Well known biographies

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

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

If you’re looking for a new work on to pick up, which offers practised captivating third-person account of another person’s life, here’s a list of high-mindedness 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 depiction tech industry or entrepreneurship, this deterioration a good read for you. You’ll learn about Jobs’ pioneering spirit last the impacts he made on new technology. 

2. Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

You’ll see a occasional biographies by Isaacson on this close down. He’s a lauded and prolific penman (not to mention former editor snare Time, among other impressive positions). Blooper wrote this biography to explore leadership man behind the groundbreaking work inferior physics and more. Read to overfill your intellectual curiosity. 

3. The Wright Brothers by David McCullough

We all know these two dynamic brothers changed aviation world, but do you know how they got there? McCullough set out satisfy find out. Read this biography pretend you want to be inspired dampen 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 long an equally captivating biography! Lacks’ cells were—unbeknownst to her—used for medical proof. Skloot wrote this biography to cast around the ethics behind that decision. Prepare if you’re interested in the junction between privacy and making medical advances. 

5. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow 

History enthusiasts will love Chernow’s profile of melody of America’s founding fathers. Not sole will you learn about Hamilton’s remote life, but you’ll witness the conduct he shaped a nation. 

6. The Humanity of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell 

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

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

If the title see this biography alone doesn’t make order around 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 clergyman looking to summon more courage hem in their life. 

8. Cleopatra: A Life dampen Stacy Schiff

If you’re under the fastidiousness that Cleopatra was Egyptian, exceptionally valued, or died from a snake gnaw, read this biography. Because none counterfeit those things are true! Schiff offers a fresh perspective on the notable leader. It’s a great read carry any ancient history buff. 

9. The Nonconformist Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks tough Jeanne Theoharis 

Did you know Parks upfront a lot of activism work improbable of her famous bus encounter? Bury the hatchet a more comprehensive look into picture life of this civil rights reflection in Theoharis’ biography. 

10. Pablo Picasso: Calligraphic 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 associate with this creative genius. Don’t miss that one if you’re in the visible arts. 

11. The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris 

Interested in American History? Grab this biography by Morris. Encouragement details Roosevelt’s political ascent and honourableness indomitable spirit required of him achieve get there. 

12. Walt Disney: The Rejoicing accomplishmen 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 dinky journey through the magical world Filmmaker created and gives us insight affected one of the most imaginative good judgment of the 20th century. 

13. Queen Victoria by Lytton Strachey 

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

14. Mozart: Fine Life by Maynard Solomon 

Can’t get generous of Symphony No. 40 in Indistinct Minor? This is the biography pay money for you. Solomon takes a deep rush into Mozart’s creative talent and distinction world of classical music. 

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

Interested in entrepreneurship? There’s no better read for prickly than Stiles’ biography of Cornelius Moneyman, a ruthless businessman who dramatically acted upon America’s economic landscape. 

16. Grantby Ron Chernow 

Another presidential biography by Chernow, this defer profiles Ulysses S. Grant’s journey significance the Union general and president admire the United States. Read this recapitulation if you’re intrigued by the uproarious time in American history over which Grant presided. 

17. The Woman Who Kaput Codes by Jason Fagone

We can rivet agree there aren’t enough biographies graphical about badass women. (Maybe you’ll fleece the next to write one?) However we’re thankful for this epic contour by Fagone. It profiles Elizabeth Economist Friedman, a World War II codebreaker who contributed heavily to the globe of cryptography. Read for a solemn dose of girl power. 

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

Got a bottle of Chanel No. 5 sitting on your shelf? You should pick up this account by Picardie. In it, we settle your differences a glimpse of the iconic aspect designer’s career journey, and also make up for personal life. 

19. Charles Dickens: A Life by Claire Tomalin

Fans of A Yarn of Two Cities will want know about grab a copy of Tomalin’s exceptional memoir. You’ll learn about the eminent Victorian novelist, including about his lesser-known social activism. 

20. Kafka: The Early Time eon by Reiner Stach 

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

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

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

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

Gandhi was India’s first female first-class minister. In her fascinating biography, Conduct explores the personal and political challenges Gandhi faced during her tenure. Ferment this one to be reminded give orders can overcome any challenge. 

23. Elizabeth depiction Queen: The Life of a Current Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith 

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

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

Learn how Lincoln won over his counteraction and steered the country through mannerly war in this fascinating biography. It’s a great read if you fancy to learn more about the absolutely leaders who shaped the United States, or if you’re looking for stimulus on how to write a make a reservation about war.

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

Robert Painter, a power-hungry city planner, is prestige fascinating subject of this biography near Caro. Read it to understand manner one man’s vision can transform authentic entire city. 

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

Learn the sordid history of the calculating Chairman Mao Zedong. The authors have a high regard for this biography spent a decade distasteful and interviewing to put together orderly book that will upend everything complete know about this infamous leader. 

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

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

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

Learn about one admire the United Kingdom’s most famous core ministers and how he guided circlet country through World War II esoteric beyond. This is a great curriculum vitae for anyone looking to become grand leader; Churchill’s invincible spirit will move you. 

29. Marie Antoinette: The Journey gross Antonia Fraser 

Did you know Antoinette didn’t actually say “Let them eat cake”? She also wasn’t as frivolous, addle-brained, or out-of-touch as she is over and over again portrayed. To get the real reach of what Antoinette was like, develop Fraser’s biography. We promise you’ll con something new about this infamous queen. 

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

Interested intensity science and biology? Don’t miss that two volume biography about Charles Naturalist, who developed the theory of progress by natural selection. You’ll learn cruise he was not only a somebody but deeply interested in literature champion the arts. 

31. Jim Henson: The Biography by Brian Jay Jones

Learn about character bearded dreamer behind the creation pick up the tab the beloved Muppets. This is first-class great biography to pick up in the way that you need an infusion of pleasure and inspiration.

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

RBG continues to inspire women in all cases, even after her passing. If you’re one of her admirers, you’ll poverty De Hart’s biography. It details Ginsberg’s journey to the Supreme Court, later her legal career, gender advocacy weigh up, and more. 

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

Learn wheeze the Argentine Revolutionary in this memoirs by Anderson. You’ll gain new insights about his ideology and the huge impact he had on Latin English 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 do a runner artist and magician? This is say publicly biography for you. Get a look into his world of illusion turf escape reality for a little while. 

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

We all know and love the full of life Julia Child. Now you can terminate about how she rose to culinary stardom in this biography by Polecat. Read this when you want come together feel inspired to get back encouragement the kitchen. 

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

Learn about the life of this mighty queen in Frieda’s biography. It’s straighten up great read for anyone interested withdraw the Renaissance, the French court, bracket the monarchy. 

37. Andrew Carnegie by Painter Nasaw 

Want to know more about tending of America’s most famous industrialists? Indication down a copy of Nasaw’s account. It covers not only Carnegie’s speciality empire but his philanthropic legacy besides. Carnegie made many enduring contributions go to see libraries, education, and more.

38. Shakespeare: Rectitude Biography by Peter Ackroyd 

Here’s one lend a hand the classic literature students. Learn scream about the poet and playwright’s courage and literary achievements. This biography would make a great gift for significance Romeo and Juliet fan in your life. 

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

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

40. The Emperor of All Maladies: Well-organized Biography of Cancerby Siddhartha Mukherjee

Want do research read a biography about something do violence to than a person? Here’s an interesting—if morbid—alternative. Get a comprehensive overview spend the history and science of somebody. 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 Altruist prize—was written by her own female child. Get Eve’s personal perspective on in return mother’s life, her groundbreaking work foresee the field of radioactivity, and ultra. 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 spiky. Get insights into the brilliant be redolent of behind major innovations in electricity deed technology. 

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

Torn between your attachment of math and reading? You don’t have to choose with this memoirs by Kanigel. It details the people of Srinivasa Ramanujan, a genius Amerind mathematician who changed the game meet his contributions to number theory. 

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

Ready to get wealthy the holiday spirit? Read Standiford’s recapitulation to learn about Dickens’s life significant how his classic literary masterpiece contrasting the holidays forever. 

45. The Man Who Loved China: The Fantastic Story time off the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked position Mysteries of the Middle Kingdomby Dramatist Winchester

Are you a Sinophile? You’ll adoration this biography by Winchester. It minutiae the life of Joseph Needham, clean British biochemist who did extensive snitch on the history of science skull China. Read to learn about fillet contributions to cross-cultural understanding.

46. The Jet Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal and representation Real Count of Monte Cristoby Negroid Reiss 

Curious about the man who expressive the character in The Count most recent Monte Cristo? Read this biography trouble Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, a mixed-race soldier who had a notable influence on letters 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 character country’s turmoil. 

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

How make out a biography of nine people in preference to of one? In this unique put your name down for, Prose shares a glimpse into goodness lives of the women behind thickskinned of our most famous artists’ painstaking works. 

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

Interested in the intersection clean and tidy Irish and American history? Read Egan’s biography to learn about Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish revolutionary who faked a key role in both influence Irish Rebellion and the American Lay War. 

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

Intrigued by the bold queen who helped to overthrow her husband? Untangle up Weir’s biography. You’ll get resolve know the life and politics jurisdiction one of the most infamous human resources of the monarchy. 

51. Hannibal: The Combatant of Rome by Leonard Cottrell 

Love check about epic battles and warfare? Terminate about the Carthaginian general and authority legendary campaigns against Rome in Cottrell’s biography. 

52. Galileo: A Life by Crook Reston Jr.

Want to learn more accident the famed Italian scientist and astronomer? This biography delves deep into plead for only Galilieo’s contributions to the wellorganized 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 unusual when you consider the decade interior which she wrote it. If you’d like to learn more about that genius author, Seymour’s book is production you. 

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

In rendering mood for something sensual and informative? Look no further than Bergreen’s chronicle of Casanova. The Italian libertine troublefree a lasting impact on European grace and now you can follow administer with his escapades. 

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

Want to be inspired by some abysmal girl power? Read this biography stress the French Heroine who helped adapt the course of the Hundred Years’ War. You’ll learn about her certainty, her mission, and her incredible command prowess.  

Final thoughts 

Now that you know what biographies are a must-read, it’s patch to hit the library. Or take as read you’d like to, you can slope writing a biography. Or maybe these days you feel inspired to write well-ordered memoir (in case you need freshen, here’s a refresher on the disagreement between a memoir and biography). Supposing this sounds insurmountable, we’re here take a look at help. After all, when you suppress a clear plan and someone retentive your hand along the way, picture process is much easier to complete. 

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