Books about Biography

  1. The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary

    by Simon Winchester
    True story of a murderer's contribution to the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary.

    The book tells the story of the making of the, Oxford English Dictionary, (OED) and one of its most prolific early contributors, William Chester Minor , a retired United States Army surgeon . Minor ... (Wikipedia)

  2. Schulz and Peanuts: A Biography

    by David Michaelis
    A comprehensive biography of Charles Schulz, the creator of the beloved comic strip Peanuts, exploring his life and creative process.

    Charles M. Schulz, the most widely syndicated and beloved cartoonist of all time, is also one of the least understood figures in American culture. Now, acclaimed biographer David Michaelis gives us ... (Barnes & Noble)

  3. The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

    by Daniel James Brown
    An inspiring story of a rowing crew battling against the odds to win gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

    This novel is about the University of Washington eight-oared crew that represented the United States in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, and narrowly beat out Italy and Germany to win the gold medal. The ... (Wikipedia)

  4. Flaubert's Parrot

    by Julian Barnes
    A quest to uncover the life of the author, exploring his works and the truth behind them.

    The novel follows Geoffrey Braithwaite, a widowed, retired English doctor, visiting France. While visiting sites related to Flaubert, Geoffrey discovers two museums claiming to display the stuffed ... (Wikipedia)

  5. The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt

    by Edmund Morris
    A biography of Theodore Roosevelt, chronicling his early life, political career, and rise to the presidency.

    Selected by the Modern Library as one of the 100 best nonfiction books of all time Described by the Chicago Tribune as "a classic," The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt stands as one of the greatest ... (Goodreads)

  6. Theodore Roosevelt Trilogy

    by Edmund Morris
    A three-part biography of Theodore Roosevelt, exploring his life as a politician, soldier, and adventurer.

    Arthur Edmund Morris (May 27, 1940 – May 24, 2019) was a British-American writer best known for his biographies of United States Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan . ... (Wikipedia)

  7. The Life of Elizabeth I

    by Alison Weir
    Biography of the influential 16th-century English queen, detailing her rise to power and rule.

    NEW YORK TIMES, BESTSELLER Perhaps the most influential sovereign England has ever known, Queen Elizabeth I remained an extremely private person throughout her reign, keeping her own counsel and ... (Goodreads)

  8. Mao's Last Dancer

    by Li Cunxin
    A poor farmer's son's journey of hardship and triumph, rising from poverty to become an acclaimed ballet dancer.

    THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER The extraordinary memoir of a peasant boy raised in rural Maoist China who was plucked from his village to study ballet and went on to become one of the greatest dancers ... (Goodreads)

  9. The Passage of Power

    by Robert A. Caro
    An in-depth account of Lyndon B. Johnson's rise to power and his evolution as a leader.

    The Passage of Power follows Lyndon Johnson through both the most frustrating and the most triumphant periods of his career—1958 to1964. It is a time that would see him trade the extraordinary power ... (Goodreads)

  10. The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo

    by Tom Reiss
    Epic biography of the original Count of Monte Cristo, a forgotten black hero of the French Revolution.

    Here is the remarkable true story of the real Count of Monte Cristo – a stunning feat of historical sleuthing that brings to life the forgotten hero who inspired such classics as The Count of Monte ... (Goodreads)

  11. Brave Companions: Portraits in History

    by David McCullough
    A collection of essays on historical figures who have made significant contributions to American history.

    Alternate cover edition of ISBN, 9780671792763, From Alexander von Humboldt to Charles and Anne Lindbergh, these are stories of people of great vision and daring whose achievements continue to ... (Goodreads)

  12. Alexander Hamilton

    by Ron Chernow
    Comprehensive biography of the Founding Father, delving into his contributions to the American Revolution.

    An alternate cover edition can be found, here., Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow presents a landmark biography of Alexander Hamilton, the Founding Father who galvanized, inspired, ... (Goodreads)

  13. Einstein: His Life and Universe

    by Walter Isaacson
    A comprehensive biography of Albert Einstein, exploring his personal life, scientific achievements, and impact on the world.

    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 ... (Goodreads)

  14. American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson

    by Joseph J. Ellis
    Comprehensive biography of the third president, exploring his character and legacy.

    Following his subject from the drafting of the Declaration of Independence to his retirement in Monticello, Joseph Ellis unravels the contradictions of the Jeffersonian character. A marvel of ... (Goodreads)

  15. Al Franken, Giant of the Senate

    by Al Franken
    A comedic memoir about Franken's unlikely journey from Saturday Night Live to the US Senate.

    From Senator Al Franken - #1 bestselling author and beloved, SNL, alum - comes the story of an award-winning comedian who decided to run for office and then discovered why award-winning comedians ... (Goodreads)

  16. Marie Antoinette: The Journey

    by Antonia Fraser
    A biography of Marie Antoinette, from her childhood in Austria to her reign as Queen of France and eventual execution during the French Revolution.

    Marie Antoinette's dramatic life-story continues to arouse mixed emotions. To many people, she is still 'la reine méchante', whose extravagance and frivolity helped to bring down the French monarchy; ... (Goodreads)

  17. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln

    by Doris Kearns Goodwin
    A comprehensive study of the presidency of Abraham Lincoln, and the unique cabinet he assembled.

    Winner of the Lincoln Prize 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 ... (Goodreads)

  18. Decision Points

    by George W. Bush
    Autobiography of former US President, chronicling the pivotal decisions of his life.

    In this candid and gripping account, President George W. Bush describes the critical decisions that shaped his presidency and personal life. George W. Bush served as president of the United States ... (Goodreads)

  19. The Romanov Sisters: The Lost Lives of the Daughters of Nicholas and Alexandra

    by Helen Rappaport
    Chronicles the lives of Tsar Nicholas II's daughters, and their struggle to survive the Russian Revolution.

    A 12-WEEK NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER "Helen Rappaport paints a compelling portrait of the doomed grand duchesses." —,People, magazine "The public spoke of the sisters in a gentile, superficial manner, ... (Barnes & Noble)

  20. Alan Turing: The Enigma

    by Andrew Hodges
    Biographical exploration of the life and work of the British mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing.

    Alan Turing (1912-54) was a British mathematician who made history. His breaking of the German U-boat Enigma cipher in World War II ensured Allied-American control of the Atlantic. But Turing's ... (Goodreads)

  21. Washington: A Life

    by Ron Chernow
    Intimate biography of George Washington, the nation's first president.

    A gripping portrait of the first president of the United States from the author of, Alexander Hamilton, the New York Times bestselling biography that inspired the musical., Celebrated biographer Ron ... (Barnes & Noble)

  22. First Family: Abigail and John Adams

    by Joseph J. Ellis
    A biography of Abigail and John Adams, the first family of the United States, and their contributions to American history.

    The Pulitzer Prize-winning, best-selling author of "Founding Brothers" and "His Excellency "brings America's preeminent first couple to life in a moving and illuminating narrative that sweeps through ... (Goodreads)

  23. The Civil War: A Narrative

    by Shelby Foote
    A comprehensive and vivid account of the American Civil War, from its origins to its aftermath.

    Foote's comprehensive history of the Civil War includes three compelling volumes: Fort Sumter to Perryville, Fredericksburg to Meridian, and Red River to Appomattox. Collected together in a handsome ... (Goodreads)

  24. Truman

    by David McCullough
    A biographical account of Harry S. Truman's rise to the Presidency and his impact on American history.

    The book provides a biography of Harry Truman in chronological fashion from his birth to his rise to U.S. Senator , Vice President , and President . It follows his activities until death, exploring ... (Wikipedia)

  25. Grant

    by Ron Chernow
    Biography of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, exploring his life and legacy.

    Ulysses S. Grant's life has typically been misunderstood. All too often he is caricatured as a chronic loser and inept businessman, fond of drinking to excess; or as the triumphant but brutal Union ... (Goodreads)

  26. Zelda

    by Nancy Milford
    Biography of Zelda Fitzgerald, exploring the tumultuous life and times of the iconic figure.

    Zelda Sayre began as a Southern beauty, became an international wonder, and died by fire in a madhouse. With her husband, F. Scott Fitzgerald, she moved in a golden aura of excitement, romance, and ... (Goodreads)

  27. Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth

    by Reza Aslan
    An examination of Jesus' life, death and legacy within the context of 1st century Judea.

    From the internationally bestselling author of No god but God comes a fascinating, provocative, and meticulously researched biography that challenges long-held assumptions about the man we know as ... (Goodreads)

  28. The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin

    by H.W. Brands
    Biography of the Founding Father, exploring his life and impact on the nation.

    Pulitzer Prize Finalist,Benjamin Franklin, perhaps, the, pivotal figure in colonial and revolutionary America, comes vividly to life in this masterly biography. Wit, diplomat, scientist, philosopher, ... (Barnes & Noble)

  29. No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II

    by Doris Kearns Goodwin
    Examines the lives of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt during WWII and their impact on the nation.

    Winner of the Pulitzer for History, No Ordinary Time is a chronicle of one of the most vibrant & revolutionary periods in US history. With an extraordinary collection of details, Goodwin weaves ... (Goodreads)

  30. American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House

    by Jon Meacham
    A political biography of President Andrew Jackson, highlighting his legacy and impact on America.

    The definitive biography of a larger-than-life president who defied norms, divided a nation, and changed Washington forever Andrew Jackson, his intimate circle of friends, and his tumultuous times ... (Goodreads)

  31. Traitor to His Class: The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt

    by H.W. Brands
    A biography of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, exploring his privileged upbringing and his radical presidency that transformed America.

    A sweeping, magisterial biography of the man generally considered the greatest president of the twentieth century, admired by Democrats and Republicans alike. Traitor to His Class sheds new light on ... (Goodreads)

  32. John Adams

    by David McCullough
    Biography of the second President of the United States and his contributions to the founding of the nation.

    The enthralling, often surprising story of John Adams, one of the most important and fascinating Americans who ever lived. In this powerful, epic biography, David McCullough unfolds the adventurous ... (Goodreads)

  33. The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts

    by Tom Farley Jr.
    A touching tribute to the life and career of the beloved comedian, Chris Farley, told through the eyes of his family and friends.

    The New York Times, bestselling biography of an American comedy legend,After three years of sobriety, Chris Farley's life was at its creative peak until a string of professional disappointments ... (Barnes & Noble)

  34. The Brontes

    by Juliet Barker
    A comprehensive biography of the Brontë family, exploring their lives, works, and legacy.

    The tragic story of the Bronte family is well known, replete with a half-mad father, a wastrel of a brother, and three uniquely gifted - and oppressed - sisters. But beyond these familiar details, ... (Goodreads)

  35. Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter

    by Kate Clifford Larson
    An exploration of the life of Rosemary Kennedy, uncovering the heartbreaking story of her family's secret.

    One of, People,’s Top Ten Books of 2015, "[Larson] succeeds in providing a well-rounded portrait of a woman who, until now, has never been viewed in full.",—Boston Globe, “A biography that chronicles ... (Barnes & Noble)

  36. A Beautiful Mind

    by Sylvia Nasar
    The true story of mathematical genius John Nash, and his battle with mental illness.

    Stories of famously eccentric Princetonians abound—such as that of chemist Hubert Alyea, the model for The Absent-Minded Professor , or Ralph Nader, said to have had his own key to the library as an ... (Goodreads)

  37. The Last Wife of Henry VIII

    by Carolly Erickson
    The story of Catherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of King Henry VIII, and her struggle for power and survival in the Tudor court.

    Courageous, attractive, romantic, intelligent, Catherine Parr became the sixth wife of Henry VIII. Her story, as Carolly Erickson re-creates it, is page-turning drama: from the splendors of the Field ... (Goodreads)

  38. Mao: The Unknown Story

    by Jung Chang
    Detailed history of Mao Zedong and his devastating impact on China.

    The most authoritative life of the Chinese leader ever written, Mao: The Unknown Story is based on a decade of research, and on interviews with many of Mao's close circle in China who have never ... (Goodreads)

  39. Marie Antoinette: The Portrait of an Average Woman

    by Stefan Zweig
    A biography of Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France, exploring her life and the events leading up to her execution during the French Revolution.

    Life at the court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette has long captivated readers, drawn by accounts of the intrigues and pageantry that came to such a sudden and unexpected end. Stefan Zweig's Marie ... (Goodreads)

  40. Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention

    by Manning Marable
    A biography exploring the life of Malcolm X, civil rights activist and leader.

    Selected by, The New York Times Book Review, as a Notable Book of the Year Years in the making-the definitive biography of the legendary black activist. Of the great figure in twentieth-century ... (Goodreads)

  41. The Civil War, Vol. 1: Fort Sumter to Perryville

    by Shelby Foote
    Comprehensive chronicle of the American Civil War, from its beginnings to the battle of Perryville.

    The Civil War: A Narrative, Vol. 1 begins one of the most remarkable works of history ever fashioned. All the great battles are here, of course, from Bull Run through Shiloh, the Seven Days Battles, ... (Goodreads)

  42. Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith and Love

    by Dava Sobel
    A captivating exploration of Galileo's life and times, told through his daughter's letters.

    Dramatically recolors the personality and accomplishment of a mythic figure whose seventeenth-century clash with Catholic doctrine continues to define the schism between science and religion. ... (Goodreads)

  43. 7 Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness

    by Eric Metaxas
    Biographical sketches of seven men who made a significant impact on the world, exploring the qualities that made them great.

    In, Seven Men,, New York Times, best-selling author Eric Metaxas presents seven exquisitely crafted short portraits of widely known—but not well understood—Christian men, each of whom uniquely ... (Goodreads)

  44. Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life, and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt

    by David McCullough
    Biography of Theodore Roosevelt, tracing his humble beginnings to his rise to power.

    Mornings on Horseback: The Story of an Extraordinary Family, a Vanished Way of Life, and the Unique Child Who Became Theodore Roosevelt is the brilliant biography of the young Theodore Roosevelt. ... (Goodreads)

  45. Peter the Great: His Life and World

    by Robert K. Massie
    Biography of the Russian Tsar, tracing his transformation of the country and the world.

    Against the monumental canvas of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Europe and Russia, unfolds the magnificent story of Peter the Great, crowned at the age of 10. A barbarous, volatile feudal tsar ... (Goodreads)

  46. I Am Ozzy

    by Ozzy Osbourne
    A journey through the life of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne, from his humble beginnings to his incredible success.

    I Am Ozzy ... (Goodreads)

  47. Che Guevara: A Revolutionary Life

    by Jon Lee Anderson
    Biographical account of Che Guevara's life, from his childhood to death.

    "Acclaimed around the world and a national best-seller, this is the definitive work on Che Guevara, the dashing rebel whose epic dream was to end poverty and injustice in Latin America and the ... (Goodreads)

  48. The Twelve Caesars

    by Suetonius
    Detailed biographies of the twelve Roman Emperors, from Julius Caesar to Domitian.

    As private secretary to the Emperor Hadrian, Suetonius gained access to the imperial archives and used them (along with eye-witness accounts) to produce one of the most colorful biographical works in ... (Goodreads)

  49. Me: Stories of My Life

    by Katharine Hepburn
    A memoir recounting the successes, struggles and influences of the iconic actress.

    A, NEW YORK TIMES, Notable Book of the Year ,“In her book about her life, Miss Hepburn insists that that woman in the movies was not her at all. ‘I’m not going to hide behind you anymore,’ she says. ... (Barnes & Noble)

  50. Hero of the Empire: The Boer War, a Daring Escape, and the Making of Winston Churchill

    by Candice Millard
    A biography of Winston Churchill's heroic acts in the Boer War, and his rise to greatness.

    From, New York Times, bestselling author of, Destiny of the Republic, and, The River of Doubt, a thrilling narrative of Winston Churchill's extraordinary and little-known exploits during the Boer War ... (Goodreads)

  51. Every Love Story Is a Ghost Story: A Life of David Foster Wallace

    by D.T. Max
    A biography of David Foster Wallace, exploring his life, struggles with addiction and depression, and his literary legacy.

    The first biography of the most influential writer of his generation, David Foster Wallace David Foster Wallace was the leading literary light of his era, a man who not only captivated readers with ... (Goodreads)

  52. Augustus: The Life of Rome's First Emperor

    by Anthony Everitt
    A biography of Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, who transformed the republic into an empire and left a lasting legacy.

    He found Rome made of clay and left it made of marble. As Rome’s first emperor, Augustus transformed the unruly Republic into the greatest empire the world had ever seen. His consolidation and ... (Goodreads)

  53. Victoria The Queen: An Intimate Biography of the Woman Who Ruled an Empire

    by Julia Baird
    Comprehensive account of Queen Victoria's life, from her early childhood to her death.

    The true story for fans of the PBS Masterpiece series Victoria, this page-turning biography reveals the real woman behind the myth: a bold, glamorous, unbreakable queen–a Victoria for our times. ... (Goodreads)

  54. Killing Jesus: A History

    by Bill O'Reilly
    A detailed account of the life and death of Jesus Christ and the events that led up to it.

    Millions of readers have thrilled to bestselling authors Bill O'Reilly and historian Martin Dugard's Killing Kennedy and Killing Lincoln , page-turning works of nonfiction that have changed the way ... (Goodreads)

  55. The Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family

    by Mary S. Lovell
    A sweeping tale of a powerful family, spanning generations and continents.

    This is the story of a British upper class family splintered by the violent ideologies of Europe between the two World Wars. Jessica was a Communist; Debo became the Duchess of Devonshire; Nancy was ... (Goodreads)

  56. Lincoln

    by Gore Vidal
    A fictionalized account of Abraham Lincoln's life, from his early years to his presidency and assassination.

    Gore Vidal's Narratives of Empire series spans the history of the United States from the Revolution to the post-World War II years. With their broad canvas and large cast of fictional and historical ... (Goodreads)

  57. Killing Patton: The Strange Death of World War II's Most Audacious General

    by Bill O'Reilly
    Investigation into the mysterious death of General George S. Patton, and the implications of its cover-up.

    Readers around the world have thrilled to, Killing Lincoln,, Killing Kennedy, and, Killing Jesus,—riveting works of nonfiction that journey into the heart of the most famous murders in history. Now ... (Goodreads)

  58. Van Gogh: The Life

    by Steven Naifeh
    A comprehensive biography of the renowned painter, exploring his life and legacy.

    Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith, who galvanized readers with their Pulitzer Prize–winning biography of Jackson Pollock, have written another tour de force—an exquisitely detailed, compellingly ... (Goodreads)

  59. Heavier Than Heaven: A Biography of Kurt Cobain

    by Charles R. Cross
    An in-depth look at the life of the Nirvana frontman, exploring his legendary career and tumultuous life.

    The art of Nirvana's Kurt Cobain was all about his private life, but written in a code as obscure as T.S. Eliot's. Now Charles Cross has cracked the code in the definitive biography Heavier Than ... (Goodreads)

  60. Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo

    by Hayden Herrera
    The story of a passionate, revolutionary and pioneering Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo.

    Hailed by readers and critics across the country, this engrossing biography of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo reveals a woman of extreme magnetism and originality, an artist whose sensual vibrancy came ... (Goodreads)

  61. Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder

    by Caroline Fraser
    Biography of pioneering author and her family's hardships, successes, and spirit.

    WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD,WINNER OF THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE HEARTLAND PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION,ONE OF THE, NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW,'S 10 BEST BOOKS OF ... (Barnes & Noble)

  62. The Presidents Club: Inside the World's Most Exclusive Fraternity

    by Nancy Gibbs
    An inside look at the relationships between US presidents, from Truman to Obama, and how they have shaped American history.

    The Presidents Club, established at Dwight Eisenhower’s inauguration by Harry Truman and Herbert Hoover, is a complicated place: its members are bound forever by the experience of the Oval Office and ... (Barnes & Noble)

  63. Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelot

    by Bill O'Reilly
    A detailed account of the events leading up to the assassination of President Kennedy.

    Tthe anchor of The O'Reilly Factor recounts in gripping detail the brutal murder of John Fitzgerald Kennedy—and how a sequence of gunshots on a Dallas afternoon not only killed a beloved president ... (Goodreads)

  64. The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill: Visions of Glory, 1874-1932

    by William Manchester
    Biography of Winston Churchill, detailing his rise to power and personal struggles.

    s/t: Winston Spencer Churchill: Visions of Glory 1874-1932 When Winston Spencer Churchill was born in Blenheim Palace, Imperial Britain stood at the splendid pinnacle of her power. Yet within a few ... (Goodreads)

  65. The Agony and the Ecstasy

    by Irving Stone
    An epic tale of Michelangelo's life and art, the struggles and triumphs of his creative genius.

    Celebrating the 500th anniversary of Michelangelo’s David, New American Library releases a special edition of Irving Stone’s classic biographical novel—in which both the artist and the man are ... (Goodreads)

  66. Master of the Senate

    by Robert A. Caro
    Detailed account of Lyndon Johnson's tenure as the leader of the US Senate, and his rise to power.

    The most riveting political biography of our time, Robert A. Caro’s life of Lyndon B. Johnson, continues. Master of the Senate takes Johnson’s story through one of its most remarkable periods: his ... (Goodreads)

  67. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

    by Walter Isaacson
    Biography of the influential founding father, exploring his life and legacy.

    Benjamin Franklin is the Founding Father who winks at us. An ambitious urban entrepreneur who rose up the social ladder, from leather-aproned shopkeeper to dining with kings, he seems made of flesh ... (Goodreads)

  68. Innocent Traitor

    by Alison Weir
    A historical novel about Lady Jane Grey, her tumultuous reign as Queen of England, and her tragic fate.

    The story starts with her birth in 1537. The daughter of Lady Frances Brandon and Henry Grey, 1st Duke of Suffolk , Jane is seen as a burden by her parents, both of whom resent her for being a girl ... (Wikipedia)

  69. Jane Austen: A Life

    by Claire Tomalin
    A biography of Jane Austen, exploring her life, family, and the social context in which she wrote her beloved novels.

    At her death in 1817, Jane Austen left the world six of the most beloved novels written in English—but her shortsighted family destroyed the bulk of her letters; and if she kept any diaries, they did ... (Goodreads)

  70. Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story

    by Arnold Schwarzenegger
    A biographical account of Arnold Schwarzenegger's life, from humble beginnings to becoming a Hollywood icon.

    In his signature larger-than-life style, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Total Recall is a revealing self-portrait of his illustrious, controversial, and truly unique life. The greatest immigrant success ... (Barnes & Noble)

  71. Elizabeth the Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch

    by Sally Bedell Smith
    A comprehensive biography of Queen Elizabeth II, from her childhood to her reign as the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

    NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Perfect for fans of The Crown , this magisterial biography of Queen Elizabeth II is a close-up view of the woman we’ve known only from a distance—and a captivating window ... (Goodreads)

  72. Empty Mansions: The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune

    by Bill Dedman
    Uncovering the secrets of an enigmatic heiress and her mysterious family fortune.

    When Pulitzer Prize – winning journalist Bill Dedman noticed in 2009 a grand home for sale, unoccupied for nearly sixty years, he stumbled through a surprising portal into American history. Empty ... (Goodreads)

  73. The Children of Henry VIII

    by Alison Weir
    An exploration of the lives and fortunes of Henry VIII's six children.

    At his death in 1547, King Henry VIII left four heirs to the English throne: his only son, the nine-year-old Prince Edward; the Lady Mary, the adult daughter of his first wife, Catherine of Aragon; ... (Goodreads)

  74. No One Here Gets Out Alive

    by Danny Sugerman
    Biography of Jim Morrison, exploring the life and legacy of the legendary singer-songwriter.

    Here is Jim Morrison in all his complexity - singer, philosopher, poet, delinquent-the brilliant, charismatic, and obsessed seeker who rejected authority in any form, the explorer who probed "the ... (Goodreads)

  75. Memories Of Anne Frank: Reflections of a Girlhood Friend

    by Alison Leslie Gold
    A memoir of a childhood friendship with Anne Frank, offering a unique perspective on her life and legacy.

    Hannah Goslar lived next door to Anne Frank in Amsterdam. In this touching memoir, as told to Alison Leslie Gold, Hannah recalls the funny, bright girl who suddenly disappeared from her life – until ... (Goodreads)

  76. Theodore Rex

    by Edmund Morris
    A biography of Theodore Roosevelt's presidency, exploring his leadership, policies, and impact on American society.

    Theodore Roosevelt and his two-term presidency (1901-9) deserve a king-size, seize-the-man biography - and Edmund Morris has provided one. "TR" typifies the "can do" American; his famous maxim, of ... (Goodreads)

  77. Mary Queen of Scots

    by Antonia Fraser
    Biography of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, and her tumultuous life as a monarch in 16th century Scotland and England.

    She was the quintessential queen: statuesque, regal, dazzlingly beautiful. Her royal birth gave her claim to the thrones of two nations; her marriage to the young French dauphin promised to place a ... (Goodreads)

  78. Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life

    by Alison Weir
    Biography of a medieval queen and her legacy, exploring her remarkable life and impact.

    In this beautifully written biography, Alison Weir paints a vibrant portrait of a truly exceptional woman and provides new insights into her intimate world. Renowned in her time for being the most ... (Goodreads)

  79. Cleopatra: A Life

    by Stacy Schiff
    Biography of Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt.

    The Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer brings to life the most intriguing woman in the history of the world: Cleopatra, the last queen of Egypt. Her palace shimmered with onyx, garnets, and gold, but ... (Barnes & Noble)

  80. Grant

    by Jean Edward Smith
    A comprehensive biography of Ulysses S. Grant, from his early life to his presidency and beyond.

    Finalist, Pulitzer Prize in Biography Ulysses S. Grant was the first four-star general in the history of the United States Army and the only president between Andrew Jackson and Woodrow Wilson to ... (Barnes & Noble)

  81. Eisenhower: Soldier and President

    by Stephen E. Ambrose
    A comprehensive biography of Dwight D. Eisenhower, from his military career to his presidency.

    Stephen E. Ambrose draws upon extensive sources, an unprecedented degree of scholarship, and numerous interviews with Eisenhower himself to offer the fullest, richest, most objective rendering yet of ... (Goodreads)

  82. Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources

    by Martin Lings
    Comprehensive biography of the Prophet Muhammad, based on the earliest sources.

    Martin Lings’ biography of Muhammad is an internationally acclaimed, comprehensive, and authoritative account of the life of the prophet. Based on the sira, the eighth- and ninth-century Arabic ... (Goodreads)

  83. Will In The World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare

    by Stephen Greenblatt
    A biographical exploration tracing the life of the ultimate literary genius, William Shakespeare.

    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 ... (Goodreads)

  84. American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur 1880-1964

    by William Manchester
    A biography of the military leader, tracing his long and complicated career in the U.S. Army.

    MacArthur, the public figure, the private man, the soldier-hero whose mystery and appeal created a uniquely American legend, portrayed in a biography that will challenge the cherished myths of ... (Goodreads)

  85. Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow

    by Susan Campbell Bartoletti
    A non-fiction account of the Hitler Youth, exploring how the Nazi regime indoctrinated and manipulated young Germans into becoming loyal followers.

    Robert F. Sibert Award-winner Susan Campbell Bartoletti explores the riveting and often chilling story of Germany's powerful Hitler Youth groups. In her first full-length nonfiction title since ... (Goodreads)

  86. FDR

    by Jean Edward Smith
    Biography of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his legendary leadership during the Great Depression and WWII.

    One of today’s premier biographers has written a modern, comprehensive, indeed ultimate book on the epic life of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In this superlative volume, Jean Edward Smith combines ... (Goodreads)

  87. Love and Louis XIV: The Women in the Life of the Sun King

    by Antonia Fraser
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