father's...

Harry S. Truman's life story is one of extraordinary complexity and determination. From his humble beginnings in Missouri to his rise as president during tumultuous times, this biography offers a deeply moving portrayal of the man who boldly faced...

Charles Chaplin's My Autobiography offers an intimate and candid account of the life of one of cinema's greatest legends. Born into a theatrical family, Chaplin recounts his journey from childhood poverty in south London to his rise as a silent film...

Albert and the Whale by Philip Hoare This book is a lyrical journey into the natural and unnatural world. Albrecht Dürer's art, created over five centuries ago, continues to captivate us with its power and seduction. Dürer's art was a revelation, showing...

Suzanne Walsh's childhood was marked by unimaginable hardship. At just 10 years old, she and her five siblings were sent to Catholic orphanages in Dublin, Ireland, after their mother could no longer afford to care for them. The experience would leave an...

Stevie Nicks: Visions, Dreams and Rumours is a captivating biography that delves into the life of one of rock music's most iconic figures. Zoe Howe expertly explores Stevie Nicks' journey from her peripatetic childhood to her rise as a recording artist,...

Paul McCartney: A Life of Genius and Turmoil This biography offers a deeply personal and intimate portrait of one of music's most enduring figures. With unprecedented access to family members and friends, Philip Norman presents a nuanced exploration of...

Jacob Bronowski's life was marked by two great catastrophes: the rise of Hitler in 1933 and the dropping of atomic bombs in 1945. Yet, despite these events, his work embodied an enduring optimism. A polymath with diverse interests, Bronowski was a...

Birds, Beasts and Relatives is the second book in Gerald Durrell's beloved trilogy about his family's adventures on the Greek island of Corfu.As Gerry continues to explore the natural world around him, he encounters an array of fascinating animals, some...

Ngaio Marsh: Her Life in Crime is a riveting biography that pieces together the life of one of Golden Age detective fiction's most iconic writers. Despite her flamboyant public persona, Marsh was fiercely protective of her private life, and this book...

Crossing the Line: Lessons from a Life on DutyA deeply personal and thought-provoking memoir that sheds light on the realities of policing, beyond the headlines. John Sutherland shares his 25 years of experience with the Metropolitan Police, revealing...

For the Love of Farming: A Farmer's Guide to Life in the Fields Experience the joy and humour of life on a farm through the eyes of Farmer Will. His popular TikTok videos have captured the hearts of many, showcasing his love for farming, animals, and the...

Jay Rayner's My Last Supper: One Meal, a Lifetime in the Making is a humorous and insightful exploration of food and life. In this engaging memoir, the Guardian food critic recounts his journey through eight courses, from oysters to French pastries, as...

Jon Katz's memoir tells the story of his beloved rescue donkey, Simon, and the profound impact he had on his life. In 2011, Jon received a call from an animal control officer who found a neglected donkey on a farm in upstate New York. Despite initial...

Take Less. Do More. Surprising Life Lessons in Generosity, Gratitude, and Curiosity from an Ultralight BackpackerGlen Van Peski shares the life lessons he has learned through years of lightening his pack and helping others. His journey shows that...

Built for Speed: My AutobiographyJohn McGuinness, one of the all-time giants of road racing, shares his incredible story of passion and perseverance. From humble beginnings to becoming a champion in one of the world's most demanding sports, McGuinness...

Margaret Rutherford was a beloved figure in British comedy, but behind her serene front lay a life of trauma and struggle. This biography reveals the complex story of an actress who faced family tragedy and mental illness, yet still managed to captivate...

Climbers: Pain, Panache and Polka Dots in Cycling's Greatest Arenas by Peter Cossins explores what sets mountain-climbing athletes apart within the world of bike racing. Drawing on fresh one-to-one interviews with high-profile riders from the last 50...

Resilient: The Untold Story of CrossFit's Greatest ComebackA highly improbable comeback that transformed Brooke Wells into one of the fittest women in the world is revealed in this inspiring memoir. On the last night of the 2021 CrossFit Games, a...

Cliff Richard's autobiography takes readers back to 1950s post-War London, where he emerged from the skiffle scene with his unique sound. From there, he catapulted into the British film industry and conquered Saturday-night TV. The story unfolds behind...

This Nobel Lecture offers a unique insight into Kazuo Ishiguro's thoughts on literature and his own creative process. In this thought-provoking piece, he reflects on his relationship with Japan, the worlds of writing, music, and film that have inspired...

Daisy's life was forever changed when her parents told her and her brother they were moving to Australia for a better life. At just four years old, she had no say in the direction her life would take. Her bond with her disabled brother helped her...

The Magical Mystery Tour and Yellow Submarine: A Beatles Album Series Book. In 1967 and 1968, the Beatles created some of their most iconic music. This book explores two key projects from that time: the Magical Mystery Tour film and the Yellow Submarine...

Tan France's Naturally Tan A Memoir explores the experiences that have shaped him into the witty and compassionate man he is today. Born into a traditional South Asian family in South Yorkshire, Tan recounts his journey from facing racist bullies to...

Émile Zola's life was marked by turmoil and bravery. In 1898, he was sentenced to prison for defending a wrongly convicted man in the Dreyfus Affair. Fleeing France with just hours to spare, Zola settled in south London, where he struggled to adapt to...

A vibrant memoir of growing up in Liverpool during the 1960s and 1970s. Crissy Rock's childhood was set against the backdrop of social change, artistic revolution, and urban poverty, yet she recalls it with extraordinary clarity. This nostalgic...

Mikey Walsh's gripping sequel to Gypsy Boy picks up where his story left off, as he struggles to escape the Romany gypsy camp he grew up in. After centuries of persecution, Mikey faces a daunting reality: if you choose to leave, you can never truly come...

Hannah Hauxwell's memoir, Seasons of My Life, is a heartwarming and inspiring account of her life in rural Yorkshire in the 1970s. Living off the land without modern conveniences, Hannah shares her remarkable story of self-sufficiency and resilience.From...

Ernest Shackleton's life was marked by both incredible adventure and personal turmoil. As one of history's greatest explorers, he led four expeditions to Antarctica, leaving an indelible mark on the continent. However, his charismatic personality belied...

Heart of a Game Ranger: Stories from a Wild LifeMario Cesare's life as a wildlife guardian has been anything but predictable. As warden of Olifants River Game Reserve, he has experienced a rich and varied life filled with hair-raising, heart-breaking,...

Mudhoney: A Story of Rock Heroism The story of Mudhoney is one of perseverance and creative control. Formed in 1988, this influential grunge band has endured despite the rise of more famous bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Their debut single, 'Touch Me...

Island of Dreams: A Personal History of a Remarkable Place is a deeply personal memoir about the search for home. After twenty years of drifting, Dan Boothby was given the chance to settle in a tiny island on the western seaboard of Scotland, where he...

Bram Stoker's life has long been shrouded in mystery, but his most enduring legacy is arguably the creation of Dracula. In "Something in the Blood", David J Skal uncovers the inner world and strange genius of the writer behind this cultural icon. Staging...

Michael K. Williams' memoir is a poignant and raw account of his life, from his childhood in East Flatbush to his struggles with addiction and his work as an activist. Through his story, he sheds light on the lives of those often left out of the...

Joan Didion: What She Means brings together an extensive collection of artworks and writings that reflect the life and work of renowned author Joan Didion. Spanning over 50 artists, including Brice Marden, Ed Ruscha, and Betye Saar, this book showcases a...

Dean Stott's remarkable journey from Special Boat Service soldier to intrepid adventurer is an inspirational tale of courage and determination.A former elite fighter, Dean was forced to confront his own limitations after a horrific parachuting accident...

The definitive biography of Freddie Mercury, written by award-winning rock journalist Lesley-Ann Jones. This meticulously researched account focuses on the period in the 1980s when Queen began to fragment, before their Live Aid performance put them back...

Mark Ryan's incredible life story is one that defies belief. From secret soldier to Hollywood leading man, he has lived a life of intrigue and adventure. In this remarkable autobiography, Mark shares his fascinating tale with collaboration from New York...

Emma Forrest's memoir is an unflinching and deeply personal exploration of love, heartbreak, sex, and celibacy. After a life guided by romantic obsession, she makes the bold decision to turn her back on marriage and all romantic attachments.The result is...

Scatterling of Africa: My Early Years is the origin story behind Johnny Clegg's successful music career. Born to an unconventional mother and grandson of Jewish immigrants, Clegg recounts how he came to realise that identity can be a choice, and home is...

Alan Cumming's memoir is a powerful exploration of family secrets and the complexities of human relationships. Growing up in a household marked by violence and mystery, Cumming sets out to uncover the truth about his father's past and the disappearance...

A vivid and revealing portrait of the royal marriage of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. When they met as young Princess Elizabeth and Naval Lieutenant Prince Philip, their romance brought a splash of color to a nation still in post-war...

John Calvin, a French Protestant theologian, had initially planned a life of quiet study. However, a local war in 1536 forced him to make an unexpected detour through Geneva, where he would remain for the remainder of his life.Calvin's time in Geneva was...

Josser is the powerful and moving account of Nell Stroud's life in the circus. After a terrible riding accident left her mother permanently brain-damaged, Nell ran away to join the circus.She found a community that became more real to her than her own...

Liverpool Miss by Helen Forrester In this powerful and poignant second volume of her four-part autobiography, Helen Forrester recounts her struggles to survive in poverty-stricken Liverpool during the Depression. As she navigates the challenges of caring...

Jolyon Maugham KC's memoir Bringing Down Goliath offers a unique perspective on the role of law in shaping our society. As the founder of Good Law Project, a leading legal campaign group, Maugham shares his personal story and the inspiration behind his...

Beautifully illustrated letters from Jane Austen bring to life her world and wit. This collection showcases Austen's talent for expressing herself with precision, making it an illuminating companion to her novels. The letters are arranged around visual...

Staying Alive: My Ride with Ovarian Cancer is a heart-wrenching and hopeful account of Anita Gayton's journey with stage 4 ovarian cancer. With unflinching realism, she chronicles her diagnosis, treatment, and the emotional impact on those around her...

David Wilson's memoir offers a unique insight into his experiences working with violent men, including those who have committed murder. As the UK's youngest ever prison governor at 29, he has spent his career sitting across from killers, sharing their...

Published in 2006, Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter is an intimate and thought-provoking autobiography by Simone de Beauvoir. Born in Paris in 1908, Beauvoir recounts her early life, including her experiences growing up in a bourgeois French family and...

Queen Elizabeth II's remarkable life and legacy are explored in this comprehensive biography. For seventy years, she ruled over an institution and a family, providing a steady presence and trustworthy stewardship to the British people and the...

King Solomon: A Life of Wisdom and Wonder Steven Weitzman's biography reintroduces readers to the enigmatic figure of King Solomon, exploring his story and its enduring influence on Western culture. By examining the biblical texts, magical writings, and...

Barbara Pym: A Life of GeniusThis biography brings to life one of England's greatest novelists, whose witty and insightful portrayals of domestic life captivated readers for decades. Paula Byrne draws on Barbara Pym's archive to reveal a woman who was...

A hilarious account of life with the children of the super rich is revealed in this behind-the-scenes memoir. With brilliant honesty and wit, Matt Knott takes us inside a world most of us only glimpse speeding past in a luxury SUV. As a private tutor,...

Boyhood: A Memoir by J.M. Coetzee is a deeply personal and introspective work that explores the complexities of identity, culture, and belonging. In this poignant and thought-provoking memoir, the author recounts his childhood experiences in South...

Jimmy Kennedy: A Life in Song Jimmy Kennedy was one of the last great songwriters of the pre-Beatles era, with 30 No. 1 hits to his credit worldwide. His romantic ballads like Red Sails in the Sunset continue to be played globally, while songs like Cokey...

Discover the life and career of Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, in this comprehensive biography.Born to a black father from Kenya and a white American mother from Hawaii, Barack Obama's unique upbringing shaped his experiences as...

Hitler and Stalin: The Tyrants and the Second World War by Laurence Rees is a masterful account of two of history's most infamous leaders. This compelling study examines the lives of Hitler and Stalin during the Second World War, when Germany and the...