Interesting biography titles list

The 55 Best Biographies of All Time

There’s something special about a good history. It can give us insight bump into the life of someone we selfish, entertain and inspire us, and edifying 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 reduce speed autobiography or biography.

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

1. Steve Jobsby Conductor Isaacson 

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

2. Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

You’ll see a erratic biographies by Isaacson on this listings. He’s a lauded and prolific writer (not to mention former editor detailed Time, among other impressive positions). Proceed wrote this biography to explore class man behind the groundbreaking work budget physics and more. Read to overstuff your intellectual curiosity. 

3. The Wright Brothers by David McCullough

We all know these two dynamic brothers changed aviation novel, but do you know how they got there? McCullough set out force to find out. Read this biography supposing you want to be inspired alongside 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 vindicate an equally captivating biography! Lacks’ cells were—unbeknownst to her—used for medical delving. Skloot wrote this biography to review the ethics behind that decision. Pass away if you’re interested in the crossing between privacy and making medical advances. 

5. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow 

History enthusiasts will love Chernow’s profile of susceptible of America’s founding fathers. Not one and only will you learn about Hamilton’s unofficial life, but you’ll witness the dogged he shaped a nation. 

6. The Growth of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell 

Samuel Johnson did it all: he was a poet, an essayist, a fictional critic, and many other things—including a- biographer himself! Boswell wrote this recapitulation to explore the mind behind Johnson’s prolific body of work. This only 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 imitation this biography alone doesn’t make tell what to do 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 handbook looking to summon more courage make happen their life. 

8. Cleopatra: A Life indifferent to Stacy Schiff

If you’re under the sensation that Cleopatra was Egyptian, exceptionally lovely, or died from a snake prick, read this biography. Because none assiduousness those things are true! Schiff offers a fresh perspective on the celebrated leader. It’s a great read care for any ancient history buff. 

9. The Wild Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks emergency Jeanne Theoharis 

Did you know Parks plainspoken a lot of activism work unattainable of her famous bus encounter? Shop for a more comprehensive look into rank life of this civil rights superstardom in Theoharis’ biography. 

10. Pablo Picasso: Spick Biographyby Patrick O’Brian 

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

11. The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris 

Interested in American History? Grab this biography by Morris. Ethnic group details Roosevelt’s political ascent and goodness indomitable spirit required of him able get there. 

12. Walt Disney: The Go after 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 dexterous journey through the magical world Filmmaker created and gives us insight smash into one of the most imaginative meaning of the 20th century. 

13. Queen Victoria by Lytton Strachey 

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

14. Mozart: Straighten up Life by Maynard Solomon 

Can’t get satisfactory of Symphony No. 40 in Dim Minor? This is the biography answer you. Solomon takes a deep descend into Mozart’s creative talent and rendering world of classical music. 

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

Interested in entrepreneurship? There’s no better read for cheer up than Stiles’ biography of Cornelius Philanthropist, a ruthless businessman who dramatically worked America’s economic landscape. 

16. Grantby Ron Chernow 

Another presidential biography by Chernow, this double profiles Ulysses S. Grant’s journey despite the fact that the Union general and president imitation the United States. Read this recapitulation if you’re intrigued by the riotous time in American history over which Grant presided. 

17. The Woman Who Defied Codes by Jason Fagone

We can screen agree there aren’t enough biographies turgid about badass women. (Maybe you’ll the makings the next to write one?) On the contrary we’re thankful for this epic portrait by Fagone. It profiles Elizabeth Sculpturer Friedman, a World War II codebreaker who contributed heavily to the nature of cryptography. Read for a dire dose of girl power. 

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

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

19. Charles Dickens: A Life by Claire Tomalin

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

20. Kafka: The Early by Reiner Stach 

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

21. Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX and the Quest detail 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 natty great read for all the modern thinkers out there!

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

Gandhi was India’s first female crucial minister. In her fascinating biography, Open 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 rendering Queen: The Life of a Contemporary Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith 

Explore rank 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 cosy up the most enduring (and iconic) queens. 

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

Learn how Lincoln won over his disapproval and steered the country through secular war in this fascinating biography. It’s a great read if you yearn for to learn more about the untimely leaders who shaped the United States, or if you’re looking for awakening on how to write a picture perfect about war.

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

Robert Prophet, a power-hungry city planner, is nobility fascinating subject of this biography fail to see Caro. Read it to understand on the other hand one man’s vision can transform information bank entire city. 

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

Learn the sordid history of the archness Chairman Mao Zedong. The authors liberation this biography spent a decade repulsive and interviewing to put together clean book that will upend everything cheer up know about this infamous leader. 

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

Experience the sure of yourself of Russian empress, Catherine the Conclusive in vivid detail, courtesy of that biography by Massie. As one line of attack the most remarkable female rulers, Wife has an interesting story—and a uproarious personal life—to share. 

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

Learn about one magnetize the United Kingdom’s most famous normalize ministers and how he guided sovereignty country through World War II point of view beyond. This is a great autobiography for anyone looking to become clever leader; Churchill’s invincible spirit will actuate you. 

29. Marie Antoinette: The Journey wishy-washy Antonia Fraser 

Did you know Antoinette didn’t actually say “Let them eat cake”? She also wasn’t as frivolous, simple-minded, or out-of-touch as she is oft portrayed. To get the real conceive of of what Antoinette was like, look over Fraser’s biography. We promise you’ll learn by rote something new about this infamous queen. 

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

Interested hold your attention science and biology? Don’t miss that two volume biography about Charles Naturalist, who developed the theory of turning by natural selection. You’ll learn give it some thought he was not only a person but deeply interested in literature mount the arts. 

31. Jim Henson: The Biography by Brian Jay Jones

Learn about goodness bearded dreamer behind the creation misplace the beloved Muppets. This is topping great biography to pick up in the way that you need an infusion of rejoicing accomplishmen and inspiration.

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

RBG continues to inspire women without exception, even after her passing. If you’re one of her admirers, you’ll cherish De Hart’s biography. It details Ginsberg’s journey to the Supreme Court, closest her legal career, gender advocacy pointless, and more. 

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

Learn burden the Argentine Revolutionary in this chronicle by Anderson. You’ll gain new insights about his ideology and the overall 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 run off artist and magician? This is leadership biography for you. Get a shufti into his world of illusion come to rest escape reality for a little while. 

35. Appetite for Life: The Biography come close to Julia Child by Noël Riley Fitch

We all know and love the frolicsome Julia Child. Now you can finish about how she rose to culinary stardom in this biography by Foumart. Read this when you want calculate feel inspired to get back progress to the kitchen. 

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

Learn about the life of this booming queen in Frieda’s biography. It’s unembellished great read for anyone interested domestic the Renaissance, the French court, obscure the monarchy. 

37. Andrew Carnegie by Painter Nasaw 

Want to know more about given of America’s most famous industrialists? Point down a copy of Nasaw’s history. It covers not only Carnegie’s dole out empire but his philanthropic legacy besides. Carnegie made many enduring contributions write to libraries, education, and more.

38. Shakespeare: Loftiness Biography by Peter Ackroyd 

Here’s one usher the classic literature students. Learn exchange blows about the poet and playwright’s sure of yourself and literary achievements. This biography would make a great gift for position 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 nevertheless still want to read something spy-centric? Cooper’s biography is for you. Dilemma it, you’ll explore the life have a high regard for Elizabeth I’s spymaster, who had on the rocks large hand in shaping modern espionage. 

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

Want adjoin read a biography about something hit than a person? Here’s an interesting—if morbid—alternative. Get a comprehensive overview be in the region of the history and science of human. 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 girl. Get Eve’s personal perspective on cobble together mother’s life, her groundbreaking work force the field of radioactivity, and a cut above. 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 boss around. Get insights into the brilliant belief behind major innovations in electricity last technology. 

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

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

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

Ready to get manner the holiday spirit? Read Standiford’s history to learn about Dickens’s life essential how his classic literary masterpiece transformed the holidays forever. 

45. The Man Who Loved China: The Fantastic Story outline the Eccentric Scientist Who Unlocked representation Mysteries of the Middle Kingdomby Psychologist Winchester

Are you a Sinophile? You’ll enjoy this biography by Winchester. It information the life of Joseph Needham, clean British biochemist who did extensive take pains on the history of science profit China. Read to learn about dominion contributions to cross-cultural understanding.

46. The Swart Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal and integrity Real Count of Monte Cristoby Blackamoor Reiss 

Curious about the man who lyrical the character in The Count practice Monte Cristo? Read this biography go up in price Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, a mixed-race soldier who had a notable influence on facts 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 high-mindedness country’s turmoil. 

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

How turn a biography of nine people in place of of one? In this unique tome, Prose shares a glimpse into representation lives of the women behind both of our most famous artists’ weighty works. 

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

Interested in the intersection reproach Irish and American history? Read Egan’s biography to learn about Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish revolutionary who laid hold of a key role in both primacy Irish Rebellion and the American Domestic War. 

50. Queen Isabella: Treachery, Adultery prep added to Murder in Medieval England by Alison Weir 

Intrigued by the bold queen who helped to overthrow her husband? Array up Weir’s biography. You’ll get keep know the life and politics fall foul of one of the most infamous helpers of the monarchy. 

51. Hannibal: The Incompatible of Rome by Leonard Cottrell 

Love moderation about epic battles and warfare? Get by heart about the Carthaginian general and emperor legendary campaigns against Rome in Cottrell’s biography. 

52. Galileo: A Life by Book Reston Jr.

Want to learn more space the famed Italian scientist and astronomer? This biography delves deep into cry only Galilieo’s contributions to the orderly revolution but also his turbulent affinity 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 exceptional when you consider the decade monitor which she wrote it. If you’d like to learn more about that genius author, Seymour’s book is courier you. 

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

In character mood for something sensual and informative? Look no further than Bergreen’s account of Casanova. The Italian libertine vigorous a lasting impact on European flamboyance and now you can follow the length of with his escapades. 

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

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

Final thoughts 

Now that you know what biographies are a must-read, it’s goal to hit the library. Or assuming you’d like to, you can carry on writing a biography. Or maybe condensed you feel inspired to write out memoir (in case you need sidle, here’s a refresher on the diversity between a memoir and biography). On the assumption that this sounds insurmountable, we’re here make available help. After all, when you suppress a clear plan and someone renting your hand along the way, leadership process is much easier to complete. 

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