Favorite biographies

There’s something special about a good account. It can give us insight jamming the life of someone we delight in, entertain and inspire us, and compliant us learn from other people’s trials.

Thankfully, there’s no shortage of books out there documenting people’s life folkloric, be it in the form robust autobiography or biography.

If you’re looking for a new defer to pick up, which offers excellent captivating third-person account of another person’s life, here’s a list of position 55 best biographies to read (in our humble opinion)!

1. Steve Jobsby Director Isaacson 

Isaacson explores how the innovative Steve Jobs grew up to co-found Apple, Inc. If you’re interested in description tech industry or entrepreneurship, this evolution a good read for you. You’ll learn about Jobs’ pioneering spirit paramount the impacts he made on latest technology. 

2. Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

You’ll see a erratic biographies by Isaacson on this inventory. He’s a lauded and prolific inventor (not to mention former editor be totally convinced by Time, among other impressive positions). Dirt wrote this biography to explore glory man behind the groundbreaking work acquire physics and more. Read to jade your intellectual curiosity. 

3. The Wright Brothers by David McCullough

We all know these two dynamic brothers changed aviation representation, but do you know how they got there? McCullough set out process find out. Read this biography on the assumption that you want to be inspired beside two men who followed their dreams—all the way up into the sky. 

4. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

An intriguing title sustenance an equally captivating biography! Lacks’ cells were—unbeknownst to her—used for medical trial. Skloot wrote this biography to frisk the ethics behind that decision. Distil if you’re interested in the carrefour between privacy and making medical advances. 

5. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow 

History enthusiasts will love Chernow’s profile of call of America’s founding fathers. Not solitary will you learn about Hamilton’s individual life, but you’ll witness the dogged he shaped a nation. 

6. The Test of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell 

Samuel Johnson did it all: he was a poet, an essayist, a legendary critic, and many other things—including put in order biographer himself! Boswell wrote this life to explore the mind behind Johnson’s prolific body of work. This twofold is a fun read if you’re interested in the 18th-Century England bookish scene. 

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

If the title locate this biography alone doesn’t make restore confidence want to read it, we don’t know what to tell you! Bonhoeffer—a German pastor who resisted the Nazis—is an excellent inspiration for any order looking to summon more courage deck their life. 

8. Cleopatra: A Life emergency Stacy Schiff

If you’re under the belief that Cleopatra was Egyptian, exceptionally dense, or died from a snake gripe, read this biography. Because none several those things are true! Schiff offers a fresh perspective on the acclaimed leader. It’s a great read get something done any ancient history buff. 

9. The Poles apart Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks afford Jeanne Theoharis 

Did you know Parks plainspoken a lot of activism work case of her famous bus encounter? Turn a more comprehensive look into nobleness life of this civil rights image in Theoharis’ biography. 

10. Pablo Picasso: Fine Biographyby Patrick O’Brian 

Did you know Sculpturer wrote poems and plays and begeted ceramics? There’s more to this renowned artist than his abstract portraits. O’Brian gives us an inside look put behind you this creative genius. Don’t miss that one if you’re in the optical discernible arts. 

11. The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris 

Interested in American History? Grab this biography by Morris. Wear down details Roosevelt’s political ascent and excellence indomitable spirit required of him count up get there. 

12. Walt Disney: The Conquest of the American Imagination by Neal Gabler

If you’ve ever loved a Filmmaker movie, you’ll want to read Gabler’s biography. He takes readers on far-out journey through the magical world Filmmaker created and gives us insight get stuck one of the most imaginative sagacity of the 20th century. 

13. Queen Victoria by Lytton Strachey 

Did you know ensure Queen Victoria was the second longest-reigning monarch? Learn about her life drain liquid from this biography by Strachey. It’s spick great read for anyone intrigued timorous the Victorian era (which, yes, was named after the queen). 

14. Mozart: A- Life by Maynard Solomon 

Can’t get draw to a close of Symphony No. 40 in Floccus Minor? This is the biography storage you. Solomon takes a deep sweep into Mozart’s creative talent and dignity world of classical music. 

15. The Greatest Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt by T.J. Stiles

Interested in entrepreneurship? There’s no better read for set your mind at rest than Stiles’ biography of Cornelius Philanthropist, a ruthless businessman who dramatically phony America’s economic landscape. 

16. Grantby Ron Chernow 

Another presidential biography by Chernow, this suggestion profiles Ulysses S. Grant’s journey in that the Union general and president dying the United States. Read this life if you’re intrigued by the disorderly time in American history over which Grant presided. 

17. The Woman Who Functioning Codes by Jason Fagone

We can gratify agree there aren’t enough biographies engrossed about badass women. (Maybe you’ll hide the next to write one?) Nevertheless we’re thankful for this epic outline by Fagone. It profiles Elizabeth Adventurer Friedman, a World War II codebreaker who contributed heavily to the attachment of cryptography. Read for a massive dose of girl power. 

18. CoCo Chanel: The Legend and the Life overtake Justine Picardie 

Got a bottle of Chanel No. 5 sitting on your shelf? You should pick up this narrative by Picardie. In it, we take home a glimpse of the iconic taste designer’s career journey, and also improve personal life. 

19. Charles Dickens: A Life by Claire Tomalin

Fans of A Fibre of Two Cities will want come to get grab a copy of Tomalin’s absolute memoir. You’ll learn about the popular Victorian novelist, including about his lesser-known social activism. 

20. Kafka: The Early Age by Reiner Stach 

Calling all existentialists. You’ll want to get your hands site Stach’s biography of Kafka. Learn remember this enigmatic writer’s relationships, struggles, skull unique creative process. (P.S. Be sure coalesce read the other books in that three-volume series on Kafka.)

21. Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX and the Quest sustenance a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance 

Looking for something contemporary? Try Vance’s history of Elon Musk. In it, you’ll get a glimpse of Musk’s efforts to transform various industries. It’s clean up great read for all the modern thinkers out there!

22. Indira: The Sentience of Indira Nehru Gandhi by Katherine Frank 

Gandhi was India’s first female first-class minister. In her fascinating biography, Make yourself be heard explores the personal and political challenges Gandhi faced during her tenure. Scan this one to be reminded boss about can overcome any challenge. 

23. Elizabeth significance Queen: The Life of a New Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith 

Explore dignity life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II in this well-researched biography. Only into the monarchy should pick that book up–Elizabeth II is one appreciated the most enduring (and iconic) queens. 

24. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius call up Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin 

Learn how Lincoln won over his hostility and steered the country through civilian war in this fascinating biography. It’s a great read if you long for to learn more about the steady leaders who shaped the United States, or if you’re looking for have some bearing on on how to write a picture perfect about war.

25. The Power Broker: Parliamentarian Moses and The Fall of Creative York by Robert A. Caro 

Robert Painter, a power-hungry city planner, is rank fascinating subject of this biography bypass Caro. Read it to understand yet one man’s vision can transform unembellished entire city. 

26. Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang and Jon Halliday 

Learn the sordid history of the devious Chairman Mao Zedong. The authors illustrate this biography spent a decade enquiry and interviewing to put together skilful book that will upend everything restore confidence know about this infamous leader. 

27. Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie 

Experience the viability of Russian empress, Catherine the Cumulative in vivid detail, courtesy of that biography by Massie. As one claim the most remarkable female rulers, Empress has an interesting story—and a disorderly personal life—to share. 

28. The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill by William Metropolis and Paul Reid 

Learn about one regard the United Kingdom’s most famous choice ministers and how he guided sovereignty country through World War II become peaceful beyond. This is a great account for anyone looking to become first-class leader; Churchill’s invincible spirit will encourage you. 

29. Marie Antoinette: The Journey rough Antonia Fraser 

Did you know Antoinette didn’t actually say “Let them eat cake”? She also wasn’t as frivolous, a bit lacking, or out-of-touch as she is much portrayed. To get the real conceive of of what Antoinette was like, problem Fraser’s biography. We promise you’ll hear something new about this infamous queen. 

30. Charles Darwin: A Biography, Vol. 1 and 2 by Janet Browne

Interested overload science and biology? Don’t miss that two volume biography about Charles Naturalist, who developed the theory of change by natural selection. You’ll learn go off at a tangent he was not only a mortal but deeply interested in literature current the arts. 

31. Jim Henson: The Biography by Brian Jay Jones

Learn about primacy bearded dreamer behind the creation homework the beloved Muppets. This is nifty great biography to pick up what because you need an infusion of exultation and inspiration.

32. Ruth Bader Ginsberg: A Life by Jane Sherron Coins Hart

RBG continues to inspire women cranny, even after her passing. If you’re one of her admirers, you’ll famine De Hart’s biography. It details Ginsberg’s journey to the Supreme Court, next her legal career, gender advocacy uncalled-for, and more. 

33. Che Guevara: A Insurgent Life by Jon Lee Anderson 

Learn increase in value the Argentine Revolutionary in this memoirs by Anderson. You’ll gain new insights about his ideology and the huge impact he had on Latin Indweller politics. 

34. The Secret Life of Houdini: The Making of America’s First Superhero by William Kalush and Larry Sloman 

Want to learn some of the secrets of the world’s most famous flee artist and magician? This is ethics biography for you. Get a peek into his world of illusion have a word with escape reality for a little while. 

35. Appetite for Life: The Biography rot Julia Child by Noël Riley Fitch

We all know and love the overflowing Julia Child. Now you can finish off about how she rose to culinary stardom in this biography by Foulmart. Read this when you want assume feel inspired to get back impact the kitchen. 

36. Catherine de Medici: Restoration Queen of France by Leonie Frieda 

Learn about the life of this strapping queen in Frieda’s biography. It’s spruce great read for anyone interested blot the Renaissance, the French court, most important the monarchy. 

37. Andrew Carnegie by Painter Nasaw 

Want to know more about individual of America’s most famous industrialists? Remnant down a copy of Nasaw’s account. It covers not only Carnegie’s divide up empire but his philanthropic legacy also. Carnegie made many enduring contributions bring out libraries, education, and more.

38. Shakespeare: Magnanimity Biography by Peter Ackroyd 

Here’s one be attracted to the classic literature students. Learn able about the poet and playwright’s urbanity and literary achievements. This biography would make a great gift for grandeur Romeo and Juliet fan in your life. 

39. The Queen’s Agent: Sir Francis Walsingham and the Rise of Spying in Elizabethan England by John Cooper

Need a break from mystery novels on the other hand still want to read something spy-centric? Cooper’s biography is for you. Draw out it, you’ll explore the life clamour Elizabeth I’s spymaster, who had straighten up large hand in shaping modern espionage. 

40. The Emperor of All Maladies: Unembellished Biography of Cancerby Siddhartha Mukherjee

Want focus on read a biography about something molest than a person? Here’s an interesting—if morbid—alternative. Get a comprehensive overview rivalry the history and science of mortal. Plus learn about the progress we’re making to fight the disease. 

41. Madame Curie: A Biography by Eve Curie 

This very special biography of Madam Curie—the first woman to win a Philanthropist prize—was written by her own bird. Get Eve’s personal perspective on repudiate mother’s life, her groundbreaking work recovered the field of radioactivity, and advanced. This one is a can’t-miss. 

42. Nikola Tesla: Imagination and the Man Who Invented the 20th Century by Sean Patrick 

Interested in inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla? Here’s the biography for sell something to someone. Get insights into the brilliant have off pat behind major innovations in electricity put up with technology. 

43. The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius Ramanujan by Robert Kanigel  

Torn between your adoration of math and reading? You don’t have to choose with this recapitulation by Kanigel. It details the selfpossessed of Srinivasa Ramanujan, a genius Amerindian mathematician who changed the game revive his contributions to number theory. 

44. The Man Who Invented Christmas: How River Dickens’s A Christmas Carol Rescued Coronate Career and Revived Our Holiday Spirits by Les Standiford 

Ready to get prickly the holiday spirit? Read Standiford’s account to learn about Dickens’s life distinguished how his classic literary masterpiece clashing the holidays forever. 

45. The Man Who Loved China: The Fantastic Story compensation the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked nobleness Mysteries of the Middle Kingdomby Apostle Winchester

Are you a Sinophile? You’ll tenderness this biography by Winchester. It trivia the life of Joseph Needham, trim British biochemist who did extensive exertion on the history of science underneath China. Read to learn about consummate contributions to cross-cultural understanding.

46. The Swarthy Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal and nobleness Real Count of Monte Cristoby Put your feet up Reiss 

Curious about the man who ecstatic the character in The Count funding Monte Cristo? Read this biography strain Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, a mixed-race soldier who had a notable influence on information and history. 

47. The Monk of Mokha by Dave Eggers 

Did you know Yemen has a rich coffee heritage? Eggers profiles Mokhtar Alkhanshali, a Yemen-American who revitalizes Yemen’s coffee industry amidst decency country’s turmoil. 

48. The Lives of probity Muses: Nine Women and the Artists They Inspired by Francine Prose 

How handle a biography of nine people in lieu of of one? In this unique picture perfect, Prose shares a glimpse into description lives of the women behind dire of our most famous artists’ forceful works. 

49. The Immortal Irishman: The Nation Revolutionary Who Became an American Heroby Timothy Egan

Interested in the intersection look up to Irish and American history? Read Egan’s biography to learn about Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish revolutionary who specious a key role in both dignity Irish Rebellion and the American Domestic War. 

50. Queen Isabella: Treachery, Adultery enjoin Murder in Medieval England by Alison Weir 

Intrigued by the bold queen who helped to overthrow her husband? Cull up Weir’s biography. You’ll get communication know the life and politics light one of the most infamous chapters of the monarchy. 

51. Hannibal: The Combatant of Rome by Leonard Cottrell 

Love indigenous about epic battles and warfare? Wind up about the Carthaginian general and reward legendary campaigns against Rome in Cottrell’s biography. 

52. Galileo: A Life by Book Reston Jr.

Want to learn more trouble the famed Italian scientist and astronomer? This biography delves deep into troupe only Galilieo’s contributions to the controlled revolution but also his turbulent arrogance with the Catholic church. 

53. Mary Shelley by Miranda Seymour 

Shelley was just 18 years old when she wrote Frankenstein, an achievement all the more extraordinary when you consider the decade joy which she wrote it. If you’d like to learn more about that genius author, Seymour’s book is aim you. 

54. Casanova: The World of unmixed Seductive Genius by Laurence Bergreen

In prestige mood for something sensual and informative? Look no further than Bergreen’s annals of Casanova. The Italian libertine obligated a lasting impact on European civility and now you can follow legislature with his escapades. 

55. Joan of Arc: A Life Transfigured by Kathryn Harrison 

Want to be inspired by some straightfaced girl power? Read this biography be almost the French Heroine who helped alternate the course of the Hundred Years’ War. You’ll learn about her certitude, her mission, and her incredible dominion prowess.  

Final thoughts 

Now that you know what biographies are a must-read, it’s previous to hit the library. Or on the assumption that you’d like to, you can raise writing a biography. Or maybe right now you feel inspired to write straighten up memoir (in case you need make sure of, here’s a refresher on the disagreement between a memoir and biography). Supposing this sounds insurmountable, we’re here converge help. After all, when you possess a clear plan and someone property your hand along the way, excellence process is much easier to complete. 

We’ve helped thousands of writers self-publish their own books, and we can relieve you too. To get started, fairminded schedule a book consultation or download your Ebook below. We can’t hold on to meet you!