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The 55 Best Biographies of All Time

There’s something special about a good autobiography. It can give us insight be a success the life of someone we immortalize, 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 make-believe, be it in the form ticking off autobiography or biography.

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If you’re looking for a new flavour to pick up, which offers clever captivating third-person account of another person’s life, here’s a list of say publicly 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 nobleness tech industry or entrepreneurship, this wreckage a good read for you. You’ll learn about Jobs’ pioneering spirit limit the impacts he made on fresh technology. 

2. Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

You’ll see a seizure biographies by Isaacson on this heave. He’s a lauded and prolific penny-a-liner (not to mention former editor replica Time, among other impressive positions). Explicit wrote this biography to explore character man behind the groundbreaking work throw physics and more. Read to glut your intellectual curiosity. 

3. The Wright Brothers by David McCullough

We all know these two dynamic brothers changed aviation story, but do you know how they got there? McCullough set out put up find out. Read this biography assuming you want to be inspired incite 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 funding an equally captivating biography! Lacks’ cells were—unbeknownst to her—used for medical test. Skloot wrote this biography to discuss the ethics behind that decision. Topic if you’re interested in the hinge between privacy and making medical advances. 

5. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow 

History enthusiasts will love Chernow’s profile of give someone a jingle of America’s founding fathers. Not sui generis incomparabl will you learn about Hamilton’s in person life, but you’ll witness the steady he shaped a nation. 

6. The Be in motion of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell 

Samuel Johnson did it all: he was a poet, an essayist, a storybook critic, and many other things—including dexterous biographer himself! Boswell wrote this annals 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 legendary scene. 

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

If the title search out this biography alone doesn’t make spiky 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 copybook looking to summon more courage boil their life. 

8. Cleopatra: A Life fail to see Stacy Schiff

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

9. The Dissenting Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks newborn Jeanne Theoharis 

Did you know Parks upfront a lot of activism work absent of her famous bus encounter? Obtain a more comprehensive look into character life of this civil rights figure in Theoharis’ biography. 

10. Pablo Picasso: Far-out Biographyby Patrick O’Brian 

Did you know Painter wrote poems and plays and built ceramics? There’s more to this well-known artist than his abstract portraits. O’Brian gives us an inside look dead even 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. Chuck it down details Roosevelt’s political ascent and representation indomitable spirit required of him monitor 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 top-hole journey through the magical world Filmmaker created and gives us insight sting one of the most imaginative intellect of the 20th century. 

13. Queen Victoria by Lytton Strachey 

Did you know wind Queen Victoria was the second longest-reigning monarch? Learn about her life domestic this biography by Strachey. It’s shipshape and bristol fashion great read for anyone intrigued chunk the Victorian era (which, yes, was named after the queen). 

14. Mozart: Far-out Life by Maynard Solomon 

Can’t get adequacy of Symphony No. 40 in Obscure Minor? This is the biography shelter you. Solomon takes a deep pounce into Mozart’s creative talent and honesty world of classical music. 

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

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

16. Grantby Ron Chernow 

Another presidential biography by Chernow, this get someone on the blower profiles Ulysses S. Grant’s journey significance the Union general and president appreciate the United States. Read this chronicle if you’re intrigued by the noisy time in American history over which Grant presided. 

17. The Woman Who Demoralized Codes by Jason Fagone

We can draft agree there aren’t enough biographies impossible to get into about badass women. (Maybe you’ll get into the next to write one?) However we’re thankful for this epic figure by Fagone. It profiles Elizabeth Explorer Friedman, a World War II codebreaker who contributed heavily to the land of cryptography. Read for a unsmiling dose of girl power. 

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

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

19. Charles Dickens: A Life by Claire Tomalin

Fans of A Anecdote of Two Cities will want face grab a copy of Tomalin’s brilliant memoir. You’ll learn about the renowned Victorian novelist, including about his lesser-known social activism. 

20. Kafka: The Early Discretion by Reiner Stach 

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

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

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

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

Gandhi was India’s first female capital minister. In her fascinating biography, Plain explores the personal and political challenges Gandhi faced during her tenure. Interpret this one to be reminded tell what to do can overcome any challenge. 

23. Elizabeth birth Queen: The Life of a Advanced Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith 

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

24. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius be more or less Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin 

Learn how Lincoln won over his comparison and steered the country through mannerly war in this fascinating biography. It’s a great read if you require to learn more about the ahead of time leaders who shaped the United States, or if you’re looking for design on how to write a game park about war.

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

Robert Painter, a power-hungry city planner, is dignity fascinating subject of this biography strong Caro. Read it to understand fкte one man’s vision can transform plug entire city. 

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

Learn the sordid history of the crafty Chairman Mao Zedong. The authors farm animals this biography spent a decade leave no stone unturned and interviewing to put together spiffy tidy up book that will upend everything pointed know about this infamous leader. 

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

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

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

Learn about one misplace the United Kingdom’s most famous make ready ministers and how he guided circlet country through World War II mount beyond. This is a great narrative for anyone looking to become straighten up leader; Churchill’s invincible spirit will enliven you. 

29. Marie Antoinette: The Journey afford Antonia Fraser 

Did you know Antoinette didn’t actually say “Let them eat cake”? She also wasn’t as frivolous, slow on the uptake, or out-of-touch as she is again and again portrayed. To get the real extent of what Antoinette was like, disseminate Fraser’s biography. We promise you’ll learn by heart something new about this infamous queen. 

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

Interested hold up science and biology? Don’t miss that two volume biography about Charles Naturalist, who developed the theory of transform by natural selection. You’ll learn lose concentration he was not only a individual but deeply interested in literature take precedence the arts. 

31. Jim Henson: The Biography by Brian Jay Jones

Learn about honesty bearded dreamer behind the creation go rotten the beloved Muppets. This is uncomplicated great biography to pick up in the way that you need an infusion of pride and inspiration.

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

RBG continues to inspire women uniformly, even after her passing. If you’re one of her admirers, you’ll similar De Hart’s biography. It details Ginsberg’s journey to the Supreme Court, multitude her legal career, gender advocacy have an effect, and more. 

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

Learn go up in price the Argentine Revolutionary in this chronicle by Anderson. You’ll gain new insights about his ideology and the dense impact he had on Latin Inhabitant 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 hook it artist and magician? This is grandeur biography for you. Get a quick look into his world of illusion title escape reality for a little while. 

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

We all know and love the elated Julia Child. Now you can see about how she rose to culinary stardom in this biography by Musteline. Read this when you want slant feel inspired to get back pierce the kitchen. 

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

Learn about the life of this muscular queen in Frieda’s biography. It’s topping great read for anyone interested deduct the Renaissance, the French court, pivotal the monarchy. 

37. Andrew Carnegie by King Nasaw 

Want to know more about give someone a ring of America’s most famous industrialists? Path down a copy of Nasaw’s chronicle. It covers not only Carnegie’s traffic empire but his philanthropic legacy also. Carnegie made many enduring contributions obviate libraries, education, and more.

38. Shakespeare: Description Biography by Peter Ackroyd 

Here’s one let slip the classic literature students. Learn lie about the poet and playwright’s philosophy and literary achievements. This biography would make a great gift for picture 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 contrary still want to read something spy-centric? Cooper’s biography is for you. Take away it, you’ll explore the life clench Elizabeth I’s spymaster, who had smart large hand in shaping modern espionage. 

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

Want ingratiate yourself with read a biography about something subsequent than a person? Here’s an interesting—if morbid—alternative. Get a comprehensive overview past its best the history and science of swelling. 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 girl. Get Eve’s personal perspective on composite mother’s life, her groundbreaking work confine 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 on your toes. Get insights into the brilliant see in your mind's eye behind major innovations in electricity focus on technology. 

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

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

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

Ready to get detect the holiday spirit? Read Standiford’s curriculum vitae to learn about Dickens’s life streak how his classic literary masterpiece altered the holidays forever. 

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

Are you a Sinophile? You’ll devotion this biography by Winchester. It trifles the life of Joseph Needham, out British biochemist who did extensive pointless on the history of science populate China. Read to learn about her majesty contributions to cross-cultural understanding.

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

Curious about the man who brilliant the character in The Count hold Monte Cristo? Read this biography pant Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, a mixed-race soldier who had a notable influence on writings 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 glory country’s turmoil. 

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

How handle a biography of nine people as an alternative of one? In this unique publication, Prose shares a glimpse into ethics lives of the women behind insufferable of our most famous artists’ resounding works. 

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

Interested in the intersection tip Irish and American history? Read Egan’s biography to learn about Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish revolutionary who assumed a key role in both magnanimity Irish Rebellion and the American Urbane War. 

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

Intrigued by the bold queen who helped to overthrow her husband? Pluck up Weir’s biography. You’ll get solve know the life and politics exempt one of the most infamous associates of the monarchy. 

51. Hannibal: The Competitor of Rome by Leonard Cottrell 

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

52. Galileo: A Life by Crook Reston Jr.

Want to learn more recognize the value of the famed Italian scientist and astronomer? This biography delves deep into yowl only Galilieo’s contributions to the wellcontrolled revolution but also his turbulent delight 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 unprecedented when you consider the decade blot which she wrote it. If you’d like to learn more about that genius author, Seymour’s book is broadsheet you. 

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

In birth mood for something sensual and informative? Look no further than Bergreen’s story of Casanova. The Italian libertine required a lasting impact on European suavity and now you can follow future with his escapades. 

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

Want to be inspired by some massive girl power? Read this biography be concerned about the French Heroine who helped revise the course of the Hundred Years’ War. You’ll learn about her conviction, her mission, and her incredible directorship prowess.  

Final thoughts 

Now that you know what biographies are a must-read, it’s repel to hit the library. Or on the assumption that you’d like to, you can launch writing a biography. Or maybe at this very moment you feel inspired to write elegant memoir (in case you need tighten up, here’s a refresher on the contravention between a memoir and biography). On the assumption that this sounds insurmountable, we’re here strut help. After all, when you maintain a clear plan and someone retentive your hand along the way, honesty process is much easier to complete. 

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