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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  😉

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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 !

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50 Must-Read Biographies

Rebecca Hussey

Rebecca holds a PhD in English and is a professor at Norwalk Community College in Connecticut. She teaches courses in composition, literature, and the arts. When she’s not reading or grading papers, she’s hanging out with her husband and son and/or riding her bike and/or buying books. She can't get enough of reading and writing about books, so she writes the bookish newsletter "Reading Indie," focusing on small press books and translations. Newsletter: Reading Indie Twitter: @ofbooksandbikes

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The best biographies give us a satisfying glimpse into a great person’s life, while also teaching us about the context in which that person lived. Through biography, we can also learn history, psychology, sociology, politics, philosophy, and more. Reading a great biography is both fun and educational. What’s not to love?

Below I’ve listed 50 of the best biographies out there. You will find a mix of subjects, including important figures in literature, science, politics, history, art, and more. I’ve tried to keep this list focused on biography only, so there is little in the way of memoir or autobiography. In a couple cases, authors have written about their family members, but for the most part, these are books where the focus is on the biographical subject, not the author.

The first handful are group biographies, and after that, I’ve arranged them alphabetically by subject. Book descriptions come from Goodreads.

Take a look and let me know about your favorite biography in the comments!

All We Know: Three Lives by Lisa Cohen

“In  All We Know , Lisa Cohen describes their [Esther Murphy, Mercedes de Acosta, and Madge Garland’s] glamorous choices, complicated failures, and controversial personal lives with lyricism and empathy. At once a series of intimate portraits and a startling investigation into style, celebrity, sexuality, and the genre of biography itself,  All We Know  explores a hidden history of modernism and pays tribute to three compelling lives.”

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly

“Set amid the civil rights movement, the never-before-told true story of NASA’s African-American female mathematicians who played a crucial role in America’s space program. Before Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of professionals worked as ‘Human Computers,’ calculating the flight paths that would enable these historic achievements. Among these were a coterie of bright, talented African-American women.”

The Life You Save May Be Your Own: An American Pilgrimage by Paul Elie

“In the mid-twentieth century four American Catholics came to believe that the best way to explore the questions of religious faith was to write about them – in works that readers of all kinds could admire.  The Life You Save May Be Your Own  is their story – a vivid and enthralling account of great writers and their power over us.”

The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester

“As definitions were collected, the overseeing committee, led by Professor James Murray, discovered that one man, Dr. W. C. Minor, had submitted more than ten thousand. When the committee insisted on honoring him, a shocking truth came to light: Dr. Minor, an American Civil War veteran, was also an inmate at an asylum for the criminally insane.”

The Wives of Henry VIII by Antonia Fraser

“In a sweeping narrative, Fraser traces the cultural, familial and political roots of each of Henry’s queens, pushes aside the stereotypes that have long defined them, and illuminates the complex character of each.”

John Adams by David McCullough

“In this powerful, epic biography, David McCullough unfolds the adventurous life-journey of John Adams, the brilliant, fiercely independent, often irascible, always honest Yankee patriot — ‘the colossus of independence,’ as Thomas Jefferson called him.”

A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea: One Refugee’s Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival by Melissa Fleming

“Emotionally riveting and eye-opening,  A Hope More Powerful Than the Sea  is the incredible story of a young woman, an international crisis, and the triumph of the human spirit. Melissa Fleming shares the harrowing journey of Doaa Al Zamel, a young Syrian refugee in search of a better life.”

At Her Majesty’s Request: An African Princess in Victorian England by Walter Dean Myers

“One terrifying night in 1848, a young African princess’s village is raided by warriors. The invaders kill her mother and father, the King and Queen, and take her captive. Two years later, a British naval captain rescues her and takes her to England where she is presented to Queen Victoria, and becomes a loved and respected member of the royal court.”

John Brown by W.E.B. Du Bois

“ John Brown is W. E. B. Du Bois’s groundbreaking political biography that paved the way for his transition from academia to a lifelong career in social activism. This biography is unlike Du Bois’s earlier work; it is intended as a work of consciousness-raising on the politics of race.”

Invisible: The Forgotten Story of the Black Woman Lawyer Who Took Down America’s Most Powerful Mobster by Stephen L. Carter

“[Eunice Hunton Carter] was black and a woman and a prosecutor, a graduate of Smith College and the granddaughter of slaves, as dazzlingly unlikely a combination as one could imagine in New York of the 1930s ― and without the strategy she devised, Lucky Luciano, the most powerful Mafia boss in history, would never have been convicted.”

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang

“An engrossing record of Mao’s impact on China, an unusual window on the female experience in the modern world, and an inspiring tale of courage and love, Jung Chang describes the extraordinary lives and experiences of her family members.”

Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff

“Her palace shimmered with onyx, garnet, and gold, but was richer still in political and sexual intrigue. Above all else, Cleopatra was a shrewd strategist and an ingenious negotiator. Though her life spanned fewer than forty years, it reshaped the contours of the ancient world.”

Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

“Einstein was a rebel and nonconformist from boyhood days, and these character traits drove both his life and his science. In this narrative, Walter Isaacson explains how his mind worked and the mysteries of the universe that he discovered.”

Enrique’s Journey: The Story of a Boy’s Dangerous Odyssey to Reunite with His Mother by Sonia Nazario

“In this astonishing true story, award-winning journalist Sonia Nazario recounts the unforgettable odyssey of a Honduran boy who braves unimaginable hardship and peril to reach his mother in the United States.”

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

“After stumbling upon a hidden trove of diaries, New Yorker writer David Grann set out to solve ‘the greatest exploration mystery of the 20th century’: What happened to the British explorer Percy Fawcett & his quest for the Lost City of Z?”

Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman

“Amanda Foreman draws on a wealth of fresh research and writes colorfully and penetratingly about the fascinating Georgiana, whose struggle against her own weaknesses, whose great beauty and flamboyance, and whose determination to play a part in the affairs of the world make her a vibrant, astonishingly contemporary figure.”

Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik Ping Zhu

“Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg never asked for fame she was just trying to make the world a little better and a little freer. But along the way, the feminist pioneer’s searing dissents and steely strength have inspired millions. [This book], created by the young lawyer who began the Internet sensation and an award-winning journalist, takes you behind the myth for an intimate, irreverent look at the justice’s life and work.”

Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston by Valerie Boyd

“A woman of enormous talent and remarkable drive, Zora Neale Hurston published seven books, many short stories, and several articles and plays over a career that spanned more than thirty years. Today, nearly every black woman writer of significance—including Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, and Alice Walker—acknowledges Hurston as a literary foremother.”

Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life by Ruth Franklin

“ Shirley Jackson  reveals the tumultuous life and inner darkness of the literary genius behind such classics as ‘The Lottery’ and  The Haunting of Hill House .”

The Path to Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson by Robert A. Caro

“This is the story of the rise to national power of a desperately poor young man from the Texas Hill Country. The Path to Power reveals in extraordinary detail the genesis of the almost superhuman drive, energy, and ambition that set LBJ apart.”

The Life of Samuel Johnson   by James Boswell

“Poet, lexicographer, critic, moralist and Great Cham, Dr. Johnson had in his friend Boswell the ideal biographer. Notoriously and self-confessedly intemperate, Boswell shared with Johnson a huge appetite for life and threw equal energy into recording its every aspect in minute but telling detail.”

Barbara Jordan: American Hero by Mary Beth Rogers

“Barbara Jordan was the first African American to serve in the Texas Senate since Reconstruction, the first black woman elected to Congress from the South, and the first to deliver the keynote address at a national party convention. Yet Jordan herself remained a mystery.”

Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera

“This engrossing biography of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo reveals a woman of extreme magnetism and originality, an artist whose sensual vibrancy came straight from her own experiences: her childhood near Mexico City during the Mexican Revolution; a devastating accident at age eighteen that left her crippled and unable to bear children.”

Florynce “Flo” Kennedy: The Life of a Black Feminist Radical by Sherie M. Randolph

“Often photographed in a cowboy hat with her middle finger held defiantly in the air, Florynce ‘Flo’ Kennedy (1916–2000) left a vibrant legacy as a leader of the Black Power and feminist movements. In the first biography of Kennedy, Sherie M. Randolph traces the life and political influence of this strikingly bold and controversial radical activist.”

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

“In 1986, a shy and intelligent twenty-year-old named Christopher Knight left his home in Massachusetts, drove to Maine, and disappeared into the forest. He would not have a conversation with another human being until nearly three decades later, when he was arrested for stealing food.”

The Lady and the Peacock: The Life of Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma by Peter Popham

“Peter Popham … draws upon previously untapped testimony and fresh revelations to tell the story of a woman whose bravery and determination have captivated people around the globe. Celebrated today as one of the world’s greatest exponents of non-violent political defiance since Mahatma Gandhi, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize only four years after her first experience of politics.”

Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo”   by Zora Neale Hurston

“In 1927, Zora Neale Hurston went to Plateau, Alabama, just outside Mobile, to interview eighty-six-year-old Cudjo Lewis. Of the millions of men, women, and children transported from Africa to America as slaves, Cudjo was then the only person alive to tell the story of this integral part of the nation’s history.”

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

“Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, yet her cells—taken without her knowledge—became one of the most important tools in medicine.”

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

“Acclaimed historian Doris Kearns Goodwin illuminates Lincoln’s political genius in this highly original work, as the one-term congressman and prairie lawyer rises from obscurity to prevail over three gifted rivals of national reputation to become president.”

The New Negro: The Life of Alain Locke by Jeffrey C. Stewart

“A tiny, fastidiously dressed man emerged from Black Philadelphia around the turn of the century to mentor a generation of young artists including Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Jacob Lawrence and call them the New Negro — the creative African Americans whose art, literature, music, and drama would inspire Black people to greatness.”

Warrior Poet: A Biography of Audre Lorde by Alexis De Veaux

“Drawing from the private archives of the poet’s estate and numerous interviews, Alexis De Veaux demystifies Lorde’s iconic status, charting her conservative childhood in Harlem; her early marriage to a white, gay man with whom she had two children; her emergence as an outspoken black feminist lesbian; and her canonization as a seminal poet of American literature.”

Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary by Juan Williams

“Thurgood Marshall stands today as the great architect of American race relations, having expanded the foundation of individual rights for all Americans. His victory in the Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954, the landmark Supreme Court case outlawing school segregation, would have him a historic figure even if he had not gone on to become the first African-American appointed to the Supreme Court.”

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

“In April 1992 a young man from a well-to-do family hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley. His name was Christopher Johnson McCandless. He had given $25,000 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself.”

The Mayor of Castro Street: The Life and Times of Harvey Milk by Randy Shilts

“ The Mayor of Castro Street  is Shilts’s acclaimed story of Harvey Milk, the man whose personal life, public career, and tragic assassination mirrored the dramatic and unprecedented emergence of the gay community in America during the 1970s.”

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

“The most famous poet of the Jazz Age, Millay captivated the nation: She smoked in public, took many lovers (men and women, single and married), flouted convention sensationally, and became the embodiment of the New Woman.”

How to Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty Attempts at An Answer by Sarah Bakewell

This book is “a vivid portrait of Montaigne, showing how his ideas gave birth to our modern sense of our inner selves, from Shakespeare’s plays to the dilemmas we face today.”

The Silent Woman: Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes by Janet Malcolm

“From the moment it was first published in The New Yorker, this brilliant work of literary criticism aroused great attention. Janet Malcolm brings her shrewd intelligence to bear on the legend of Sylvia Plath and the wildly productive industry of Plath biographies.”

Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley   by Peter Guralnick

“Based on hundreds of interviews and nearly a decade of research, [this book] traces the evolution not just of the man but of the music and of the culture he left utterly transformed, creating a completely fresh portrait of Elvis and his world.

Mrs. Robinson’s Disgrace: The Private Diary of a Victorian Lady by Kate Summerscale

“Kate Summerscale brilliantly recreates the Victorian world, chronicling in exquisite and compelling detail the life of Isabella Robinson, wherein the longings of a frustrated wife collided with a society clinging to rigid ideas about sanity, the boundaries of privacy, the institution of marriage, and female sexuality.”

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

“A young man from a small provincial town moves to London in the late 1580s and, in a remarkably short time, becomes the greatest playwright not of his age alone but of all time. How is an achievement of this magnitude to be explained?”

The Invisible Woman: The Story of Charles Dickens and Nelly Ternan by Claire Tomalin

“When Charles Dickens and Nelly Ternan met in 1857, she was 18: a professional actress performing in his production of  The Frozen Deep . He was 45: a literary legend, a national treasure, married with ten children. This meeting sparked a love affair that lasted over a decade, destroying Dickens’s marriage and ending with Nelly’s near-disappearance from the public record.”

Sojourner Truth: A Life, A Symbol by Nell Irvin Painter

“Slowly, but surely, Sojourner climbed from beneath the weight of slavery, secured respect for herself, and utilized the distinction of her race to become not only a symbol for black women, but for the feminist movement as a whole.”

The Black Rose by Tananarive Due

“Born to former slaves on a Louisiana plantation in 1867, Madam C.J. Walker rose from poverty and indignity to become America’s first black female millionaire, the head of a hugely successful beauty company, and a leading philanthropist in African American causes.”

Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow

“With a breadth and depth matched by no other one-volume life, [Chernow] carries the reader through Washington’s troubled boyhood, his precocious feats in the French and Indian Wars, his creation of Mount Vernon, his heroic exploits with the Continental Army, his presiding over the Constitutional Convention and his magnificent performance as America’s first president.”

Ida: A Sword Among Lions by Paula J. Giddings

“ Ida: A Sword Among Lions  is a sweeping narrative about a country and a crusader embroiled in the struggle against lynching: a practice that imperiled not only the lives of black men and women, but also a nation based on law and riven by race.”

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

“But the true saga of [Wilder’s] life has never been fully told. Now, drawing on unpublished manuscripts, letters, diaries, and land and financial records, Caroline Fraser—the editor of the Library of America edition of the Little House series—masterfully fills in the gaps in Wilder’s biography.”

Romantic Outlaws: The Extraordinary Lives of Mary Wollstonecraft and Her Daughter Mary Shelley by Charlotte Gordon

“Although mother and daughter, these two brilliant women never knew one another – Wollstonecraft died of an infection in 1797 at the age of thirty-eight, a week after giving birth. Nevertheless their lives were so closely intertwined, their choices, dreams and tragedies so eerily similar, it seems impossible to consider one without the other.”

Virginia Woolf by Hermione Lee

“Subscribing to Virginia Woolf’s own belief in the fluidity and elusiveness of identity, Lee comes at her subject from a multitude of perspectives, producing a richly layered portrait of the writer and the woman that leaves all of her complexities and contradictions intact.”

Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable

“Of the great figures in twentieth-century American history perhaps none is more complex and controversial than Malcolm X. Constantly rewriting his own story, he became a criminal, a minister, a leader, and an icon, all before being felled by assassins’ bullets at age thirty-nine.”

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

“On a May afternoon in 1943, an Army Air Forces bomber crashed into the Pacific Ocean and disappeared, leaving only a spray of debris and a slick of oil, gasoline, and blood. Then, on the ocean surface, a face appeared. It was that of a young lieutenant, the plane’s bombardier, who was struggling to a life raft and pulling himself aboard. So began one of the most extraordinary odysseys of the Second World War.”

Want to read more about great biographies? Check out this post on presidential biographies , this list of biographies and memoirs about remarkable women , and this list of 100 must-read musician biographies and memoirs .

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• by Worldly Gentleman

53 Of The Top Biography Books Of All Time (Updated 2022)

Reading nonfiction is a wonderful way to widen your horizons. Biographies offer a unique look at historical and influential figures. They can put famous people into a greater context or share an incredible unknown story.

This list looks to document the best of the biography genre. They cover historical figures, those who made an impact in science or the arts, and a few that are just good storytellers. Each book on the list was selected based on its literary merit as well as the importance or interest of the subject.

Related: 50 Books to Expand Your Worldview

Here are 50 biographies everyone should read:

Table of Contents

American Historical Biographies

John Adams by David McCullough: The second president was a brilliant man who often did not command respect from his colleagues because of his uniquely brash personality. This book chronicles his impact on American governing as well as his love story with his wife Abigail.

Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik: The title of this book comes from a Tumblr page meant to solidify Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the coolest octogenarian in America. The biography is decidedly more serious than the original social media page as it spells out the life of this influential feminist justice.

Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo” by Zora Neale Hurston: Based on interviews conducted in 1927 and 1931, Hurston captures the story of the last living person captured in Africa and then transported and enslaved in America. It is as relevant now as it was almost 100 years ago, as the narrative around America’s entwinement with slavery evolves . 

Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary by Juan Williams: Marshall used the justice system to push back against the legality of American racial segregation. He then became the first African-American to serve on the Supreme Court. This biography also dives into his conflicts with other major civil rights leaders and his unique relationship with J. Edgar Hoover. 

Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow: Chernow is considered one of the great American historical biographers and his account of the life of the first president. It’s a huge undertaking that required massive amounts of research and it’s a definitive look at one of the most influential early American leaders.

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow: This book is best known for being the inspiration for Lin Manuel-Miranda’s broadway musical, Hamilton . The book itself is decidedly less flashy but provides insight into an influential founding father whose legacy, until recently, was defined by his untimely death.

Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention by Manning Marable: Malcolm X was born Malcolm Little, the son of civil rights activists who would grow up to lead a Black nationalism movement alongside concurrent civil rights campaigns. This 2011 book was also the first to document new information about Malcolm X’s assassination. 

Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson: The daughter of Joe and Rose Kennedy, Rosemary had an intellectual disability the family worked hard to hide. Once the family’s rose to prominence and it became increasingly difficult to conceal Rosemary’s disability, her father decided to have her lobotomized at age 23.

Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson by S.C. Gwynne: This book is the biography of Stonewall Jackson, the Confederate general often held in high esteem by Southerners trying to change the narrative of the Civil War. It is considered to be the best account of Jackson’s life and military career. It is important to note that some readers have criticized the fact that this book minimizes Jackson’s relationship with slavery, including the fact that he enslaved people and fought to preserve slavery.

His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope by Jon Meacham: John Lewis was born on a farm in rural Alabama and became a Civil Rights icon. He went on to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives for many years. This would be an excellent choice to read in 2020 as many reflect upon Lewis’s legacy after his death this year.

The Path to Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson by Robert A. Caro: This is a four-volume biography of President Lyndon Johnson, who was a complex man thrust into the presidency after the assassination of JFK. Johnson’s legacy includes important civil rights legislation, but his life was also defined by his singular ambition to make a mark on America.

The Real Lincoln by Thomas J. Dilorenzo: This biography of a man many consider to be the greatest American president looks to change the narrative about Abraham Lincoln. Instead of painting Lincoln as “the Great Emancipator,” Dilorenzo argues that Lincoln’s motivation for engaging in the Civil War had more to do with his desire to move toward a centralized government. The author’s perspective is not without controversy, so read this biography if you want to consider a unique view of history.

Invisible: The Forgotten Story of the Black Woman Lawyer Who Took Down America’s Most Powerful Mobster by Stephen L. Carter: The provocative title of this book captures the exciting story of Eunice Hunton Carter. Hunton Carter defied racial and gender barriers to take down Lucky Luciano, New York’s infamous Mafia boss. Fun fact: She’s also the grandmother of the author.

Let Us Now Praise Famous Men by James Agee and Walker Evans: In 1936, this reporter-photographer team traveled through the American South to document the lives of sharecroppers during the Great Depression. It’s considered one of the best accounts of American poverty.

American Lion by Jon Meacham: This is the definitive biography of President Andrew Jackson, who simultaneously transformed American democracy while committing atrocities, like the forced removal of Native people from their tribal lands.

World Biographies

The Wives of Henry VIII by Antonia Fraser: Everyone knows the history of the king with six wives, but this book aims to tell the wives’ stories. Each of the women has their story told in this shared biography.

Churchill: A Life by Martin Gilbert: Many have written about the life of Winston Churchill, but historian Martin Gilbert’s work is considered to the best account of the prime minister’s life. This is a single volume edition, condensed from an earlier-published eight volumes. It also includes new information since the original publication.

Catherine the Great by Robert K. Massie: This is part of a four-book series on the Romanovs. It tells the story of how a woman born to a minor German noble family became the empress of Russia. She ruled Russia for 34 years, cementing her legacy forever.

Nicholas and Alexandra: The Classic Account of the Fall of the Romanov Dynasty by Robert K. Massie: Any true Russian history buff will enjoy all of the biographies in Massie’s Romanov series, but the two included on this list are the most commonly recommended. It tells the story of the missteps of two royal leaders that eventually led to their execution in 1918.

The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom and Elizabeth and John Sherrill: This is almost an autobiography, but it’s still worthy of a place on this list. The Sherrills came up with the idea to tell Corrie ten Boom’s story and collaborated on the book. In it, ten Boom shares her experience in the Netherlands during World War II, where she helped hide Jews in her home. She was eventually caught and sent to the Ravensbruck concentration camp and was liberated in 1944. She lived for 39 more years.

Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang: This biography is a fascinating look at the often misunderstood Mao Zedong. It’s a complete history of the Chinese leader and a great introduction for readers who know very little about him.

Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang: Author Jung Chang captures her own family’s experiences during the twentieth century in China. This is a great companion to Chang’s biography of Mao, but it tells the story of his reign through the eyes of three generations of women in one family.

The Lost City of Z by David Grann: In 1925, British explorer Percy Fawcett traveled to the Amazon jungle and disappeared. In search of a fabled “City of Z,” many have searched for any evidence of Fawcett, with no success. This book explores the mystery of his disappearance. 

Enrique’s Journey by Sonia Nazario: 11 years after his mother left to find work in the United States, Enrique leaves his home in Honduras to find her. It’s a harrowing story of danger and hostility, while also having moments of hope and great courage.

Ghengis Kahn and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford: Khan is the stuff of legends to most Western readers, and this biography captures his unmatched might. Genghis Khan led the Mongol army to capture lands throughout Asia and Europe. 

Related: The Definitive Modern Man’s Library: 33 Essential Keystone Books

Science and Technology Biographies

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot: This book documents the story of a poor Black farmer whose cells were used by scientists to develop vaccines and conduct medical research — all without her consent and many years after her death. Henrietta Lacks’ story illustrates the way Black Americans are used in medical research and Skloot explores the connection between bioethics and racism. 

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson: America has long been fascinated by the Apple founder and tech genius Steve Jobs. Walter Isaacson’s biography is considered the best account of his life and revolutionary career.

Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder: Paul Farmer has spent his career in medicine traveling the world in hopes of bringing medical care to all people. This biography accounts for his career as a Harvard professor as well as his time abroad in places like Haiti, Peru, and Cuba. 

A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar: John Nash was a mathematician who would go on to win a Nobel Prize for his work. He also suffered from mental illness and schizophrenia that almost prevented him from producing his most famous work on game theory. This biography inspired a film starring Russell Crowe.

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly: This book highlights the achievements of NASA’s “human computers,” many of whom were Black women segregated in a separate space from the white men who received credit for their work. This book inspired a popular film.

The Radium Girls by Kate Moore: In this at times hard-to-read book, Kate Moore describes the terrible health effects of radium and the women who suffered them. In the early 20th century, many women were employed to paint watch faces with radioactive paint, allowing the watches to glow in the dark. But as a result of their exposure to radium, the women developed terrible illnesses. As their bodies were falling apart, the women fought for workers’ rights.

Alan Turing: The Enigma by Andrew Hodges: Alan Turing was a brilliant man who cracked the Nazi code machine and laid the groundwork for the computer. He was also a gay man in Britain at a time when homosexuality was outlawed. Turing was eventually arrested and forced to undergo humiliating treatment, despite his crucial role in the Allies’ World War II victory.

Radioactive: Marie and Paul Curie: A Tale of Love and Fallout by Lauren Redniss: In this biography of Marie Curie, readers can follow a remarkable career of scientific discovery alongside her romance with Paul. Marie Curie was a complex woman and this biography captures her life well.

Best Sports Biographies

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand: This biography covers the life of Louis Zamperini, once a celebrated American Olympic runner who became an airman during World War II. His plane crashed in the Pacific Ocean and he drifted asea until landing at the Marshall Islands and being captured by the Japanese. Zamperini’s survival story is unlikely and inspiring.

King of the World: Muhammad Ali and the Rise of an American Hero by David Remnick: This book is considered the most complete account of Muhammad Ali’s life and his impact on boxing and American racial politics. Ali captivated sports fans with his talent in the ring and challenged Americans to pursue racial justice.

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: This is an incredible underdog story about nine working-class rowers from the University of Washington who defeated the elite crew teams from the East Coast and Great Britain. They would then shock the world by defeating the German team in the 1936 Berlin Olympics. 

Tiger Woods by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian: For those who followed the rise of the young, phenomenal golfer, and then watched him lose it all due to a personal scandal, this book is for you. Published in 2018, it’s the most comprehensive and up-to-date biography of Woods. It’s especially good for those who celebrated Woods’ return to golf and his triumphant 2019 Master’s win.

Andre Agassi’s OPEN is one of the best-selling sports biographies of all-time. Agassi was groomed to become a tennis champion from an early age, but once he achieved success he found his life unfilled. This is a fantastic book.

True Crime and Mystery Biographies

Columbine by Dave Cullen: Though technically an account of the entire Columbine High School shooting, this book serves as a biography of the shooters themselves. Cullen was on the scene in 1999 and spent 10 years working on this book. He successfully challenges misinformation that took hold in American conversations about the shooting and is a great read for anyone who wants to finally learn the facts.

American Predator: The Hunt for the Most Meticulous Serial Killer of the 21st Century by Maureen Callahan: In this 2020 book, Maureen Callahan tells the story of Israel Keyes, a relatively unknown serial murderer who went undetected by law enforcement for years. Keyes was evaded the FBI by hiding “kill kits” in remote locations, leaving them until he decided to return and commit his crimes. This book is great for true crime lovers.

The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel: Christopher Knight survived in the remote woods of Maine for almost three decades by stealing provisions from locals’ homes. He lived in a tent through the harsh Maine winters and didn’t interact with another human being during his time in the forest. Knight sought solitude and achieved it for almost 30 years until he was arrested for stealing. Then the world finally learned his story.

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer: This is the story of a man who went into the Alaskan wilderness in 1992 without any money or many supplies and was found dead just 4 months later. Krakauer tells the story of Christopher McCandless, a college graduate from a well-to-do family, and what drove him to enter the wild without maps or a plan. 

Blind, Torture, Kill – For over thirty-one years, a murder haunted the community of Wichita, Kansas. This is a thrilling inside story of the BTK Killer (blind torture kill) and how he was able to avoid police for so many years and his media exploits. The killer’s true identity turned out to be a devoted community member, husband, dad, Boy Scout volunteer, and church leader.

I’ll Be Gone In The Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer   Michelle McNamara dedicated the last part of her life to revealing the story and true identity of the Golden State Killer – an elusive serial rapist turned murderer during the 1970s-80s. The case was finally solved in 2018 after years of cold trails, thanks in part to this book.

Art, Music, and Literature Biographies

Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life by Ruth Franklin: Shirley Jackson is considered a master of the horror genre, best known for the short story “The Lottery” and her novel-turned-Netflix-series, The Haunting of Hill House . This biography tells the story of her difficult life and the inspiration for some of her best work. 

Frida by Hayden Herrera: Mexican painter Frida Kahlo has long been the subject of fascination in the art world and beyond. This biography captures her story. Kahlo suffered a life-altering accident that would inspire her to begin painting. Soon the world would be treated to her wonderful talent. It also covers her fascinating relationship and marriage to artist Diego Rivera.

Last Train to Memphis by Peter Guralnick: The first of two volumes, this book chronicles the early life of Elvis Presley and his rise to rock-and-roll fame. It covers the first 24 years of his life, through the recordings of his first hits, his drafting into the army in 1958, and the death of his mother.

Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Caroline Fraser: This book is the first definitive biography of the famed author of the Little House series. Caroline Fraser uses a variety of documents to fill in the gaps in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s life, providing a more complete picture of her experiences growing up on the prairie and her relationship with her only daughter Rose.

Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt: William Shakespeare is the most famous writer in history. His prolific work is astonishing. How did he accomplish so much in his life? Greenblatt attempts to answer that question while humanizing the great playwright.

Prince: A Private View by Afshin Shahidi: This is a unique biography of musical genius Prince. It’s foremost a photo collection of images shot by Shahidi himself. Shahidi collaborated with Prince for much of his career. The photos and stories in this book reflect the inside access only Shahidi had.

Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston by Valerie Boyd: After reading Neale Hurston’s portrait of an enslaved man in  Barracoon,  dive into the life of the woman herself. Zora Neale Hurston was creatively connected to the Harlem Renaissance and inspired countless Black women writers, including Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison.

Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Nancy Milford: This is the biography of an influential poet and playwright with a fascinating family life. Edna St. Vincent Millay had a close relationship with her sisters and mother, and it was at times toxic. Those unfamiliar with St. Vincent Millay will enjoy learning about this Pulitzer Prize-winning writer. 

The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester: This is the unbelievable story of the origins of the Oxford English Dictionary and two men who were instrumental in its creation. Professor James Murray led the committee to oversee the collection of definitions. He was shocked to discover a man who had submitted over ten thousand definitions, Dr. W.C. Minor, was also an American Civil War veteran living in an asylum for the criminally insane.

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The best biographies to read in 2023

• Nik Rawlinson

Discover what inspired some of history’s most familiar names with these comprehensive biographies

The best biographies can be inspirational, can provide important life lessons – and can warn us off a dangerous path. They’re also a great way to learn more about important figures in history, politics, business and entertainment. That’s because the best biographies not only reveal what a person did with their life, but what effect it had and, perhaps most importantly, what inspired them to act as they did.

Where both a biography and an autobiography exist, you might be tempted to plump for the latter, assuming you’d get a more accurate and in-depth telling of the subject’s life story. While that may be true, it isn’t always the case. It’s human nature to be vain, and who could blame a celebrity or politician if they covered up their embarrassments and failures when committing their lives to paper? A biographer, so long as they have the proof to back up their claims, may have less incentive to spare their subject’s blushes, and thus produce a more honest account – warts and all.

That said, we’ve steered clear of the sensational in selecting the best biographies for you. Rather, we’ve focused on authoritative accounts of notable names, in each case written some time after their death, when a measured, sober assessment of their actions and impact can be given.

READ NEXT: The best poetry books to buy

Best biographies: At a glance

• Best literary biography: Agatha Christie: A Very Elusive Woman by Lucy Worsley | £20
• Best showbiz biography: Let’s Do It: The Authorised Biography of Victoria Wood | £6.78
• Best political biography: Hitler by Ian Kershaw | £14

How to choose the best biography for you

There are so many biographies to choose from that it can be difficult knowing which to choose. This is especially true when there are several competing titles focused on the same subject. Try asking yourself these questions.

Is the author qualified?

Wikipedia contains potted biographies of every notable figure you could ever want to read about. So, if you’re going to spend several hours with a novel-sized profile it must go beyond the basics – and you want to be sure that the author knows what they’re talking about.

That doesn’t mean they need to have been personally acquainted with the subject, as Jasper Rees was with Victoria Wood. Ian Kershaw never met Adolf Hitler (he was, after all, just two years old when Hitler killed himself), but he published his first works on the subject in the late 1980s, has advised on BBC documentaries about the Second World War, and is an acknowledged expert on the Nazi era. It’s no surprise, then, that his biography of the dictator is extensive, comprehensive and acclaimed.

Is there anything new to say?

What inspires someone to write a biography – particularly of someone whose life has already been documented? Sometimes it can be the discovery of new facts, perhaps through the uncovering of previously lost material or the release of papers that had been suppressed on the grounds of national security. But equally, it may be because times have changed so much that the context of previous biographies is no longer relevant. Attitudes, in particular, evolve with time, and what might have been considered appropriate behaviour in the 1950s would today seem discriminatory or shocking. So, an up-to-date biography that places the subject’s actions and motivations within a modern context can make it a worthwhile read, even if you’ve read an earlier work already.

Does it look beyond the subject?

The most comprehensive biographies place their subject in context – and show how that context affected their outlook and actions or is reflected in their work. Lucy Worsley’s new biography of Agatha Christie is a case in point, referencing Christie’s works to show how real life influenced her fiction. Mathew Parker’s Goldeneye does the same for Bond author Ian Fleming – and in doing so, both books enlarge considerably on the biography’s core subject.

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1. Let’s Do It: The Authorised Biography of Victoria Wood by Jasper Rees: Best showbiz biography

Price: £6.78 | Buy now from Amazon

It’s hardly surprising Victoria Wood never got around to writing her own autobiography. Originator of countless sketches, songs, comedy series, films, plays, documentaries and a sitcom, she kept pushing back the mammoth job of chronicling her life until it was too late. Wood’s death in 2016 came as a surprise to many, with the entertainer taking her final bow in private at the end of a battle with cancer she had fought away from the public eye.

In the wake of her death, her estate approached journalist Jasper Rees, who had interviewed her on many occasions, with the idea of writing the story that Wood had not got around to writing herself. With their backing, Rees’ own encounters with Wood, and the comic’s tape-recorded notes to go on, the result is a chunky, in-depth, authoritative account of her life. It seems unlikely that Wood could have written it more accurately – nor more fully – herself.

Looking back, it’s easy to forget that Wood wasn’t a constant feature on British TV screens, that whole years went by when her focus would be on writing or performing on stage, or even that her career had a surprisingly slow start after a lonely childhood in which television was a constant companion. This book reminds us of those facts – and that Wood wasn’t just a talented performer, but a hard worker, too, who put in the hours required to deliver the results.

Let’s Do It, which takes its title from a lyric in one of Wood’s best-known songs, The Ballad of Barry & Freda, is a timely reminder that there are two sides to every famous character: one public and one private. It introduces us to the person behind the personality, and shows how the character behind the characters for which she is best remembered came to be.

Key specs – Length: 592 pages; Publisher: Trapeze; ISBN: 978-1409184119

Let's Do It: The Authorised Biography of Victoria Wood

2. the chief: the life of lord northcliffe, britain’s greatest press baron by andrew roberts: best business biography.

Lord Northcliffe wasn’t afraid of taking risks – many of which paid off handsomely. He founded a small paper called Answers to Correspondents, branched out into comics, and bought a handful of newspapers. Then he founded the Daily Mail, and applied what he’d learned in running his smaller papers on a far grander scale. The world of publishing – in Britain and beyond – was never the same again. The Daily Mail was a huge success, which led to the founding of the Daily Mirror, primarily for women, and his acquisition of the Observer, Times and Sunday Times.

By then, Northcliffe controlled almost half of Britain’s daily newspaper circulation. Nobody before him had ever enjoyed such reach – or such influence over the British public – as he did through his titles. This gave him sufficient political clout to sway the direction of government in such fundamental areas as the establishment of the Irish Free State and conscription in the run-up to the First World War. He was appointed to head up Britain’s propaganda operation during the conflict, and in this position he became a target for assassination, with a German warship shelling his home in Broadstairs. Beyond publishing, he was ahead of many contemporaries in understanding the potential of aviation as a force for good, as a result of which he funded several highly valuable prizes for pioneers in the field.

He achieved much in his 57 years, as evidenced by this biography, but suffered both physical and mental ill health towards the end. The empire that he built may have fragmented since his passing, with the Daily Mirror, Observer, Times and Sunday Times having left the group that he founded, but his influence can still be felt. For anyone who wants to understand how and why titles like the Daily Mail became so successful, The Chief is an essential read.

Key specs – Length: 556 pages; Publisher: Simon & Schuster; ISBN: 978-1398508712

The Chief: The Life of Lord Northcliffe Britain's Greatest Press Baron

3. goldeneye by matthew parker: best biography for cinema fans.

The name Goldeneye is synonymous with James Bond. It was the title of both a film and a video game, a fictional super weapon, a real-life Second World War plan devised by author Ian Fleming, and the name of the Jamaican estate where he wrote one Bond book every year between 1952 and his death in 1964. The Bond film makers acknowledged this in 2021’s No Time To Die, making that estate the home to which James Bond retired, just as his creator had done at the end of the war, 75 years earlier.

Fleming had often talked of his plan to write the spy novel to end all spy novels once the conflict was over, and it’s at Goldeneye that he fulfilled that ambition. Unsurprisingly, many of his experiences there found their way into his prose and the subsequent films, making this biography as much a history of Bond itself as it is a focused retelling of Fleming’s life in Jamaica. It’s here, we learn, that Fleming first drinks a Vesper at a neighbour’s house. Vesper later became a character in Casino Royale and, in the story, Bond devises a drink to fit the name. Fleming frequently ate Ackee fish while in residence; the phonetically identical Aki was an important character in You Only Live Twice.

Parker finds more subtle references, too, observing that anyone who kills a bird or owl in any of the Bond stories suffers the spy’s wrath. This could easily be overlooked, but it’s notable, and logical: Fleming had a love of birds, and Bond himself was named after the ornithologist James Bond, whose book was on Fleming’s shelves at Goldeneye.

So this is as much the biography of a famous fictional character as it is of an author, and of the house that he occupied for several weeks every year. So much of Fleming’s life at Goldeneye influenced his work that this is an essential read for any Bond fan – even if you’ve already read widely on the subject and consider yourself an aficionado. Parker’s approach is unusual, but hugely successful, and the result is an authoritative, wide-ranging biography about one of this country’s best-known authors, his central character, an iconic location and a country in the run-up to – and immediately following – its independence from Britain.

Key specs – Length: 416 pages; Publisher: Windmill Books; ISBN: 978-0099591740

Goldeneye: Where Bond was Born: Ian Fleming's Jamaica

4. hitler by ian kershaw: best political biography.

The latter portion of Adolf Hitler’s life, from his coming to power in 1933 to his suicide in 1945, is minutely documented, and known to a greater or lesser degree by anyone who has passed through secondary education. But what of his earlier years? How did this overlooked art student become one of the most powerful and destructive humans ever to have existed? What were his influences? What was he like?

Kershaw has the answers. This door stopper, which runs to more than 1,000 pages, is an abridged compilation of two earlier works: Hitler 1889 – 1936: Hubris, and Hitler 1936 – 1946: Nemesis. Yet, abridged though it may be, it remains extraordinarily detailed, and the research shines through. Kershaw spends no time warming his engines: Hitler is born by page three, to a social-climbing father who had changed the family name to something less rustic than it had been. As Kershaw points out, “Adolf can be believed when he said that nothing his father had done pleased him so much as to drop the coarsely rustic name of Schicklgruber. ‘Heil Schicklgruber’ would have sounded an unlikely salutation to a national hero.”

There’s no skimping on context, either, with each chapter given space to explore the political, economic and social influences on Hitler’s development and eventual emergence as leader. Kershaw pinpoints 1924 as the year that “can be seen as the time when, like a phoenix arising from the ashes, Hitler could begin his emergence from the ruins of the broken and fragmented volkisch movement to become eventually the absolute leader with total mastery over a reformed, organisationally far stronger, and internally more cohesive Nazi Party”. For much of 1924, Hitler was in jail, working on Mein Kampf and, by the point of his release, the movement to which he had attached himself had been marginalised. Few could have believed that it – and he – would rise again and take over first Germany, then much of Europe. Here, you’ll find out how it happened.

If you’re looking for an authoritative, in-depth biography of one of the most significant figures in modern world history, this is it. Don’t be put off by its length: it’s highly readable, and also available as an audiobook which, although it runs to 44 hours, can be sped up to trim the overall running time.

Key specs – Length: 1,072 pages; Publisher: Penguin; ISBN: 978-0141035888

5. Stalin’s Architect: Power and Survival in Moscow by Deyan Sudjic: Best historical biography

Boris Iofan died in 1976, but his influence can still be felt today – in particular, through the architectural influences evident in many mid-century buildings across Eastern Europe. Born in Odessa in 1891, he trained in architecture and, upon returning to Russia after time spent in Western Europe, gained notoriety for designing the House on the Embankment, a monumental block-wide building containing more than 500 flats, plus the shops and other facilities required to service them.

“Iofan’s early success was based on a sought-after combination of characteristics: he was a member of the Communist Party who was also an accomplished architect capable of winning international attention,” writes biographer Deyan Sudjic. “He occupied a unique position as a bridge between the pre-revolutionary academicians… and the constructivist radicals whom the party saw as bringing much-needed international attention and prestige but never entirely trusted. His biggest role was to give the party leadership a sense of what Soviet architecture could be – not in a theoretical sense or as a drawing, which they would be unlikely to understand, but as a range of built options that they could actually see.”

Having established himself, much of the rest of his life was spent working on his designs for the Palace of the Soviets, which became grander and less practical with every iteration. This wasn’t entirely Iofan’s fault. He had become a favourite of the party elite, and of Stalin himself, who added to the size and ambition of the intended building over the years. Eventually, the statue of Lenin that was destined to stand atop its central tower would have been over 300ft tall, and would have had an outstretched index finger 14ft long. There was a risk that this would freeze in the winter, and the icicles that dropped from it would have been a significant danger to those going into and out of the building below it.

Although construction work began, the Palace of the Soviets was never completed. Many of Iofan’s other buildings remain, though, and his pavilions for the World Expos in Paris and New York are well documented – in this book as well as elsewhere. Lavishly illustrated, it recounts Iofan’s life and examines his work in various stages, from rough outline, through technical drawing, to photographs of completed buildings – where they exist.

Key specs – Length: 320 pages; Publisher: Thames and Hudson; ISBN: 978-0500343555

Stalin's Architect: Power and Survival in Moscow

6. agatha christie: a very elusive woman by lucy worsley: best literary biography.

Agatha Christie died in 1976 but, with more than 70 novels and 150 short stories to her name, she remains one of the best-selling authors of all time. A new biography from historian Lucy Worsley is therefore undoubtedly of interest. It’s comprehensive and highly readable – and opinionated – with short chapters that make it easy to dip into and out of on a break.

Worsley resists the temptation to skip straight to the books. Poirot doesn’t appear until chapter 11 with publication of The Mysterious Affair at Styles, which Christie wrote while working in a Torquay hospital. Today, Poirot is so well known, not only from the books but from depictions in film and television, that it’s easy to overlook how groundbreaking the character was upon his arrival.

As Worsley explains, “by choosing to make Hercule Poirot a foreigner, and a refugee as well, Agatha created the perfect detective for an age when everyone was growing surfeited with soldiers and action heroes. He’s so physically unimpressive that no-one expects Poirot to steal the show. Rather like a stereotypical woman, Poirot cannot rely upon brawn to solve problems, for he has none. He has to use brains instead… There’s even a joke in his name. Hercules, of course, is a muscular classical hero, but Hercule Poirot has a name like himself: diminutive, fussy, camp, and Agatha would show Poirot working in a different way to [Sherlock] Holmes.” Indeed, where Holmes rolls around on the floor picking up cigar ash in his first published case, Poirot, explains Worsley, does not stoop to gather clues: he needs only his little grey cells. Worsley’s approach is thorough and opinionated, and has resulted not only in a biography of Christie herself, but also her greatest creations, which will appeal all the more to the author’s fans.

As with Matthew Parker’s Goldeneye, there’s great insight here into what influenced Christie’s work, and Worsley frequently draws parallels between real life events and episodes, characters or locations in her novels. As a result of her experiences as a medical volunteer during the First World War, for example, during which a rigid hierarchy persisted and the medics behaved shockingly, doctors became the most common culprit in her books; the names of real people found their way into her fiction; and on one occasion Christie assembled what today might be called a focus group to underpin a particular plot point.

Worsley is refreshingly opinionated and, where events in the author’s life take centre stage, doesn’t merely re-state the facts, but investigates Christie’s motivations to draw her own conclusions. This is particularly the case in the chapters examining Christie’s disappearance in 1926, which many previous biographers have portrayed as an attempt to frame her husband for murder. Worsley’s own investigation leads to alternative conclusions, which seem all the more plausible today, when society has a better understanding of – and is more sympathetic towards – the effects of psychological distress.

Key specs – Length: 432 pages; Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton; ISBN: 978-1529303889

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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..

25 Best Biographies: The Life Stories Every Man Should Read

Read them. Learn from them. Return to them.

Nothing tells us more about how to be alive now than learning from those who have gone before. And nothing captures their triumphs and disasters better than a book. We invited 25 writers to recommend a biography they love. Here are their picks of 25 lives well lived, 25 lives well told. Read them. Learn from them. Return to them.

1 | How To Live: A Life of Montaigne in One Question and Twenty-One Attempts at an Answer by Sarah Bakewell (Vintage, 2010)

Recommended by Nick Hornby:

Sarah Bakewell’s book is a biography with a difference. Like every great life in the arts, Montaigne’s is hundreds of years long. He happens to have died in 1592, but his influence is everywhere: in Hamlet’s soliloquies, in every newspaper, on every blog. Montaigne, for better or for worse, invented the personal essay — really — and this singular book explores some of the ideas these essays raised, and traces Montaigne’s survival from generation to generation.

There’s a more conventional biography in here, too, but Bakewell manages to thread it into a philosophical self-help book about grief, conviviality, work, originality and a lot of other subjects that Montaigne wanted us to think about. As a consequence, How To Live is original, accessible, thoughtful, useful, and more fun than you’d ever have thought a 16th-century essayist could be.

I’d like to read a similar book about Elvis, or Shakespeare, or Dickens, or Jane Austen; sometimes the true greatness only emerges years, centuries even, after the last breath has been drawn.

Funny Girl by Nick Hornby is out now (Viking)

2 | Becoming a Poet: Elizabeth Bishop with Marianne Moore and Robert Lowell by David Kalstone (University of Michigan, 1989)

Recommended by Colm Tóibín:

Becoming a Poet by David Kalstone, is the story of the relationship between three poets: Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Lowell and Marianne Moore. Using letters and drafts of poems, he shows how Lowell and Moore did everything they could to influence and help and often patronise Elizabeth Bishop. Moore and her eccentric mother even rewrote one of Bishop’s poems for her, just as Lowell made one of Bishop’s stories into a poem, and later, without her permission, one of her letters into a sonnet.

Kalstone, who died in 1986, three years before the book was published, was a scholar with a light touch, a critic with a real interest in what lay behind poetic influence and inspiration. The book manages to tell the story of three sensibilities, and then shows us Bishop’s efforts to float away from her two mentors by writing slowly and meticulously about her childhood in Nova Scotia — some poems took her more than twenty years to complete — and then about Key West, where she lived for a decade, and then later her life in Brazil.

Kalstone’s style is elegant: he manages to make careful and sober judgements. His book is one of the great biographies.

Nora Webster by Colm Tóibín is out now (Viking)

3 | Rebel Yell: The Violence, Passion, and Redemption of Stonewall Jackson by SC Gwynne (Scribner, 2014)

Recommended by Richard Ford:

I’m generally bored rigid by the Civil War. A boyhood in Mississippi will do that to you (or else turn you into a Republican). But SC Gwynne’s superb biography of Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson is a revelation — as is Jackson himself.

Gwynne is an especially informed and felicitous writer, while Jackson poses a challenge to the most resourceful student of human character. Jackson was a compendium of glaring opposites: a pious and uxorious homebody and failed science teacher, who transformed himself (in an absurd and bad cause) into the fiercest and most ingenious of battlefield generals.

A biography of his life, then, needs to, if not reconcile Jackson’s incongruities then at least to get them into the shapely sentences, yet Gwynne is truly remarkable at this.

Don’t let the title throw you off: this is a riveting book.

Let Me Be Frank With You by Richard Ford is now (Bloomsbury)

4 | Elia Kazan: A Life by Elia Kazan (Da Capo, 1988)

​Recommended by John Lahr:

Elia Kazan’s autobiography A Life is my favourite book on American theatre.

Kazan was a dynamo. Scratch anywhere in modern American theatre and you’ll find him. As an actor with The Group Theatre, he shouted “Strike, Strike, Strike!” in Clifford Odets’s Waiting for Lefty , the polemical anthem which launched Odets and The Group into stardom in the Thirties.

As a director, his psychological insight and sense of narrative structure helped to shape the most important plays of mid-century theatre: Thornton Wilder’s The Skin of Our Teeth , Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ; Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman .

As if that weren’t enough, he co-founded the Actors Studio, which revolutionised acting, and was the first co-artistic director of Lincoln Centre. All the forces in American theatre come together, one way or another, in him.

At the centre of this furious energy and appetite for life was a combative outsider’s rage. His memoir is unique for its honesty, intimacy, and insight into all the great talents with whom he worked and into his own legendary struggle to be an artist and to be true to his political principles.

The scope of Kazan’s influence, the complexity of his personality and his psychological acumen place this memoir in a class by itself.

Nobody in 20th-century theatre had Kazan’s career, and no memoirist has left a more unabashed witness to the brilliance and barbarity of American individualism.

Tennessee Williams: Mad Pilgrimage of the Flesh by John Lahr is out now (Bloomsbury)

5 | The Life of Samuel Johnson LLD by James Boswell (1791)

Recommended by Adam Gopnik:

When it comes to biographies, I always return, in a shamelessly unimaginative spirit, to James Boswell’s The Life of Samuel Johnson .

The most unoriginal of choices, this dramatic biography of the life of a miscellaneous journalist remains the most original of books — in many ways the most original (and still inimitable) book in all the English language.

Instead of the slow-crawl, dutiful chronicling of the life of a great man, piety after piety and year after year, it is a collection of hyper-dramatised vignettes, sometimes comic — “I asked Dr. Johnson whether he thought any man of a modern age could have written such poems? Johnson replied, ‘Yes, Sir, many men, many women, and many children’” — sometimes passionate — “‘I am afraid I may be one of those who shall be damned’ (looking dismally). Dr. Adams: ‘What do you mean by damned?’ Johnson: (passionately and loudly) ‘Sent to Hell, Sir, and punished everlastingly’” — but always utterly alive.

I’ve been reading in it every night for 30 plus years, and never get even slightly bored, though I’ve sometimes wondered why Boswell’s dramatic technique remains so rarely imitated, even in biographies written by intimates of their subjects.

Winter by Adam Gopnik is out now (Quercus)

6 | Wilfred Owen by Dominic Hibberd (W&N, 2002)

Recommended by Philip Hoare:

In 2014 we were bombarded with more books about the World War I than bombs that fell in the trenches, so I dug out Dominic Hibberd’s brilliant Wilfred Owen .

Building on Jon Stallworthy’s wonderful first biography of 1974 (sadly, Stallworthy died last year), Hibberd brings a startling, if not counterfactual, new focus to bear on our most celebrated war poet. In 1914, Owen was a perfume salesman in Bordeaux, sporting a floppy fringe and hanging out with decadent anarchist poets. When he did enlist, the following year, it was not to fight for his country, but for poetry.

Hibberd’s biography was the first to deal openly with Owen’s sexuality. He shows that the power of Owen’s poems lies in his passion for the men under his command. Like many of my generation, Owen’s was the authentic voice of protest.

Indeed, his poems only became widely popular in the Sixties, when they were evoked in the opposition to Vietnam. Until Jane Potter’s much-anticipated edition of Owen’s letters emerges later this year, the anniversary of the Great War will have not produced any account so compelling as Owen’s verse, or as revealing as Hibberd’s prose.

The Sea Inside by Philip Hoare is out now (Fourth Estate)

7 | Chapter and Verse by Bernard Sumner (Bantam, 2014)

Recommended Irvine Welsh:

A biography should be able to spring surprises, even if you know the subject.

Bernard Sumner’s Chapter and Verse contained poignantly rendered family tragedies, told with warm humour and without a hint of self-pity, that the wider world and even close friends were often previously unaware of.

As well as showing a life saved and made by rock’n’roll, it illustrates somebody almost effortlessly negotiating the rapids of success and stardom, armed only with street smarts and laconic Manc wit.

The passage on a bitter council co-worker’s view on weight gain alone makes it essential. It's a must-read for all Joy Division and New Order fans.

A Decent Ride by Irvine Welsh is out 16 April (Cape)

8 | The Perfect Stranger by PJ Kavanagh (Carcanet, 1966)

​Recommended by David Nicholls:

I’ve read some wonderful memoirs over the years, from Blake Morrison’s classic And When Did You Last See Your Father? to, more recently, Damian Barr’s frank and touching Maggie and Me . But if I had to choose one, I think I’d go for The Perfect Stranger by PJ Kavanagh.

It’s a classic coming-of-age story following the young writer’s adventures from a Butlin’s holiday camp to Paris, Korea, Barcelona and Oxford, where he meets the “perfect stranger” of the title.

Funny, poetical, ultimately heartbreaking, it’s a lost classic, out of print for many years but due for republication soon.

Us by David Nicholls is out now (Hodder & Stoughton)

9 | Ever, Dirk: The Bogarde Letters edited by John Coldstream (W&N, 2008)

​Recommended by David Thomson

This is a life as told through the letters of Dirk Bogarde: a great actor, a fair writer of novels and memoirs, a man with a natural talent for gardens and houses and a seething enthusiasm for gossip and friendship.

He was gay (but not inclined to admit it), yet some of his most stimulating friendships were with women he adored. As edited (superbly) by John Coldstream, this book gives you the sound of his voice, the pleasure of having him as your host and the fascination of witty, personal letters that are hideously misspelled!

Yet through all the gaiety and humour, you perceive someone always acting and trying to hide a chill and a loneliness that emerge in real biographies of him. Instead, he wanted to be good company and “ever, Dirk”.

What more do you expect from a true biography than a sense of the act he was putting on? I’m not sure honesty makes for good biography or great actors.

Why Acting Matters by David Thomson is out on 23 April (Yale)

10 | Edie: An American Biography by Jean Stein (Cape, 1982)

Recommended by Andrew O'Hagan:

I find it hard to choose my favourite biography because I love so many. It could easily be James Boswell’s Life of Johnson , a deathless book filled with drama and comedy. (It’s a classic because it makes you realise what the art of biography means.) But what about Richard Ellmann’s biography of Oscar Wilde, Fred Laurence Guiles’ of Marilyn Monroe, Hilary Spurling’s two-volume masterpiece on Matisse, or Miranda Carter’s account of the lives of Anthony Blunt?

Whatever it is that makes a great biography, the element is in short supply. Yet the book I’ve decided to choose is different from most biographies; it’s more edited than authored, and it happens to be about a person who is quite marginal.

Edie by Jean Stein is the story of Andy Warhol’s associate Edie Sedgwick as told by those who knew her. Edie was a beautiful young socialite who made a splash in the underground art scene before dying of a drug overdose at the age of 28. It might not sound like much of a life, but great biographies are often a record of a period as much as a person, and Stein’s book is a brilliant book about the Sixties.

It also cuts to the core of what we now understand to be a general obsession with celebrity. The book is the first and best of what is called “oral biography”: the story is told through hundreds of interviews and is orchestrated with terrific brio.

The Illuminations by Andrew O’Hagan is out on 5 February (Faber)

11 | A Strong Song Tows Us: The Life of Basil Bunting by Richard Burton (2013, Infinite ideas)

Recommended by Iain Sinclair:

A culture, at any given time, can be judged by its poets. And by the way those poets are appreciated or ignored. In the ground beside a Quaker Meeting House, near Sedbergh, is the plain stone that serves as a memorial to the Northumbrian poet Basil Bunting. Bunting did not look for a biography. He kept predatory academics and gossipmongers at arm’s length. He burnt letters. The story, in so far as he wanted to tell it, was a single poem, Briggflatts: the myth of self as a memory-song or river echo. “Descant on Rawthey’s madrigal.”

But we want the mystery unpacked and explained. Richard Burton, in A Strong Song Tows Us , has been diligent. Bunting in prison as a conscientious objector during the First World War. Carousing with Hemingway in Paris. Hanging out with Ezra Pound in Rapallo. Diplomat and spy in Persia. Rescued from newspaper drudgery by young Tom Pickard. Feted by Allen Ginsberg. A man acclaimed, then reforgotten. Here is a life that covers most of the 20th century. It comes back in the end, to the sound heard in Briggflatts: the mason’s mallet spelling out a name for a gravestone.

London Overground: A Day’s Walk Around the Ginger Line by Iain Sinclair is out on 4 June (Hamish Hamilton)

12 | Anyone Who Had a Heart: My Life and Music by Burt Bacharach with Robert Greenfield (Harper, 2013)

Recommended by Mick Brown:

“I Say A Little Prayer”, “Walk on By”, “The Look of Love”, “This Guy’s in Love With You” – Burt Bacharach has been responsible for writing and producing some of the most memorable, and romantic, songs in post-war popular music, but he is also a highly entertaining, and surprisingly candid, raconteur. The Broadway lyricist Sammy Cahn once said of Bacharach that he was the only songwriter who didn’t look like a dentist. Rather, he was the epitome of cool, an urbane ladykiller as smooth as his orchestral arrangements, who plied his trade in a world of rapacious agents, self-destructive singers, broads, highballs and frequent dinners at Italian joints “where Sinatra liked to hang out”. This autobiography is vividly illuminating on the craft of the songwriter, Bacharach’s oddly distanced relationship with his lyricist Hal David, and the hurly-burly of life around New York's Brill Building — a kind of hit factory of Sixties pop music. It also spares nothing of an energetic love life featuring such walk-on players as the wonderfully named Slim Brandy (real name Shirley Orenstein), who danced in the line at the Sands Hotel in Vegas, and Tracy Fisher, a showgirl who owned a poodle named Killer and who, Bacharach notes laconically, “eventually wound up living with some low-level hood, who killed her on a boat.” Bacharach floats across the pages, radiating charm and talent as seemingly effortless as his melodies.

Tearing Down The Wall of Sound: The Rise and Fall of Phil Spector by Mick Brown is out now (Bloomsbury)

13 | Félix Fénéon, Aesthete and Anarchist in Fin-de-Siecle Paris by Joan Ungersma Halperin (Yale, 1989)

Recommended by Tom McCarthy:

This is an extraordinary biography (it took 25 years to write) of an extraordinary person. Félix Fénéon was an immaculately-dressed man-about-the-boulevards; a brilliant art critic who championed the Post-Impressionists at a time when the Academy dismissed them as irrelevant; editor of several literary magazines; and bomb-throwing anarchist who liked planting incendiary devices in flowerpots on the windowsills of restaurants packed with politicians and diplomats. When put on trial for acts of which he was self-evidently guilty, he charmed his way off the hook, and even had the jury rolling in their chairs (”It is alleged that I was seen talking with the German terrorist Kampfmeyer ‘behind a lamppost?’ But a lamp-post is round…”). Here is the outline of his “psychological novel” The Muzzled Woman : 1st Part: Uh! 2nd Part: Two purplish butterflies alight on Jacqueline’s zygomatic muscle. 3rd Part: Paul's Sa’s bed. 4th Part: The menacing eye of the lewd druggist. Did he actually write it? Of course not. Who needs to when the outline is that good? Later in life, he pioneered the three-line news-haiku, otherwise known as fait divers: It was his turn at nine-pins when a cerebral haemorrhage felled M. André, 75, of Levallois. While his ball was rolling, he ceased to be.

Satin Island by Tom McCarthy is out on 12 March (Vintage)

14 | The Years of Lyndon Johnson by Robert A Caro (1982- Knopf)

Recommended by Mark Lawson:

Most biographers devote a short part of their own life to a long stretch of somebody else’s, but US writer Robert A Caro has achieved more than a 1:1 ratio. President Lyndon Baines Johnson had a 32-year political career, culminating in the White House after JFK’s assassination; and Caro has so far spent four decades describing that CV. Starting work shortly after LBJ’s death in 1973, he published the first volume, The Path to Power , in 1982 and three more have appeared at intervals of roughly a decade, with the concluding fifth book (presidency and post presidency) currently under-way. The cumulative result is the greatest work ever written about the motives, tactics and consequences of elective power. Anyone contemplating taking a position from tennis club treasurer to Mayor of London should read the third book, <Master of the Senate>, a riveting account of beguiling rivals and opponents to do what you want. And, although there had been thousands of accounts of the Kennedy assassination by the time that Caro published The Passage of Power in 2012, his version, told from the viewpoint of Johnson on the floor of the following car, is the most intense and affecting. Caro never denies the vulgarity and corruption that were a part of LBJ but also shows that he did more to shape American society than JFK had. The Deaths by Mark Lawson is out now (Picador)

15 | Isak Dinesen: The Life of a Storyteller by Judith Thurman (St Martins, 1995)

Recommended Adam Thirlwell:

So often I’m distrustful of biography as a form, and especially the biographies of writers — all those novels reduced to psychosomatic neuroses! But I love Judith Thurman’s of Isak Dinesen. Now, I understand, Dinesen is not — not any more — the most famous of names. She was the author of the memoir Out of Africa , and a sequence of Gothic tales that’s unlike any other fiction in the 20th century. But then, Dinesen was unlike any other author. She was born into the Danish aristocracy. Her real name was Karen Dinesen; she published fiction in English as Isak Dinesen, then in Danish as Karen Blixen – which is also the name on her tombstone. But she was known in Denmark simply as Baronessen, the Baroness. And you need to read this biography not only for the outré details – like the dinner she once had with Carson McCullers, Arthur Miller, and Marilyn Monroe (Monroe, she said, reminded her of a lion cub) – but for the elegance of Thurman’s composition, which transforms a life into a patterned process. And that, amigos, is what biography should be.

Lurid and Cute by Adam Thirlwell is out now (Cape)

16 | Clothes Clothes Clothes, Music Music Music, Boys Boys Boys by Viv Albertine (Faber, 2014)

Recommended by Mark Ellen:

This is the most gripping and evocative rock memoir I’ve ever read. It opens like a black and white movie about a broken-home childhood in the late-Fifties, becomes a Grimm’s Fairy Tale of outrageous teenage adventure, then a punk pantomime with her game-changing all-girl band The Slits, then a brutally honest attempt to make sense of marriage, motherhood and middle-age with clothes, music and boys the three irresistible forces that steer her path and fire her imagination. Every split-second is so vivid and powerfully observed: the less than fragrant sex (Pistols, Mick Jones, Johnny Thunders), the head-warping drug episodes, the emotional highs and menstrual miseries of being a girl in a ballet dress playing electric guitar. Here’s a taste, Viv has run away with a friend to Amsterdam and is about to spend the night with a junkie (it’s 1970, she’s 15): “Out of the gloom a double mattress begins to materialise and, lounging on it, languishing behind a veil of smoke from a joint like the caterpillar in Alice In Wonderland , is an angelic boy with long golden ringlets. He looks us over and smiles.” That’s nothing: wait till she’s on tour with The Clash...

Rock Stars Stole My Life!: A Big Bad Love Affair With Music by Mark Ellen is out in paperback on 8 May (Coronet Books)

17 | Ball of Fire by Fred Trueman (Aldine, 1976)

Recommended by Richard Benson:

For a sport that prides itself on its chivalry, fair play and liking for cucumber sandwiches, cricket produces an awful lot of autobiographies with dodgy exposes and anger-management issues. Who can forget, for example, Ian Botham’s Eighties masterpiece Don’t Tell Kath , or Kevin Pietersen’s KP last year? Fred Trueman’s Ball of Fire, written with a ghost writer in 1976, is the snorty king of them all, a spectacular 150-page venting of arrogance, resentment, and Yorkshire chippiness. Trueman, active between 1949 and 1968, was arguably England’s greatest-ever fast bowler, controversial and aggressive. He later enjoyed a successful TV career as presenter and pundit. Ball of Fire features great anecdotes from his cricketing career, several blood-soaked, since this was a man who settled scores by breaking opponents’ jaws with bouncers. But it’s the drama (sample chapter titles: “The Curse of the Truemans”, “The White English Bastard”, “I Could Have Been Skipper!”) and furious showing off (“I bowled faster over a longer period than anyone else on earth”; “Some of those old-timers talked a load of old cock!”) that make it. Reading like a combination of Morrissey and Roy Keane, it’s as good an antidote to bland sports autobiographies as you’ll ever read. The Valley: A Hundred Years in the Life of a Family by Richard Benson is out now (Bloomsbury)

18 | James Joyce by Richard Ellmann (Oxford, 1959)

Recommended by Kevin Maher:

Over 800 pages of clear-cut analysis and no-nonsense insight, this is the book for anyone who’s made it as far as the third chapter of James Joyce’s Ulysses , glared at the opening words, “Ineluctable modality of the visible..”, and thought, “You know what? Fuck this!”

Because Ellmann’s biography of Joyce is not just a ten-years-in-the-making masterwork in its own right, described by Anthony Burgess as, “the greatest literary biography of the 20th century.” It is also the great calmative that approaches the work of Joyce without pretension, and makes it entirely comprehensible by simply rooting it back into the life of an affable Irish overachiever who once boasted of Ulysses, “I’ve put in so many enigmas and puzzles that it will keep the professors busy for centuries.”

Highlights here include a high-stakes 1902 face-off between Joyce and the much older (and more famous) WB Yeats in a Dublin café (think Michael Mann’s Heat, but with extra rhetorical flourishes) in which the younger man dismisses his elder as a pompous relic. Or the many wildly intimate letters sent between Joyce and eventual wife Nora Barnacle in which the writer expresses his desire to, in so many words, let her do pee-pee and poo-poo all over him.

But mostly what Ellmann gives you is a gorgeous portrait of an artist who was determined to transform his life into literature. And by documenting that life in dense, breathtaking detail, Ellmann brings the literature alive and, thankfully, finally, takes the enigmas and the puzzles to pieces.

Last Night on Earth by Kevin Maher is out on 2 April (Little, Brown)

19 | Penelope Fitzgerald by Hermione Lee (Chatto & Windus, 2013)

Recommended by Alan Hollinghurst:

Penelope Fitzgerald presents a special kind of problem for a biographer.

Known now as one of the finest English novelists of the Seventies and Eighties, she didn’t publish her first book till she was 59, and her last and greatest, The Blue Flower , until she was nearly 80.

For much of her long and difficult life, she was a genius in waiting, and in her famous old age became something of a tease about her own history. She wrote glancingly about her marriage and career in the novels she produced at first at the rate of one a year, and all fans of her fiction will have longed to know more.

In Hermione Lee she has found the supreme biographer, not only tirelessly interested in every detail of Fitzgerald’s life, but with a profound sense of the imaginative compulsions which produced her utterly original novels.

This is a masterpiece worthy of its subject.

The Stranger’s Child by Alan Hollinghurst is out now (Picador)

In Cold Blood: A True Account of a Multiple Murder and Its Consequences by Truman Capote (Random House, 1966)

Recommended by David Vann:

I’ve written a portrait of a school shooter, a mass murderer, so I’m biased, but Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood is still the biography I remember most.

It was in some ways a life-destroying act of empathy, and maybe that’s what biography demands: the erasure of the author. I know that I will never write about another murderer.

He’s become a part of my life, made my view of America and of men much darker, and if I could go back, I would not have written the book. And I wasn’t very good at it. I became impatient, wanted him out of my life, and finished the book quickly after writing the initial article for Esquire in the US.

What Capote did was remain immersed in that dark place for years. He went beyond any safety. And because of that, what we can find in his book is a part of our humanity, a recognition. This is rare.

In Dave Cullen’s bestselling book, Columbine , by contrast, we have the great lie of American heroes overshadowing any willingness to look at ourselves. He spent ten years, but all wasted.

Aquarium by David Vann is out on 5 March (William Heinemann)

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100 biographies to read in your lifetime

Whether they provide a glimpse into the past or capture the life of a contemporary icon, biographies and memoirs let us walk in someone else’s shoes.

The Amazon Books editors compiled a list of the 100 biographies and memoires that everyone should read in their lifetime.

A few of the titles are admittedly novels (or " authors shrouding their experiences within the cloak of fiction," as the Amazon editors put it) while others are classic biographies , but all of the books are essential reading on some of the world's most famous politicians, comedians, musicians, chefs, freedom fighters, and artists.

From the autobiographies of Malala Yousafzai and Barak Obama to the storied lives of historical titans like Winston Churchill and Frederick Douglass, keep scrolling to see the 100 biographies you should add to your reading list.

" A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius " by Dave Eggers

" A Long Way Gone " by Ishmael Beah

" A Moveable Feast " by Ernest Hemingway

" A Walk in the Woods " by Bill Bryson 

" American Caesar " by William Manchester

" American Lion " by Jon Meacham

" American Prometheus " by Kai Bird 

" American Sniper " by Chris Kyle

" American Sphinx " by Joseph J. Ellis

" Angela's Ashes " by Frank McCourt 

" Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl " by Anne Frank

" Autobiography of a Face " by Lucy Grealy

" Autobiography of Mark Twain " by Mark Twain

" Ball Four " by Jim Bouton

" Black Boy " by Richard Wright

" Black Like Me " by John Howard Griffin

" Born Standing Up " by Steve Martin

" Born to Run " by Christopher McDougall

" Bossypants " by Tina Fey

" Cash " by Johnny Cash

" Catherine the Great " by Robert K. Massie

" Chronicles " by Bob Dylan

" Churchill: A Life " by Martin Gilbert

" Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice " by Phillip Hoose

" Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness " by William Styron

" De Profundis and Other Prison Writings " by Oscar Wilde

" Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight " by Alexandra Fuller

" Dorothy Parker " by Marion Meade

" Dreams from My Father " by Barack Obama 

" Drinking: A Love Story " by Caroline Knapp

" Dust Tracks on a Road " by Zora Neale Hurston

" E=mc~2 " by David Bodanis

" Eat, Pray, Love " by Elizabeth Gilbert

" Endurance " by Alfred Lansing

" Everybody Was So Young " by Amanda Vaill

" Helen Keller: The Story of My Life " by Helen Keller

" I Am Malala " by Malala Yousafzai 

" I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings " by Maya Angelou

" Into the Wild " by Jon Krakauer

" Just Kids " by Patti Smith

" Kitchen Confidential " by Anthony Bourdain

" Knock Wood " by Candice Bergen 

" Life " by Keith Richards

" Long Walk to Freedom " by Nelson Mandela 

" Meditations " by Marcus Aurelius

" Mortality " by Christopher Hitchens

" My Life in France " by Julia Child 

" Naked " by David Sedaris

" Napoleon " by Andrew Roberts

" Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass " by Frederick Douglass

" Night " by Elie Wiesel

" Notes of a Native Son " by James Baldwin

" On the Road " by Jack Kerouac

" Open " by Andre Agassi

" Out of Africa " by Isak Dinesen

" Personal History " by Katharine Graham

" Robert A. Caro's The Years of Lyndon Johnson " by Robert A. Caro

" Running with Scissors " by Augusten Burroughs

" Savage Beauty " by Nancy Milford

" Seabiscuit: An American Legend " by Laura Hillenbrand 

" Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher " by Timothy Egan 

" Speak, Memory " by Vladimir Nabokov

" Steve Jobs " by Walter Isaacson

" Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! " by Richard P. Feynman

" Tennessee Williams " by John Lahr

" The Agony and the Ecstasy " by Irving Stone

" The Andy Warhol Diaries " by Andy Warhol

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

" The Autobiography of Malcolm X " by Malcolm X

" The Basketball Diaries " by Jim Carroll

" The Bell Jar " by Sylvia Plath

" The Color of Water " by James McBride

" The Complete Maus " by Art Spiegelman

" The Complete Persepolis " by Marjane Satrapi

" The Diary of Anais Nin " by Anais Nin

" The Diary of Frida Kahlo " by Carlos Fuentes

" The Glass Castle " by Jeannette Walls

" The Gulag Archipelago " by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

" The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks " by Rebecca Skloot

" The Kid Stays in the Picture " by Robert Evans

" The Last Lone Inventor " by Evan I. Schwartz

" The Liars' Club " by Mary Karr

" The Motorcycle Diaries " by Ernesto Che Guevara

" The Professor and the Madman " by Simon Winchester

" The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt " by Edmund Morris

" The Soul of A New Machine " by Tracy Kidder

" The Tender Bar " by J. R. Moehringer

" The Woman Warrior " by Maxine Hong Kingston

" The Year of Magical Thinking " by Joan Didion

" This Boy's Life " by Tobias Wolff

" Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. " by Ron Chernow

" Touching the Void " by Joe Simpson

" Travels with Charley in Search of America " by John Steinbeck 

" Unbroken " by Laura Hillenbrand

" Under the Tuscan Sun " by Frances Mayes

" Updike " by Adam Begley

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

" West with the Night " by Beryl Markham

" Wild Swans " by Jung Chang

" Wild " by Cheryl Strayed

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Powerful Memoirs to Read This Summer

Propulsive plots? Check. Unforgettably real stories? Check. Hard-won insights about love, grief, resilience, and self-discovery? Check, check, check.

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Through the Groves, by Anne Hull

In her nearly two decades as a national reporter for The Washington Post, Anne Hull earned a reputation (and a Pulitzer!) for rigor and artistry in capturing some of the most urgent stories of our time. In her debut book, she directs her characteristically incisive gaze at her own history, weaving an atmospheric and aching account of her childhood in the sweltering heat of Central Florida and the tumult of the ’60s. Hull grew up riding shotgun in her father’s Ford truck through orange groves her family had worked—without competition or disturbance—for generations. But in 1967, change was in the air; Walt Disney had just broken ground on a new park, Californian “seedless clementines” had recently hit the market, and her father’s drinking was destabilizing her home. Hull captures a richly ambivalent portrait of a world on the brink of disappearing and a family in the midst of radical transformation: afternoons spent chasing the “marshmallow fluff of DDT,” springtime orange blossoms so pungent they burned their scent into clothes, men’s bodies ravaged by pesticide inhalation, and women bucking convention. Hypnotic and tender, this book reminds us that even if we leave our homes, our homes never leave us.

The Wreck, by Cassandra Jackson

Long before Cassandra Jackson was born, her name was already on a tombstone. In the 1960s, a car accident took the lives of her father’s first wife, his mother, his brother-in-law, his sister, and his three-year-old niece, after whom she was named. Growing up, Jackson was taught to never ask questions about “the wreck” or about the dead family her father only spoke about in his sleep. Only as an adult, facing the possibility of her own infertility, does Jackson finally go in search of definitive answers. In archives and fertility clinics alike, she encounters the specter of generational trauma and medical racism, wondering if her body, like her name, is a “haunted thing.” With mesmerizing lyricism and cutting insight, the author of The Toni Morrison Book Club teaches us that any hope for the future requires an honest confrontation with the past.

Losing Music, by John Cotter

At age 30, John Cotter began to notice a ringing noise, over time, escalated to a deafening roar and a daunting diagnosis: Ménière’s disease, an inner ear disorder for which there is “no reliable treatment and no consensus on its cause.” Over time, Cotter will lose the crisp edges of music, the sound of the ocean, his ability to fully communicate, his sense of balance, and his job as an adjunct professor. Like Anne Boyer’s The Undying and Meghan O’Rourke’s The Invisible Kingdom, Losing Music explodes an individual experience of illness into a cultural and medical reckoning; with a sociologist’s rigor and a poet’s lyricism, Cotter takes readers on an odyssey through the social history of disability, the brutal bureaucracy of the American healthcare system, and the intimate violence of living in a volatile body. But this memoir is just as much a love letter to sound itself as it is a chronicle of loss; your world will sound different after reading it.

Lesbian Love Story, by Amelia Possanza

“Are you a lesbian or something?” a male teammate asked Amelia Possanza on her explicitly queer adult recreational swim team. She was furious at his lack of recognition, but couldn’t really blame him: “If I had yet to find role models who could show me how to live, where would he have seen a lesbian?” Thus began Possanza’s rabid quest to uncover and animate lesbian stories; lesbians, she suspected, “would have something to teach us all about love.” Drawing from intensive archival research, interviews, and her own whimsical imagination, Possanza brings seven lesbians to life on the page; there are the historical heavy-hitters (hello, Sappho!) and the hidden heroes like Rusty Brown, the World War II hero and drag king renegade. At once a yearning search for a mirror in the fogged glass of history and an uproariously funny skewering of modern queer stereotypes, Lesbian Love Story will radically expand your understanding of lesbianism—and of love itself.

Women We Buried, Women We Burned by Rachel Louise Snyder

Today, Rachel Louise Snyder is an award-winning journalist, author, professor, and Guggenheim fellow best known for No Visible Bruises , her groundbreaking exploration of the domestic violence epidemic. But in 1985, she was a homeless high school dropout, surviving off of the scraps of food left by customers, and partying recklessly to keep the ghosts of her past and the gloom of her future at bay. With startling nuance and unexpected bursts of humor, Snyder lays bare the brutalities of her childhood: her mother’s death when she was 8, her father’s turn toward tyrannical evangelisms and abuse, her experimentations with drugs, and her emerging sense of herself as a woman in a violently patriarchal world. As an adult, survival becomes an international investigation rather than a personal struggle as she travels the globe reporting on child marriage, genocide, and gendered violence. For fans of Tara Westover’s Educated , Snyder provides a triumphant story of beating the odds and of radical self-definition—with a punk rock backdrop to boot!

Guinevere Turner When the World Didn’t End, by Guinevere Turner

On January 5, 1975, Guinevere Turner was 6 and the world was going to end. “All of us had been told to choose our favorite toy and put on our favorite clothes and then wait for the spaceship to come,” she writes. The “World People” were to be wiped off the earth, and Melvin Lyman’s loyal followers would be transported to Venus. When that spaceship didn’t come, the explanation was simple and the repercussions, immediate; some of the members’ souls weren’t ready, and daylight saving time must be abolished. Such was life in the Lyman family. Change was constant and arbitrary. Unworthiness was a given. Drawing from years of meticulously kept diaries, Turner resists the urge to let her “adult hindsight interfere or comment,” and allows us to see life inside the cult as she saw it: through the devastatingly innocent eyes of a child. The result is gripping, raw, and deeply human. It will leave you haunted.

Irma, by Terry McDonell

“After Bob goes down, it is just Irma and me.” So begins Terry McDonell’s tender account of his 1950s boyhood as the only son of a single mother. McDonell’s father, Bob, died serving as a fighter pilot in 1945 — before his son could know him. In his father’s absence, McDonell attempts to define his own manhood in opposition to the narrow example presented by his mother’s second husband: “A son hating his stepfather, searching for the character of his true father, is an old story. The center of the story, though, is not one of the fathers or even the son. It is the mother, Irma.” Through compulsively readable vignettes, McDonell assembles a kaleidoscopic view of his mother, his childhood, and his own reckoning with American masculinity.

Charley Burlock is the Associate Books Editor at Oprah Daily where she writes, edits, and assigns stories on all things literary. She holds an MFA in creative nonfiction from NYU, where she also taught undergraduate creative writing. Her work has been featured in the Atlanti c , the Los Angeles Review , Agni , the Apple News Today podcast, and elsewhere. She is currently working on a book about collective grief (but she promises she's really fun at parties). 

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The 15 Most Amazing Biographies That Everyone Should Read

For centuries, we have written books and read them too. They contain stories with different themes. Examples of these are horror, comedy, romance, mystery and drama. Sometimes, books can be written about the lives of people. In a case where someone writes a book about their own life, it is known as an autobiography. If the book is written by someone else, it is a biography. There are many books of this nature which are available for us today. They tell us the life stories of current and past influential people. By reading them, we can learn a lot and apply some of their lessons in our own lives. Here are the 15 best biographies and autobiographies everyone should read in their life time.

The story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi  

One of the most admired autobiographies in the world is this one by Mahatma Gandhi. The legendary freedom fighter from India wrote his book to express himself, his spirituality and moral code too. Explaining his 4 decades in India, the autobiography depicts political incidents, historical accounts and Gandhi's personal philosophy of peaceful protest. It is a must-read autobiography.

The Biography of Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson

Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama

Written by the 44th president of the United States of America, Dreams From My Father is a book that explores race relations in the society and the halls of political power. Barack Obama was born in Hawaii. His mother was American and his father Kenyan. He grew up in Indonesia and Hawaii. The books explores his experiences while living in these parts of the world and how he came to terms with his roots in Kenya after his father's death. This autobiography has been recognized by Times Magazine as one of the top 100 books written in English since 1923. It is a must read treatise.

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

The late Nelson Mandela is a man that the world will never forget. His autobiography contains his story from being a child in South Africa, growing up and joining the freedom movement, spending more than two decades in prison and rising to become free South Africa's first president. The book contains thoughts, muses and hope for the nation in his own words.

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12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup

Recently adapted into an Oscar nominated movie, 12 Years a Slave is the autobiography of Solomon Northup. He tells the story of how he was born a free man in New York State and was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the South. He languished under the lash of a number of slave owners and observed their cruelty and cowardice. For more than a decade, Solomon survived slavery and eventually achieved freedom once more. It is a hard read that truly depicts the horrors of slavery. This autobiography is a timeless classic. 

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Synonymous with hope and innocence amid the turmoil of war, The Diary of a Young Girl is a book that captures how life was as a girl during Nazi occupation. In it, Anne expresses her daily life, academics, crushes, friendships, loneliness, fear and the opinions of those around her. Anne and her family hid in their apartment from the Nazi regime for 2 years until eventually, they were found. Though she died in a concentration camp, Anne Frank lives on in her autobiography.

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Jack: A Life by George Sayer

C.S. Lewis is one of the most famous and respected authors in history. Thanks to his achievements and depth of his work, scores of authors have written about him. However, none of them has written as personally as George Sayer. This is because they were very close friends and spent a lot of time together. In this biography, George does not shy away from writing about Lewis' controversial times. As such, Jack: a Life is one of the most candid biographies ever written.

Eisenhower in War and Peace by Jean Edward Smith

President Dwight Eisenhower is remembered as the one who finally ended World War 2. He is lesser known for being the main force behind the prevention of further nuclear warfare, the end of the Korean war and did the most to shorten the Vietnam war. Not only is he a briliant strategist, Jean Edward Smith depicts him in this biography as a genius politician who made it look easy to be president.

Chronicles Vol 1 by Bob Dylan

Legendary musician and award winning artiste, Bob Dylan has legions of fans across the world. He gives us all an insight into his life and the workings of his mind in this autobiography. The book depicts life in 1961 New York and his experiences during the recording of his first album. It went on to become a massive global hit. Despite its immense success, Bob indicates in the book that he still had a lot of love for his two lesser albums.

Lives of the Caesars by Suetonius

Written in 121AD, this is a biography of written by the personal secretary of Emperor Hadrian. Suetonius observed the lives of 12 caesars and wrote about how they conducted themselves in and out of the public eye. At the time, Roman Caesars were all powerful and their actions were unlimited. Suetonius captures their most honorable moments to their most decadent ones. If you have ever wondered about Julius Caesar and his all-powerful compatriots, this is the book to read.

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas

The Nazi era spawned quite a collection of books and narratives. This one is bound to be one of the most intriguing. It is the story of a German pastor who was anti-Nazi. He believed that the regime was inhumanly killing innocents. So Pastor Bonhoeffer got into a plot to kill Chancellor Hitler. This biography is written by Eric Metaxas and indicates the rise of Hitler to power and the moral, devotional and marty-like thoughts of Pastor Bonhoeffer. It is a page turning biography that shows how one man can seek to do right when thousands are doing wrong. 

All the Great Prizes: The Life of John Hay, From Lincoln to Roosevelt by John Taliaferro

 Is it possible to see and live through half a century of the political history of a country? John Hay proves that it is. Having began his career as a young legal assistant in the office of Abraham Lincoln, John completed his illustrious career as the Secretary of State for presidents William McKinley and Theodore Rossevelt. His legal and political career spanned the Civil War all the way to World War 1. Written expertly by John Taliaferro, the biography of John Hay is an accurate depiction of the history of the United States of America.

The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert A. Caro

This is a biography of the former parks commissioner of New York. Written expertly by Mr. Caro, it depicts in detail how Robert Moses arrived in New York and saw how power was and what it could do for you. He loved it, acquired as much of it as he could and it transformed him. Robert A. Caro explains what power can turn you into and how to avoid the pitfalls that marred the legacy of Robert Moses.

Totto Chan - The Little Girl at the Window by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi

Having sold 5 million copies in Japan, this biography of Totto-Chan is a cult classic in the nation of the Rising Sun. In her home country, Totto-Chan is a major celebrity who has her own magazine and news show too. Having grown up in the world before World War 2, Totto suffered from attention disorder, had "too much energy" and was generally misunderstood by everyone around her. Tetsuko Kuroyanagi writes that one day she met a school principle who changed everything for the better. It is a biography worth your time.

The Important Take Away

Biographies and autobiographies allow us to see into the lives, hearts and minds of great leaders and inspirational figures of the world. From presidents to authors, this genre of writing gives us a glimpse into what it was like to be these people. Some of the best ones ever are indicated above. Take the time to read some of them to expand your perspective on life and the world at large.

Don't forget to let us know which one's your favourite of all and which ones are missing on this list!

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25 Biographies Every Man Should Read

By The Editors of GQ

KING OF THE WORLD by David Remnick (1998)

The greatest boxer of all time got treatment from a narrative-journalism heavyweight. The Champ had been written about as much as any athlete ever. But David Remnick did more than tell a story narrowly focused on Ali's individual experiences with victory and vice. Rather, he crafted a broad social and political narrative, then placed the boxer within it. It's a biography of a man as much as it is a biography of a myth"an American myth," Remnick writes, "who has come to mean many things to many people: a symbol of faith, a symbol of conviction and defiance, a symbol of beauty and skill and courage, a symbol of racial pride, of wit and love."

OPEN by Andre Agassi (2009)

This is the psychologist-couch confessional (that's really how Agassi and his collaborator, J. R. Moehringer, worked through it) that all great sports books strive to be. The abuse of youth training; the depths of disappointment and heights of ecstasy, recounted with acuity; the comings-clean of celebrity dating and crystal meth. (It will put you at ease that you were never the star athlete you'd hoped you'd be.) This would be a crazy book from any athlete; that it's from one of the most talented and popular tennis players in history makes it all the more irresistible.

SANDY KOUFAX

SANDY KOUFAX: A LEFTY'S LEGACY by Jane Leavy (2002)

It will make you fall back in love with baseball. In addition to being unflappable in demeanor, insurmountable in technical talent, and impenetrable in his personal privacy, Sandy Koufax pitched arguably the greatest game of all time. And it's the interplay of these braided narrativesthe life story of one of the best-ever lefties and the granular ticktock of his perfect outing in September 1965that gives Jane Leavy's bio cinematic lift. Koufax was a model of high-order talent and humility, and this book is a blueprint for living a life driven by both those virtues.

WHEN PRIDE STILL MATTERED by David Maraniss (1999)

He's the best-known football coach of all time. But his brand of leadership transcended his profession. At times he sounded like a general, a lawyer, a priest, and he might've been any of those, too. That universality lifted him to the status of deitythe most quoted and misquoted sports figure ever. This book roots him in his rightful place. Come for the football; stay for the nuanced "everything" that "winning isn't."

By Jake Kring-Schreifels

By Frazier Tharpe

By Mike Christensen

I AM ZLATAN by Zlatan Ibrahimovi (2012)

No book serves as a more efficient gateway drug to soccer fandom than this one. If Andre's is the shrink-couch confessional, Zlatan's is the barstool confessional. Ibrahimovi is one of the world's best soccer playersand easily its most colorful. Born in a Swedish housing project, he's a brutish attacker with unmatched instincts for goal-scoring. As well, he loves fast cars, reggae, body tats, trash-talking, calling things "advanced bullshit," and speaking in the third person. Even more fantastic is the fact that he put out the book when he was mid-career. He divulged all his secrets and burned all his bridges, even though he'd have to cross back over them again. He'd be your favorite athlete if he lived in America (which really could be his next stop).

JOE DiMAGGIO by Richard Ben Cramer (2000)

Joe DiMaggio was the ultimate ballplayer during the two decadesthe '30s and '40swhen the national gravitation toward baseball and the wattage of its stars was greater than the current-day NFL, NBA, and Hollywood combined. (And then he went ahead and married Marilyn Monroe.) It doesn't take an extraordinary writer and researcher to make Joe DiMaggio's crazy mix of public-private come off, but Richard Ben Cramer happens to be one.

EVERY LOVE STORY IS A GHOST STORY by D. T. Max (2012)

More than any other recent writer, DFW will go down as having influenced writers of future generations. As intelligent and inventive as any practitioner of both fiction and non-, he was purposefully enigmatic, some combination of glowing and wounded, prone to both witheringly awkward interviews and fantastic retorts. Wallace wrote about himselfmore than he probably meant tobut he could only stare in the mirror so long before turning away, or worse. D. T. Max, his first of surely many biographers, picked up the pieces and turned the mirror into a window. We'll long be looking through it, seeking a glimpse.

DE KOONING by Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swan (2004)

De Kooning's toilsome life defies all the stereotypes of what it means to be a "modern master." Sure, aspects of the Abstract Expressionist's life fit the bill of an artist's biographyhe made the scene at the Cedar Tavern with Rothko, Kline, and Rauschenberg, kept up an intense rivalry with Pollock, drank himself into the gutter, and swapped out lovers like painting aprons. But everything else about his story will force you to revise the way you think genius works. Learn to be great, but mostly learn to be patient. He'd grunt and scrape at his canvases for months at a time, painstakingly inching his way toward immortality.

OUT OF SHEER RAGE by Geoff Dyer (1998)

This is the least conventional biography on the list. It's not really even a bio, is it? A book about the extraordinary English writer D. H. Lawrence, it's as much about Geoff Dyer's inability to write that book. We hear you; that sounds like an abysmal premise. But Dyer is in much greater and fantastically entertaining control than he lets on. What he finds in the gaps between his own life and his subject's yields writing on the kinds of human Q's & A's he (Lawrence) and he (Dyer) share with each other and any reader.

LIFE by Keith Richards (2010)

Keith. Because: the Stones. Because: Mick Charlie Ronnie Brian Bill & Bobby. Because: Smack Jack & Coke. Because: Ronnie Anita & Patti. Because: Altamont Hyde Park & Nellcte. Because: open G tuning & the blues. Because: Two bars of "Malaguea" and you're in. This is the best book ever written about sexdrugsrocknroll. Keith Richards is its Gabriel, because who else could it be?

I DREAMED I WAS A VERY CLEAN TRAMP by Richard Hell (2013

Punk rock was as much an attitude as a musical genre, and Hell was the man who first articulated the look, the sound, and the feel. He was also as good a writer as he was a musicianthe poet laureate of punk, as proven line by line here. If you're interested in the history of rock 'n' roll, or of downtown New York, or of American cool, you need to read this book as much as you need to hear any of his records.

LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS by Peter Guralnick (1994) & CARELESS LOVE by Peter Guralnick (1999)

Elvis is among the most American of all Americansup there with Abe Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., and Henry Fordand after this two-volume masterpiece, nobody needs to write his biography ever again. Just be forewarned: It gets dark. Goddamn, does it get dark. But it's a journey worth taking, because you begin to understand that Elvis is basically American Jesusthe sacrificial lamb who lived our national fall from grace. From guffawing mama's boy to pop king, to an inglorious death facedown in vomit beside the crapper at Graceland.

AUTOBIOGRAPHY by Morrissey (2013)

That voicewarbling, wounded, or spitting acid, and often all three at oncetranslates pitch-perfectly to the page, as Moz, in full-throated lyrical melodrama, relives the afflictions that created him: the knuckle-rapping horrors of Dickensian school days in gray Manchester, the elusive sexual promises of '70s glam and punk, the never-good-enough success of the Smiths, and pinch-me solo fame. Around every mundane corner, misery lurks in the form of judges, suits, and so-called friends as life, it seems, conspires to stifle him. Of course, life didn't.

CHRONICLES: VOLUME ONE by Bob Dylan (2004)

The most written-about songwriter of all time put an end to others' attempts by writing the weirdest, most wonderful version himself. Dozens of writers had tried before, but it took Dylan doing Dylan to get to the heart of it: impressionistic line-writing, fractured chronologies, rivers of metaphor, elliptical anecdotes, andfor those looking for a little more grounding than the poetry providescameo-filled set pieces of the most satisfying sort. Rarely is there a moment when we learn how A led directly to B, but there's a concerted effort to relate not how something was but how something felt/seemed/appeared to have transpired. The sensation inside as a song began to blossom, the bite of winter slipping through his Village floorboards, the thinking made possible by a motorcycle ride along the bayouin the present or in the past or whenever, it's hard to tell. We're never quite fixed in one placeit's one man seeing and feeling kaleidoscopically, the clearest sense yet of the life of that man. Better still: Volume two is still on the slate.

DINO by Nick Tosches (1992)

Dino was the first tell-all about this inscrutable starit's also the best. Tosches pulls no punches in this unauthorized biography, which traces the Rat Packer from his early days as Dino Crocetti, a teenage gambler in Ohio, to Dean Martin, a marquee name with a $500 nose job, a cross-media sensation before "cross-media" was a thing. But Tosches is interested in more than fantastic celebrity; in unsparing detail, he traces Dino's sad, slow decline into a twilight of pills and booze. The result is a lesson in what not to do when you reach the end of your prime.

STORIES I ONLY TELL MY FRIENDS by Rob Lowe (2011)

Hardly any actors pull this off. It takes a lot of nerve to overhype your own celebrity memoir by calling it Stories I Only Tell My Friends. But Rob LoweRob Lowe! the Handsome Guy from DirecTV ads! he was in Tommy Boy !delivers on turning the inside way out. Lowe avoids the Chicken Soup sentimentalities that plague so many celeb memoirs and veers toward unflinching self-reflection and a tabloid reporter's eyehis own tabloid moments included. If every famous person told his tales the way Lowe does, the bookstore section with all the famous faces on the covers would be a much more appealing place to get lost.

ALFRED HITCHCOCK: A LIFE IN DARKNESS AND LIGHT by Patrick McGilligan (2003)

He's the most widely examined director of all time, and he's still wildly misunderstood. McGilligan's book is a master course for anyone interested in moviemaking, a boring-down into the relationships with Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, and company, and a more suitably complex building-out of the 2-D perversions (and stalker accusations) that have come to cloud his legacy in recent decades. It's a hugely big book that never feels longthe definitive take on the master.

THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE by Robert Evans (1994)

Evans wrote the Great Hollywood Memoir. A "half-assed actor" in the '50s, he became the head of Paramount Pictures. _Rosemary's Baby, Love Story, The Godfather, Chinatown_that sort of rap sheet. He was the consummate Hollywood cadkisser-and-teller of Gardners and MacGraws (he's been married seven times), wheeler-dealer of Marlons and Jacks, and film inspiration for Dustin Hoffman in Wag the Dog. He strove to be an unapologetic original, a true north he followed to heights from which he had a singular view of the industry. Today's straight-shooting, publicity-choked middle ground will make you restless once you've tasted this.**

** Listen to This Life

The Kid Stays in the Picture is the perfect book off which to pivot to mention that many of these biographies and memoirs are also exceptional audiobooks. Especially since actors and musicians very often read their own. ( Life, for example, features Keith Richards, Johnny Depp, and musician Joe Hurley.) Still, Evans is the ultimate. For those who don't know, he's got a voice that sounds like eight-millimeter film, swimming-pool chlorine, starlet perfume, and melted-down Oscar gold rolling around together in a dryer. Reading it with the voice in your head seems criminal by comparison.

BORN STANDING UP by Steve Martin (2007)

Steve Martin wrote it, and Steve Martin knows how to produce a flash bomb of comedy. Read it if you remember Martin's stand-up shtick in the '70s, but especially read it if you don't. Before he was a white-haired eminence who fathered brides and cheap dozens and novels about shopgirls, Martin was a hustler of the rarest qualitya showman who cut his teeth at Disneyland (!), who zagged in the face of every easier zig. Who struggled maniacally to perform with originality. That's always the best part of any movie, anyway, isn't it? The gritty hustle up the mountain. By the time sold-out arenas and Hollywood blockbusters roll around, Martin seems less to bask in his successes than be bored by them. It's a good lesson for a career and for a memoir: Get out while it's hot. Martin jams through his set and then drops the mike.

THEODORE REX by Edmund Morris (2001)

Teddy's life was so grandiose that this book, confined to merely his eight White House years, manages to amaze without even covering many of the hoary Roosevelt legends (cowboy days in the Dakotas, a heroic Rough Riders phase, that time he took a bullet to the chest but gave a speech anyway). America's youngest, most unusual president is 42 when he begins warring against Wall Street monopolies, creating national parks, and stretching a canal across Panama. "Don't fritter away your time" and "Get action," the president barks, heeding his own advice.

MALCOLM X: A LIFE OF REINVENTION by Manning Marable (2011)

America in 2015 looks a hell of a lot more like the dire 1964 that Malcolm described in his landmark "The Ballot or the Bullet" speech than the cuddly future Dr. King put forth in "I Have a Dream." Yet what's so striking about Marable's book is how the supposedly rigid beliefs of Dr. King's fiery militant foil were constantly evolving, and how he came to have no allies, just enemieswhich makes this book as suspenseful as a double-agent spy novel.

ANDREW CARNEGIE by David Nasaw (2006)

Of all the robber barons, Andrew Carnegie feels the most modern. The most likable, toothough that may sell him short (which, at five feet, he was as well). He was born a pauper and became, in the words of financier J. P. Morgan, "the richest man in the world." Sure, Carnegie was no saintin the laissez-faire Gilded Age, righteousness was rarely rewarded. He sold crap-ass securities and used an early railroad gig to ink insider deals that set him up in the steel business. He made his first million by 35 but vowed to die penniless and began funding libraries, museums, concert halls, and collegessetting an example that modern plutocrats like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett aspire to today.

A BEAUTIFUL MIND by Sylvia Nasar (1998)

It is terrifying to imagine the turns a life can take. One minute you're a rising stud of American mathematics, the brash young heir to Einstein, perhaps. The next, you're announcing that you've been appointed Emperor of Antarctica, that powers from outer space are speaking to you in coded messages. In the late 1950s, John Nash fell in a flash from genius to madness. Decades were lost. But the voices quieted; Nash re-emerged, began working again. Then they gave him the goddamn Nobel Prize. Sure, things can get pretty bleak. But they can turn around, too.

STEVE JOBS by Walter Isaacson (2011)

It's so very many things at oncea panoramic tribute to a singular American mind; the definitive portrait of the definitive American company; a playbook for engineers, designers, marketers, and managers in tech and in the wider world of anybody making products and selling them for money; an "Idiot's Guide to '70s Start-ups and '00s Revivals"; a manual for megalomania (and veganism); and a best-seller of such magnitude that it's dumb to opt out. We know it's the only book your less readerly bros have read since collegebut don't let that suggest anything other than the fact that Jobs offers up entry points for countless kinds of men.

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51 Best Autobiographies Every Writer Should Read

Are you looking for the best autobiographies to add to your reading list? Take a look at a few suggestions in our guide!

If you are interested in learning about the life of a famous person, consider reading their autobiography. An autobiography is a great way to learn more about their life, some of the challenges they had to overcome, and their impact on the world. The list can be long with so many famous historical figures publishing autobiographies, but some autobiographies are better than others.

So, what are some of the top autobiographies you should consider exploring? See if you can learn some lessons from their lives that you can apply to your own. And, if you are wondering what’s the difference between autobiographies and memoirs, check out our article on the most  famous memoirs  to find out!

1. The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou, 2004

2. the diary of a young girl by anne frank, 1945, 3. becoming by michelle obama (2018), 4. the autobiography of benjamin franklin, 1909, 5. long walk to freedom by nelson mandela, 1994, 6. an autobiography by agatha christie, 1997, 7. i am malala: the girl who stood up for education and was shot by the taliban by malala yousafzai, 2013, 8. narrative of the life of frederick douglass, 1845, 9. autobiography of an androgyne by earl lind, 1918, 10. the autobiography of malcolm x by malcolm x, 1965, 11. autobiography of a yogi by paramahansa yogananda, 1946, 12. autobiography of mark twain, volume 1 by mark twain, 2010, 13. living for change: an autobiography by grace lee boggs, 1998, 14. becoming a visible man by jamison green, 2004, 15. an american life by ronald reagan, 1999, 16. chronicles volume 1 by bob dylan, 2004, 17. cash: the autobiography by johnny cash, 1997, 18. always running: la vida loca: gang days in l.a. by luis j. rodríguez, 1993, 19. flying free: my victory over fear to become the first latina pilot on the us aerobatic team by cecilia aragon, 2020, 20. a full life by jimmy carter, 2016, 21. courage to soar: a body in motion, a life in balance by simone biles, 2016, 22. dreams from my father: a story of race and inheritance by barack obama, 2004, 23. a funny life by michael mcintyre, 2021, 24. the happiest man on earth: the beautiful life of an auschwitz survivor by eddie jaku, 2021, 25. an autobiography (toward freedom) jawaharlal nehru by jawaharlal nehru, 1936, 26. open: an autobiography by andre agassi, 2009, 27. beyond the story: 10-year record of bts by bangtan sonyeondan (bts), 2023, 28. the year of magical thinking by joan didion, 2005, 29. redefining realness: my path to womanhood, identity, love, and so much more by janet mock, 2014, 30. wings of fire by a. p. j. abdul kalam and arun tiwari, 1999, 31. the story of my experiments with truth by mahatma gandhi, 1929, 32. wild swans: three daughters of china by jung chang, 1991, 33. life (richards’ book) by james fox and keith richards, 2010, 34. madly, deeply: the diaries of alan rickman, 2022, 35. here, right matters: an american story by alexander vindman, 2021, 36. bossypants by tina fey, 2011, 37. belonging: the autobiography by alun wyn jones, 2021, 38. stories i only tell my friends by rob lowe, 2012, 39. i am ozzy by ozzy osbourne, 2009, 40. american sniper: the autobiography of the most lethal sniper in us military history by chris kyle, jim defelice, and scott mcewen, 2012, 41. the autobiography of eleanor roosevelt by eleanor roosevelt, 1961, 42. love, lucy by lucille ball, 1996, 43. born to run by bruce springsteen, 2016, 44. e.a.r.l.: the autobiography of dmx by dmx and smokey fontaine, 2002, 45. yeager: an autobiography by chuck yeager, 1985, 46. total recall: my unbelievably true life story by arnold schwarzenegger and peter petre, 2012, 47. butterfly: from refugee to olympian by yusra mardini, 2018, 48. mein kampf (my struggle) by adolf hitler, 1925, 49. assata: an autobiography by assata shakur, 1987, 50. born a crime: stories from a south african childhood by trevor noah, 2016, 51. i came as a shadow: an autobiography by john thompson and jesse washington, 2020, what is the top-selling autobiography, how many pages are in the longest autobiography ever written, is autobiography or biography better.

Undoubtedly, any list of the greatest autobiographies of all time has to start with  The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou . This is one of the most famous memoirs of all time. This remarkable collection provides insight into the minds of one of the greatest authors of all time. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“She said that I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, were more educated and even more intelligent than college professors.” Maya Angelou, The Collected Autobiographies of Maya Angelou

This is one of the greatest autobiographies of all time.  The Diary of a Young Girl  is known worldwide and is a collection of writings from Anne Frank. During the two years, she hid with her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. She shares intimate details regarding the Nazi occupation, what her life was like growing up, and the heart-breaking impacts of WWII. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“I’ve found that there is always some beauty left — in nature, sunshine, freedom, in yourself; these can all help you.” Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

Some people would instead call  Becoming  by Michelle Obama a Memoir, but it is, in fact, an autobiography. This book is divided into three parts, giving people some insight into her life history and how she has tackled some of the world’s biggest challenges. It also lets people know the tremendous responsibility she shouldered over the years and what she sacrificed for others. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“Now I think it’s one of the most useless questions an adult can ask a child—What do you want to be when you grow up? As if growing up is finite. As if at some point you become something and that’s the end.” Michelle Obama, Becoming

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin  was written between 1771 and 1790 but was not published until the early 1900s. It focuses on his early life and unique adulthood, particularly his role as a founding father of the United States. He also attempted to follow 13 virtues to achieve moral perfection. His suggestions for leading a viable life are as valid today as they were back then. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“If you wish information and improvement from the knowledge of others, and yet at the same time express yourself as firmly fix’d in your present opinions, modest, sensible men, who do not love disputation, will probably leave you undisturbed in the possession of your error.” Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Nelson Mandela was one of the leading activists against the apartheid movement in Africa. He was arrested numerous times and spent decades in prison, but eventually rose to become the first black president of South Africa. His autobiography gives people an inside look at what his life was like, his formal education, and what his time in prison meant to him. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.” Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom

Any fan of mysteries is likely a fan of Agatha Christie. Her autobiography looks at what it takes to become one of the most prolific mystery writers ever. This autobiography accounts for her life through to the age of 75. It is more than 500 pages long but reads like a conversation with the author herself. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them. ” Agatha Christie, Agatha Christie: An Autobiography

Never underestimate the power of one voice and how it can change the world. That is exactly what  I Am Malala  seeks to communicate. She is a rare person in society, immediately recognizable by a single name. She ignited the promise of activism among the young generation and has already driven tremendous change worldwide. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.” Malala Yousafzai, I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban

Frederick Douglass was one of the leading abolitionists, and he helped countless enslaved people escape the horrible shackles of slavery. His autobiography,  Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass , gives people a first-hand look at his harrowing childhood and adventurous adulthood. Even though it is difficult to grapple with some of the darker sides of American History, it is critical to take a closer look at his experience. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.” Frederick Douglass

This autobiography was written in 1918, and the  Autobiography of an Androgyne  is unique. It has clear prose and serves as a guide for those seeking to transcend the binary state of the world. It is considered to be a groundbreaking book in the world of transgender literature. It is also a reminder of how far the world has come and how far the world has to go. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“This should be sufficient to show that homosexuality was discussed among the Romans and Greeks, and it is well known that the Bible is not quiet about it.” Earl Lind, Autobiography of an Androgyne

The Civil Rights Movement is still alive and well to this day, and Malcolm X is widely seen as one of the most outstanding civil rights leaders in the history of the United States. This autobiography was written in conjunction with Alex Haley and contained a lot of interviews with Malcolm X and excerpts from his writing. Unfortunately, Malcolm X was tragically assassinated, but his fight for racial justice lives on in current times. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“I’m for truth, no matter who tells it. I’m for justice, no matter who it is for or against.” Malcolm X, The Autobiography

Yoga has become incredibly popular during the past few decades, but the  Autobiography of a Yogi  by Paramahansa Yogananda has been in print for over 75 years. It has been estimated that this book has been printed over four million times and has been widely credited for sparking the popularity of yoga in the United States. This autobiography guides readers on how they can cultivate their inner strength. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“Live quietly in the moment and see the beauty of all before you. The future will take care of itself……” Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi

Samuel Clemens, better known by his pen name Mark Twain, is one of the most prolific writers ever. A master of the written word, his autobiography allows people to look at what it takes to become one of the greatest writers. His autobiography was not published until 100 years after he had passed away. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“In this Autobiography I shall keep in mind that I am speaking from the grave. I am literally speaking from the grave, because I shall be dead when the book is published.” Mark Twain, Autobiography of Mark Twain

If you want to see what life was like for someone who lived more than 100 years,  Living for Change  is an autobiography worth exploring. Grace Lee Bloggs played an integral role in numerous social movements, and this autobiography details her life as an intellectual, activist, and partner alongside some of the leading social justice warriors of the past century. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“Look on yourself as a citizen in a kingdom of persons, he advised. Act always as if the maxim of your action could become a universal law, always treating mankind, as much in your own person as in that of another, as an end, never as a means.” Grace Lee Boggs, Living for Change: An Autobiography

Jamison Green is an educator, author, and civil rights activist. His autobiographical account provides an inside look at what life is like as someone who has transitioned from female to male. Becoming A Visible Man  mixes theory, activism, and personal stories to provide a riveting look at what life is like as a marginalized community member. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“Being true to oneself creates the integrity and self-respect we need to have if we are to extend that respect to others.” Jamison Green, Becoming a Visible Man

Ronald Reagan is remembered as the president who brought the Cold War to an end, and his eight years serving as president of the United States caused a lot of change in the country. This autobiography,  An American Life , looks at the mindset behind his decisions and his impact on the country and the world. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“For more than five years, I’d made little progress with my efforts at quiet diplomacy—for one thing, the Soviet leaders kept dying on me.” Ronald Reagan, An American Life

Bob Dylan has won various Grammy awards for his contributions to music, but his autobiography also won a Quill Award alongside a Nobel Prize in literature. He is a gifted storyteller, which is certainly something that shines through in this autobiography. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“Some people seem to fade away but then when they are truly gone, it’s like they didn’t fade away at all.” Bob Dylan, Chronicles: Volume One

Cash: The Autobiography by Johnny Cash lets people inside one of the most talented and darkest musical minds in history. It tells a story regarding some of his most pivotal musical moments, his life on stage, and his impact on pop culture. This book is a unique opportunity to dive into his mind. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“They’re powerful, those songs. At times they’ve been my only way back, the only door out of the dark, bad places the black dog calls home.” Johnny Cash, Cash

This is a classic autobiography, and it is frequently listed among banned books.  Always Running  talks about what life is like in a Los Angeles gang. It provides an inside look at his battles, what he had to do to survive, and the impact gang life had on himself, his family, and Los Angeles. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

When you win, we win; but when you go down, you go down alone.” Luis J. Rodríguez, Always Running: La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A.

Cecilia Aragon grew up as a shy, bullied girl. In her autobiography,  Flying Free: My Victory over Fear to Become the First Latina Pilot on the US Aerobatic Team , she talks about what she had to do to soar above it all. She had a special strength in math, and she was eventually introduced to flying. It eventually clicks everything into place for her, and she works hard to accomplish her dreams. This story lets the reader walk along her unique path with her, from a bullied girl to a triumphant success. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“This was my first real job, one that might even lead to a career, and I had to hang onto it. I wanted to hang onto it. I had to succeed at something.” Cecilia Aragon, Flying Free: My Victory over Fear to Become the First Latina Pilot on the US Aerobatic Team

Even though Jimmy Carter may not be remembered as the greatest president, he is one of the greatest people ever to hold the Oval Office. Of course, many problems marked his presidency, but his autobiography is about much more than just his career in the Oval Office. His impact on Habitat for Humanity cannot be overstated, and A Full Life looks at what he has meant to the world. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“I have one life and one chance to make it count for something… My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.” Jimmy Carter

Simone Biles is widely seen as the most accomplished gymnast of all time, but she also struggled with various mental health issues. Nevertheless, her impact on society is significant, and  Courage to Soar: a Body in Motion, a Life in Balance  provides everyone with a look at her journey. The autobiography has a friendly, generous, and soothing voice as it describes all the challenges she had to overcome. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“I would hope I would inspire kids everywhere to know that you can do anything you put your mind to.” Simone Biles, Courage to Soar: A Body in Motion, a Life in Balance

Originally published in 1995 to spearhead his political campaign,  Dreams from My Father  delves into the president’s journey to learn more about his biracial identity. It also highlights how African-American literature can help answer race, class, and identity questions. The autobiography focuses on Barack Obama’s younger self in Chicago, Honolulu, and Harvard. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“My identity might begin with the fact of my race, but it didn’t, couldn’t end there. At least that’s what I would choose to believe.” Barack Obama, Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance

A Funny Life  is about Michael McIntyre’s funny but serious recounts of his steps to reach success. In the book, he shares his naivete when he started in the show industry, his desperation for success, and his desire to stay one of the most sought-after comedians. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“Comedy provides an escape from the horrors of real life.” Michael McIntyre, A Funny Life

Eddie Jaku’s  The Happiest Man on Earth  tells the story of a Holocaust survivor and his search for life’s meaning. Throughout the book, he shares the wisdom he learned in the 100 years he lived. In it, he underscores the importance of striving to live life to the fullest. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“Life can be beautiful if you make it beautiful. It is up to you.” Eddie Jaku, The Happiest Man on Earth

The world learned Jawaharlal Nehru as one of the most famous Asian leaders through his imprisonment during World War II. Arrested for refusing to cooperate with the British government, he stood his ground for an independent India. He was released and helped Gandhi ask the British to leave the country. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“The policy of being too cautious is the greatest risk of all.” Jawaharlal Nehru, An Autobiography

In  Open: An Autobiography , Andre Agassi shares his journey to stardom and life as a tennis prodigy. Spurred by the pressure to be the best, he talks about his successes and struggles. This includes his views of his court rivals and his battle against drugs. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“It’s no accident, I think, that tennis uses the language of life. Advantage, service, fault, break, love, the basic elements of tennis are those of everyday existence, because every match is a life in miniature.” Andre Agassi, Open: An Autobiography

Beyond the Story  records the decade-long true story of the most successful boyband, even heralded on the same status quo as The Beatles. It narrates BTS’s struggles as a group and as individuals on and off the stage. The book includes behind-the-scenes of their milestone achievements, challenges with toxic media, and their critical decisions about disbanding or continuing to work together. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“These seven strangers had come from all over the country to Seoul and become each other’s family. Inside the most commercial system of the Korean music industry, where incredible amounts of capital, human resources, marketing, and technology converge, BTS — ironically enough — found a family in each other.” BTS, Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS

The Year of Magical Thinking  details Joan Didion’s state after the death of her husband. This grief and her need to care for her ill daughter make the book an intimate and vulnerable account of one’s mourning. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“We are imperfect mortal beings, aware of that mortality even as we push it away, failed by our very complication, so wired that when we mourn our losses, we also mourn, for better or for worse, ourselves. As we were, as we no longer, as we will one day not be at all.” Joan Didion, The Year of Magical Thinking

Image caption: Janet Mock is a transgender rights activist, host, and author.

Janet Mock set down the quest for her authentic self in  Redefining Realness . Her transparent take on identity and her journey to womanhood make this book a must-read for anyone facing the same hurdles and challenges. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“Those parts of yourself that you desperately want to hide and destroy will gain power over you. The best thing to do is face and own them, because they are forever a part of you.” Janet Mock, Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love, and So Much More

In  Wings of Fire , India’s Missile Man, Abdul Kalam, shares the adversities he had to conquer since his youth. In this autobiography, he highlights the importance of having a close-knit family, helpful relatives, and supportive friends to break down the walls that keep individuals from realizing their dreams. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“A big shot is a little shot who keeps on shooting, so keep trying.” A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Wings of Fire

Recognized as one of the most important spiritual literature of the 20th century,  The Story of My Experiments with Truth  aims to expand Gandhi’s philosophy and life calling. The book begins with his boyhood and continues through 1921, where he shares his thoughts on pacifism and the desire to help the struggling Indian population. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“Service without humility is selfishness and egotism.” Mahatma Gandhi, The Story of My Experiments with Truth

Wild Swans  is the captivating tale of three Chinese generations, demonstrating the years’ transformation. Jung Chang, although now living in London, proudly shares her grandmother and mother’s life alongside hers to showcase their family history. Although the book is a success, with over 10 million copies sold, it’s banned in her home country, China. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“If you have love, even plain cold water is sweet.” Jung Chang, Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China

In the award-winning bestselling book  Life , Richards recounts the prime of the Rolling Stones’ career. With James Fox’s help, he describes how the pinnacle of British rock looks and feels during their heyday. Richards did not hold back on the book, sharing intimate details of how he lived in the era of sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“We age not by holding on to youth, but by letting ourselves grow and embracing whatever youthful parts remain.” Keith Richards, Life

Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman  peels back the layers of the outstanding actor. Rickman’s book is a candid retelling of his life at the height of his fame. His witty, gossipy way of narrating will make readers feel as if they’re reading the diary of a close friend. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“I hate it when my head, heart and aspirations are filled to the brim only with career. The rest of me hangs around like a jacket on the back of a doorknob.” Alan Rickman, Madly, Deeply: The Diaries of Alan Rickman

In  Here, Right Matters: An American Story , retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Vindman bravely unfolds his participation in the then-president’s trial and impeachment. Before witnessing this scandal, he recounts his childhood as an immigrant and how he became a part of the national service. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“Resilience enables us to cope with adversity.” Alexander Vindman, Here, Right Matters: An American Story

Bossypants  is a reigning comedy-autobiography book on the New York Times Best Seller list for five weeks. Tina Fey shares her girlhood and bouts as a comedian in this book that sold millions of copies. Many describe it as hilarious, heart-warming literature that readers can relate to. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“There are no mistakes, only opportunities.” Tina Fey, Bossypants

If you want to know how the little boy from Mumbles became the most capped rugby player, read Alun Wyn Jones’  Belonging: The Autobiography . He narrates how he turned from watching the Lions play to becoming the team’s captain. Be inspired by the vulnerable account of his dedication, sacrifices, and how he builds his future. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“Losing hurt, it always hurts, and it should hurt.” Alun Wyn Jones, Belonging: The Autobiography

Although Rob Lowe already lived most of his life in the public eye,  Stories I Only Tell My Friends  provides a funny yet sarcastic and poignant recollection of his life. He shares his experiences as a misunderstood teen idol. Then, a man battling alcohol addiction. In this book, Lowe is candid in his disappointments and accomplishments. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“The best part is not the biggest, it’s the one that’s most memorable.” Rob Lowe, Stories I Only Tell My Friends

I Am Ozzy  tells the story of John Michael Osbourne’s boyhood and rise to metal rock stardom. This rags-to-riches tale includes the good and the bad things he has done throughout his life, making it entertaining but motivational. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“The power of people, when they focus on something positive, never fails to amaze me.” Ozzy Osbourne, I Am Ozzy

American Sniper  is one of the non-fiction books that will leave readers in awe. It resonates with many modern-day heroes who put their lives on the line to protect their country. Chris Kyle chronicles his childhood and experiences on the battlefield and recounts his lost and living teammates in this moving book. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“I signed up to protect this country. I do not choose the wars. It happens that I love to fight. But I do not choose which battles I go to.” Chris Kyle, American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in US Military History

The longest-serving US First Lady’s work,  The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt , gives readers a peek into her outlook on life and her life mission. The book combines three past autobiographies and offers insights into her personality and fight for women and civil rights. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“He who learns but does not think is lost. He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.” Eleanor Roosevelt, The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt

Love, Lucy  tells the real-life story of the American motion-picture entertainer Lucille Ball. It starts from her early life and her relationship with her family. The book also details her acting career, marriages, and breakups. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“You won’t be happy, whatever you do, unless you’re comfortable with your own conscience.” Lucille Ball, Love, Lucy

Bruce Springsteen explains many things in  Born to Run , including his penchant for shows that extend to up to four hours. The book also mentions his fight with depression despite being a blinding force on stage. It’s a life story told with sincerity. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“We honor our parents by carrying their best forward and laying the rest down. By fighting and taming the demons that laid them low and now reside in us.” Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run

E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX  unveils Earl Simmon’s life without holding anything back. The book includes his life as an abandoned child living in a shanty neighborhood, addicted to many vices. Despite his great disadvantage at the start of his life, rhyming became his escape, leading to a successful career as a musician. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“Pain is so much easier to deal with when it’s ours, not just yours.” DMX, E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX

Chuck Yeager’s  Yeager: An Autobiography  takes readers to the edge of danger and discovery. In this book, he doesn’t only share his enthusiasm as a test pilot who dared to try the unknown. He also talks about his dog fights over Europe and the behind-the-scenes of making history. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“You don’t concentrate on risks. You concentrate on results.” Chuck Yeager, An Autobiography

Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story  is an uncensored narration of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life. The book delves into his accomplishments and doesn’t justify the controversies he’s been caught in. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“My definition of living is to have excitement always; that’s the difference between living and existing.” Arnold Schwarzenegger, Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story

Butterfly: From Refugee to Olympian  reports Yusra Mardini’s fight to achieve her lifelong dream of competing in the Olympics. Her determination will not let her falter, not even when her house was wrecked in the civil war or when she was smuggled and stuck at sea. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“Refugee. An empty shell, barely even human. No money, no home, no background, no history, no personality, no ambition, no path, no passion. Our past, present, future. All of it deleted and replaced by that one devastating word.” Yusra Mardini, Butterfly: From Refugee to Olympian

To read  Mein Kampf  means to show people the complex mind of Hitler that led to the atrocities of World War II. His own life, written in his own words, gives readers insights into what created his political ideology and how his mind operated. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“Religion is ridiculed, ethics and morality represented as outmoded, until the last props of a nation in its struggle for existence in this world have fallen.” Adolf Hitler, Mein Kampf

In  Assata: An Autobiography , Assata Shakur, aka JoAnne Chesimard, talks about her political stance and personal life. She also mentions her publicized incarceration and her encounters as an activist. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“Only a fool lets somebody else tell him who his enemy is.” Assata Shakur, Assata: An Autobiography

Trevor Noah’s  Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood  illustrates the life of a biracial child who was born and lived during the apartheid era. The book is a coming-of-age literature with sprinkles of comedy. Many consider it one of the best books to read as it can tackle a serious topic with lighthearted wit. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“My mom did what school didn’t. She taught me how to think.” Trevor Noah, Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood

John Thompson finished  I Came As a Shadow: An Autobiography  shortly before his death. His work contains his struggles with racial segregation, dealing with drug bigwigs, and, of course, his professional basketball career. Check it out on Amazon; click here .

“When people complain about affirmative action, I respond that there’s nothing more unequal than the equal treatment of unequals. “ John Thompson, I Came As a Shadow: An Autobiography

FAQs About the Best Autobiographies

It is difficult to say what the best-selling autobiography is of all time. The most recent best-selling autobiography is Becoming by Michelle Obama. One of the best-selling autobiographies of the past few hundred years is The Autobiography of Benjamin Frankli n. If you are interested in exploring more biographies, check out our round-up of best biography authors . 

The length of pages can vary depending on how it is printed, but the longest autobiography is widely considered to be Finn Kalle Päätalo . It is 26 volumes, and it is considered to be the longest autobiographical narrative in the world. 

One is not necessarily better. A biography provides a different perspective because it is not necessarily written by the main focus of the biography itself. On the other hand, an autobiography may provide you with a better perspective on the mindset of the individual. You may also want to explore essays about autobiographies to learn more. 

Looking for more reading material? Check out our round-up of the best Hemingway books !

Meet Rachael, the editor at Become a Writer Today. With years of experience in the field, she is passionate about language and dedicated to producing high-quality content that engages and informs readers. When she's not editing or writing, you can find her exploring the great outdoors, finding inspiration for her next project.

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We all love a good story.

Stories transport us to other times and places, they teach important lessons, they inspire us and show us what we have in common.

And while fiction is wonderful and valuable, stories are all the more compelling if they’re true.

It’s impossible to compile a definitive list of best biographies and autobiographies—you could probably spend a lifetime reading well-written tales of inspiring people—but here are a few we think are worth your time.

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas

The story of a German pastor and anti-Nazi who got involved with a plot to kill Hitler is interesting in and of itself, but Eric Metaxas broadens the story, showing the history of Hitler’s rise to power and weaving in Bonhoeffer’s writing and thoughts. The result is a fascinating narrative that is both informative and, in ways, devotional. While Bonhoeffer’s Ethics and The Cost of Discipleship have become classics, the thoughts behind them are even more rich in the context of the what the writer himself had to sacrifice. More than just a look into the mind of one of the great theologians of the 20th century, Bonhoeffer is a story of one man’s dedication to following Christ’s leading amid the changing morals of pre-WWII Germany.

Jack: A Life of C.S. Lewis by George Sayer

With its insertions of personal conversations with the author and descriptions of his life and times from real memories, Jack: A Life may be the best “gateway biography” for any Lewis enthusiast. This is the most personal of Lewis’ biographies, with an intimate feel that cannot be emulated by Lewis’ other biographers who did not know him as a friend. Ask yourself who you would choose to write your own biography: a friend who knew you behind closed doors, or a scholar 30 years on, full of Freudian ideas of the subconscious, and working only on your books, correspondence, and others’ recollections and impressions of you. Granted, other biographies of Lewis are valuable because they are distant from him, but Sayer’s friendship with Lewis does not make him shy away from the controversial issues surrounding the author’s life. He faces them head on and judges fairly.

The Long Loneliness by Dorothy Day

The Long Loneliness , Dorothy Day’s story of conversion and dedication to the Catholic Worker’s Movement, is a challenge to all Christians to love as Christ loved. Although her early adult life was spent as an iconoclast and a socialist, including stints in jail and an abortion, she began feeling the tug of the Holy Spirit. Upon the birth of her first child, Day joined the Catholic Church and eventually met Peter Maurin, with whom she would found the Catholic Worker Movement. Day’s approach to the faith was at once orthodox and unconventional, deeply influenced by the teachings of Christ about the poor and oppressed—those on the fringes of society Day felt the Church had become complacent toward. In spite of Day’s controversial character, The Long Loneliness is a must-read “spiritual autobiography” with broad appeal across religious denominations, political affiliations and social views.

John Adams by David McCullough

Along with being a fascinating story of one of our country’s founding fathers, John Adams is one of the few biographies on anyone to cross into the realm of beautiful writing and nearly perfect prose. It is not only a well-researched, well-paced biography, it is fine literature and can be as compelling and moving as any fiction. McCullough’s portraits of 18th century Philadelphia, London, Paris, New York and Washington and the personalities inhabiting those cities are just that, masterful portraits painted with a careful “brush.” What sets McCullough apart from other biographers is his impeccable choice of detail. He knows just when to describe a meal, a suit of clothes, or a weather forecast for a particular day. McCullough is to biography what Tolkien is to high fantasy—a towering genius unmatched by most of his imitators.

The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom

Although it’s an autobiography, Corrie Ten Boom’s The Hiding Place is really the story of a whole family and their dedication to serving Christ in Holland during WWII. The Ten Booms, a humble and simple family, risked their lives to hide Jews in their home. As a critical component of the Dutch resistance movement, the family is forced to make difficult and often morally ambiguous choices that ultimately land them in Dutch and German concentration camps. The Hiding Place is not an easy read—it plumbs the depths of despair, hopelessness and doubt. Yet there’s intense victory in the darkness, owing to a hidden Bible and the unwavering desire of Corrie and her sister to share Christ’s love with the other prisoners and their Nazi captors. This is a biography that resonates long after the final page is turned.

12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup

Even if you’ve already seen Steve Mcqueen’s Oscar-nominated film adaptation, this autobiography is well worth reading. The story of a free black man in the North who’s kidnapped and sold into slavery, 12 Years a Slave is a rare, heartbreaking look into what life was like for slaves in the South. Northup shows the cruelty and cowardice of the slave owners he witnessed with a fair hand, and keeps a hopeful tone even while depicting the horrors of slave life. While it’s not an easy read (you may want to keep a box of tissues nearby), it’s an important one.

Chronicles of Wasted Time by Malcolm Muggeridge

Malcolm Muggeridge earns his place as the post-Chestertonian voice of Christian reason in Chronicles of Wasted Time —an autobiography cited by many as the single best of the 20th century. The work follows the journalist, intellectual, spy and onetime atheist and communist sympathizer from his early life through his conversion to Christianity. Chronicles is the rare work full of literary depth, social critique and brilliant humor in equal measure, with references to a variety of characters from Churchill to Chanel. What makes it essential reading, however, is Muggeridge’s life story, which spans nearly the entirety of the 20th century and captures the wholeness of his conversion: from Stalin sympathizer to fierce critic, from hedonist to ascetic, from lifelong agnostic to Christian in his sixties. It’s a thrilling adventure that proves, in Muggeridge’s own words, that “Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us—and the art of life is to get the message.”

Son of a Preacher Man: My Search for Grace in the Shadows by Jay Bakker

Sex, lies, drugs and greed: they sound like sketchy nouns reserved for scandalous TV shows or celebrity tabloids. But how does the narrative of those words change when they’re all intertwined with the family of a…preacher?

You may or may not have heard of Jim Bakker. A famous televangelist in the 80’s, Bakker would be convicted of defrauding loyal followers of his “PTL (Praise the Lord)” ministry. His family was ravaged by drug abuse, adultery and, tragically the unabashed condemnation of other famous Christian leaders at the time.

In this book, Jim Bakker’s son Jay does more than offer a glimpse into the Bakker family: he rips down the entire curtain to show all the flaws and tribulations of a pastor, his wife, and their children. Despite the pain and shame felt by all members of the Bakker family, Jay shares just how God’s love and grace redeemed him and his family.

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25 Inspiring Biographies Everyone Should Read

By Anca Nicolescu

Published on January 22, 2023

Reading about people’s lives from different generations and backgrounds is always eye-opening. The world has seen some pretty impressive individuals that lead fascinating lives. From Gandhi to Steve Jobs, all of these individuals are noteworthy for contributions they made to the world as we know it today.

These stories are not only entertaining and keep you up wanting for more, but they might also teach you something. At the very least, they are informative.

We cannot talk about every single biography that was ever written, so we narrowed down the list to the ones we consider the most notable at the moment.

Here are 25 inspiring biographies that you will surely enjoy reading, take our word for it. Or don’t, but still grab the ones that capture your interest, you won’t regret it.

• 25. The Crusades of Cesar Chavez: A Biography by Miriam Pawel

One of the best written biographies of all times, this fairly recent work depicts the life of Cesar Chavez, one of the most influential Latinx figures in American history.

The author writes about the man’s journey from migrant worker to his rise as a movement leader. His remarkable mind and life story makes for a great read.

• 24. John Adams by David McCullough

The portrait of the second president of the United States is painted with an in-depth look into Adam’s early life and through his presidency. His marriage to Abigail is also given its own merit, which shifts the bookès focus from being a solely political review.

Their love story was based on loyalty and respect, and the book was made into an HBO series by the same name .

• 23. Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation by Kate Bornstein and S.Bear Bergman

The follow-up to Kate Bornstein’s groundbreaking memoir that talked about her transformation from man to woman, this is a collection of biographies worth a read. The book includes essays and stories of many creatives and artists from across the trans spectrum.

A touching book that is eye-opening and teaches us about gender identity.

• 22. Heartbeat of Struggle: The Revolutionary Life of Yuri Kochiyama by Diane Carol Fujino

We’ve all heard of Malcolm X. But not many heard of Yuri Kochiyama, the woman who was by his side when he was assassinated. Her life story is intriguing, and the author did extensive research that portrays her experiences.

We also learn what led her to become one of the most involved activists that tried to build solidarity between Asian and Black communities in the US.

• 21. John Brown by W.E.B. Du Bois

There’s more to American history than you learn in history class. John Brown was a white activist that fought for black people’s rights and fought against the institution of slavery.

While the book was originally published in 1909, it was ahead of our times. Browne fought to abolish slavery based on his own personal values. An interesting biography worth a read.

20. Notorious RBG : The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon & Shana Knizhnik

Presented in a different format than your average biography, you get a glimpse of the powerful mind the former US Supreme Court Judge possessed. A well-researched tale, the book contains quotes from one of the best justices the US has ever encountered.

It is not only very informative, but makes a very entertaining read as well.

• 19. Eleanor Roosevelt by Blanche Wiesen Cook

Eleanor Roosevelt was the First Lady who contributed more to the country than party-plan and stood by her man. The book talks about her early years as a child born in a wealthy family that was destroyed by alcoholism and the early death of both her parents.

Her struggles early on in life made her what she became later on. Up to today, she is still considered the greatest First Lady the country has seen.

18. Prince : A Private View by Afshin Shahidi

Written by the superstar’s private photographer after his untimely death back in 2016, this biography is mostly a compilation of the best photographs taken since 2000. Prince’s personality can be noticed through the photographs, which speak a thousand words.

This snapshot of his public and private life is a great book to own, especially if you were a great fan of the artist’s music.

• 17. Diana: Her True Story – In Her Own Words by Andrew Morton

The most controversial and popular member of the British royal family, Princess Diana is the first to openly speak of the British Monarchy. With the cooperation of Andrew Morton, she opened up about her unhappy marriage, her hopes she had going into the royal family, and her unique relationship with the Queen.

If you love anything to do with the most popular family in the world, this book is an eye-opener.

• 16. Alice Walker: A Life by Evelyn C. White

Award-winning author Alice Walker is the first black woman to ever win a Pulitzer Prize in literature for her masterpiece The Color Purple. The biography, written by Evelyn C White, is an extensive description of Walker’s life and her brilliant works.

The author portrays her early years, her struggles as a black woman in a mostly white and male-dominated culture, and the brilliant writer that she became. A must read.

• 15. A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar

If you’re not familiar with the 1998 Pulitzer Prize finalist mathematician John Nash, you should grab this biography and devour it. The movie adaptation with the same name is based on this book, which portrays the man’s prestigious career and his battle with schizophrenia.

Beautifully written, this moving story will show you a glimpse into a mastermind’s interior battles, both professionally and personally.

• 14. Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

From the author who also wrote Steve Jobs’ biography comes another great read, that of the man behind the genius that was Albert Einstein. The book focuses on the man as a human, not mainly as a physicist, and talks at length about his rocky interpersonal relationships.

It mentions his insolent personality and attitude, which at the time was considered weird, and how he related to his colleagues, friends, and loved ones.

• 13. Gandhi: The Years That Changed The World by Ramachandra Guha

This revolutionary man is somewhat of an enigma to many, even though he did so many amazing things in his life. While we may be aware of his remarkable achievements, it is eye-opening to learn about his personal life.

Historian Ramachandra Guha depicts not only the great man’s life, but also illuminates us on India’s complex social structures we all should learn about. A fascinating read!

• 12. Hidden Figures: The American Dream by Margot Lee Shetterly

The movie based on the group of African American mathematicians that played an important role in Nasa’s history was inspired by this book written by Margot Lee Shetterly.

Before the story was told, not many were aware of the importance these three women played in the space program. They were the ones that calculated the flight paths by hand, which earned them the nickname “The Human Computers”.

• 11. Vera (Mrs. Vladimir Nabokov) by Stacy Schiff

Whether you read Lolita or not, you’ve surely heard of the novel that is one of the most controversial books of all time . He became famous because of this book, but what about his wife, the woman behind the famed author?

She is portrayed in this biography as one of the best humored women that was Nabokov’s partner, editor and translator. She played an important role in the writer’s life, as many incredible women behind powerful men are known to be.

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

This is a gripping biography of Olympic runner Louis Zamperini and the ordeal he went through when he was twenty-six. His US Army bomber crashed and burned in the middle of the Pacific ocean.

Along with two other men, he survived the disaster for forty-seven days afloat a raft. After all that, they were captured as prisoners of war by the Japanese Navy and were tortured for over two years. A heart wrenching story, but one that shows his recovery and redemption.

• 9. Napoleon: A life by Andrew Roberts

Napoleon is notorious for being a tyrant, yet this biography is truly fun to read. The author decided to tell the story with deference, so you see a more positive side to him.

As a decorated scholar, Andrew Roberts studied Napoleon’s life extensively, which can be noticed in this work. Napoleon’s confusing and complicated relationship with his wife is something many didn’t learn from history books, but it compliments his sharp and near flawless military instincts.

• 8. Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang

The power-hungry emperor Mao Zedong made history because he founded the People’s Republic of China as we know it today. There’s more to his story than we learned in history books, and this biography depicts the emperor’s desire to preserve communism at all costs.

Although he was also responsible for more than 70 million deaths that occurred during peaceful periods, he also did some good for the country. His ideologies and motivations are explained in a story that is worth a read.

• 7. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Henrietta Lacks is one of the first African-American women who left an important mark on the modern medical world. Her story is fascinating, and you’ll have a hard time putting the book down.

Her cancer cells were taken without her knowledge by her doctors and used for medical testing. The HeLa cell line research changed the trajectory of modern medicine. It is a very downhearted story that will surely move every reader.

• 6. Frida: A Biography Of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera

One of the most recognizable names in modern art, Frida Kahlo was a brilliant artist who had a pretty hard life. From her accident when she was only 18 years old through the numerous affairs her husband had, her pain is evident.

But that’s only part of her fascinating life. The mark she left due to her artistic brilliance is the main focus of the book. The self-taught artist explored issues of race, gender, and class in Mexican society. A very interesting read, especially if art is one of your favorite subjects.

• 5. Enrique’s Journey by Sonia Nazario

Young boy Enrique marked history with his courage and determination he achieved by following his mother from Honduras to the United States. Although many might have not heard of him, his story is so interesting and captivating.

When he was only five years old, his mother went to the United States in search of a better life for them with the promise she’ll return soon. He was sixteen when he decided to go in search of her.

It is a devastating account of devotion and love that many immigrant families face every day in the United Stated even today.

• 4. Churchill: A Life by Martin Gilbert

The UK’s most popular and greatest prime minister ever was a colorful character, to say the least. Winston Churchill left quite a legacy that up to this day no other prime minister that followed ever measured up.

The book contains in-depth research into his life from the time he led Britain through World War II all the way to his death. A mercurial man, he was one of the most prominent and important men you will enjoy reading about.

• 3. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

The co-founder and CEO of Apple was a creative genius that changed our lives forever. The legend, as many people in the world think of him, was a very flawed man. While extremely intelligent, his social skills left something to be desired.

Isaacson portrayed a true picture of the myth behind the man. From his early days working from his garage to becoming the leader of the largest tech companies in the world, the book is an interesting read.

The author divulges some details of Jobs’ childhood that were previously unknown, which gives readers an insight into the person behind the public eye.

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

Shakespeare is a bit of a mystery that not many succeeded in uncovering. Although he is one of the most famous and popular authors to have ever lived, many details of his life are still unknown today.

Stephen Greenblatt made it his life work’s mission to learn as much about the man as possible, and he does an incredible job relating what he’s learned.

From insights on how political and social ideals of the time influenced him to reenactments of his writing process, it is a book anyone should read.

• 1. Elizabeth the Queen: the Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith

While many believe the Monarchy might not be as great as the media portrays it, Queen Elizabeth’s life as the longest reigning monarch to have ever lived makes for a very interesting read.

The biography is written by Sally Bedell Smith, who already wrote two previous biographies of members of the royal family. Queen Elizabeth II was a legend who was constantly in the public eye.

She was a woman who had one of the most important jobs in the world from a very young age, and that alone is impressive to read about in its own right.

We hope we influenced you to pick up any of these 25 biographies we know you’ll enjoy reading . Which one of these figures are the ones that inspired and intrigued you the most? Let us know in the comments section below.

• 20. Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Irin Carmon & Shana Knizhnik
• 18. Prince: A Private View by Afshin Shahidi

About Anca Nicolescu

With a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Anca was always interested in a variety of topics, although she never actually worked in her field. She has a deep love for books and a passion for learning new things and exploring new subjects. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process .

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17 Memoirs And Biographies Every Black Woman Should Read At Least Once

Black history is full of inspiring women who have created paths of their own while carving a space for the women who will follow. 

In celebration of Women’s History Month and to give every woman out there a little inspiration to pursue their dreams and goals, we’ve rounded up a list of memoirs and biographies to encourage you to create a path of your own.

This award-winning biography sheds light on the life of civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, who served as vice-chair for the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party and was instrumental in creating Mississippi’s Freedom Summer for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. The biography closely examines Hamer’s history and the risks she took in her quest for equality.

Including a collection of photos and tributes to Lorde after her death, The Cancer Journals is Lorde’s account of coping with breast cancer and a mastectomy. It’s an intense reflection of every feeling Lorde encounters as she battles the illness. Blending politics with her experience, the memoir is essential reading, not just for survivors or those coping with cancer, but every person interested in the politics surrounding a woman’s body. 

Known as one of the most influential women in civil rights, Ella Baker is famous for her work with the NAACP and advocating for grassroots organizing. While Baker avoided the spotlight, her work thrust her into it. Ransby’s biography of the civil rights legend thoroughly examines Baker’s life and political career. 

With HBO’s adaptation starring Oprah Winfrey on its way, now’s the time to dive into The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks . Lacks, who was diagnosed with cancer and died at the age of 31, was the progenitor of the HeLa cell line, which has aided the medical community in a number of breakthroughs. The book tells Lack’s story while exploring the disturbing history of experimentation on African Americans.  

Adapted from her TEDx Talk , Adichie shines a light on feminism that’s inclusive, tackling ideas and behaviour that marginalize women. Adichie draws on her own experience as a Nigerian woman and from her observations abroad. It’s a witty, nuanced look at what feminism could be.  

Shakur’s autobiography is an account of the legendary Black Panther’s activism, blending her political and personal life to give readers a clear picture of who she is. Shakur creates a poignant image of life as a Black woman and activist as well as the rise and fall of political organizations. 

One of the founders of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Wells was an inspiring woman who was active in pursuing women’s rights and civil rights. A Sword Among Lions examines Wells’ life as a black woman and activist who not only had to face-off against conservatives, but even those who worked alongside her.

Part memoir, part inspirational self-help guide, Year of Yes is Rhimes’ reflection on saying yes to new things and experiences. Who better to take a little advice from than TV’s number one showrunner?

Known as America’s first female African-American millionaire, Madam C.J. Walker created the blueprint for Black women who aspire to run their own businesses and companies. Detailing her rise from the daughter of slaves to millionaire, On Her Own Ground is an inspirational must-read.

A much needed voice in the world, Mock’s Redefining Realness delves into the issues trans youth face by looking at Mock’s own path and way of navigating the world. Through the obstacles and triumphs, the writer and activist’s memoir is a powerful look at identity and what it means to be truly and unapologetically authentic.

A vivid autobiography that’s bold and warm, Davis reflects on her life, activism, and the moments and people who influenced her. It’s a roller coaster of events and poignant moments and even those familiar with Davis will probably learn something new. 

A radical activist and a dynamic leader of the feminist and Black Power movement, Florynce Kennedy, known to many as Flo, was a force to be reckoned with. Regularly photographed sporting a cowboy hat with her middle finger in the air, Flo was a staunch believer in intersectionality and a woman’s right to do as she pleases with her body. Her biography is not only an account of her life, but of how black feminism shaped political movements during the Black Power era. 

Writer and LGBT rights advocate, Chin’s memoir explores race and sexuality through poignant memories, triumphs, and defeats. Through it all, she discovers her identity and voice, telling her story with warmth and courage.

Chicago-native Margo Jefferson’s memoir tells the story of race, culture, and America through Jefferson’s scope as the daughter of an upper-crust Black family. From the civil rights movement to the belief in a postracial America, Negroland  is an examination and reckoning with the movements of the time and Jefferson’s place in society. 

An iconic figure in pop culture, Jones has a myriad of stories and experiences to share, which make for a riveting memoir . From her strict upbringing in Jamiaica to her rise in New York, the singer and artist shares initimate details of her life with humor and candor. 

From Insecure creator Issa Rae, Awkward Black Girl is a reflection of her own quirks and cringe-worthy moments. Hilarious, poignant, and engaing, Rae’s memoir is a must-read.

Poet, writer, and activist, Lorde was a force to be reckoned with and in this biography Veaux examines the icon’s early conservative upbringing, her marriage and later career as an outspoken lesbian, and the work that led to her becoming one of the greatest voices in Black history.

100 books by Black Americans everyone should read at least once

Posted: February 8, 2024 | Last updated: February 8, 2024

100 of the best books by Black Americans

Books change lives. They have the power to inspire revolutions, transform government policy, and reveal our common humanity—even when the people we read about have experiences that differ wildly from our own. Books also offer a platform for stories that have otherwise gone unheard, giving a voice to the voiceless and effecting change.

Stacker compiled a list of 100 of the best books by Black Americans, with titles spread out between centuries, genres, subject matter, and themes. To create the list, we referred to major Black-owned platforms such as Shondaland , Essence , and O, The Oprah Magazine . We also used social media and Black reading groups along with popular book platforms such as Book Riot and Goodreads . The list contains historical fiction, mystery, sci-fi, sociology, political commentary, poetry, cookbooks, and many more.

Black American authors have done integral work illuminating centuries of abuse, enslavement, and discrimination; and they have brought us thousands of rich, contemporary works of romance, comedy, kinship, family, and mystery. From a book centering thousands of narratives of enslaved people to a bestselling memoir from the first Black first lady of the United States, Black writers help to document a more holistic American experience that represents all of us.

Keep reading on to discover 100 of the best books by Black Americans.

Such a Fun Age

- Author: Kiley Reid - Date published: 2019 - Genre: Fiction, Contemporary

"Such a Fun Age" explores the intersections of growing up, race, and work. The book centers on a 25-year-old Black babysitter accused of kidnapping a white child in her care. The book is author Kiley Reid's debut novel.

I Almost Forgot About You

- Author: Terry McMillan - Date published: 2016 - Genre: Romance, Fiction

"I Almost Forgot About You" tells the story of a woman in her 50s who decides to change her life and finds love in the process. Author Terry McMillan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author known for novels such as "Waiting to Exhale" and "How Stella Got Her Groove Back."

It's Not All Downhill From Here

- Author: Terry McMillan - Date published: 2020 - Genre: Fiction, Contemporary

"It's Not All Downhill From Here" tells the coming-of-age story of a suddenly widowed 68-year-old woman determined to make the best of her life. The book takes a hard look at the inevitability of loss, mental health, and stepping out of your former self. Of the main character, author Terry McMillan told NPR , "I didn't know that she was going to lose her husband until—I mean, I just—I become the character. I became Lo. … I was a mess before I even wrote it."

The Travelers

- Author: Regina Porter - Date published: 2019 - Genre: Historical Fiction

"The Travelers," Regina Porter's debut novel, follows the story of two families, one Black and one white, throughout six decades of American and world history. The story jumps back and forth through time periods, stitching together a complex tapestry of human experiences.

Lot: Stories

- Author: Bryan Washington - Date published: 2019 - Genre: Short Stories, Fiction, LGBTQ+

Bryan Washington draws on short stories and his upbringing in Houston to explore the lives of Houstonians in "Lot." The author's debut book celebrates themes of race, growth, and LGBTQ+ life. The book made Barack Obama's Favorite Books of the Year list in 2019.

The Water Dancer

- Author: Ta-Nehisi Coates - Date published: 2019 - Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy

"The Water Dancer" is about an enslaved man with a gift for memory. Gaining freedom, the protagonist begins to assist in the freeing of other enslaved people. The story uses themes of magic and spiritualism to paint an intriguing view of history. The book was also an Oprah's Book Club selection in 2019.

What We Lose

- Author: Zinzi Clemmons - Date published: 2017 - Genre: Fiction, Contemporary

In her debut novel, Zinzi Clemmons writes the tale of a Black woman moving on after losing her mother to cancer. This stunning coming-of-age story has received critical acclaim. Similarly to the book's main character, Clemmons lost her mother to cancer while coming into adulthood.

Sleeping with Strangers

- Author: Eric Jerome Dickey - Date published: 2007 - Genre: Fiction

"Sleeping with Strangers," the first book of the five-part "Gideon" series, is a thriller about a hitman that involves themes of sex, violence, and family. Author Eric Jerome Dickey is a New York Times bestselling author whose 1997 effort, "Friends and Lovers," was adapted into a film in 2015.

Everything Inside

- Author: Edwidge Danticat - Date published: 2019 - Genre: Short Stories, Fiction, Contemporary

"Everything Inside" is a collection of short stories addressing the different ways people confront death—their own, that of their parents, their children, and their friends. Author Edwidge Danticat's writing is crisp and unflinching as it crisscrosses relationships and geographic locations.

- Author: Beverly Jenkins - Date published: 1996 - Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

Beverly Jenkins is a Michigan-born writer of romance novels. She has been writing since 1994, and her historical romances are loved and well received. "Indigo" is the story of a woman who escapes slavery and becomes a member of the Underground Railroad. When a man comes into her care, their love story begins.

- Author: Beverly Jenkins - Date published: 2019 - Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

In"Rebel," Beverly Jenkins sets a love story in New Orleans. The story follows a woman as she falls for a man who does not meet her father's approval. Differing from "Indigo," this story takes place in the period after the Civil War. The book is the first in the "Women Who Dare" series.

- Author: Nicole Dennis-Benn - Date published: 2019 - Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, LGBTQ+

Nicole Dennis-Benn is a Jamaican-born, New York-based writer who received acclaim with her debut novel, "Here Comes the Sun." In her second book, "Patsy," we meet a Jamaican woman who travels to New York on a visa to reunite with her old love, Cicely, with no intention of returning home.

- Author: Yaa Gyasi - Date published: 2016 - Genre: Historical Fiction

"Homegoing" is a piece of historical fiction centering around two half-sisters who end up having incredibly different lives: One is sold into slavery while the other marries an Englishman. Yaa Gyasi's novel follows the women and their families through the centuries.

Clap When You Land

- Author: Elizabeth Acevedo - Date published: 2020 - Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Poetry

In "Clap When You Land," two girls discover they are sisters through the death of their father. The story explores family secrets, sisterhood, and the intersections of American and Dominican cultures. New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Acevedo is a Dominican American writer and poet whose work often navigates themes of Afro Latinidad identity, coming of age, and family.

With the Fire on High

- Author: Elizabeth Acevedo - Date published: 2019 - Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary

In "With the Fire on High," Elizabeth Acevedo writes of a single teen mother in Philadelphia with a passion for cooking. The book explores themes of motherhood, responsibility, and family.

Red at the Bone

- Author: Jacqueline Woodson - Date published: 2019 - Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Historical Fiction

"Red at the Bone" documents a 16-year-old's coming-of-age and the family history that brought her where she is in life. Authored by Jacqueline Woodson, an award-winning writer of children's books, the book made it onto the New York Times Best Seller list.

Brown Girl Dreaming

- Author: Jacqueline Woodson - Date published: 2014 - Genre: Nonfiction, Poetry, Children's

In "Brown Girl Dreaming," Jacqueline Woodson writes poems through the lens of herself as a child. Raised in New York and South Carolina, Woodson navigates the contrasts of the plains and the desires of her younger self. The book earned the National Book Award for Young People's Literature in 2014. Throughout her writing career, Woodson has caused a bit of controversy for using curse words in her children's books and exploring themes of sexuality.

Children of Blood and Bone

- Author: Tomi Adeyemi - Date published: 2018 - Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy

Tomi Adeyemi's bestselling debut novel, "Children of Blood and Bone," is the first book in the author's "Legacy of Orisha" series, which is being adapted into a film . Vann R. Newkirk II of The Atlantic characterized the book as a "Black Lives Matter-inspired fantasy novel."  Adeyemi's follow-up in the series, "Children of Virtue and Vengeance," published in 2019.

The Hate U Give

- Author: Angie Thomas - Date published: 2017 - Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary

"The Hate U Give" follows a Black teen girl who witnesses a murder at the hands of the police. The book explores themes of friendship, race, family, grief, police brutality, and American politics. Angie Thomas' debut novel topped the New York Times Young Best Sellers list for young adults and was adapted into a film in 2018.

Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick

- Author: Zora Neale Hurston - Date published: 2020 - Genre: Classics, Short Stories

Zora Neale Hurston, widely ranked among the greatest American authors of all time, was also a filmmaker and anthropologist. Her work often looked at race issues from the early 20th century, and her most popular novel, "Their Eyes Were Watching God," was published in 1937. Although she died in 1960, "Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick" is one of many posthumous releases that Hurston wrote during the Harlem Renaissance.

Their Eyes Were Watching God

- Author: Zora Neale Hurston - Date published: 1937 - Genre: Classics, Historical Fiction

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" is considered a classic work of American literature and is required reading in most high school English classes. In it, we follow the main character, Janie Crawford, as she navigates her identity over the course of three marriages. The book, which highlights an independent, strong Black woman, went largely overlooked by men when it was first released. Out of print for three decades, it was reissued in 1978.

Moses, Man of the Mountain

- Author: Zora Neale Hurston - Date published: 1939 - Genre: Classics, Historical Fiction

In "Moses, Man of the Mountain," Zora Neale Hurston rewrites the story of Moses of the biblical Old Testament, combining the tale with folklore and the Black experience. The book is considered one of Hurston's best works and is revered as a classic.

An American Marriage

- Author: Tayari Jones - Date published: 2018 - Genre: Fiction, Contemporary

"An American Marriage" tells the story of a young couple suddenly separated by a wrongful conviction. The love fades over the years and forces the couple to confront difficult questions after the conviction is overturned. The novel is an Oprah's Book Club selection, a New York Times Notable Book, and it earned Jones the Women's Prize for Fiction in 2019.

- Author: Toni Morrison - Date published: 1987 - Genre: Classics, Historical Fiction

"Beloved" is the late Toni Morrison's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a Black woman living in the United States following the Civil War. The main character was inspired by Margaret Garner, an African American woman enslaved in Kentucky who, in 1856, escaped by crossing the Ohio River.

Bloodchild and Other Stories

- Author: Octavia E. Butler - Date published: 1995 - Genre: Science Fiction, Short Stories

"Bloodchild and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories from acclaimed science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler, originally published in 1995, with a second edition published in 2005. It's been said that Butler's dark fiction functions as parables for real life. The titular story in the collection, "Bloodchild," won the Hugo and Nebula awards; "Speech Sounds" also earned a Hugo Award.

Friday Black

- Author: Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah - Date published: 2018 - Genre: Short Stories, Fiction, Science Fiction

"Friday Black" is the New York Times bestselling debut work of Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. This collection of short stories is set in a dystopian world and explores themes of racism and Black identity through satire, the surreal, and characterizations of cultural unrest.

In West Mills

- Author: De'Shawn Charles Winslow - Date published: 2019 - Genre: Historical Fiction

De'Shawn Charles Winslow's debut novel, "In West Mills," takes place in the author's home state of North Carolina. This work of historical fiction tells the story of a woman determined to live as she pleases. The book follows themes of family, friendships, and small-town life.

The Accidental Hunter

- Author: Nelson George - Date published: 2005 - Genre: Fiction, Mystery

"The Accidental Hunter" is a mystery that takes place in New York. It is the second book of the "D Hunter" book series written by Nelson George, an award-winning author, music and culture critic, producer, and filmmaker. George has also written several other books and has produced various TV shows and films.

- Author: Marcus Burke - Date published: 2014 - Genre: Young Adult Fiction

"Team Seven" is author Marcus Burke's debut novel, which takes a closer look at Black inner-city life. In it, we meet Andre Battel, a Jamaican American teen coming of age just south of Boston in Milton, Massachusetts. The book follows Battel as he grows apart from his family, finds new parts of himself on the basketball court, and gets tangled up in selling drugs. It explores themes of family, the inner city, and community while drawing on Burke's own experiences growing up in Massachusetts.

The Residue Years

- Author: Mitchell S. Jackson - Date published: 2013 - Genre: Fiction, Crime, Contemporary

"The Residue Years" is a work of autobiographical fiction by Mitchell S. Jackson about his early life in Portland, Oregon. It tells the story of a teen who sells drugs to make ends meet. The novel is about family and growing up in difficult circumstances brought on by poverty. The novel won multiple awards and was adapted into a documentary film in 2014.

All Our Names

- Author: Dinaw Mengestu - Date published: 2014 - Genre: Historical Fiction

"All Our Names" explores concepts of belonging, identity, and immigration. It follows the story of two friends living in Uganda in the early '70s who get swept up in a revolution. Author Dinaw Mengestu was born in Ethiopia and grew up in Chicago. He has written various works, including commentary on African conflicts and war.

The Bewildered Bride

- Author: Vanessa Riley - Date published: 2019 - Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

Vanessa Riley writes enchanting historical romances reminiscent of aristocratic life. "The Bewildered Bride" is book four in the "Advertisements for Love" series. Each book is a stand-alone story and details stories of extravagant affairs.

The Art of Love

- Author: Suzette D. Harrison - Date published: 2018 - Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

"The Art of Love" is a romance novel set in the age of prohibition as an artist and bootlegger fall in love and face the dangers of the time. The book is the fourth in the "Decades: A Journey of African American Romance" series, which is comprised of books by different authors that explore romance in various time periods. Suzette D. Harrison is a baker and writer who graduated from the University of California with a degree in Black studies. Harrison also writes fiction and romance.

Love's Serenade

- Author: Sheryl Lister - Date published: 2018 - Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

"Love's Serenade" is the story of a woman fleeing an arranged marriage and chasing her dream to be a singer, leaving her family in the South for New York City, and later finding love. This love story takes place during the Harlem Renaissance and is the third book in the "Decades: A Journey of African American Romance" series. Author Sheryl Lister resides in California and is a member of the Cultural, Interracial, and Multicultural Special Interest Chapter of Romance Writers of America.

An Extraordinary Union

- Author: Alyssa Cole - Date published: 2017 - Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

Alyssa Cole is an award-winning writer in the romance, science fiction, and historical fiction genres. "An Extraordinary Union" is about an enslaved woman who gains freedom and falls in love with a white man. The book has received various praises for its descriptive nature and sensitivity despite being written about interracial romance during the Civil War .

Once Ghosted, Twice Shy

- Author: Alyssa Cole - Date published: 2019 - Genre: Contemporary Romance, Fiction, LGBTQ+

Differing from the historical theme in "An Extraordinary Union," in "Once Ghosted, Twice Shy," Alyssa Cole writes of a queer romance in modern-day New York. The couple, who meet on a dating app, end up estranged but later run into each other on the subway. The story explores rekindled love in modern times.

- Author: Michele Arris - Date published: 2020 - Genre: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary

"See Me," the first book in the "Tycoon Temptation" series, is a novel about a professional rivalry turned romance. Michelle Arris is an award-winning author who specializes in seductive, romantic fiction.

Black Girl Unlimited

- Author: Echo Brown - Date published: 2020 - Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy, Contemporary

Echo Brown is a storyteller and author from Cleveland. In her debut novel, "Black Girl Unlimited: The Remarkable Story of a Teenage Wizard," Brown uses magic to paint her autobiographical fiction masterpiece about a Black girl and wizard learning to navigate between two worlds.

Saving Savannah

- Author: Tonya Bolden - Date published: 2020 - Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult Fiction

Young adult novel "Saving Savannah" takes place in 1919 Washington D.C., and follows Savannah Riddle, a 17-year-old Black girl from a high-class family who is uncomfortable with her privilege. When Savannah meets a working-class girl named Nella, she's inspired to engage in the suffragette movement.

- Author: Tochi Onyebuchi - Date published: 2020 - Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary

In the critically acclaimed "Riot Baby," author Tochi Onyebuchi describes the story of two siblings: a wrongfully convicted brother and his sister, who has special powers. Onyebuchi is a Nigerian American civil rights lawyer and science fiction writer. He studied at Yale University, New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, Instituts d'études politiques in France, and Columbia University.

Beasts Made of Night

- Author: Tochi Onyebuchi - Date published: 2017 - Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy

In "Beasts Made of Night," Tochi Onyebuchi uses his Nigerian background to write a thrilling fantasy. The novel, described by Penguin Random House as "'Black Panther' meets Nnedi Okorafor's 'Akata Witch,'" received acclaim from various outlets, including NPR. "Beasts Made of Night" is the first installment of the series by the same name.

The Worst Best Man

- Author: Mia Sosa - Date published: 2020 - Genre: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary

In "The Worst Best Man," a woman is forced to work with her ex-fiance's brother, who encouraged the fiance to leave her at the altar. An unlikely spark forms between the pair. The novel has received praise for its wit and humor.

The Long Fall

- Author: Walter Mosley - Date published: 2008 - Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller, Fiction

"The Long Fall" is the first book in a series that follows protagonist Leonid McGill, a 53-year-old New York City investigator who has made a career out of working for the mob. The series comes from acclaimed and bestselling crime author Walter Mosley, who has more than 50 books in his catalog.

The Only Black Girls in Town

- Author: Brandy Colbert - Date published: 2020 - Genre: Middle-aged Fiction, Contemporary

"The Only Black Girls in Town" is a story about a middle-school friendship between two girls, Alberta and Edie. Adventure unfolds when the girls find an old box of journals that hold surprising secrets about the past.

- Author: Brandy Colbert - Date published: 2014 - Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary, Mystery

Unlike the lighthearted theme in "The Only Black Girls in Town," Brandy Colbert writes a shocking story of friendship in "Pointe." The book is about a ballet dancer and her friend who returns home after being kidnapped for several years.

When You Were Everything

- Author: Ashley Woodfolk - Date published: 2020 - Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary

"When You Were Everything" is Ashley Woodfolk's second book. Instead of common young-adult themes of falling in love, Woodfolk takes readers on a journey through the end of a friendship via two concurrent timelines. The book grapples with themes of uncertainty, new beginnings, growth, and forgiveness.

The City We Became

- Author: N.K. Jemisin - Date published: 2020 - Genre: Young Adult Fiction, Fantasy

In "The City We Became," science fiction author and psychologist N.K. Jemisin brings ancient magic to New York City. The novel centers around the disappearance of New York's avatar and the coming together of five new avatars (each representing one of New York's five boroughs) to set things right.

Black Girls Must Die Exhausted

- Author: Jayne Allen - Date published: 2019 - Genre: New Adult Fiction, Contemporary

Jayne Allen's debut novel "Black Girls Must Die Exhausted" centers around a woman seeking to start a family who gets sidelined by a difficult medical diagnosis. The book sees her being tested in her relationship with her partner, herself, and friends.

The Boyfriend Project

- Author: Farrah Rochon - Date published: 2020 - Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Louisiana native Farrah Rochon is a USA Today bestselling author. In the contemporary romance "The Boyfriend Project," three girls become friends after discovering they're dating the same man through Twitter. It is book one in a three-part series.

The Wedding Date

- Author: Jasmine Guillory - Date published: 2018 - Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

In "The Wedding Date," a man finds the perfect date to bring to his ex's wedding—a stranger he meets in an elevator. This is book one in "The Wedding Date" series. It is also Jasmine Guillory's debut novel and was featured in Cosmopolitan's 33 Books to Get Excited About list in 2018.

- Author: Richard Wright - Date published: 1940 - Genre: Classics, Fiction, Race, Criminal Justice

The acclaimed "Native Son" is the story of a Black man living in poverty who commits a crime. The overwhelming theme of the novel is the despair that Black Americans constantly face. "Native Son" became a bestseller at the time of its publication in 1940. The novel was adapted into a film in 2019.

Don't Call Us Dead: Poems

- Author: Danez Smith - Date published: 2017 - Genre: Poetry, Race, LGBTQ+

Danez Smith is a Black, queer, HIV-positive writer and performer from Minnesota. Their 2017 collection, "Don't Call Us Dead," is a powerful collection of poems regarding race in America. The work was also a finalist for the National Book Award for Poetry.

Dien Cai Dau

- Author: Yusef Komunyakaa - Date published: 1988 - Genre: Poetry, War

The recipient of numerous literary awards, Yusef Komunyakaa is an American poet from Louisiana who has written several acclaimed works. Among them is "Dien Cai Dau," a collection of poems regarding the Vietnam War. Komunyakaa was a journalist during the war, and the poems speak of his experiences.

The Body's Question

- Author: Tracy K. Smith - Date published: 2003 - Genre: Poetry

Tracy K. Smith is a Harvard graduate and American poet raised in California. The critically acclaimed writer won a Pulitzer Prize for her work. In "The Body's Question," she explores identity and race within the African American diaspora.

Boy with Thorn

- Author: Rickey Laurentiis - Date published: 2015 - Genre: Poetry, Race, LGBTQ+, History

Rickey Laurentiis is an acclaimed poet from New Orleans. "Boy with Thorn" represents his debut collection in a series of poems that take an unapologetic look at history, sexuality, violence, and race in the American South. The collection of poems is a winner of various awards.

Other People's Comfort Keeps Me Up At Night

- Author: Morgan Parker - Date published: 2015 - Genre: Poetry, Feminism

In Morgan Parker's debut collection of poetry, "Other People's Comfort Keeps Me Up At Night," the author explores themes of equality in a modern age. Her criticisms of American culture touch on a sense of the American dream's diminishing returns.

There Are More Beautiful Things Than Beyoncé

- Author: Morgan Parker - Date published: 2017 - Genre: Poetry, Feminism, Womanhood

"There Are Things More Beautiful Than Beyoncé" is a highly celebrated collection of poems that take a long, hard look at Black womanhood and claps back at common American clichés. The poetry is rich and fearless with haunting lines like, "At school they learned that Black people happened / The present is not so different / I'm looking into their Black faces / They do not understand that they exist."

I Can't Talk About the Trees Without the Blood

- Author: Tiana Clark - Date published: 2018 - Genre: Poetry, Race

"I Can't Talk About the Trees Without the Blood" explores the history of race in America while poet Tiana Clark exposes her own vulnerabilities, anger, and pain. The title references Clark's inability to interact with the South without seeing its bloody, complicated past. Entries in the collection include heavy hitters like "Nashville," "Soil Horizon," and "The Ayes Have It."

We Hope This Reaches You in Time

- Authors: Samantha King Holmes, R.H. Sin - Date published: 2018 - Genre: Poetry

"We Hope This Reaches You in Time" is a collection of poems and prose by husband-and-wife duo Samantha King Holmes and R.H. Sin. The pair's collection of love poems covers the rawness of heartbreak and the terrifying nature of vulnerability.

She Just Wants to Forget

- Author: R.H. Sin - Date published: 2019 - Genre: Poetry

In "She Just Wants to Forget," R.H. Sin explores themes of discovery. The collection is geared toward strong women who are done wasting their energy and thoughts on the wrong people. "She Just Wants to Forget" is the follow-up to Sin's New York Times bestselling collection, "She Felt Like Feeling Nothing." 

The Underground Railroad

- Author: Colson Whitehead - Date published: 2016 - Genre: Historical Fiction

Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning sixth novel is an odyssey that reveals the horrors faced by Black Americans in the pre-Civil War South while also providing an allegory for the modern-day. In the story, characters Cora and Caesar take the ultimate risk and try to escape slavery. Cora kills a white boy who tries to catch her, adding a new dimension of danger as the pair is hunted while risking it all to head north.

The Color Purple

- Author: Alice Walker - Date published: 1982 - Genre: Classics, Historical Fiction

Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winner "The Color Purple" follows the life of Celie, a 14-year-old African American girl being raised in rural Georgia, over the course of four decades through letters she writes to God. Facing abuse from her father, estrangement from her sister Nettie, pervasive bigotry, and subjugation, this masterpiece is at once a stunning coming-of-age novel and mirror reflecting many elements of America's dark past.

- Author: Frances E.W. Harper - Date published: 1892 - Genre: Historical Fiction, Classics

Frances E.W. Harper, one of the first Black women to be published, was an abolitionist, writer, and suffragette born in 1825 in Baltimore. Her classic novel "Iola Leroy" is about an enslaved woman with a white complexion and blue eyes who becomes a nurse in the Union army. A doctor, assuming she is white, begins to fall in love with her but is tormented when he realizes she is Black. Various scholars consider the story to be one of the first romance novels.

Brown Girl, Brownstones

- Author: Paule Marshall - Date published: 1959 - Genre: Historical Fiction, Classics

Revered novelist and Brooklynite Paule Marshall's 1959 debut novel follows the lives of Barbadian immigrants in Brooklyn during the Great Depression and World War II. The protagonists seek to transcend their poverty and overcome the racism around them as they make a home in a new country. The book was adapted into a drama by CBS Television in 1960.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass

- Author: Frederick Douglass - Date published: 1845 - Genre: Classic, Autobiography, Nonfiction

The famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass' memoir was written while he lived in Massachusetts and chronicles his harrowing escape from slavery in 1838, which he accomplished by posing as a free sailor and boarding a Philadelphia-bound train. The book was published to prove his history—many at the time doubted someone as educated as him could have been enslaved—and as a call to arms to abolish slavery.

Up from Slavery

- Author: Booker T. Washington - Date published: 1901 - Genre: Classic, Autobiography, Nonfiction

Booker T. Washington was an author, educator, and a post-Civil War leader in the Black community. "Up from Slavery" is his autobiography about his upbringing as an enslaved boy and how he later achieved an education.

The Women of Brewster Place

- Author: Gloria Naylor - Date published: 1982 - Genre: Historical Fiction, Classics, Short Stories

Gloria Naylor was an award-winning writer who debuted "The Women of Brewster Place" in 1982. The novel is broken out into seven parts: The first six parts follow individual women living in the Brewster Place housing development, and the seventh is about the community as a whole. The book was adapted into a television show in 1990 by Harpo Productions.

The Souls of Black Folk

- Author: W.E.B. Du Bois - Date published: 1903 - Genre: Nonfiction, Sociology, Essays, Race, Classics

Civil rights activist, writer, historian, and sociologist W.E.B. Du Bois' classic, "The Souls of Black Folk," contains essays regarding race and sociology. In this book, Du Bois also argues against ideas by Booker T. Washington of what progress should look like for Black Americans.

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

- Author: Maya Angelou - Date published: 1969 - Genre: Classic, Autobiography, Memoir

One of the most recognized writers in American literature, Maya Angelou was a civil rights activist and celebrated thinker. "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" is one of her most acclaimed memoirs and stands on most essential reading lists.

Invisible Man

- Author: Ralph Ellison - Date published: 1952 - Genre: Classics, Fiction, Race

Ralph Ellison was a novelist and scholar. "Invisible Man," his award-winning novel, explores racial divides in the United States. In 1953, the book won Ellison the National Book Award, making him the first Black writer to ever win the esteemed award.

- Author: Ann Petry - Date published: 1946 - Genre: Classics, Fiction, Race

Ann Petry was a writer and journalist. Her novel "The Street" is the story of a woman in World War II-era Harlem who is navigating the horrors of racism and functions as a commentary on social injustice.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X

- Authors: Malcolm X, Alex Haley - Date published: 1965 - Genre: Autobiography, Race, Classics

Civil rights-era activist and speaker Malcolm X's "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" chronicles the civil rights leader's upbringing and coming of age. The book resulted from a collaboration between Malcolm X and renowned journalist Alex Haley.

Stamped from the Beginning

- Author: Ibram X. Kendi - Date published: 2016 - Genre: Nonfiction, History, Race

"Stamped from the Beginning" is a history of racism and racist policy in the United States. The book was written by historian, writer, and scholar Ibram X. Kendi. This work of historical nonfiction has received multiple awards and is a New York Times bestseller.

So You Want to Talk About Race

- Author: Ijeoma Oluo - Date published: 2018 - Genre: Nonfiction, Race

Ijeoma Oluo is a Nigerian American writer who has published works across various media platforms. In "So You Want to Talk About Race," she dives headfirst into a modern-day exploration of race issues with a series of hard-hitting essays that are essential reading for anyone looking to contextualize the issues of today.

The New Jim Crow

- Author: Michelle Alexander - Date published: 2010 - Genre: Nonfiction, History, Race, Criminal Justice, Politics

Michelle Alexander is a writer, professor, and activist. "The New Jim Crow" is a New York Times bestseller that describes the harrowing history and policy of slavery, criminal justice, race, and mass incarceration.

The Condemnation of Blackness

- Author: Khalil Gibran Muhammad - Date published: 2010 - Genre: Nonfiction, History, Race, Criminal Justice, Politics

Khalil Gibran Muhammad is a Harvard professor and writer. In "The Condemnation of Blackness: Race, Crime, and Making Modern Urban America," Muhammad outlines the deep-rooted racial ideas within the United States and how they came to be. The book explores urban policy, intersectionality, history, and racism.

The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration

- Author: Isabel Wilkerson - Date published: 2010 - Genre: Nonfiction, History, Race

Isabel Wilkerson is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author. "The Warmth of Other Suns" is a history of the Great Migration, a time period when thousands of Black Americans moved from the Jim Crow South to the North in search of a better life.

Between the World and Me

- Author: Ta-Nehisi Coates - Date published: 2015 - Genre: Nonfiction, History, Race, Memoir

In "Between the World and Me," Ta-Nehisi Coates pens a powerful memoir and history of race in America packaged as a letter to Coates' teenage son about the experience of being Black in the United States. The book is a #1 New York Times bestseller and has received various accolades.

- Author: Marc Lamont Hill - Date published: 2016 - Genre: Nonfiction, History, Race, Criminal Justice, Politics

Marc Lamont Hill is a professor, academic, and writer. In "Nobody: Casualties of America's War on the Vulnerable, from Ferguson to Flint and Beyond," Lamont Hill analyzes Black deaths at the hands of the state. The book is critically acclaimed for its contemporary analysis of the ongoing issue of racialized state violence.

Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?

- Author: Beverly Daniel Tatum - Date published: 2003 - Genre: Nonfiction, Race, Psychology

Beverly Daniel Tatum is a psychologist and educator. "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: A Psychologist Explains the Development of Racial Identity" is an analysis of racism and psychology, and required reading in many Black studies classes in American colleges. A national bestseller, a new edition of this book released in 2017 focuses on many of the same racial topics as they relate to schools today.

Blackballed

- Author: Darryl Pinckney - Date published: 2014 - Genre: Nonfiction, History, Race, Politics

Darryl Pinckney is a novelist and author. In "Blackballed: The Black Vote and U.S. Democracy," he explores the Black vote within American politics using a combination of analysis, history, and memoir.

Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl

- Author: Harriet Jacobs - Date published: 1861 - Genre: Classic, Autobiography, Nonfiction

Harriet Jacobs was a writer who was born into slavery. "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" is her autobiography. It describes her life as a fugitive and her early upbringing, and has been reported to be the most read narrative written by a female about her life during slavery .

Ain't I a Woman

- Author: Bell Hooks - Date published: 1981 - Genre: Nonfiction, Feminism, Intersectionality

Bell Hooks is a feminist, writer, and activist. In "Ain't I a Woman: Black Women and Feminism," Hooks writes about feminist history and theory in relation to a racial experience. It is a classic work that delves into myriad issues that have impacted Black women, from sexism during slavery to feminism.

For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf

- Author: Ntozake Shange - Date published: 1975 - Genre: Musical

Ntozake Shange was a playwright and poet. This award-winning book was her first work; the play was adapted into a film in 2010.

Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body

- Author: Roxane Gay - Date published: 2017 - Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Roxane Gay is an award-winning social commentator, professor, and writer. "Hunger" is Gay's highly praised memoir in which she reflects on her struggles with self-image and weight as a survivor of sexual violence.

Bad Feminist

- Author: Roxane Gay - Date published: 2014 - Genre: Nonfiction, Feminism, Intersectionality

"Bad Feminist" is Roxane Gay's New York Times bestseller exploring modern ideas of feminism through essays and self-reflective commentary. She tackles the politics and culture of being a feminist, including the pressure to fit an impossible-to-conform-to feminist mold.

Sister Outsider

- Author: Audre Lorde - Date published: 1984 - Genre: Nonfiction, Feminism, Intersectionality, LGBTQ+

"Sister Outsider" is considered a classic in intersectional feminist theory and LGBTQ+ studies by Audre Lorde, a queer feminist, activist, and writer. The collection pulls together Lorde's most poignant speeches and essays, which tackle a wide spectrum of themes, including race, activism, cancer, and motherhood.

Dreams from My Father

- Author: Barack Obama - Date published: 1995 - Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

In "Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance," former President Barack Obama pens a touching memoir of his life that begins when he learns of his father's death, which leads him on a journey in search of his value as a Black man. Through his storytelling, Obama takes readers on an exploration of human identity, race politics, and class issues.

Grand Union

- Author: Zadie Smith - Date published: 2019 - Genre: Short Stories, Fiction, Contemporary

"Grand Union" is a collection of short stories that cover an array of themes, including race, aging, and gender, with political tones throughout. The collection, which at times alludes to former presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama and Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, is Zadie Smith's first book of short fiction.

Well-Read Black Girl

- Author: Glory Edim - Date published: 2018 - Genre: Nonfiction, Essays, Women

"Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves" is a collection of stories from well-known Black women, assembled by writer and entrepreneur Glory Edim, the Well-Read Black Girl book club founder. Stories are designed to create a space for Black girls and women to discover characters and experiences that are at once relatable and inspiring—and to expand the horizons of other readers hungry for more diverse perspectives.

Drinking Coffee Elsewhere

- Author: ZZ Packer - Date published: 2003 - Genre: Fiction, Short Stories

ZZ Packer's debut book "Drinking Coffee Elsewhere" is a collection of short stories that explore what it means not to belong. Entries explore the lives of Black people in various small American towns and grapples with American history from the early '60s through the '90s.

Known and Strange Things

- Author: Teju Cole - Date published: 2016 - Genre: Nonfiction, Essays

"Known and Strange Things" is a collection of essays from award-winning art historian and author Teju Cole that bridges African and Western art and delves bravely into history and politics, among a myriad of other topics. The collection features more than 50 pieces that, among other things, take a fresh look at subjects like James Baldwin, Shakespeare, and Barack Obama.

Redefining Realness

- Author: Janet Mock - Date published: 2014 - Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, LGBTQ+, Trans Rights

Janet Mock is a TV host, director, and trans rights activist. "Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More" is her memoir and expresses her journey as a trans woman. The book is a New York Times bestseller.

How We Fight for Our Lives

- Author: Saeed Jones - Date published: 2019 - Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, LGBTQ+

Saeed Jones' memoir about growing up as a Black gay man in the South intricately lays out his coming-of-age story with unapologetic depth and honesty. Adding another stunning layer to the work is Jones' ability to pull back and contextualize his own stories with history and social commentary, illustrating a larger framework of a shared human experience.

The Cooking Gene

- Author: Michael W. Twitty - Date published: 2017 - Genre: Food, History, Cookbook, Memoir

In his award-winning book "The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African American Culinary History in the Old South," culinary historian Michael W. Twitty weaves memoir and culinary history into a rich discussion about race. Diving into the roots of Southern African American cuisine, Twitty brings readers from Africa to the United States via his ancestry and the fascinating, complicated politics of soul food, barbecue, and other distinctly Southern styles.

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl

- Author: Issa Rae - Date published: 2015 - Genre: Nonfiction, Essays, Memoir

"The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl" is a collection of comedic essays based on author Issa Rae's wildly successful web series of the same name. The self-deprecating series of stories covers a wide variety of topics, including natural hair to eating out alone.

Year of Yes

- Author: Shonda Rhimes - Date published: 2015 - Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography

In "Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person," author Shonda Rhimes explores how a year of saying yes transformed her life. Rhimes is an award-winning writer and TV producer who made a name for herself with "Grey's Anatomy," "The Princess Diaries 2," "Scandal," and "How to Get Away with Murder," among many other works.

We're Going to Need More Wine

- Author: Gabrielle Union - Date published: 2017 - Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography

"We're Going to Need More Wine" is a collection of essays detailing author Gabrielle Union's life as an actress in Hollywood. At once touching and hilarious, Union seamlessly weaves her life story into larger discussions about trauma, racial identity, and family.

The Last Black Unicorn

- Author: Tiffany Haddish - Date published: 2017 - Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

In "The Last Black Unicorn," author, actress, and comedian Tiffany Haddish tells the story of her upbringing in foster care and how she got her start in entertainment. The audiobook for Haddish's debut memoir was nominated for best spoken word album at the 2019 Grammy Awards.

- Author: Michelle Obama - Date published: 2018 - Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography, Memoir

Former first lady and activist Michelle Obama's touching memoir, "Becoming," is a #1 New York Times bestseller and a documentary on Netflix. The book covers Obama's upbringing, highlighting the people who influenced and pushed her, motherhood, her time in the White House, and virtually everything in between. 

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Is it safe to look at a total solar eclipse? What to know about glasses, proper viewing

If you have your eyewear to take in monday's eclipse, here are some last-minute things to consider to ensure you're good to go..

The much-anticipated solar eclipse will finally enshroud thousands of miles of North America today in its long, narrow shadow. By now, those who plan to witness it should have their plans in place .

Travel has been completed. Schedules have been coordinated around the anticipated moment of totality. And proper eyewear is, of course, in your possession. Right?

We at USA TODAY have published no shortage of articles guiding you away from scam eclipse glasses and to the safest, most reliable options – some of which were even free. But if you need a last-minute refresher – or a crash course to catch you up on a topic you entirely missed – we're happy to oblige.

If you don't have your eclipse glasses by now, it may be too late. But some vendors, including Warby Parker , and even public libraries, have offered eclipse glasses giveaways , so be sure to check your local area before the historic event rolls into town.

And if you do have your eyewear to take in Monday's eclipse – the last one of these incredible astronomical events in North America for 20 years – here are some last-minute things to consider to ensure you're in good shape.

Solar eclipse 2024 live updates: See latest weather forecast, what time it hits your area

Can you go blind by looking at the solar eclipse?

Staring at the sun is  unlikely to completely blind you , but its powerful rays can still burn and  damage your retinas if you don't take proper safety precautions to view  solar eclipses .

That's why eyewear is recommended if you plan to look up at the sun Monday to witness the solar eclipse, which most of the country will be able to experience in some way.

In the face of the sun's powerful rays, regular sunglasses made of cheap plastic and polycarbonate material just aren't going to cut it. Astronomers and other experts instead emphasize that skygazers intent on viewing the upcoming total solar eclipse do so with  specialized eyewear  crafted to  protect their sensitive retinas  from permanent damage.

Even viewing any part of the bright sun through camera lenses, binoculars and telescopes without a specialized solar filter  could instantly cause severe eye injury , according to the American Astronomical Society.

Often made with a polyester film coated in aluminum, the glasses are highly specialized . Compared to regular sunglasses, proper eclipse glasses are 100,000 times darker to block nearly all visible, infrared and ultraviolet light and protect our sensitive retinas when looking skyward.

As another point of safety, don't look up while driving , please.

How to know when it's safe to view the eclipse without glasses

A  total solar eclipse  offers the unique opportunity for skygazers to  witness the spectacular astral display  with the naked eye – but only when the time is right.

Hundreds of cities in  13 states are along the path of totality  for the eclipse, which will move across North America from southwest to northeast . When the moon moves completely in front of the sun and blocks its light for a brief period of time, you'll know it's safe to fully take in the dazzling display.

That moment is what is called "totality," whereby uncharacteristic darkness falls and all but the sun's outermost layer known as its corona makes a rare appearance to us here on Earth,  according to NASA .

How to make sure your eclipse glasses aren't fake

In the rush to acquire  some coveted eclipse glasses  before April 8 , you may have inadvertently fallen victim to the  fakes and imitators proliferating online retailers .

While plenty of legitimate certified eyewear was widely available – and may still be – less-scrupulous manufacturers try all sorts of methods and tricks to get your attention and make you believe the product you're about to buy is the real deal.

For instance, many vendors began making the grand (and entirely made-up) claim that their products are endorsed by NASA.

As the space agency  reiterated to USA TODAY , NASA highly recommended that skygazers get a pair of certified eclipse glasses before the total solar eclipse  charts a 115-mile-wide path of totality  blanketing much of North America in  uncharacteristic darkness . But it does not approve  any particular brand of solar viewers, despite what many vendors may claim.

The responsibility of guiding American consumers to the safest eclipse glasses is largely left to the American Astronomical Society.

The organization maintains  a curated list of approved vendors  of solar eclipse glasses that it updated to give priority to North American manufacturers ahead of the total solar eclipse. Products you purchase that are listed on that site are guaranteed to be  in compliance with  the highest international safety standards.

Those standards are set by the International Organization for Standardization, which only vouches for solar eclipse glasses that are dark and strong enough to filter out a certain amount of the sun's harmful light.

The astronomical society also provides some  helpful tips  for how to spot counterfeit glasses.

No eclipse glasses? Welding lenses, pinhole projectors among alternative viewers

While certified solar eclipse glasses are the preferred method for viewing the eclipse, alternative methods do exist that don't necessarily sacrifice one's safety.

Many people, particularly blue-collar workers, may be tempted to turn to those welding lenses they have sitting in their workshop.

But beware: The most common welding goggles and helmets aren't typically strong enough to adequately withstand the sun's powerful rays and protect your vulnerable eyes.

Any welding lenses weaker than a Shade 12 filter – a number that indicates the level of protection offered – just aren't going to cut it when it comes to gazing upward in anticipation of the moon blocking all but the sun's outermost layer.

It's also not too late to buy some welding lenses, which Tractor Supply is promoting for sale at its 282 stores along the path of totality as a viable option for viewing the eclipse.

Another simple method is to create your own pinhole projector to project the sun onto a nearby surface. The American Astronomical Society offers helpful  instructions  to set them up.

And one final note: As you make your eclipse-viewing plans,  these interactive maps  should help you chart the time and duration for when totality would occur in cities along the path.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

Watch CBS News

What time the 2024 solar eclipse started, reached peak totality and ended

By Sarah Maddox

Updated on: April 9, 2024 / 5:04 AM EDT / CBS News

The 2024 solar eclipse will be visible across North America today. As the moon's position between the Earth and sun casts a shadow on North America, that shadow, or umbra, will travel along the surface from west to east at more than 1,500 miles per hour along the path of totality . 

That means the eclipse will start, peak and end at different times — as will the moments of total darkness along the path of totality — and the best time to view the eclipse depends on where you are located. Some places along the path will have more totality time than others.

In Texas, the south-central region had clouds in the forecast , but it was better to the northeast, according to the National Weather Service. The best eclipse viewing weather was expected in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine, as well as in Canada's New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

What time does the 2024 total solar eclipse start?

The total solar eclipse will emerge over the South Pacific Ocean before the shadow falls across North America, beginning in parts of Mexico. The path of totality , where onlookers can witness the moon fully blocking the sun (through eclipse viewing glasses for safety ), is expected to first make landfall near the city of Mazatlán around 9:51 a.m. MT. 

The total solar eclipse will cross over the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas, where it will emerge over Eagle Pass at 12:10 p.m. CT and then peak at about 1:27 p.m. CT.

In Dallas, NASA data shows the partial eclipse will first become visible at 12:23 p.m. CT and peak at 1:40 p.m. CT. The next states in the path of totality are Oklahoma and Arkansas, where the eclipse begins in Little Rock at 12:33 p.m. CT. 

Cleveland will see the beginning of the eclipse at 1:59 p.m. ET. Darkness will start spreading over the sky in Buffalo, New York, at 2:04 p.m. ET. Then, the eclipse will reach northwestern Vermont, including Burlington, at 2:14 p.m. ET. Parts of New Hampshire and Maine will also follow in the path of totality before the eclipse first reaches the Canadian mainland  at 3:13 p.m. ET.

Although the experience won't be exactly the same, viewers in all the contiguous U.S. states outside the path of totality will still be able to see a partial eclipse. Some places will see most of the sun blocked by the moon, including Washington, D.C., where the partial eclipse will start at 2:04 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:20 p.m. ET.

In Chicago, viewers can start viewing the partial eclipse at 12:51 p.m. CT, with the peak arriving at 2:07 p.m. CT.  In Detroit, viewers will be able to enjoy a near-total eclipse beginning at 1:58 p.m. ET and peaking at 3:14 p.m. ET.

New York City will also see a substantial partial eclipse, beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET and peaking around 3:25 p.m. ET.

In Boston it will begin at 2:16 p.m. ET and peak at about 3:29 p.m. ET.

The below table by NASA shows when the eclipse will start, peak and end in 13 cities along the eclipse's path.

What time will the solar eclipse reach peak totality?

Millions more people will have the chance to witness the total solar eclipse this year than during the last total solar eclipse , which was visible from the U.S. in 2017. 

The eclipse's peak will mean something different for cities within the path of totality and for those outside. Within the path of totality, darkness will fall for a few minutes. The longest will last more than 4 minutes, but most places will see between 3.5 and 4 minutes of totality. In cities experiencing a partial eclipse, a percentage of the sun will be obscured for more than two hours.

Mazatlán is set to experience totality at 11:07 am PT. Dallas will be able to see the moon fully cover the sun at 1:40 p.m. CT. Little Rock will start to see the full eclipse at 1:51 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 3:13 p.m. ET and Buffalo at 3:18 p.m. ET. Totality will reach Burlington at 3:26 p.m. ET before moving into the remaining states and reaching Canada around 4:25 p.m.

Outside the path of totality, 87.4% of the sun will be eclipsed in Washington, D.C. at 3:20 p.m. ET, and Chicago will have maximum coverage of 93.9% at 2:07 p.m. CT. New York City is much closer to the path of totality this year than it was in 2017; it will see 89.6% coverage at 3:25 p.m. EDT. 

Detroit is another city that will encounter a near-total eclipse, with 99.2% maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. ET. Boston will see 92.4% coverage at 3:29 p.m. ET.

What time will the solar eclipse end?

The eclipse will leave continental North America from Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT, according to NASA.

At the beginning of the path of totality in Mazatlán, the eclipse will be over by 12:32 p.m. PT, and it will leave Dallas at 3:02 p.m. CT. The eclipse will end in Little Rock at 3:11 p.m. CT, Cleveland at 4:29 p.m. CDT and Buffalo at 4:32 p.m. ET. Burlington won't be far behind, with the eclipse concluding at 4:37 p.m. ET.

Meanwhile, the viewing will end in Chicago at 3:21 p.m. CT, Washington, D.C. at 4:32 p.m. ET, and New York City at 4:36 p.m. ET. 

In Detroit, the partial eclipse will disappear at 4:27 p.m. ET, and in Boston, it will be over at 4:39 p.m. ET.

How long will the eclipse last in total?

The total solar eclipse will begin in Mexico at 11:07 a.m. PT and leave continental North America at 5:16 p.m. NT. From the time the partial eclipse first appears on Earth to its final glimpses before disappearing thousands of miles away, the celestial show will dazzle viewers for about 5 hours, according to timeanddate.com . 

The length of the total solar eclipse at points along the path depends on the viewing location. The longest will be 4 minutes and 28 seconds, northwest of Torreón, Mexico. Near the center of the path, totality takes place for the longest periods of time, according to NASA.

Spectators will observe totality for much longer today than during the 2017 eclipse , when the longest stretch of totality was 2 minutes and 32 seconds.

The moon's shadow seen on Earth today, called the umbra, travels at more than 1,500 miles per hour, according to NASA. It would move even more quickly if the Earth rotated in the opposite direction.

What is the longest a solar eclipse has ever lasted?

The longest known totality was 7 minutes and 28 seconds in 743 B.C. However, NASA says this record will be broken in 2186 with a 7 minute, 29 second total solar eclipse. The next total solar eclipse visible from parts of the U.S. won't happen until Aug. 23, 2044.

Sarah Maddox has been with CBS News since 2019. She works as an associate producer for CBS News Live.

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