biography books download

Free Online Biography Books, Memoirs & Autobiographies in Pdf & ePub

Latest Books First Earlier Books First EPUB Books Only KINDLE Books Only Grid View List View

The fascinating lives of others are lived again

If you want to learn more about a famous person or just get into the detail of someone else’s life, then you can download a memoir or biography book (and autobiography books) from obooko.

Autobiography books give us the real account of what actually happened as the author is also the main character. We get a true window into someone else’s world. Take a look at Life in the Shadows of a Corporate Lawyer to get the story of the struggles of a lawyer with alcohol problems at time when getting corporate counsel positions was very difficult unless you were part of the old boy’s network.

Sometimes a biography will give us a perspective of a world changing event from someone who was there. Singing Magic tells the story of a Canadian girl who moved to South Africa during the ending of apartheid and brings us a fresh view of what real, normal people were going through at this time of change. We gain insight to what things were really like, unedited by news media.

There is no better way to satisfy your curiosity about other people than reading a book about them. Learn how they think and what drives them to do the things they do and use that knowledge to influence your own life – in some cases memoir books can be like having your own mentor, laying out the values to follow. In other cases, it might be a lesson in what not to do.

There are many biography books at obooko and this just gives a flavour of the diverse range of online story books that are available. Some will inspire you to want to do great things, others will make you sad and want to cry. Maybe some will make you angry enough to shout. What is certain is that you will get something to keep you wanting to turn the page and read more. Download these memoir and biography books from obooko today.

All titles in this category are legally licensed for free download in PDF ePub, & Kindle Formats.

Top Free Biographies - Comprehensive List

The best biography books, boswell's life of johnson, james boswell, a mind that found itself: an autobiography, clifford whittingham beers, famous men of the middle ages, john h. (john henry) haaren, autobiography of andrew carnegie, andrew carnegie, random reminiscences of men and events, john d. (john davison) rockefeller, letters of the late ignatius sancho, an african, ignatius sancho, real soldiers of fortune, richard harding davis, twelve types, g. k. (gilbert keith) chesterton, famous impostors, bram stoker, the memoirs of victor hugo, victor hugo, the story of cole younger, by himself, cole younger, brave men and women: their struggles, failures, and triumphs, osgood e. (osgood eaton) fuller, of six mediæval women; to which is added a note on mediæval gardens, alice kemp-welch, the triumphs of perseverance and enterprise, recorded as examples for the young, thomas cooper, irish memories, martin ross, my father as i recall him, mamie dickens, famous affinities of history, marie bashkirtseff (from childhood to girlhood), marie bashkirtseff, the life of mrs. robert louis stevenson, nellie van de grift sanchez, society as i have found it, ward mcallister, the chronicles of a gay gordon, j. m. (joseph maria) gordon, beatrice d'este, duchess of milan, 1475-1497, julia cartwright, life of john sterling, thomas carlyle.

• Free Ebooks
• Email Signup
• For Authors
• Biographies & Memoirs

• Popular Books
• Science Fiction
• Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
• Religion & Spirituality
• Business & Money
• Crafts, Hobbies & Home
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender
• Literature & Fiction
• Teen & Young Adult
• Children's eBooks
• Cookbooks, Food & Wine
• Health, Fitness & Dieting
• Arts & Photography
• Comics & Graphic Novels
• Education & Teaching
• Professional & Technical
• Parenting & Relationships
• Literary Fiction
• Computers & Technology
• Humor & Entertainment
• Politics & Social Sciences
• Sports & Outdoors
• Classic eBooks
• Science & Math
• Foreign Languages
• Engineering & Transportation
• Centsless Books
• Privacy Policy

© 2012-2024 Centsless Books

Sign up for the Centsless Book Club before you go!

We'll send you more free ebooks and exclusive content.

You'll be able to fill your Kindle in no time without paying a dime! Just sign up below.

Best Biographies

Discover the lives of remarkable individuals through the best biographies, chosen from a wide array of reputable literary sources and biography enthusiasts. these compelling reads offer intimate portraits and have earned accolades across numerous literary discussions..

The 21 most captivating biographies of all time

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

• Biographies illuminate pivotal times and people in history. 
• The biography books on this list are heavily researched and fascinating stories.
• Want more books? Check out the best classics , historical fiction books , and new releases.

For centuries, books have allowed readers to be whisked away to magical lands, romantic beaches, and historical events. Biographies take readers through time to a single, remarkable life memorialized in gripping, dramatic, or emotional stories. They give us the rare opportunity to understand our heroes — or even just someone we would never otherwise know. 

To create this list, I chose biographies that were highly researched, entertainingly written, and offer a fully encompassing lens of a person whose story is important to know in 2021. 

The 21 best biographies of all time:

The biography of a beloved supreme court justice.

"Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg" by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $16.25

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a Supreme Court Justice and feminist icon who spent her life fighting for gender equality and civil rights in the legal system. This is an inspirational biography that follows her triumphs and struggles, dissents, and quotes, packaged with chapters titled after Notorious B.I.G. tracks — a nod to the many memes memorializing Ginsburg as an iconic dissident. 

The startlingly true biography of a previously unknown woman

"The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $8.06

Henrietta was a poor tobacco farmer, whose "immortal" cells have been used to develop the polio vaccine, study cancer, and even test the effects of an atomic bomb — despite being taken from her without her knowledge or consent. This biography traverses the unethical experiments on African Americans, the devastation of Henrietta Lacks' family, and the multimillion-dollar industry launched by the cells of a woman who lies somewhere in an unmarked grave.

The poignant biography of an atomic bomb survivor

"A Song for Nagasaki: The Story of Takashi Nagai: Scientist, Convert, and Survivor of the Atomic Bomb" by Paul Glynn, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $16.51

Takashi Nagai was a survivor of the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki in 1945. A renowned scientist and spiritual man, Nagai continued to live in his ruined city after the attack, suffering from leukemia while physically and spiritually helping his community heal. Takashi Nagai's life was dedicated to selfless service and his story is a deeply moving one of suffering, forgiveness, and survival.

The highly researched biography of Malcolm X

"The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X" by Les Payne and Tamara Payne, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $18.99

Written by the investigative journalist Les Payne and finished by his daughter after his passing, Malcolm X's biography "The Dead are Arising" was written and researched over 30 years. This National Book Award and Pulitzer-winning biography uses vignettes to create an accurate, detailed, and gripping portrayal of the revolutionary minister and famous human rights activist. 

The remarkable biography of an Indigenous war leader

"The Journey of Crazy Horse: A Lakota History" by Joseph M. Marshall III, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $14.99 

Crazy Horse was a legendary Lakota war leader, most famous for his role in the Battle of the Little Bighorn where Indigenous people defeated Custer's cavalry. A descendant of Crazy Horse's community, Joseph M. Marshall III drew from research and oral traditions that have rarely been shared but offer a powerful and culturally rich story of this acclaimed Lakota hero.

The captivating biography about the cofounder of Apple

"Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $16.75

Steve Jobs is a cofounder of Apple whose inventiveness reimagined technology and creativity in the 21st century. Water Issacson draws from 40 interviews with Steve Jobs, as well as interviews with over 100 of his family members and friends to create an encompassing and fascinating portrait of such an influential man.

The shocking biography of a woman committed to an insane asylum

"The Woman They Could Not Silence: One Woman, Her Incredible Fight for Freedom, and the Men Who Tried to Make Her Disappear" by Kate Moore, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $22.49

This biography is about Elizabeth Packard, a woman who was committed to an asylum in 1860 by her husband for being an outspoken woman and wife. Her story illuminates the conditions inside the hospital and the sinister ways of caretakers, an unfortunately true history that reflects the abuses suffered by many women of the time.

The defining biography of a formerly enslaved man

"Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $12.79

50 years after the Atlantic slave trade was outlawed in the United States, Cudjo Lewis was captured, enslaved, and transported to the US. In 1931, the author spent three months with Cudjo learning the details of his life beginning in Africa, crossing the Middle Passage, and his years enslaved before the Civil War. This biography offers a first-hand account of this unspoken piece of painful history.

The biography of a famous Mexican painter

"Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo" by Hayden Herrera, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $24.89

Filled with a wealth of her life experiences, this biography of Frida Kahlo conveys her intelligence, strength, and artistry in a cohesive timeline. The book spans her childhood during the Mexican Revolution, the terrible accident that changed her life, and her passionate relationships, all while intertwining her paintings and their histories through her story.

The exciting biography of Susan Sontag

"Sontag: Her Life and Work" by Benjamin Moser, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $20.24

Susan Sontag was a 20th-century writer, essayist, and cultural icon with a dark reputation. Drawing on hundreds of interviews, archived works, and photographs, this biography extends across Sontag's entire life while reading like an emotional and exciting literary drama.

The biography that inspired a hit musical

"Alexander Hamilton" by Ron Chernow, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $11.04

The inspiration for the similarly titled Broadway musical, this comprehensive biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton aims to tell the story of his decisions, sacrifice, and patriotism that led to many political and economic effects we still see today. In this history, readers encounter Hamilton's childhood friends, his highly public affair, and his dreams of American prosperity. 

The award-winning biography of an artistically influential man

"The New Negro: The Life of Alain Locke" by Jeffrey C Stewart, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $25.71

Alain Locke was a writer, artist, and theorist who is known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance. Outlining his personal and private life, Alain Locke's biography is a blooming image of his art, his influences, and the far-reaching ways he promoted African American artistic and literary creations.

The remarkable biography of Ida B. Wells

"Ida: A Sword Among Lions" by Paula J. Giddings, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $15.99

This award-winning biography of Ida B. Wells is adored for its ability to celebrate Ida's crusade of activism and simultaneously highlight the racially driven abuses legally suffered by Black women in America during her lifetime. Ida traveled the country, exposing and opposing lynchings by reporting on the horrific acts and telling the stories of victims' communities and families. 

The tumultuous biography that radiates queer hope

"The Mayor of Castro Street: The Life and Times of Harvey Milk" by Randy Shilts, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $11.80

Harvey Milk was the first openly gay elected official in California who was assassinated after 11 months in office. Harvey's inspirational biography is set against the rise of LGBTQIA+ activism in the 1970s, telling not only Harvey Milk's story but that of hope and perseverance in the queer community. 

The biography of a determined young woman

"Obachan: A Young Girl's Struggle for Freedom in Twentieth-Century Japan" by Tani Hanes, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $9.99

Written by her granddaughter, this biography of Mitsuko Hanamura is an amazing journey of an extraordinary and strong young woman. In 1929, Mitsuko was sent away to live with relatives at 13 and, at 15, forced into labor to help her family pay their debts. Determined to gain an education as well as her independence, Mitsuko's story is inspirational and emotional as she perseveres against abuse. 

The biography of an undocumented mother

"The Death and Life of Aida Hernandez: A Border Story" by Aaron Bobrow-Strain, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $18.40

Born in Mexico and growing up undocumented in Arizona, Aida Hernandez was a teen mother who dreamed of moving to New York. After being deported and separated from her child, Aida found herself back in Mexico, fighting to return to the United States and reunite with her son. This suspenseful biography follows Aida through immigration courts and detention centers on her determined journey that illuminates the flaws of the United States' immigration and justice systems.

The astounding biography of an inspiring woman

"The Black Rose: The Dramatic Story of Madam C.J. Walker, America's First Black Female Millionaire" by Tananarive Due, available on Amazon for $19

Madam C.J. Walker is most well-known as the first Black female millionaire, though she was also a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and born to former slaves in Louisiana. Researched and outlined by famous writer Alex Haley before his death, the book was written by author Tananarive Due, who brings Haley's work to life in this fascinating biography of an outstanding American pioneer.

A biography of the long-buried memories of a Hiroshima survivor

"Surviving Hiroshima: A Young Woman's Story" by Anthony Drago and Douglas Wellman, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $15.59

When Kaleria Palichikoff was a child, her family fled Russia for the safety of Japan until the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima when she was 22 years old. Struggling to survive in the wake of unimaginable devastation, Kaleria set out to help victims and treat the effects of radiation. As one of the few English-speaking survivors, Kaleria was interviewed extensively by the US Army and was finally able to make a new life for herself in America after the war.

A shocking biography of survival during World War II

"Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival" by Laura Hillenbrand, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $8.69

During World War II, Louis Zamperini was a lieutenant bombardier who crashed into the Pacific Ocean in 1943. Struggling to stay alive, Zamperini pulled himself to a life raft where he would face great trials of starvation, sharks, and enemy aircraft. This biography creates an image of Louis from boyhood to his military service and depicts a historical account of atrocities during World War II.  

The comprehensive biography of an infamous leader

"Mao: The Unknown Story" by Jung Chang and Jon Halliday, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $15.39

Mao was a Chinese leader, a founder of the People's Republic of China, and a nearly 30-year chairman of the Chinese Communist Party until his death in 1976. Known as a highly controversial figure who would stop at very little in his plight to rule the world, the author spent nearly 10 years painstakingly researching and uncovering the painful truths surrounding his political rule.

The emotional biography of a Syrian refugee

"A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea: One Refugee's Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival" by Melissa Fleming, available on Amazon and Bookshop from $15.33

When Syrian refugee Doaa met Bassem, they decided to flee Egypt for Europe, becoming two of thousands seeking refuge and making the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean. After four days at sea, their ship was attacked and sank, leaving Doaa struggling to survive with two small children clinging to her and only a small inflation device around her wrist. This is an emotional biography about Doaa's strength and her dangerous and deadly journey towards freedom.

• Main content

• Free eBooks
• eBook Readers

Featured Biography Book

Knights of Art

Have you ever wanted to know more about the famous artists behind some of the world’s most famous works of art? The Mona Lisa, the statue of David, and many more Italian works of art are some of the worlds most famous, but who created them?

We may know the names of the artists but Knights of Art by Amy Steedman delves into the lesser known lives of the names behind the fame. This book will show you a relatively unknown side to famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Giovanni Bellini and several others.

If you are interested in art and the Renaissance then this book is for you!

More Biography Books

About Biography Books

FreeEBooks.com offers a wide selection of very well-known biographies, autobiographies, and authorized biographies all free to download. It is an online bookstore that offers instant downloads to a wide selection of e-books including biographies, autobiographies and authorized biographies.

What is a Biography?

Biographies are generally non-fiction that is written on an account of someone’s life authored by someone else. The stories encapsulate the famous icon’s exciting life, reaffirming the importance of their existence and how they put their stamp on the world. Get to know the intimate details of their hurdles, struggles, losses, loves, accomplishments, and encounters.

What is an Autobiography?

Autobiographies are written by the subject itself about one’s life, and sometimes with a collaborator. These e-books will take you through the perspective of the narrator, and wander among the life of such infamous souls. Autobiographies will reel you in on their emotion and make you understand why they are the way they are and how they got there.

What is an Authorized Biography?

An authorized biography is written with the consent, collaboration, and often, participation of the subject or subject’s successors. Getting the perception of the individual from multiple views makes reading the e-book very enjoyable and insightful.

FreeEBooks.com offers a wide selection of biographies, autobiographies, and authorized biographies amongst many other genres to choose from.

Welcome to the Fascinating World of Biography eBooks!

Free Biography Books. Find biographies, autobiographies, and authorized biographies all free to download. We have a large selection of different biographies of many famous figures.

Step into the extraordinary lives of real people and discover the captivating stories that have shaped history, inspired generations, and touched hearts around the world. At FreeEBooks.com, we invite you to explore our vast collection of biography eBooks, where truth is often more compelling than fiction and where the human experience takes center stage.

Uncover Untold Stories:

Biographies offer a unique glimpse into the lives of individuals who have left an indelible mark on the world, from renowned leaders and visionaries to unsung heroes and everyday people who have overcome extraordinary odds. Whether you’re drawn to tales of triumph over adversity, accounts of groundbreaking achievements, or intimate portraits of the human spirit, our biography collection is sure to leave you inspired and enlightened.

Diverse Perspectives:

One of the most remarkable aspects of biographies is their ability to provide diverse perspectives on the human experience. From autobiographies penned by the individuals themselves to meticulously researched accounts written by historians and journalists, our collection showcases a wide range of voices and viewpoints, offering readers a rich tapestry of stories to explore.

From Icons to Everyday Heroes:

Whether you’re interested in delving into the lives of historical figures who have shaped the course of civilization or exploring the personal journeys of ordinary people whose stories are no less extraordinary, you’ll find a wealth of captivating biographies waiting to be discovered at FreeEBooks.com. From political leaders and cultural icons to scientists, artists, and activists, our collection celebrates the diversity of the human experience and the countless ways in which individuals have left their mark on the world.

An Inspiration for All:

Biographies have the power to inspire, educate, and uplift readers of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re seeking guidance on overcoming obstacles, insight into the lives of historical figures, or simply a good story that resonates with the human spirit, our biography collection offers something for everyone. Join us as we celebrate the extraordinary lives of individuals who have shaped our world and discover the timeless lessons they have to impart.

Start Exploring Today:

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to dive into the rich tapestry of human history and experience the power of biography eBooks for yourself. Whether you’re a history buff, a lifelong learner, or simply a lover of great storytelling, you’ll find endless inspiration within the pages of our diverse collection. Join us at FreeEBooks.com and embark on a journey of discovery unlike any other – the stories of real people, waiting to be told.

• Action Adventure
• Children's books
• Epic Fantasy
• Health & Fitness
• Historical Fiction
• Paranormal Romance
• Science Fiction
• Spirituality
• Urban Fantasy
• Young Adult
• Tamar Sloan
• Natalie Andersen
• Katelyn Anderson
• Denver Michaels
• Massimo Moruzzi
• Fiona Roarke
• Elle Strauss
• Moein Mansoori Fard
• More Authors »
• Off the Beaten Path: the Sony PRS-T2 E-Reader
• The Ectaco Jetbook Lite 2
• Icarus Excel Review
• iPad MIni as an EReader
• Apple iPad 2
• Kindle Fire
• Kindle Fire HD – Replaces 2012 Kindle HD
• Kindle Paperwhite
• Kobo Glo E-Reader Review
• Nook Simple Touch with Glow Light
• Nook Tablet

• About Amazon
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell products on Amazon
• Sell on Amazon Business
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Become an Affiliate
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Host an Amazon Hub
• › See More Make Money with Us
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Amazon and COVID-19
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices

• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Biographies

Preview Book

Publishing History

Related... search within biographies -->, prolific authors.

Free Online Library

Free Online Biography Books – Subject Names A & B

Free online biography books, names A & B. One of a dozen web pages containing hundreds of biographies and memoirs.

Go to the Biography Main Page for our collections, a list of all our individual biographies, and links to the other biography pages on Century Past .

Go back to Biography Main Page

Free online biography books – subjects a and b, the last hero: a life of henry aaron, bryant, howard, pantheon 2010 dewey dec. 000, aaron, henry louis “hank” (1934-), charles francis adams (american statesmen series), adams, charles francis jr., houghton, mifflin 1900 dewey dec. biography.

“Tells little of personal traits. Narration of services while minister to England; sheds valuable light on relations between England and America during the Civil war.” – Standard Catalog for Public Libraries: Biography Section (1927)

Adams, Charles Francis (1807-1886)

The education of henry adams. an autobiography, adams, henry, houghton 1918 dewey dec. biography.

“An important autobiography interesting in itself and because it is a criticism of cherished American institutions as they affected a brilliant man who had every advantage they could give. Valuable also as history.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926 “A type of autobiography which seems to stand absolutely in a niche of its own. Its wise philosophy of life, its deep understanding of human nature, its pervading charm of style and of mood, will surely entitle it to an abiding place among those rare volumes that are the perennial joy of cultured minds.” – Standard Catalog for Public Libraries: Biography Section (1927). Free online biography books.

Adams, Henry (1838-1918)

See our vintage novels collection, john adams (american statesmen), morse, john torrey, houghton 1917 dewey dec. biography.

“Graphic portraiture and an excellent study of our politics in the days of Adams, of the fortunes of the federal party and the attitude of its two hostile forces, represented by Adams and Hamilton.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926 “We have John Adams the man and patriot, in all his rugged honesty, full of courage in great emergencies when others fell away, pugnacious, wise, when his judgment was not clouded by passion, a statesman without tact, vain and conceited, yet always a patriot, possessing the traits found in most of the world’s great heroes, yet not reaching the stature of a hero. It is a truthful portrait.” – Standard Catalog for Public Libraries: Biography Section (1927). Free online biography books.

Adams, John, U.S. President (1735-1826)

Familiar letters of john adams and his wife abigail adams, during the revolution, with a memoir of mrs. adams, adams, john & abigail, houghton 1876 dewey dec. biography.

Takes its place by the side of the most valuable documents of our revolutionary history. — A.L.A. Catalog 1904

Adams, Abigail Smith (1744-1818)

John quincy adams. (american statesmen).

“Trustworthy in details, its chief merit is its comprehension of the essential character of Adams and its sympathetic interpretation of the man and his work.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926 “That Mr Morse’s conclusions will be those of posterity, we have very little doubt, and he has set an admirable example to his coadjutors in respect of interesting narrative, just proportion and judicial candor.” – Standard Catalog for Public Libraries: Biography Section (1927). Free online biography books.

Adams, John Quincy, U.S. President (1767-1848)

See our nonfiction subject a-z index, samuel adams (american statesmen), hosmer, james kendall.

“Interesting and appreciative, setting forth fairly the man. his work, and his times. It furnishes substantially a compact history of the occasions and manner of the opening of the Revolution.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926

Adams, Samuel (1722-1803)

American heroine: the life and legend of jane addams, davis, allen freeman, oxford university 1973.

Jane Addams, as the founder of Hull House – a famous settlement house in Chicago – was the best known woman in America during the first decade of the twentieth century. … [she] was important for what she did and for what she wrote, but she was equally important for what she symbolized. Her work as a labor organizer and social reformer, and her influence as the author of ‘Twenty Years at Hull House’ and many other books, inspired fantastic praise. Then came World War I and Addams, as a pacifist, helped to organize The Woman’s Peace Party … For this she was accused of being a traitor.” – Book jacket. Free online biography books.

Addams, Jane (1860-1935)

Agassiz; his life and correspondence, agassiz, elizabeth cary, ed., houghton 1893 dewey dec. biography.

Early life in Switzerland, friendships with Cuvier, Humboldt and other distinguished scientists; scientific work, particularly in geology and ichthyology, and work at Harvard, including founding of Agassiz museum. — A.L.A. Catalog 1904

Agassiz, Louis (1807-1873)

Roger ailes off camera: an inside look at the founder and head of fox news, chafets, zev, sentinel 2013.

“Roger Ailes is the quintessential man behind the curtain. He more or less invented modern political consulting and helped Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush win their races for the White House. Then he reinvented himself as the creator and leader of Fox News, the most influential news network in the country. To liberals, Ailes is an evil genius … To conservatives, he’s a champion of free speech and fair reporting whose values and view of America reflect their own.” – Book cover. Free online biography books.

Ailes, Roger Eugene (1940-2017)

Louisa may alcott, her life, letters, and journals, cheney, e. d., ed., little 1900 dewey dec. biography.

“Pictures the home life of the author of Little Women, her experiences as an army nurse, struggles as an author, and numerous incidents in a crowded life.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926

Alcott, Louisa May (1832-1888)

Alexander the great, the merging of east and west in universal history, wheeler, benjamin ide, putnam 1926 dewey dec. biography.

“Presents Alexander’s aims and achievements with considerable detail and admirable clearness.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926

Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.)

See our fiction directory for our huge collection of fiction books and magazines, alfred the great. the truth teller. maker of england 848-899, lees, beatrice adelaide, putnam 1915 dewey dec. biography.

“A careful and scholarly study which aims to disentangle the Alfred of history from the Alfred of legend. It contains a chapter on Alfredian literature and a bibliography of primary and secondary sources.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926

Alfred the Great, King of England (849-901)

To america: personal reflections of an historian, ambrose, stephen e., simon & schuster 2003.

“In this short volume, I tell stories about Americans from the past, what they did, how they did it, with what results.” – Author’s preface. Ambrose was a very popular historian of the U.S., and was the author of ‘Band of Brothers’, ‘Undaunted Courage’, ‘Citizen Soldiers’, and many other well-known books. He was raised in Whitewater, WI and completed B.A. and PhD degrees at UW-Madison.

Ambrose, Stephen E. (1936-2002)

Hans christian andersen: a new life, andersen, jens, overlook 2005 dewey dec. 000, andersen, hans christian (1805-1875), story of my life, anderson, hans christian, houghton 1871 dewey dec. biography.

“”My life is a lovely story, happy and full of incident.” So writes Andersen in the first line of his autobiography, which has the charm and felicitous phrasing of his well-loved fairy tales.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926 “The absolute candor with which Andersen lays bare his soul, the complete intentional or unintentional self-revelation, gives a psychological value to the book which no mere literary grace could bestow. . . . Andersen remained, until the day of his death, a child. His innocence was more than virginal; his unworldliness simply inconceivable. . . . He conceived of his life as a fairy-tale. . . . The feeling of the marvellous pervades the book from beginning to end.” – Standard Catalog for Public Libraries: Biography Section (1927). Biography books free.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Angelou, maya, bantam 1997 dewey dec. 000, angelou, maya (1928-2014), failure is impossible: susan b. anthony in her own words, sherr, lynn, ed., times 1995 dewey dec. 000, anthony, susan (1820-1906), see our history directory for thousands of free history books, the promised land, antin, mary.

A vivid, idealistic and inspiring autobiography of an emotional Russian child who came as an immigrant to the Boston slums and used all the opportunities possible in “the promised land.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1912-1921 “Autobiography of an immigrant who was born less than thirty years ago (1912) in Polotzk, Russia, a town in the Jewish pale, and spent her childhood there. Her family being driven by the pressure of poverty to immigrate, when she was twelve years old she was brought to America, where she made a brilliant progress thru the public schools of Boston and thru Barnard college. The story of her life is absorbing in its human significance, remarkable for its literary distinction and convincingly hopeful in its view of the immigrant problem in America.” – Standard Catalog for Public Libraries: Biography Section (1927). Biography books free.

Antin, Mary (1881-1949)

Johnny appleseed, a voice in the wilderness: the story of the pioneer john chapman. centennial tribute, hatcher, harlan, and marshall, leslie, paterson, n.j: swedenborg press. 1945.

John Chapman (1774-1845), often called Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, as well as the northern counties of present day West Virginia. He became an American legend while still alive, due to his kind, generous ways, his leadership in conservation, and the symbolic importance he attributed to apples. He was also a missionary for The New Church (Swedenborgian) and the inspiration for many museums and historical sites such as the Johnny Appleseed Museum in Urbana, Ohio and the Johnny Appleseed Heritage Center in between Lucas, Ohio and Mifflin, Ohio. -Wikipedia entry “Johnny Appleseed”. Biography books free.

Chapman, John (1774-1845)

Audubon the naturalist, herrick, francis hobart, appleton 1917 dewey dec. biography.

“This work by the professor of biology in Western Reserve university, himself a well-known ornithologist, is the first thorough and authoritative biography of the great naturalist whose life was one of the most romantic in American history.” “The volumes are magnificently illustrated, many of the plates being reproductions in color of Audubon’s drawings. For the reader whose interest in Audubon is scientific the book is invaluable; the more general reader will find it a fascinating story of tremendous struggle and great achievement” – The Book Review Digest “The appendixes contain the complete text of the French documents and a bibliography, comprising a fully annotated list of Audubon’s writings, biographies, criticism, and Auduboniana. An index to the complete work is included in the second volume.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926

Audubon, John James (1785-1851)

Life of jane austen (great writers), smith, goldwin, scribner 1890 dewey dec. biography.

“The first and best chapter contains an excellent sketch of Jane Austen’s life; the other chapters analyze her novels with delicate taste and fine critical faculty.” – Standard Catalog for Public Libraries: Biography Section (1927)

Austen, Jane (1775-1815)

Struggles and triumphs: or, forty years’ recollections of p.t. barnum, barnum, p. t., hartford 1869 dewey dec. biography, barnum, phineas taylor (1810-1891), all the days of my life: an autobiography. the red leaves of a human heart., barr, amelia edith huddleston, appleton 1913 dewey dec. biography.

A sincere unpretentious account of this novelist’s private, literary and spiritual life. Early days in England and Scotland, the United States before the Civil war and her career when the loss of husband and sons forced her to write to support herself and her daughters. She was over eighty when this was written. — A.L.A. Catalog 1912-1921. Biography books free.

Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston (1831-1919)

See our collected biographical articles, the life of clara barton, epler, percy harold, macmillan 1915 dewey dec. biography.

An authorized biography made more interesting through the free use of unpublished war diaries and letters and personal recollections. Covers her work in the Civil war, the Franco-Prussian war, the Spanish war, the foundation of the American Red Cross and direction of its varied activities. — A.L.A. Catalog 1912-1921

Barton, Clara Harlowe (1821-1912)

Beethoven, a character study; together with wagner’s indebtedness to beethoven, fischer, george alexander, dodd 1905 dewey dec. biography.

“Although it throws no new light on Beethoven’s life and artistic nature, it is perhaps the most rational, convincing, shrewd and sympathetic estimate yet made.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926

Beethoven, Ludwig van (1770-1827)

My song: a memoir, belafonte, harry, knopf 2011 dewey dec. 000, belafonte, harry (1927-), the jack benny show: the life and times of america’s best-loved entertainer, josefsberg, milt, arlington house 1977.

“Jack Benny (born Benjamin Kubelsky) was an American comedian, vaudevillian, radio, television and film actor, and violinist. Benny was known for his comic timing and the ability to cause laughter with a pregnant pause or a single expression, such as his signature exasperated “Well!” His radio and television programs, popular from 1932 until his death in 1974, were a major influence on the sitcom genre.” – Wikipedia. Biography books free.

Benny, Jack (Benjamin Kubelsky) (1894-1974)

Thomas hart benton (american statesmen series), roosevelt, theodore, benton, thomas hart (1782-1858), barra, allen, norton 2009 dewey dec. 000, berra, lawrence peter “yogi” (1925-2015), memories of my life, bernhardt, sarah, appleton 1923 dewey dec. biography.

“The personal, professional and social recollections of a remarkable woman and great artist — versatile, egotistic, brilliant, audacious and always interesting.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926

Bernhardt, Sarah (1844-1923)

Larry legend, masters 1999.

“Larry Legend features the fascinating Horatio Alger-like story of Larry Bird — Hall of Fame basketball superstar and NBA Coach of the Year. Among the topics covered, author Mark Shaw chronicles: Bird’s early childhood and adolescent years in Springs Valley, Indiana; Why he left Indiana University and Coach Bob Knight; Bird’s newer-to-be-forgotten collegiate days at Indiana State; How he led the Boston Celtics to three world championships”; Why he decided to coach the Indiana Pacers. The inside story of how he molded the Pacers into championship contenders using the same work ethic that made him one of the five greatest players in basketball history.” – Book cover

Bird, Larry Joe (1956 – )

Bismarck (makers of the nineteenth century), robertson, charles grant, holt 1919 dewey dec. biography.

“Comprehensive, unbiased, and compiled from original sources, it describes the man and master statesman, loyal to craftiness in his support of the king, ending with a bitter old age of defeated power and reconstructed ideas. Many references to contemporary German history, documents and bibliography.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926 “Mr Robertson has written so sanely and dispassionately that the salient impression that comes out of this biography is not of Bismarck’s meanness but of greatness. This Mr Robertson has accomplished by adhering resolutely to his avowed object in writing; namely, to reconstruct the period through which Bismarck lived.” – The Book Review Digest “Both historically and psychologically, it is a work often brilliant, always enlightening; written neither from the professorial chair nor the journalistic desk, but instinct with a full and inner knowledge both of documents and transactions.” – Standard Catalog for Public Libraries: Biography Section (1927). Biography books free.

Bismarck, Otto, furst von (1815-1898)

Black elk speaks:, being the life story of a holy man of the oglala sioux, pocket 1972 dewey dec. 000, black elk (1863-1950), the life of black hawk; ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak, quaife, milo milton, ed., chicago: donnelley 1916.

The autobiography was dictated by Black Hawk in 1833, using the official U.S. interpreter for the Sacs and Foxes. This took place shortly after the Black Hawk War, when Black Hawk was in the custody of the Government. This volume is a re-issuance by the Wisconsin Historical Society, with a new introduction, of an 1834 publication named: “Life of Ma-Ka-Tai-Me-She-Kia-Kiak or Black Hawk, embracing the tradition of his nation – Indian wars in which he has been engaged – cause of joining the British in their late war with America, and its history – description of the Rock-River village – manners and customs – encroachments by the whites, contrary to treaty – removal from his village in 1831. With an account of the cause and general history of the late war, his surrender and confinement at Jefferson Barracks, and travels through the United States, dictated by himself.” Biography online books.

There are many resources on this site for: The Black Hawk War of 1832

Black Hawk (Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak) (1767-1838)

William blake, de selincourt, basil, duckworth 1909 dewey dec. biography.

“De Selincourt’s William Blake is a study of Blake’s principles and practices, and contains an admirably sane analysis of his genius.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926

Blake, William (1757-1827)

Once around the bloch, bloch, robert.

Autobiography by the Wisconsin author of science fiction and horror, including “Psycho”, which Alfred Hitchcock made into a movie.

Bloch, Robert (1917-1994)

Six months in mexico, bly, nellie, american publishers corporation 1888 dewey dec. biography.

Personal memoir. A young woman becomes a journalist and takes an assignment in Mexico. The author, whose real name was Elizabeth Cochrane Seaman, would later become one of the best-known women in the U.S. for a record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days, and for an investigative expose in which she faked insanity to study a mental institution from within. See the entry in Wikipedia for “Nellie Bly”. There was also a 1981 movie; “The Adventures of Nellie Bly”.

Seaman, Elizabeth Cochrane, AKA Nellie Bly (1864-1922)

Yashka; my life as peasant, officer and exile, bochkareva, maria leontievna, commander of the russian women’s battalion of death, stokes 1919 dewey dec. biography.

A thrilling book with graphic pictures of her battalion, the disintegration of the Russian army after the revolution, of Kerensky, Lenin, Trotsky and others. The events are a succession so dramatically startling that they tax one’s credulity. — A.L.A. Catalog 1912-1921. Biography online books.

Bochkareva, Maria Leontievna (Frolkova) (1889-1920)

Sarah k. bolton; pages from an intimate autobiography, bolton, charles knowles, ed., todd 1923 dewey dec. biography.

Sarah Knowles Bolton wrote for the press and also published poems, biographical sketches and children’s books. She worked in the temperance movement and involved herself in female higher education and other social questions. Several of her books are on this website.

Bolton, Sarah Knowles (1841-1916)

Erma bombeck: a life in humor, edwards, susan.

“A housewife turned beloved, nationally known humorist, Erma Bombeck first began focusing a wry critical eye on the American family back when June Cleaver, not Roseanne, was the accepted model for middle-class motherhood. For more than three decades, she charmed a nation with her sassy irreverence for long-held traditions, tempered by delightful good humor…and, always deep, abiding love.” – Book jacket. Biography online books.

Bombeck, Erma Louise (1927-1996)

Napoleon the first, fournier, august, holt 1903 dewey dec. biography.

“One of the more important of the shorter biographies; based on thorough research, and giving a good view of the general historical situation.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926

Napoleon I, Emperor of the French (Bonaparte, Napoleon) (1769-1821)

Daniel boone (appleton’s life histories), thwaites, reuben gold, appleton 1902 dewey dec. biography.

“Defines Daniel Boone’s place among western pioneers in the light of manuscripts in the Wisconsin historical society library.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926 “Inspiring account of Boone’s exploits as explorer and frontiersman, attributing his fame to his character rather than to his courage. Information about the life of the times and the Indians of the period supplies a colorful background. Written for Boy scouts, but interesting to adults as well.” – Standard Catalog for Public Libraries: Biography Section (1927)

Boone, Daniel (1734-1820)

Life of catherine booth, the mother of the salvation army, vol 1, booth-tucker, f. de l., salvation army 1892 dewey dec. biography.

Catherine Booth was the wife of the founder of the Salvation Army and had an important role in managing and shaping the organization. Biography online books.

Booth, Catherine Mumford (1829-1890)

Lucrezia borgia, bradford, sarah, viking 2004 dewey dec. 000, borgia, lucrezia (1480-1519), kitchen confidential: adventures in the culinary underbelly, bourdain, anthony, ecco 2000 dewey dec. 000, bourdain, anthony michael (1956-2018), brahms (new library of music), fuller-maitland, john alexander, lane 1911 dewey dec. biography.

“Perhaps the most useful English biography for the student, since it analyzes a large number of Brahms’ compositions.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926. Biography online books.

Brahms, Johannes (1833-1897)

The brontës and their circle, shorter, clement king, dutton 1917 dewey dec. biography, bronte, charlotte (1816 – 1855), bronte, emily (1818 – 1848), bronte, anne (1820 – 1849), rajah brooke; the englishman as ruler of an eastern state (builders of greater britain), st john, sir spenser, longmans dewey dec. biography.

Short biography of Sir James Brooke, rajah of Sarawak, Borneo, 1842-63. Contains an account of Brooke’s attempt to regenerate the Malays, of relations with Chinese and with pirates, illustrating British policy in southeastern Asia. — A.L.A. Catalog 1904.

Brooke, James, Rajah of Sarawak (1803-1868)

The letters of robert browning and elizabeth barrett barrett 1845 – 1846, vol 1, browning, robert and browning, elizabeth, smith 1899 dewey dec. biography.

“A set of intimate letters of rare charm which reveal a beautiful character. They also, like those of the previous title, contain many casual but revealing glimpses of well-known people.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926

Browning, Robert (1812-1889)

Browning, elizabeth barrett (1806-1861), a righteous cause: the life of william jennings bryan, cherney, robert w., university of oklahoma 1994.

“Three times the Democratic Party’s nominee for president (1896, 1900, and 1908), and Secretary of State under Woodrow Wilson, William Jennings Bryan voiced the concerns of many Americans left out of the post—Civil War economic growth. In this book, Robert Cherny traces Bryan’s major political crusades for a new currency policy, prohibition, and women’s suffrage, and against colonialism, monopolies, America’s entry into World War I, and the teaching of evolution in the public schools. Drawing on Bryan’s writings and correspondence, Cherny presents Bryan’s key role in the Democratic party’s transformation from a proponent of minimal government to an advocate of active government.” – Book cover

Bryan, William Jennings (1860-1925)

Memories of buffalo bill, cody, mrs. louisa (frederici) and cooper, c. r., appleton 1919 dewey dec. biography.

“Though not a literary masterpiece, it has the merit of presenting a real man and an admirable character. It is written in a lively and entertaining style, with restraint, and, in spite of some sentimentality, in good taste.” — A.L.A. Catalog 1926. Biography online books.

Cody, William Frederick (Buffalo Bill) (1845-1917)

Barbara bush: a memoir, bush, barbara, st. martin’s 1995 dewey dec. 000, bush, barbara pierce (1925-2018), all the best, george bush: my life in letters and other writings, bush, george, touchstone 2000 dewey dec. 000, bush, george herbert walker (1924-2018), spoken from the heart, bush, laura, scribner 2010 dewey dec. 000, bush, laura lane welch (1946), leave a reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Kindlepreneur

Book Marketing for Self-Publishing Authors

Home / Book Writing / The Best Biography Books of All Time: My 10 Personal Favorites

The Best Biography Books of All Time: My 10 Personal Favorites

I love great biography books. Whether it's about a hero, celebrity, business mogul, or dastardly villain, biographies give an amazing insight into the mindset of success and hard work.

And while biographies aren't necessarily white-knuckle page-turners or complex Lit-RPG , they're sure to provide an interesting read.

In this article, you will learn:

• The importance of a biography – both as a writer and a reader
• Our top picks for the best biographies of all time

Table of contents

• Our Best Biography Books
• Biographies for Readers
• Biographies for Writers
• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
• Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
• Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. by Ron Chernow
• Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson
• The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder
• Bohemian Rhapsody: The Definitive Biography of Freddie Mercury by Lesley-Ann Jones
• The Kid: The Immortal Life of Ted Williams by Ben Bradlee Jr
• The Bradbury Chronicles: The Life of Ray Bradbury by Sam Weller
• Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar by Simon Sebag Montefiore
• The Stan Lee Story by Roy Thomas
• What Do You Think Of Our Best Biography Books List?

Mind you, this is a highly subjective article. If you don't see your favorite biography on this list, let us know in the comments below what you believe deserves to be on this list and why. And with that, let's jump right into some good lessons and even better titles.

• Titan: The Life of John D Rockefeller, Sr. by Ron Chernow
• Bohemian Rhapsody: The Definitive Biography of Freddie Mercury by Leslie-Ann Jones
• The Kid: The Immortal Life of Ted Williams by Ben Bradlee Jr.

Why Are Biographies Important?

Often glossed over, a biography holds much more than just the story of someone's life. While the stories can be entertaining, there is another value to reading and writing biography books.

When looking at what can be gained by readers through biographies, three main points come to mind.

• Biographies provide real-life lessons.

There's an old piece of advice that I'm sure everybody has heard before, “Learn from others' mistakes.” And while we might not necessarily follow that as we should, it's sound advice. By reading biographies, you can see where other people made their mistakes and learn from them in the process. Biography subjects can be mentors if you'll let them.

• Biographies are inspiring.

Most of the time, biographies focus on great people accomplishing great deeds. Reading about them will surely light a fire underneath you and provide the inspiration you need to conquer whatever obstacles stand in your way.

• Biographies allow you to walk a mile in someone else's shoes.

Sometimes it's necessary to see things from a different perspective. Doing so can be truly enlightening. Biographies shine a light into why someone acted the way they did, giving you fresh insight.

Increase Your Book Marketing

See the Publisher Rocket effect, when you use the right keywords and categories to help get your book seen more on Amazon.

Readers of biographies aren't the only people to benefit from them. Those who write biographies go through the learning process themselves. Here are a few benefits authors of biographies might glean.

• They come with their own subject matter.

While careful research must be done to write a good biography, it can be helpful to have a life's worth of adventures to work with. If you're struggling to come up with a new story for a book, consider telling someone else's story.

• They will humble and humanize you.

A biography humbles its author. You may be one of the most successful writers ever; but when writing a biography, you're writing about somebody else's success and their life. It kind of puts things into perspective. You get an outside look at how life operates and how people react to ups and downs. You'll see that you're a part of something much bigger than yourself. This will allow you to learn from your subject's trials and tribulations.

I recommend sharing what you personally learned from your research in the preface part of your book. Let readers know how writing the biography has made you a better person and more aware. That will make readers excited to potentially experience a similar transformation.

[click_to_tweet tweet=”Looking for the Best Biography Books of All Time? Check out our list here on Kindlepreneur! #amwriting #reading #biographies” quote=”Looking for the Best Biography Books of All Time? Check out our list here on Kindlepreneur!”]

Our Top Picks for the Best Biography Books of All Time

Here are our picks for the best biographies of all time. These are listed in no particular order, as it was already hard enough to narrow them down this much.

About the Biography:  This biography focuses on the life of Henrietta Lacks. A simple tobacco farmer, Henrietta unwittingly became one of the largest contributors to modern medical science. Back in 1951, Henrietta visited The Johns Hopkins Hospital where a large cancerous tumor was found on her cervix. Samples of these cancer cells ended up being collected and, unbeknownst to her, sent to a nearby tissue lab for experimentation. Her cells (now called HeLa cells) were very special compared to everyone else's. Instead of dying under stressful conditions, hers would double in number! Further experimentation led to many scientific breakthroughs, including the polio vaccine. It was only 20 years later–and after Henrietta's passing–that her family actually found out what happened.

About the Author: Rebecca Skloot has a very interesting writing background. She's been a professor for both creative writing and science journalism at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Memphis, and New York University. And she's got a rather prolific writing portfolio. She's published over 200 short stories and essays, but nothing quite took off like The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

Why We Chose This Biography: When this book came out in 2010, it was one for the record books. It was not only selected as a notable book by the New York Times — 60 different major publications named it as the best book of the year! This biography has garnered so much attention over the past decade, with Oprah Winfrey even producing an HBO film on it.

About the Biography: When Lincoln won the presidency, his rivals were shocked and dismayed. Lincoln became the victor due to his high capacity to relate to the common folk and his overwhelming sense of poise and decency. That ability allowed him to develop one of the most unusual presidential cabinets in history. One made up of his politically experienced and headstrong rivals.

About the Author:  Doris Kearns Goodwin is an American political biographer. She has written biographies for several other American presidents including Lyndon B Johnson, Theodore Roosevelt, and William Howard Taft. In 2005, she won the Lincoln Award (Best Book about The Civil War) for Team of Rivals  and parts of it were used for the basis of the 2012 Steven Spielberg film, Lincoln .

Why We Chose This Biography:  Many people would say that Abraham Lincoln was one of the greatest United States Presidents to hold the office. Though his life was shortened by assassination, he made a huge impact on the American Union and history itself. One of the ways he was able to do so was by bringing the people together–friends and enemies alike. And the masterful writing from Goodwin only accentuates how much impact Lincoln actually had.

About the Biography:  Titan explores the life of the world's first billionaire — oil magnate, John D. Rockefeller, Sr. This biography talks about Rockefeller's humble beginnings and how he rose through the corporate ladder to become one of the most powerful men in history. The biography has cameos from major players such as Joseph Pulitzer, William Randolph Hearst, JP Morgan, Andrew Carnegie, and many more. This has been touted as one of America's great biographies by Time Magazine .

About the Author: Beginning his career in freelance journalism, Ron Chernow quickly evolved into one of the foremost biographical writers in the United States. Although he pursues writing full time now, he still contributes articles to publications such as The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal .

Why We Chose This Biography:  Even long after his death, Rockefeller is one of the greatest business inspirations for any budding entrepreneur. He truly defined and set the term “industry titan,” and there's still so much that we can learn from his practices.

About the Biography:  This 2008 Audie Award winner tells the story of how an awkward, impatient patent clerk became one of the greatest scientific minds of all time. The book covers the entirety of Einstein's life, from the common misconception that he wasn't good at math to his involvement in World War I and II. Isaacson also covers Einstein's Physics achievements and his formulation of the General Theory of Relativity. This is one of the best biography books for anyone interested in politics, physics, or personal achievement.

About the Author:  Walter Isaacson has quite the resume. He's been the managing editor at Time , CEO of CNN, and CEO of the Aspen Institute. He's made a household name for himself through his biographies of Albert Einstein, Steve Jobs, Ben Franklin, Leonardo da Vinci, and Henry Kissinger.

Why We Chose This Biography:  Albert Einstein has become synonymous with the word ‘genius.' If you were to create a top 10 list of the most influential minds in history, there's a good chance he'd be on it. And when you have his life presented to you by the legendary biographical author Walter Isaacson…You're in for one heck of a read.

About the Biography:  Warren Buffett is one of the richest men in America and one of the most respected. Known for showing great humility, he has been shrouded in enigma as he lives a very private life (until this biography anyway). Entrusting his life story to Alice Schroeder, Alice writes the book that Buffett claims he never could.

About the Author:  Alice is an American former insurance analyst and writer. She caught the attention of Warren Buffett through her writing skills and was entrusted to tell his story. After her success with The Snowball , you'll catch more of her writing in columns for T he Bloomberg News .

Why We Chose This Biography:  Warren Buffett is a wildly successful businessman who's made some of the best decisions when it comes to investing in the stock market. And at the same time, he does it with the utmost degree of modesty. He's a huge role model for just about anybody trying to make it in life. So when he finally decided to sit down with someone to tell his story…I'm gonna listen. Or read it.

About the Biography:  Bohemian Rhapsody is the Freddie Mercury biography that you never knew you needed. This book primarily focuses on the period in the 1980s where Queen began to fragment–namely before Live Aid. It's been described as an emotional roller coaster, taking the reader through Freddie's childhood in India and Zanzibar to his wilder years in the '70s and '80s.

About the Author:  Lesley-Ann Jones is an English author and journalist. Most of her works revolve around rock and roll and pop superstars. She's a top-notch writer and captured Freddie at his most real in this biography.

Why We Chose This Biography: Many would agree that Freddie Mercury had one of the most electrifying voices in the history of rock and roll. However, it wasn't just Freddie's four-plus octave range that made him so controversial. His battles with societal norms, his sexuality, and AIDS keep him in the public light to this day. If you're a fan of Queen or of music in general, this is an amazing look into the life of an even more amazing artist (and one of the best biography books).

About the Biography:  Ted Williams is a Boston Red Sox legend. And one of the greatest (if not the GOAT) hitters to ever play the game. He put up numbers so awe-inspiring that players today are still struggling to reach them. Not only that, he served as a US Marine pilot in the Korean War for five years. Ted had a rather volatile domestic life. This biography explores the peaks and valleys of this baseball legend both on and off the field.

About the Author:  As the son of the famous Watergate reporter, Ben Bradlee Sr., Bradlee Jr. has made an enormous name for himself through his own writing. Spending most of his career as an editor at The Boston Globe , Bradlee helped see the paper to a Pulitzer Prize in 2003. His biography on Ted Williams became a New York Times Bestseller. Slated to become a TV miniseries, this is a story you'll definitely want to read.

Why We Chose This Biography:  For those of you who don't know, I'm an avid Red Sox fan. Seriously, there's nothing like being at Fenway staring down the Green Monster. I chose this biography because you get to see this idolized baseball legend for everything he was. Most people never think about what their sports heroes are like off the field. This one had me reading late into the night as I couldn't put it down.

My Ted Williams signed baseball. You can see it on the white shelves behind me in my videos.

I respect a lot of things about Ted Williams. He was a jet pilot in WWII and Korea. Even when he was at his prime, he still willingly went to war. And really fought…not just signed autographs and paraded around for War Bonds. Even when shot down behind enemy lines in Korea, Ted Williams made his way back to safety and ultimately back to baseball.

This book humanizes Ted and shows every facet of his life–the rough and the polished.

About the Biography:  This biography tells the story of prolific Sci-Fi writer Ray Bradbury, from his beginnings in a small town in Illinois to his feuds on the silver screen with various film and television personalities. After hundreds of hours spent with Ray, the author and he became close friends. This adulation can be detected throughout the book in Weller's writing style.

About the Author:  Sam Weller has made his career as an accomplished journalist through reporting on the life of Ray Bradbury. He is an LA Times Bestseller and is the recipient of the 2005 Society of Midland Authors Award for Best Biography for The Bradbury Chronicles .

Why We Chose This Biography:  As a Sci-Fi enthusiast, I understand the impact that Ray Bradbury made on the genre–even on short stories in general. Influenced by his environment, this biography provides a unique angle into Bradbury's work.

About the Biography: The best Biography books aren't always about the heroes in life. This biography is about one of the most fierce villains of all time: Joseph Stalin. This book primarily focuses on after his rise to absolute power. It goes into excruciating detail about the actions of the madman and his court. Due to the emotionally disturbing scenes littered throughout this book, I recommend this for mature readers only.

About the Author:  Simon Sebag Montefiore has a very accomplished and varied resume. Writing fiction and non-fiction books for both children and adults, his career as a British historian spreads across a vast audience. His biography on Stalin, though, received the Best History Book of the Year at the 2004 British Book Awards.

Why We Chose This Biography: There's an old adage that says, “Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. ” And while this does sound very cliché… clichés exist for a reason. This book is a tough read — not necessarily because of the language, but because of the subject matter. It's somewhat difficult to imagine one man was capable of so many monstrosities. It's important to understand so we as a society can stop similar events from happening again.

About the Biography:  The story of Stanley Leiber–or Stan Lee–is a must-read for every comic lover. This full-feature biography goes through the steps of how Stan Lee and Jack Kirby became the Kings of Comics and beloved worldwide. Co-creator of some of Marvel's (and Earth's) mightiest heroes, Stan Lee helped build the legends of Wolverine, Ultron, Iron Fist, Luke Cage, Carol Danvers–aka Captain Marvel–and so many more! This physically over-sized book portrays just how gigantic Lee was. It comes complete with full-sized illustrations and even a note from Stan the Man himself. Excelsior!

About the Author: Roy Thomas is a comic book writer and editor. Among his other achievements, he is also the first successor to Marvel Comics after Stan Lee himself. He is one of the writers responsible for ushering in the Golden Age of Comics.

Why We Chose This Biography:  If you're a comic book nut like me, this has got to be on your reading bucket list. Without a doubt, Lee sculpted the modern comic book industry. From blockbuster movies, games, and new weekly comic issues, fans feel Stan Lee's influence in each universe–Marvel, DC, or independent.

Out of all the available stories out there, these are the top ten best biography books I've chosen. However, this list is completely subjective. And I'd love to hear from you. What are your favorites?

Let me know which ones I've missed on social media. I'm always looking for new books to add to my reading list!

Dave Chesson

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

Related Posts

Author vs writer: what’s the difference, how to write an adventure story, parts of a book [from cover to cover], sell more books on amazon, amazon kindle rankings e-book.

Learn how to rank your Kindle book #1 on Amazon with our collection of time-tested tips and tricks.

76 thoughts on “ The Best Biography Books of All Time: My 10 Personal Favorites ”

Great idea and great list Dave. I LOVE biographies, they are a wonderful and personal access to history through the life of a leader.My shortlist:1. William Manchester, “The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill,” in 3 volumes, so that counts as 3 ;-)4. Michael Lewis, “The Undoing Project,” about the partnership between Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky who single-handedly disrupted economic wisdom and invented the field of behavioral economics.5. Barbara Tuchman, “Stillwell and the American Experience in China, 1911-1945,” about General Stillwell who was at least as brilliant as Patton or Marshall.6. Blanche Wiesen Cook, “Eleanor Roosevelt”, a 2-volume series about FDR`s first lady who created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. That again counts for 2 books ;-)8. Shlomo Avneri, “Theodor Herzl and the Foundation of the Jewish State,” about the visionary who dreamed up and laid the foundation for modern Israel.9. Taylor Branch, “Parting the Waters: America in the King Years, 1954-63,” a compelling biography of the civil rights leader.10. Walter Isaacson, “Steve Jobs” (I also loved Isaacson`s Einstein: His Life and Universe, but since you list that already, I recommend his Jobs biography, which shows the path-breaking entrepreneur, warts ‘n’ all).Enjoy.Thomas D. Zweifel Author of 8 books, including the award-winning “Strategy-In-Action” and “The Rabbi and the CEO”that became bestsellers thanks to Dave Chesson`s insight

Hi Dave,Great list of biographies and good insights into the value of reading bios.May I suggest a biography in the occult genre, Brother XII: The Strange Odyssey of a 20th-century Prophet, the story of Edward Arthur Wilson, mystic, visionary, prophet and prototypical cult leader.The details of this fascinating story are at my website brotherxii.com , which you might like to check out, as it gives a good illustrated synopsis of this strange saga.Josh Gates did an episode on Brother XII recently, œSecrets of Brother XII,  though the book itself has far more detail, and is based on interviews with former disciples and Brother XII ‘s private papers.Thanks for all the great work you do for authors.

Thanks and looks great!

Dave… Great list of Biographies! When you said, “Those who write biographies go through the learning process themselves” you were right on. However, there is a special learning process that authors who write their own autobiographies go through. The power of the story depends a lot on if you are writing about happy memories or ones permeated in pain, suffering and abuse. Five years ago as an unknown, first-time, self-published author, I decided to write my true-life story. As you start writing, you remember (and relive) what really happened and not the way you would have liked things to happen. One is factual and the other enters the realm of fiction.If your story is harrowing, as mine is, it is not only difficult to write, edit, and rewrite, but narrating your own audiobook can be an unimaginably disturbing experience. There were many times I broke down and could not continue for days just having to relive what I was subjected to for the first 16 years of my life.However, writing your autobiography is a tremendously healing process and allows you to see that what happened did not happen “to you” but happened “for you” in the end. Insight into Life is the reward for any author who is bold enough to write their pain and for any reader who is brave enough to experience it with them. – Linda Deir, author of “GUIDED” – Winner of the Int’l Body-Mind-Spirit Book Award.

Oh, That is some really good points. have not written an autobiography…not quite there yet but I’ll keep this in mind!

Hi Dave, thank you for an excellent idea, and some Interesting titles. I actually have four in my Audible library or wish list. And I will be keen to get the Ray Bradbury one. My list of 10 are below. Clearly subjective, but by its very nature that is always the case. ERIC`s 10 FAVOURITE BIOGRAPHIES / AUTOBIOGRAPHIESSurname / First Name / Title / Subject Albom Mitch TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE Morrie Schwartz Esterhaus Joe HOLLYWOOD ANIMAL Joe Esterhaus Eyman Scott JOHN WAYNE, The Life and Legend John Wayne Granger Stewart SPARKS FLY UPWARDS Stewart Granger Hotchner A E PAPPA HEMINGWAY Ernest Hemingway Jenkins Roy WINSTON CHURCHILL Winston Churchill McCourt Frank ANGELA`s ASHES Frank Mc Court McCullough Colleen RODEN CUTLER, VC Roden Cutler Parini Jay JOHN STEINBECK, A Biography John Steinbeck Sandburg Carl LINCOLN Abraham Lincoln 6 Volumes Footnotes: Pulitzer Prize for ANGELA`s ASHES and LINCOLN. Roy Jenkins CHURCHILL is arguably the best single volume bio of WSC Great title by Stewart Granger, taken from Job – 5:7 “Man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upwards.”

Nice – yeah the Churchill one is on my list right now!

Comments are closed.

Join the community

Join 111,585 other authors who receive weekly emails from us to help them make more money selling books.

20 Best Biography Books Ever Written

By: Author Willow Heath

Posted on Last updated: 15th September 2023

There’s a lot that goes into writing a successful and poignant biography: honesty, detailed research, clear context, empathetic writing, and so much more.

Biographies hold a unique place in the world of nonfiction. The best biography books often appeal to people who may not even explicitly care about the book’s subject.

It’s all about human connection. Learning the historical, cultural, religious, political, economic and social contexts behind a person’s life is satisfying, but connection is what sells it.

For some of us, we read biography books to become intimate with historical figures we admire. For others, it’s simply about the act of connecting with someone through their story.

The Best Biography Books to Read Now

With all of that in mind, you’ll find here a wide range of the best biography books.

These are biographies about writers, artists, musicians, political figures, scientists, and more.

When composing a list of the best biography books, variety is essential. Variety of work, ethnicity, gender, and class.

And, with variety at the forefront, here is a selection of the best biography books of all time.

Shakespeare: The Biography by Peter Ackroyd

Peter Ackroyd is a huge name in the world of nonfiction, having written celebrated history books and biography books about British history.

Ackroyd has written an entire history of England, and another of London. And here, he dedicated five hundred pages to The Bard himself: William Shakespeare.

Shakespeare is widely considered the most influential writer in history .

His plays are studied in schools around the world, and people make full careers out of being Shakespearean scholars, actors, directors, and more.

A legacy like The Bard’s inevitably leads to speculation, conspiracy, and more. Against all of that is Peter Ackroyd’s biography: a full and immersive journey through Shakespeare’s life.

Ackroyd has spent time researching and detailing the period in which Shakespeare lived.

London’s religious and political dynamics, Shakespeare’s own family and education, and the world of English theatre at the time. All of this and so much more is laid bare here.

While nobody will ever know every detail of Shakespeare’s life, Ackroyd has done his due diligence when it comes to piecing together a vivid picture of who The Bard was.

An incredible feat of biography writing from one of England’s best-loved historians, and one of the best biography books you’ll ever read.

Buy a copy of Shakespeare: The Biography here!

Van Gogh: The Life by Steven Naifeh & Gregory White Smith

So much has been written about Vincent Van Gogh, and deservedly so.

Multiple documentaries have been made; museums, galleries, and interactive exhibitions have been built; songs have been sung; and books have been written.

The 19th century Dutch painter was a revolutionary of the craft, a legend of post-impressionism, and his life was a truly fascinating one.

His life is well-known, and remembered with as much intrigue as his art. Van Gogh was the original struggling artist, the one who began the toxic trend of seeing depression as a mark of genius.

Deeply troubled, Van Gogh lived a life of tragedy as much as one of beauty. And all of that is masterfully captured in Van Gogh: The Life .

Working alongside Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, authors Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith have brought us nearly a thousand pages of incredible research and writing.

Van Gogh: The Life is the definitive work of biography on the genius Dutch painter. A truly remarkable book, and one of the very best biography books ever written.

Buy a copy of Van Gogh: The Life here!

Ida: A Sword Among Lions by Paula J. Giddings

Ida B. Wells was a hero. Born in 1862, she was a great feminist and a leader of the Black civil rights movement.

Wells dedicated her entire life to the fight for equality within the USA; part of that fight was being a founding member of the NAAPC.

As a teacher and journalist, Wells used every skill available to advance the movement for racial equality forward. And all of that (and more) is explored in this immense biography.

Focussing less on the personal and more on the political, Ida: A Sword Among Lions is as much a history of American racial politics and change as it is a biography.

This is because the changes we can trace were made by Wells and her comrades, and those comrades — including her husband Ferdinand L. Barnett — are also given their due.

This is an inspiring work of nonfiction that throws into sharp relief the importance of community effort, of always fighting for change, justice, and equality.

It’s impossible to imagine what 20th century USA would have looked like without Ida B. Wells, but the changes she made were goliath, and the world should forever be grateful.

We are reminded of that over and again as we read this book and marvel at what she accomplished.

Paula J. Giddings has done Wells justice in a way that nobody else could have, and in doing so she has written one of the best biography books in American history.

Buy a copy of Ida: A Sword Among Lions here!

American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird & Martin J. Sherwin

You’ll find that many of the best biography books ever written have also inspired a huge number of great cinematic biopics, and this is one of them.

American Prometheus is the biography on which writer/director Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece Oppenheimer was based.

And while that is an excellent piece of filmmaking, it took a huge number of liberties that make American Prometheus required reading for fans of the film.

Theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer led the USA’s Manhattan Project during World War II, which led to the invention and production of the first atomic bombs.

All of this led to two of the darkest days in world history: the bombing of Japanese cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

American Prometheus tells the full story of Oppenheimer’s life and the Manhattan Project.

This is a biography that offers readers so much; so much more than just a life. This is a book about the USA, about war, science, politics, and more.

An astonishing work of nonfiction that stands alongside many of the best biography books ever written.

Buy a copy of American Prometheus here!

Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life by Ruth Franklin

Shirley Jackson is a legendary figure within the world of gothic fiction, and of American literature in general.

A dark figure and an author of beloved gothic masterpieces such as The Haunting of Hill House, We Have Always Lived in the Castle , and the iconic short story The Lottery .

Jackson is one of many great authors and artists whose own life was as strange, dynamic, and interesting as the art she created.

And that is all proven here in Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life — one of the best biography books about an author you’ll ever read.

If you happen to have seen Josephine Decker’s excellent 2020 film Shirley , a biopic about Jackson starring Elizabeth Moss, that film was in fact not based on this biography.

Jackson saw a lot of professional success in her life, and her legacy has been fully cemented, but her personal life was far more rocky and inconsistent.

This biography goes into why that was, exactly, and how her turbulent home and family life, relationships, and mental health inspired her great works.

Biographies of authors are often as compelling as what those authors created, but that goes double for this book; one of the best biography books you should read right now.

Buy a copy of Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life here!

Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera

One of the most celebrated and beloved painters of the 20th century, Mexican artist Frida Kahlo left behind an enormous legacy.

Anecdotes about her life are liberally shared by those who love her work. Her disability, her love affairs, her communist sympathies. These are all well-known facts

But in this incredible biography of her life, author Hayden Herrera has expanded on these details, stitching them into the rich and dramatic tapestry of her varied life.

This is a book that celebrates her artistic genius and her creative mind, and one that also takes time to explore the love and romances of her life.

Kahlo’s tempestuous relationship with Diego Rivera is the stuff of legends, and it is given room to breathe in this biography, which paints them both in honest light.

Kahlo was a great feminist, a revolutionary, a proud communist, and a champion of the working class. All of that is explored and expanded upon here.

A wonderful exploration of the life and loves of one of the 20th century’s greatest painters, and one of the best biography books of our time.

Buy a copy of Frida here!

Heavier Than Heaven: A Biography of Kurt Cobain by Charles R. Cross

Few individuals from across the history of rock & roll — and modern music in general — have been as memorialised as Kurt Cobain.

There are many reasons for this: the ways in which he pushed and defined genres; his outspoken aggression towards sexism, homophobia, and other forms of bigotry.

But the most obvious reason is his mind. Cobain battled depression for all of his twenty-seven years, until it finally won and he took his own life.

And so began an enormous legacy that has been explored across multiple books and documentaries, but this one is easily the most impressive.

Heavier Than Heaven is an unapologetically honest book that peels back the layers and exposes the truth behind so many myths about the infamous grunge rock star.

You’ll unlearn things that were never true, learn things you never would have known otherwise, and come close to understanding the mind behind the art.

Through some impressive sleuthing, analysis, and good old-fashioned journalism, Charles R. Cross has given us access to the man behind the myth.

A truly wonderful book, Heavier Than Heaven should be celebrated by Nirvana fans the world over. One of the best biography books the music world has ever been gifted.

Buy a copy of Heavier Than Heaven here!

The Brontes by Juliet Barker

The Bronte sisters were three of a kind. As Isabel Greenberg’s graphic novel Glass Town explored, they were creative giants right from childhood.

Penning some of the finest works of romantic and gothic fiction in the history of British literature, Charlotte, Emily, and Anne are celebrated the world over.

And then there’s Branwell, a tragic young man who quite literally painted himself out of their lives.

This family was unique, exceptional, and strange. And all of that is captured in Juliet Barker’s The Brontes , an enormous thousand-page biography of the literary sisters.

When the world of art and literature has so many enigmatic figures, it’s hard to call any one work of nonfiction a “definitive” history or biography, but this might be it for the Brontes.

Juliet Barker spent more than a decade gathering every scrap of evidence and information about these sisters and their works, in order to paint this vivid tapestry of their lives.

The ways in which Charlotte controlled and oppressed the others; the unsung beauty of Branwell’s mind; the anxiety and depression that Emily struggled with.

All of this and so much more is put on display here in one of the very best biography books you’ll ever read.

Buy a copy of The Brontes here!

Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang & Jon Halliday

Chairman Mao Zedong was one of the great villains of recent world history, and there might be nobody better to tell his story than Wild Swans author Jung Chang.

Chang has dedicated so much of her life to telling the political stories of 20th century China, including her dynamic work Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Siste r .

But while that book and Wild Swans are both sweeping epic works of nonfiction that focus on multiple people, Mao is a dedicated biography of one man.

Mao’s monstrous political decisions as chairman of China were legendary, but what are far less well-known are the tactics and decisions behind them.

Mao Zedong’s laws and policies led to the most widespread and destructive famine in recorded history. But why? Questions like this are rarely asked, and even more rarely answered.

Jung Chang spent ten years of investigation to answer this, and so many even more pressing questions about Chairman Mao’s life, actions, and relationships.

Jung Chang wowed the world with Wild Swans , and then did it all over again with Mao: The Unknown Story , one of the best biography books anyone has ever written.

Buy a copy of Mao here!

Bad Gays: A Homosexual History by Huw Lemmey & Ben Miller

Bad Gays is a remarkable anthology of miniature biographies, each focussing on an infamous person from world history who also happened to be queer.

From the Roman emperor Hadrian to the London gangster Ronnie Kray, Bad Gays offers up a selection of detailed short biographies of histories most unlovable gays.

Excellently researched and presented with real charm and wit, this is one of those rare biography books that blends the informative with the entertaining.

Amongst even the very best biography books, Bad Gays stands as something very important: a work that humanises the queer community by showing readers its darkest sides.

The breadth of subjects here is also satisfying and diverse. King James VI and I of Scotland and England, Lawrence of Arabia, and Japanese author Yukio Mishima are all explored here.

Bad Gays is a fantastic work of nonfiction, one of the most unique and best biography books of the past several years.

Buy a copy of Bad Gays here!

Leonardo da Vinci: The Biography by Walter Isaacson

Leonardo da Vinci’s legacy has cemented him as a unique mind within the realms of both art and science; an inventor and artist of unparalleled genius.

Placing someone on a podium that high can be dangerous and even beggar belief, but as Walter Isaacson’s biography proves, it is certainly deserved where da Vinci was concerned.

Leonardo da Vinci was an Italian renaissance polymath who painted two of the best-known works of art the world has ever seen: the Mona Lisa, and the Last Supper.

But he was also someone with an unquenchable curiosity and an eye for discovery. His passions were spread across the sciences, from biology to geology.

All of this is captured and presented in this remarkable biography. This book explores how da Vinci studied all there was to study, and sought to understand the world on every level.

da Vinci was a man of curiosity and creativity, but he was also human. And this book is what really reminds us of that. It humanises this giant of art and science in a way that few books have.

Whether you’re a lover of Leonardo da Vinci or all you know about him is that he painted the Mona Lisa, this biography book has so much to offer you either way.

Buy a copy of Leonardo da Vinci here!

Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges

As was the case with American Prometheus and Oppenheimer (above), The Enigma is a biography that served as the inspiration for Morten Tyldum’s biopic The Imitation Game .

Unsurprisingly, however, Alan Turing: The Enigma is less concerned with drama and tension, and more with laying bare the extraordinary mind and the tragic life of Alan Turing.

Turning is best known for cracking the “Enigma Code” used by the Nazis during World War II, an act which turned the tide of war for the entire world.

Beyond that act, however, Turing was also a pioneer of computer design and technology, most simply expressed by his infamous “Turing Test”.

But the tragedy of his life was that Turning happened to be gay at a time in British history and culture where that simple fact led to social and political prejudice.

Turning didn’t commit suicide because he was gay; he was killed by a bigoted and unjust political system that ruined the life of a genius and a hero of war.

All of this is explored in great detail in a biography that does Turning’s life justice, which is the least he deserved.

Buy a copy of Alan Turing: The Enigma here!

Miyazakiworld: A Life in Art by Susan Napier

Hayao Miyazaki will forever be known as one of Japan’s greatest filmmakers. A master of multiple disciplines, including art, writing, and directing.

His films, most of which have dark and intense anti-war, anti-industrial, anti-capitalistic underpinnings, are some of the 20th and 21st century’s greatest works of art.

Born during World War II, raised in a turbulent post-war Japan, his life shaped his art and his expression. And all of that is explored in wonderful detail in Susan Napier’s Miyazakiworld .

It’s no secret that Miyazaki was always a workaholic and a perfectionist, but this book demonstrates that wonderfully, as it strips back all the purpose and meaning behind the smallest choices when it comes to his art.

Every tiny nuance, every word, every detail; Miyazaki’s films were meticulously designed, and we see the cogs turning in this biography.

Miyazakiworld contextualises Japan’s animation industry for a non-Japanese audience, gives us a personal background to Miyazaki’s work and writing, and so much more.

A really amazing biography that focuses on the art of a great filmmaker, how it exists, and why it exists. One of the best biography books for film and animation fans.

Buy a copy of Miyazakiworld here!

Agatha Christie: A Very Elusive Woman by Lucy Worsley

After the enormous success of her Jane Austen biography (below), historian and TV personality Lucy Worsley turns her attention to another great woman of English literature.

Agatha Christie was, and will forever be remembered as, an astonishing force of creativit y within the world of literature.

Across a career longer than many human lives, Christie wrote timeless tales of murder and mystery, and brought us characters that remain beloved to this day.

But when it came to her personal life, Christie presented an image of meekness and good behaviour, which Worsley reveals was far from the truth.

There are so many facts and titbits about Christie’s life, career, and work ethic that fascinate her fans, but this brilliant biography goes so far beyond all of that.

Agatha Christie wrote many of the greatest thrillers and crime novels of all time, but she also had a wonderfully active and adventurous modern life.

All of that is explored with enthusiasm and wit by Worsley, who has clearly relished the challenge of unpacking the truth about Christie and bringing that truth to us.

Worsley is a charismatic writer and speaker, and that charisma shows in this book; one of the most humorous and best biography books of recent years.

Buy a copy of Agatha Christie: A Very Elusive Woman here!

Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix by Charles R. Cross

Charles R. Cross has written two of the best biography books about members of the “27 Club” — musicians whom we lost at the cursed age of 27.

One was the biography of Kurt Cobain (above) and the other is this: Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix .

Hendrix was a rare example of a kind of reverse British invasion; an American prodigy who found fame and fandom in London’s rock ‘n’ roll era.

With The Jimi Hendrix Experience, he wrote and recorded three albums, and he made a name for himself as a revolutionary guitarist.

But there is so much more to his life behind the scenes. While his struggles with fame and addiction are well-documented, this biography dives so much deeper.

We learn about his tumultuous youth in Seattle and the things he truly wanted from life but rarely ever dared to mention.

Charles R. Cross has proven himself a fantastic biographer of great musicians, and the proof is here in Room Full of Mirrors .

Buy a copy of Room Full of Mirrors here!

A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar

Another great biography that was given the Hollywood treatment; Sylvia Nasar’s excellent book on renowned mathematician John Nash adapted to the big screen by Ron Howard.

While that film won Howard an Academy Award for best director, it remains an adaptation and, as such, glosses over so much about Nash’s life that is important to know.

A Beautiful Mind tells the full story of John Nash, an eccentric mathematician whose chance to win a Nobel Prize was dashed because of how the world treated his schizophrenia.

As a mathematician, Nash had an enormous effect on the world of American economics, and the onset of his schizophrenia made him a compelling and fascinating person.

Nasar’s biography frames Nash’s schizophrenia in an honest light without vilifying or romanticising it, but it also doesn’t shy away from the more cruel of Nash’s actions.

For example, Nash was abusive towards his wife, unfaithful to her, and even pushed her down the stairs when she was pregnant. The film neatly glosses over these facts.

When creating a biography about a genius and a tragic figure, it’s important to humanise them and reveal the darker sides, even if they may be uncomfortable facts.

This is what makes Nasar’s A Beautiful Mind one of the best biography books of the past several decades.

Buy a copy of A Beautiful Mind here!

Jane Austen at Home: A Biography by Lucy Worsley

Several years before writing her biography on Agatha Christie (above), historian Lucy Worsley dazzled Jane Austen fans with the fantastic Jane Austen at Home .

Jane Austen remains one of the most celebrated classic authors in the history of the English language. Her wit and social commentary is legendary .

The stories and characters of novels like Pride and Prejudice, Emma , Persuasion are beloved by bookworms, and likely always will be.

But who was the woman behind the wit? What in Austen’s life inspired such fantastic tales of family life, romance, sisterhood, class disparity, and more?

Lucy Worsley answers all of those questions, and many more, in this amazing biography that paints a vivid picture of Austen’s home life.

Here, we learn about her youth, her family, her home, her habits, her loves, and more.

This is a must-read for any Austen fan, and when it comes to literary figures, this is also one of the best biography books that exists.

Side note: I read this book before visiting Jane Austen’s house , and it wonderfully enhanced the experience.

Buy a copy of Jane Austen at Home here!

Jim Henson: The Biography by Brian Jay Jones

Completely peerless, Jim Henson was one of the most unique creative minds that 20th century TV and film ever had.

Often overshadowed by his creations — The Muppets, Sesame Street, Labyrinth , and his work on Star Wars — Henson was one-of-a-kind.

It’s thanks to his work that puppets remain a part of mainstream television, for children and adults alike, and here you can learn all about his life in this excellent biography.

Henson died tragically young, at age 53, from a bacterial infection, but he accomplished so much in his life, and those accomplishments brought so much joy to the world.

The characters and worlds that he created have gone on to resonate with people of all ages for decades. The impact that his films and TV shows have had is immeasurable.

With the generous support of Henson’s family, Brian Jay Jones has been able to present us with the full life story of Jim Henson and all that he did.

Buy a copy of Jim Henson: The Biography here!

The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X by Les Payne & Tamara Payne

Few infamous public figures of American history have ever been as talked-about and obsessed over as Malcolm X.

A civil rights activist who joined the Nation of Islam while in prison as a young man, Malcolm X has fascinated many kinds of people for many reasons for several decades.

Beginning in 1990, renowned investigative journalist Les Payne worked to gather more than a hundred hours worth of interviews surrounding Malcolm X.

However, Payne died before the book was completed, and so his daughter and research partner Tamara finished their work and had it published in 2020.

The Dead Are Arising went on to win the Pulitzer and the National Book Award.

A remarkable work of investigative journalism that reveals to its readers an equally remarkable life.

Given the magnitude of Malcolm X’s life and legacy, and that of Les Payne’s own work and renown, The Dead Are Arising is a uniquely powerful biography.

When it comes to biographies built from tremendous hard work of investigative journalism, few compare to The Dead Are Arising .

Buy a copy of The Dead Are Arising here!

Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee by Charles J. Shields

Author Charles J. Shields is a well-renowned biographer of American writers, and Mockingbird is his most celebrated work.

Two years after its publication, Shields even adapted Mockingbird into a version more palatable for younger readers, titled I Am Scout .

Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee tells the story of one of 20th century USA’s best-known and best-loved authors.

One of the most unique and intriguing things about Lee was that she only ever wrote the one novel, and that novel is rightly considered a great American classic.

To Kill A Mockingbird is taught in schools across the US and UK to this day; it received a celebrated film adaptation; it has even been adapted to the stage with amazing results.

But who was the woman behind this true American masterpiece of a novel? Charles J. Shields answers that question with appreciation and attentiveness.

Buy a copy of Mockingbird here!

Join Discovery, the new community for book lovers

Trust book recommendations from real people, not robots 🤓

Blog – Posted on Monday, Jan 21

The 30 best biographies of all time.

Biographer Richard Holmes once wrote that his work was “a kind of pursuit… writing about the pursuit of that fleeting figure, in such a way as to bring them alive in the present.”

At the risk of sounding cliché, the best biographies do exactly this: bring their subjects to life. A great biography isn’t just a laundry list of events that happened to someone. Rather, it should weave a narrative and tell a story in almost the same way a novel does. In this way, biography differs from the rest of nonfiction .

All the biographies on this list are just as captivating as excellent novels , if not more so. With that, please enjoy the 30 best biographies of all time — some historical, some recent, but all remarkable, life-giving tributes to their subjects.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the number of great biographies out there, you can also take our 30-second quiz below to narrow it down quickly and get a personalized biography recommendation  😉

Which biography should you read next?

Discover the perfect biography for you. Takes 30 seconds!

1. A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar

This biography of esteemed mathematician John Nash was both a finalist for the 1998 Pulitzer Prize and the basis for the award-winning film of the same name. Nasar thoroughly explores Nash’s prestigious career, from his beginnings at MIT to his work at the RAND Corporation — as well the internal battle he waged against schizophrenia, a disorder that nearly derailed his life.

2. Alan Turing: The Enigma: The Book That Inspired the Film The Imitation Game - Updated Edition by Andrew Hodges

Hodges’ 1983 biography of Alan Turing sheds light on the inner workings of this brilliant mathematician, cryptologist, and computer pioneer. Indeed, despite the title ( a nod to his work during WWII ), a great deal of the “enigmatic” Turing is laid out in this book. It covers his heroic code-breaking efforts during the war, his computer designs and contributions to mathematical biology in the years following, and of course, the vicious persecution that befell him in the 1950s — when homosexual acts were still a crime punishable by English law.

3. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton is not only the inspiration for a hit Broadway musical, but also a work of creative genius itself. This massive undertaking of over 800 pages details every knowable moment of the youngest Founding Father’s life: from his role in the Revolutionary War and early American government to his sordid (and ultimately career-destroying) affair with Maria Reynolds. He may never have been president, but he was a fascinating and unique figure in American history — plus it’s fun to get the truth behind the songs.

Prefer to read about fascinating First Ladies rather than almost-presidents? Check out this awesome list of books about First Ladies over on The Archive.

4. Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston

A prolific essayist, short story writer, and novelist, Hurston turned her hand to biographical writing in 1927 with this incredible work, kept under lock and key until it was published 2018. It’s based on Hurston’s interviews with the last remaining survivor of the Middle Passage slave trade, a man named Cudjo Lewis. Rendered in searing detail and Lewis’ highly affecting African-American vernacular, this biography of the “last black cargo” will transport you back in time to an era that, chillingly, is not nearly as far away from us as it feels.

5. Churchill: A Life by Martin Gilbert

Though many a biography of him has been attempted, Gilbert’s is the final authority on Winston Churchill — considered by many to be Britain’s greatest prime minister ever. A dexterous balance of in-depth research and intimately drawn details makes this biography a perfect tribute to the mercurial man who led Britain through World War II.

Just what those circumstances are occupies much of Bodanis's book, which pays homage to Einstein and, just as important, to predecessors such as Maxwell, Faraday, and Lavoisier, who are not as well known as Einstein today. Balancing writerly energy and scholarly weight, Bodanis offers a primer in modern physics and cosmology, explaining that the universe today is an expression of mass that will, in some vastly distant future, one day slide back to the energy side of the equation, replacing the \'dominion of matter\' with \'a great stillness\'--a vision that is at once lovely and profoundly frightening.

Without sliding into easy psychobiography, Bodanis explores other circumstances as well; namely, Einstein's background and character, which combined with a sterling intelligence to afford him an idiosyncratic view of the way things work--a view that would change the world. --Gregory McNamee

6. E=mc²: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation by David Bodanis

This “biography of the world’s most famous equation” is a one-of-a-kind take on the genre: rather than being the story of Einstein, it really does follow the history of the equation itself. From the origins and development of its individual elements (energy, mass, and light) to their ramifications in the twentieth century, Bodanis turns what could be an extremely dry subject into engaging fare for readers of all stripes.

7. Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario

When Enrique was only five years old, his mother left Honduras for the United States, promising a quick return. Eleven years later, Enrique finally decided to take matters into his own hands in order to see her again: he would traverse Central and South America via railway, risking his life atop the “train of death” and at the hands of the immigration authorities, to reunite with his mother. This tale of Enrique’s perilous journey is not for the faint of heart, but it is an account of incredible devotion and sharp commentary on the pain of separation among immigrant families.

8. Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera

Herrera’s 1983 biography of renowned painter Frida Kahlo, one of the most recognizable names in modern art, has since become the definitive account on her life. And while Kahlo no doubt endured a great deal of suffering (a horrific accident when she was eighteen, a husband who had constant affairs), the focal point of the book is not her pain. Instead, it’s her artistic brilliance and immense resolve to leave her mark on the world — a mark that will not soon be forgotten, in part thanks to Herrera’s dedicated work.

9. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Perhaps the most impressive biographical feat of the twenty-first century, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is about a woman whose cells completely changed the trajectory of modern medicine. Rebecca Skloot skillfully commemorates the previously unknown life of a poor black woman whose cancer cells were taken, without her knowledge, for medical testing — and without whom we wouldn’t have many of the critical cures we depend upon today.

10. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Christopher McCandless, aka Alexander Supertramp, hitchhiked to Alaska and disappeared into the Denali wilderness in April 1992. Five months later, McCandless was found emaciated and deceased in his shelter — but of what cause? Krakauer’s biography of McCandless retraces his steps back to the beginning of the trek, attempting to suss out what the young man was looking for on his journey, and whether he fully understood what dangers lay before him.

11. Let Us Now Praise Famous Men: Three Tenant Families by James Agee

"Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us.” From this line derives the central issue of Agee and Evans’ work: who truly deserves our praise and recognition? According to this 1941 biography, it’s the barely-surviving sharecropper families who were severely impacted by the American “Dust Bowl” — hundreds of people entrenched in poverty, whose humanity Evans and Agee desperately implore their audience to see in their book.

12. The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann

Another mysterious explorer takes center stage in this gripping 2009 biography. Grann tells the story of Percy Fawcett, the archaeologist who vanished in the Amazon along with his son in 1925, supposedly in search of an ancient lost city. Parallel to this narrative, Grann describes his own travels in the Amazon 80 years later: discovering firsthand what threats Fawcett may have encountered, and coming to realize what the “Lost City of Z” really was.

13. Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang

Though many of us will be familiar with the name Mao Zedong, this prodigious biography sheds unprecedented light upon the power-hungry “Red Emperor.” Chang and Halliday begin with the shocking statistic that Mao was responsible for 70 million deaths during peacetime — more than any other twentieth-century world leader. From there, they unravel Mao’s complex ideologies, motivations, and missions, breaking down his long-propagated “hero” persona and thrusting forth a new, grislier image of one of China’s biggest revolutionaries.

14. Mad Girl's Love Song: Sylvia Plath and Life Before Ted by Andrew Wilson by Andrew Wilson

Titled after one of her most evocative poems, this shimmering bio of Sylvia Plath takes an unusual approach. Instead of focusing on her years of depression and tempestuous marriage to poet Ted Hughes, it chronicles her life before she ever came to Cambridge. Wilson closely examines her early family and relationships, feelings and experiences, with information taken from her meticulous diaries — setting a strong precedent for other Plath biographers to follow.

15. The Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes

What if you had twenty-four different people living inside you, and you never knew which one was going to come out? Such was the life of Billy Milligan, the subject of this haunting biography by the author of Flowers for Algernon . Keyes recounts, in a refreshingly straightforward style, the events of Billy’s life and how his psyche came to be “split”... as well as how, with Keyes’ help, he attempted to put the fragments of himself back together.

16. Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder

This gorgeously constructed biography follows Paul Farmer, a doctor who’s worked for decades to eradicate infectious diseases around the globe, particularly in underprivileged areas. Though Farmer’s humanitarian accomplishments are extraordinary in and of themselves, the true charm of this book comes from Kidder’s personal relationship with him — and the sense of fulfillment the reader sustains from reading about someone genuinely heroic, written by someone else who truly understands and admires what they do.

17. Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts

Here’s another bio that will reshape your views of a famed historical tyrant, though this time in a surprisingly favorable light. Decorated scholar Andrew Roberts delves into the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, from his near-flawless military instincts to his complex and confusing relationship with his wife. But Roberts’ attitude toward his subject is what really makes this work shine: rather than ridiculing him ( as it would undoubtedly be easy to do ), he approaches the “petty tyrant” with a healthy amount of deference.

18. The Passage of Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson IV by Robert A. Caro

Lyndon Johnson might not seem as intriguing or scandalous as figures like Kennedy, Nixon, or W. Bush. But in this expertly woven biography, Robert Caro lays out the long, winding road of his political career, and it’s full of twists you wouldn’t expect. Johnson himself was a surprisingly cunning figure, gradually maneuvering his way closer and closer to power. Finally, in 1963, he got his greatest wish — but at what cost? Fans of Adam McKay’s Vice , this is the book for you.

19. Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Caroline Fraser

Anyone who grew up reading Little House on the Prairie will surely be fascinated by this tell-all biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Caroline Fraser draws upon never-before-published historical resources to create a lush study of the author’s life — not in the gently narrated manner of the Little House series, but in raw and startling truths about her upbringing, marriage, and volatile relationship with her daughter (and alleged ghostwriter) Rose Wilder Lane.

20. Prince: A Private View by Afshin Shahidi

Compiled just after the superstar’s untimely death in 2016, this intimate snapshot of Prince’s life is actually a largely visual work — Shahidi served as his private photographer from the early 2000s until his passing. And whatever they say about pictures being worth a thousand words, Shahidi’s are worth more still: Prince’s incredible vibrance, contagious excitement, and altogether singular personality come through in every shot.

21. Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie: A Tale of Love and Fallout by Lauren Redniss

Could there be a more fitting title for a book about the husband-wife team who discovered radioactivity? What you may not know is that these nuclear pioneers also had a fascinating personal history. Marie Sklodowska met Pierre Curie when she came to work in his lab in 1891, and just a few years later they were married. Their passion for each other bled into their passion for their work, and vice-versa — and in almost no time at all, they were on their way to their first of their Nobel Prizes.

22. Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson

She may not have been assassinated or killed in a mysterious plane crash, but Rosemary Kennedy’s fate is in many ways the worst of “the Kennedy Curse.” As if a botched lobotomy that left her almost completely incapacitated weren’t enough, her parents then hid her away from society, almost never to be seen again. Yet in this new biography, penned by devoted Kennedy scholar Kate Larson, the full truth of Rosemary’s post-lobotomy life is at last revealed.

23. Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Nancy Milford

This appropriately lyrical biography of brilliant Jazz Age poet and renowned feminist, Edna St. Vincent Millay, is indeed a perfect balance of savage and beautiful. While Millay’s poetic work was delicate and subtle, the woman herself was feisty and unpredictable, harboring unusual and occasionally destructive habits that Milford fervently explores.

24. Shelley: The Pursuit by Richard Holmes

Holmes’ famous philosophy of “biography as pursuit” is thoroughly proven here in his first full-length biographical work. Shelley: The Pursuit details an almost feverish tracking of Percy Shelley as a dark and cutting figure in the Romantic period — reforming many previous historical conceptions about him through Holmes’ compelling and resolute writing.

25. Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life by Ruth Franklin

Another Gothic figure has been made newly known through this work, detailing the life of prolific horror and mystery writer Shirley Jackson. Author Ruth Franklin digs deep into the existence of the reclusive and mysterious Jackson, drawing penetrating comparisons between the true events of her life and the dark nature of her fiction.

26. The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel

Fans of Into the Wild and The Lost City of Z will find their next adventure fix in this 2017 book about Christopher Knight, a man who lived by himself in the Maine woods for almost thirty years. The tale of this so-called “last true hermit” will captivate readers who have always fantasized about escaping society, with vivid descriptions of Knight’s rural setup, his carefully calculated moves and how he managed to survive the deadly cold of the Maine winters.

27. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

The man, the myth, the legend: Steve Jobs, co-founder and CEO of Apple, is properly immortalized in Isaacson’s masterful biography. It divulges the details of Jobs’ little-known childhood and tracks his fateful path from garage engineer to leader of one of the largest tech companies in the world — not to mention his formative role in other legendary companies like Pixar, and indeed within the Silicon Valley ecosystem as a whole.

28. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

Olympic runner Louis Zamperini was just twenty-six when his US Army bomber crashed and burned in the Pacific, leaving him and two other men afloat on a raft for forty-seven days — only to be captured by the Japanese Navy and tortured as a POW for the next two and a half years. In this gripping biography, Laura Hillenbrand tracks Zamperini’s story from beginning to end… including how he embraced Christian evangelism as a means of recovery, and even came to forgive his tormentors in his later years.

29. Vera (Mrs. Vladimir Nabokov) by Stacy Schiff

Everyone knows of Vladimir Nabokov — but what about his wife, Vera, whom he called “the best-humored woman I have ever known”? According to Schiff, she was a genius in her own right, supporting Vladimir not only as his partner, but also as his all-around editor and translator. And she kept up that trademark humor throughout it all, inspiring her husband’s work and injecting some of her own creative flair into it along the way.

30. Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt

William Shakespeare is a notoriously slippery historical figure — no one really knows when he was born, what he looked like, or how many plays he wrote. But that didn’t stop Stephen Greenblatt, who in 2004 turned out this magnificently detailed biography of the Bard: a series of imaginative reenactments of his writing process, and insights on how the social and political ideals of the time would have influenced him. Indeed, no one exists in a vacuum, not even Shakespeare — hence the conscious depiction of him in this book as a “will in the world,” rather than an isolated writer shut up in his own musty study.

If you're looking for more inspiring nonfiction, check out this list of 30 engaging self-help books , or this list of the last century's best memoirs !

Continue reading

More posts from across the blog.

21 Must-Read Books on Sustainability in 2024

If you’re looking to learn more about sustainability, this list of 20 must-read books will educate, concern, and inspire you to take action, as well as empower you to enact and demand change. Remember, knowledge is power!

The Ultimate Guide to the 15 Best Emily Dickinson Poems

One of the most daring voices ever to craft a couplet, Emily Dickinson feels as relevant now as when her first volume of poetry came out under her own name — in 1...

A Guide to New Adult Books: 20 Titles to Get You Started

Unlike their YA counterparts, new adult protagonists have left childhood in the rearview mirror. But that doesn’t mean they feel like full-fledged grownups just yet.

Heard about Reedsy Discovery?

Trust real people, not robots, to give you book recommendations.

Or sign up with an

Or sign up with your social account

• Submit your book
• Reviewer directory

We made a writing app for you

Yes, you! Write. Format. Export for ebook and print. 100% free, always.

We’re fighting to restore access to 500,000+ books in court this week. Join us!

Internet Archive Audio

• This Just In
• Grateful Dead
• Old Time Radio
• 78 RPMs and Cylinder Recordings
• Audio Books & Poetry
• Computers, Technology and Science
• Music, Arts & Culture
• News & Public Affairs
• Spirituality & Religion
• Radio News Archive

• Flickr Commons
• Occupy Wall Street Flickr
• NASA Images
• Solar System Collection
• Ames Research Center

• All Software
• Old School Emulation
• MS-DOS Games
• Historical Software
• Classic PC Games
• Software Library
• Kodi Archive and Support File
• Vintage Software
• CD-ROM Software
• CD-ROM Software Library
• Software Sites
• Tucows Software Library
• Shareware CD-ROMs
• Software Capsules Compilation
• CD-ROM Images
• ZX Spectrum
• DOOM Level CD

• Smithsonian Libraries
• FEDLINK (US)
• Lincoln Collection
• American Libraries
• Canadian Libraries
• Universal Library
• Project Gutenberg
• Children's Library
• Biodiversity Heritage Library
• Books by Language
• Additional Collections

• Prelinger Archives
• Democracy Now!
• Occupy Wall Street
• TV NSA Clip Library
• Animation & Cartoons
• Arts & Music
• Computers & Technology
• Cultural & Academic Films
• Ephemeral Films
• Sports Videos
• Videogame Videos
• Youth Media

Search the history of over 866 billion web pages on the Internet.

Mobile Apps

• Wayback Machine (iOS)
• Wayback Machine (Android)

Browser Extensions

Archive-it subscription.

• Explore the Collections
• Build Collections

Save Page Now

Capture a web page as it appears now for use as a trusted citation in the future.

Please enter a valid web address

• Donate Donate icon An illustration of a heart shape

Bill Gates : a biography

Bookreader item preview, share or embed this item, flag this item for.

• Graphic Violence
• Explicit Sexual Content
• Hate Speech
• Misinformation/Disinformation
• Marketing/Phishing/Advertising
• Misleading/Inaccurate/Missing Metadata

plus-circle Add Review comment Reviews

3 Favorites

Better World Books

DOWNLOAD OPTIONS

No suitable files to display here.

IN COLLECTIONS

Uploaded by station34.cebu on July 20, 2022

SIMILAR ITEMS (based on metadata)

The Greatest Biography Books of All Time on Culture

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 326 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page .

List Calculation Details

Biography is a genre of literature that focuses on the life story of a person, typically a historical figure or a celebrity. It provides a detailed account of the subject's life, including their upbringing, achievements, struggles, and personal relationships. Biographies can be written in various formats, including memoirs, autobiographies, and third-person narratives. This category of books offers readers an opportunity to gain insight into the lives of notable individuals and their impact on society.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

1. The Souls of Black Folk by W. E. B. Du Bois

This seminal work is a collection of essays that explores the history and condition of African Americans at the turn of the 20th century. It delves into the issues of race, class, and the socio-economic realities faced by black people post-emancipation. The author employs a combination of history, sociology, and personal narrative to present a powerful critique of American society, highlighting the struggle for civil rights, the importance of black spirituals, and the concept of "double consciousness" - the idea of viewing oneself through the lens of a society that sees you as inferior.

2. The Education of Henry Adams by Henry Adams

"The Education of Henry Adams" is an autobiographical account that explores the changes in society and politics during the 19th and 20th century from the perspective of an individual who is both a product and critic of that era. The narrative is structured around the author's self-perceived failure to understand or adapt to these changes, despite his privileged education and social status. The book is a reflection on the author's life, his attempts to make sense of the world around him, and his struggle to reconcile his traditional upbringing with the rapid advancements of the modern world.

3. The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas by Gertrude Stein

This book is an innovative and unconventional autobiography, penned from the perspective of the author's life partner, providing an intimate view into the lives of the Parisian avant-garde in the early 20th century. It offers a personal account of their life together, filled with anecdotes of their interactions with famous figures such as Picasso, Matisse, and Hemingway. The narrative also delves into the author's own thoughts and experiences, creating a unique blend of biography, autobiography, and personal memoir.

4. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

This graphic novel is a memoir that provides a personal account of the author's childhood and young adult years in Iran during and after the Islamic revolution. The story portrays the impact of war, political upheaval, and religious extremism on ordinary people, while also exploring themes of identity, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Despite the harsh realities the protagonist faces, the narrative also includes moments of humor and warmth, providing a nuanced view of life in Iran during this tumultuous period.

5. The Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence

"The Seven Pillars of Wisdom" is an autobiographical account of the experiences of a British soldier serving in the Middle East during World War I. The narrative offers an insider's perspective of the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire, detailing the author's role in the guerrilla warfare, his interactions with various tribal leaders, and his deep understanding and appreciation of the Arabic culture. The book is also known for its philosophical reflections on war, politics, and the author's personal struggles.

6. Facundo by Domingo Faustino Sarmiento

"Facundo" is a socio-political critique and historical account of Argentina during the first half of the 19th century. The book examines the life of the gaucho, Facundo Quiroga, who becomes a powerful and ruthless warlord, illustrating the destructive effects of caudillismo (military dictatorship) on society. The author uses Quiroga's life to delve into broader themes such as the struggle between civilization and barbarism, the need for education, and the dangers of unchecked political power.

7. The Woman Warrior: Memoirs of a Girlhood Among Ghosts by Maxine Hong Kingston

This memoir explores the life of a first-generation Chinese-American woman, navigating the complexities of her dual heritage. Through five interconnected stories, the book delves into the author's childhood experiences, her mother's tales of old China, and the struggles of reconciling these two worlds. The memoir is a blend of reality and mythology, illustrating the author's struggle with her identity, the expectations of her traditional Chinese family, and the challenges of growing up in a predominantly white American society.

8. Life on the Mississippi by Mark Twain

This book is a semi-autobiographical account of the author's experiences as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi River before the American Civil War. It provides a detailed and humorous depiction of life and society along the river, including the author's own journey from an eager young apprentice to a seasoned riverboat pilot. The book also includes a travelogue of a journey down the Mississippi River much later in life, offering a look at the dramatic changes brought about by industrialization and the Civil War.

9. The African Child by Camara Laye

"The African Child" is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the journey of a young boy from his childhood in Guinea to his adolescence. The narrative captures the boy's experiences growing up in a traditional African society, his rites of passage, his relationship with his family, particularly his blacksmith father, and his eventual departure for studies in France. The book provides a vivid portrayal of the rich cultural traditions, beliefs, and values of the Malinke people, while also exploring themes of identity, change, and the tension between tradition and modernity.

10. A Time Of Gifts by Patrick Leigh Fermor

The book is a vivid memoir that chronicles the adventures of a young man as he embarks on a remarkable journey on foot across Europe in the 1930s. Starting from the Hook of Holland, he traverses through landscapes and cities, encountering a diverse tapestry of cultures, languages, and historical remnants. Along the way, he is welcomed by a variety of individuals, from aristocrats to peasants, who enrich his experience with their stories and hospitality. His travels provide not only a physical journey through the continent but also a journey through time, as he reflects on the complexities of Europe's past and the ominous shadows cast by the approaching Second World War.

11. The World Of Yesterday by Stefan Zweig

The book is a poignant memoir reflecting on the transformative events and cultural atmosphere of Europe before World War I, through the interwar years and into the rise of the Nazis. It captures the author's experiences of growing up in a vibrant pre-war Vienna, the intellectual richness and artistic achievements of the time, as well as the profound sense of loss as the world he knew disintegrated into chaos and totalitarianism. With a mix of nostalgia and despair, the narrative serves as a lament for the lost world of European culture and as a warning about the fragility of peace and the human cost of war.

12. Down Second Avenue by Es'kia Mphahlele

"Down Second Avenue" is a semi-autobiographical account of a black man's life under apartheid in South Africa. The narrative chronicles the protagonist's journey from childhood to adulthood, detailing his experiences with poverty, discrimination, and the struggle for education. Despite the harsh realities of life under apartheid, the protagonist's resilience and determination shine through, offering a poignant and powerful critique of the socio-political realities of the time.

13. Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression by Studs Terkel

This book is a compelling oral history of the Great Depression, featuring a collection of interviews from a diverse range of individuals who lived through the era. The interviewees include both the ordinary people and famous figures of the time, from businessmen and politicians to artists and criminals. The book provides a vivid, first-hand account of the economic hardship, social changes, and emotional struggles experienced by people during the 1930s, offering a unique perspective on this significant period in American history.

14. Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

This book is a biographical account of three generations of women in China, spanning the years 1909 to 1991. The narrative follows the lives of the author's grandmother, a warlord's concubine; her mother, a high-ranking official in the Communist Party; and the author herself, who grew up during the Cultural Revolution before moving to the West. The book presents a vivid portrayal of the political and social changes in China during the 20th century, as seen through the eyes of these three women.

15. Facing Mount Kenya by Jomo Kenyatta

"Facing Mount Kenya" is a comprehensive study of the Kikuyu people, their history, culture, and traditions, written by Jomo Kenyatta, a prominent figure in Kenya's struggle for independence. The book explores various aspects of Kikuyu society, including their political organization, economic activities, social structure, and religious beliefs. Kenyatta's work provides valuable insights into the Kikuyu way of life and offers a critical analysis of the impact of colonialism on their society.

16. Travels (Ibn Battúta) by Ibn Battúta

The book is a comprehensive travelogue written by a 14th-century Moroccan scholar and explorer who traveled extensively across the known world, from Africa to the Middle East, India, China, and Europe. The author shares his observations and experiences in vivid detail, offering unique insights into the diverse cultures, religions, and societies he encountered during his journeys. His accounts serve as a significant historical record of the world during the Middle Ages, providing a firsthand perspective of life during that period.

17. Travels by Marco Polo

This book is a detailed account of a Venetian merchant's extensive travels throughout Asia during the 13th century. The narrative provides a comprehensive exploration of the diverse cultures, customs, landscapes, wildlife, and wealth of the Eastern world, including the Mongol Empire and China, where the author spent time in the court of Kublai Khan. His descriptions of the grandeur and sophistication of these civilizations challenged European assumptions about the East, and his tales of exotic wonders and adventures continue to captivate readers today.

18. Black Elk Speaks by John G. Neihardt

"Black Elk Speaks" is a profound narrative that recounts the life of a Native American medicine man from the Oglala Lakota tribe. It provides a unique perspective on the Lakota people's history and culture, their spiritual beliefs, and the impact of westward expansion on their way of life. The book also delves into the protagonist's personal spiritual visions, which he believes have significant prophetic and healing powers. The narrative is a poignant exploration of the clash between cultures and the devastating effects of colonization on indigenous peoples.

19. A Childhood: The Biography of a Place by Harry Crews

This book is a memoir of the author's early years in Bacon County, Georgia, during the Great Depression. It details his life in a poverty-stricken, rural community, exploring themes of hardship, resilience, and the human spirit. Despite the harsh circumstances, the author also recounts moments of joy and beauty, offering a vivid and compelling portrait of his childhood and the place that shaped him.

20. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom

The book is a poignant memoir that recounts the series of visits the author makes to his former sociology professor, who is dying from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Through weekly meetings every Tuesday, the professor imparts wisdom on various aspects of life such as love, work, community, family, aging, and death. These conversations, rich with emotional depth and life lessons, transform into a final "class" on the meaning of life, where the professor's insights and experiences serve not only as a guide for the author but also offer profound lessons for the readers about the importance of human connection, compassion, and living a life filled with purpose.

21. Days In The Caucasus by Banine

"Days In The Caucasus" is a captivating memoir that follows the personal journey of a young woman living in the Caucasus region during the early 20th century. The author beautifully recounts her experiences growing up in a multicultural society, filled with vivid descriptions of the diverse landscapes, traditions, and people she encounters. From her childhood adventures to her first love, the author provides an intimate glimpse into a world on the brink of change, capturing both the joys and challenges of life in the Caucasus.

22. The Memoirs Of Princess Dashkova by Ekaterina Romanovna Dashkova

"The Memoirs of Princess Dashkova" is a captivating autobiography that chronicles the remarkable life of a prominent Russian noblewoman. From her privileged upbringing and close relationship with Catherine the Great to her influential role in the Russian Academy of Sciences, Dashkova's memoirs offer a unique perspective on the political and cultural landscape of 18th-century Russia. With wit, intelligence, and a strong sense of self, Dashkova's narrative sheds light on her personal triumphs, challenges, and the turbulent historical events that shaped her life.

23. The Autobiography of Mark Twain by Mark Twain

This book is an intimate and detailed account of the life of one of America's most celebrated authors. It covers his childhood in Missouri, his travels across the United States and Europe, and his career as a writer and public speaker. The book offers a candid and often humorous look at his personal life, his family, and his views on politics, religion, and literature. It provides an insightful look into his creative process and the experiences that influenced his most famous works.

24. The Big Sea by Langston Hughes

"The Big Sea" is an autobiography that explores the life of a significant figure in the Harlem Renaissance. The narrative follows his early life in the Midwest, his travels around the world as a seaman, and his experiences in New York during the 1920s, where he was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Throughout the book, the author offers his observations on racism, class, and the creative process, providing a vivid and insightful portrait of a complex era in American history.

25. News from Tartary by Peter Fleming

"News from Tartary" is a riveting account of a seven-month journey across 3,500 miles of the desolate and remote areas of China, from Peking to Kashmir. The author and his companion, disguised as locals, face numerous challenges including harsh weather, dangerous landscapes, and political instability. The narrative provides a fascinating glimpse into the cultures, histories, and geopolitics of the regions they traverse, capturing the essence of an Asia that has since undergone significant transformation.

Create Custom User List

Filter by date range, filter by genre.

You can add additional genre filters below:

Filter by Country

Your favorite books, purchase this book, edit profile.

Show Bookstore Categories

Kamala Harris & The Future of America: An Essay in Three Parts

By Caleb Maupin

Specifications

Ratings & reviews.