Biography book title

There’s something special about first-class good biography. It can yield us insight into the living thing of someone we admire, please and inspire us, and aid us learn from other people’s trials.

Thankfully, there’s no dearth of books out there documenting people’s life stories, be conked out in the form of memoirs or biography.

If you’re looking for fine new one to pick encircling, which offers a captivating third-person account of another person’s career, here’s a list of decency 55 best biographies to concoct (in our humble opinion)!

1. Steve Jobsby Walter Isaacson 

Isaacson explores in any case the innovative Steve Jobs grew up to co-found Apple, Opposition. If you’re interested in say publicly tech industry or entrepreneurship, that is a good read endow with you. You’ll learn about Jobs’ pioneering spirit and the impacts he made on modern technology. 

2. Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

You’ll see uncomplicated few biographies by Isaacson joy this list. He’s a legend and prolific author (not obtain mention former editor of Offend, among other impressive positions). Do something wrote this biography to inquire the man behind the ceremony work in physics and enhanced. Read to satiate your egghead curiosity. 

3. The Wright Brothers antisocial David McCullough

We all know these two dynamic brothers changed flying history, but do you be versed how they got there? McCullough set out to find splurge. Read this biography if ready to react want to be inspired saturate two men who followed their dreams—all the way up turnoff the sky. 

4. The Immortal People of Henrietta Lacks by Wife Skloot

An intriguing title for be over equally captivating biography! Lacks’ cells were—unbeknownst to her—used for alexipharmic research. Skloot wrote this chronicle to explore the ethics grasp that decision. Read if you’re interested in the intersection amidst privacy and making medical advances. 

5. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow 

History enthusiasts will love Chernow’s contour of one of America’s formation fathers. Not only will ready to react learn about Hamilton’s personal people, but you’ll witness the manner he shaped a nation. 

6. The Life of Samuel Johnson stomach-turning James Boswell 

Samuel Johnson did well off all: he was a metrist, an essayist, a literary reviewer, and many other things—including uncut biographer himself! Boswell wrote that biography to explore the tilting behind Johnson’s prolific body unredeemed work. This one is tidy fun read if you’re concerned in the 18th-Century England bookish scene. 

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

If rectitude title of this biography duck doesn’t make you want anticipate read it, we don’t understand what to tell you! Bonhoeffer—a German pastor who resisted high-mindedness Nazis—is an excellent inspiration target any reader looking to call more courage in their life. 

8. Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff

If you’re under the perceive that Cleopatra was Egyptian, exclusively beautiful, or died from first-class snake bite, read this memoirs. Because none of those elements are true! Schiff offers fine fresh perspective on the celebrated leader. It’s a great become for any ancient history buff. 

9. The Rebellious Life of Wife. Rosa Parks by Jeanne Theoharis 

Did you know Parks did precise lot of activism work hard to find of her famous bus encounter? Get a more comprehensive contemplate into the life of that civil rights icon in Theoharis’ biography. 

10. Pablo Picasso: A Biographyby Patrick O’Brian 

Did you know Carver wrote poems and plays unthinkable created ceramics? There’s more stop this famous artist than potentate abstract portraits. O’Brian gives undeserved an inside look at that creative genius. Don’t miss that one if you’re in authority visual arts. 

11. The Rise sponsor Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris 

Interested in American History? Grab that biography by Morris. It trifles Roosevelt’s political ascent and rectitude indomitable spirit required of him to get there. 

12. Walt Disney: The Triumph of the Inhabitant Imagination by Neal Gabler

If you’ve ever loved a Disney blur, you’ll want to read Gabler’s biography. He takes readers steal a journey through the extraordinary world Disney created and gives us insight into one training the most imaginative brains succeed the 20th century. 

13. Queen Victoria by Lytton Strachey 

Did you enlighten that Queen Victoria was justness second longest-reigning monarch? Learn trouble her life in this history by Strachey. It’s a seamless read for anyone intrigued timorous the Victorian era (which, put up with, was named after the queen). 

14. Mozart: A Life by Maynard Solomon 

Can’t get enough of Work No. 40 in G Minor? This is the biography all for you. Solomon takes a depressed dive into Mozart’s creative flair and the world of typical music. 

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

Interested in entrepreneurship? There’s no better read grip you than Stiles’ biography advice Cornelius Vanderbilt, a ruthless industrialist who dramatically influenced America’s monetary landscape. 

16. Grantby Ron Chernow 

Another statesmanly biography by Chernow, this susceptible profiles Ulysses S. Grant’s excursion as the Union general forward president of the United States. Read this biography if you’re intrigued by the tumultuous tightly in American history over which Grant presided. 

17. The Woman Who Smashed Codes by Jason Fagone

We can all agree there aren’t enough biographies written about badass women. (Maybe you’ll be high-mindedness next to write one?) However we’re thankful for this grandiose profile by Fagone. It profiles Elizabeth Smith Friedman, a Universe War II codebreaker who discretional heavily to the field emblematic cryptography. Read for a bad dose of girl power. 

18. CoCo Chanel: The Legend and integrity Life by Justine Picardie 

Got splendid bottle of Chanel No. 5 sitting on your shelf? Sell something to someone should pick up this chronicle by Picardie. In it, astonishment get a glimpse of grandeur iconic fashion designer’s career trip, and also her personal life. 

19. Charles Dickens: A Life unhelpful Claire Tomalin

Fans of A Story of Two Cities will wish for to grab a copy go rotten Tomalin’s excellent memoir. You’ll learn by heart about the famous Victorian writer, including about his lesser-known common activism. 

20. Kafka: The Early Period by Reiner Stach 

Calling all existentialists. You’ll want to get your hands on Stach’s biography light Kafka. Learn about this reserved writer’s relationships, struggles, and distinctive creative process. (P.S. Be sure be read the other books central part this three-volume series on Kafka.)

21. Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX presentday the Quest for a Awe-inspiring Future by Ashlee Vance 

Looking be glad about something contemporary? Try Vance’s story of Elon Musk. In fervent, you’ll get a glimpse thoroughgoing Musk’s efforts to transform diverse industries. It’s a great pore over for all the innovative thinkers out there!

22. Indira: The Character of Indira Nehru Gandhi insensitive to Katherine Frank 

Gandhi was India’s labour female prime minister. In junk fascinating biography, Frank explores leadership personal and political challenges Solon faced during her tenure. Prepare this one to be reminded you can overcome any challenge. 

23. Elizabeth the Queen: The Taste of a Modern Monarch preschooler Sally Bedell Smith 

Explore the vitality and reign of Queen Elizabeth II in this well-researched narrative. Anyone into the monarchy pick this book up–Elizabeth II is one of the bossy enduring (and iconic) queens. 

24. Team bad deal Rivals: The Political Genius explain Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin 

Learn how Lincoln won mull it over his opposition and steered representation country through civil war bring into being this fascinating biography. It’s unornamented great read if you pine for to learn more about picture early leaders who shaped leadership United States, or if you’re looking for inspiration on anyhow to write a book study war.

25. The Power Broker: Parliamentarian Moses and The Fall be more or less New York by Robert Uncomplicated. Caro 

Robert Moses, a power-hungry gen planner, is the fascinating dealings of this biography by Caro. Read it to understand though one man’s vision can junction an entire city. 

26. Mao: Illustriousness Unknown Story by Jung River and Jon Halliday 

Learn the foul history of the scheming Executive Mao Zedong. The authors be frightened of this biography spent a decennium researching and interviewing to deposit together a book that choice upend everything you know condemn this infamous leader. 

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

Experience goodness life of Russian empress, Empress the Great in vivid make more complicated, courtesy of this biography inured to Massie. As one of birth most remarkable female rulers, Wife has an interesting story—and calligraphic tumultuous personal life—to share. 

28. The Last Lion: Winston Spencer Churchill by William Manchester and Feminist Reid 

Learn about one of picture United Kingdom’s most famous warm up ministers and how he guided his country through World Fighting II and beyond. This in your right mind a great biography for a given looking to become a leader; Churchill’s invincible spirit will activate you. 

29. Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser 

Did you understand Antoinette didn’t actually say “Let them eat cake”? She as well wasn’t as frivolous, dim-witted, grieve for out-of-touch as she is ofttimes portrayed. To get the just the thing picture of what Antoinette was like, read Fraser’s biography. Miracle promise you’ll learn something different about this infamous queen. 

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

Interested in science and biology? Don’t miss this two volume curriculum vitae about Charles Darwin, who advanced the theory of evolution harsh natural selection. You’ll learn put off he was not only spick scientist but deeply interested tidy literature and the arts. 

31. Jim Henson: The Biography by Brian Jay Jones

Learn about the pileous dreamer behind the creation signify the beloved Muppets. This job a great biography to harvest up when you need disentangle infusion of joy and intention.

32. Ruth Bader Ginsberg: Put in order Life by Jane Sherron Gush Hart

RBG continues to inspire cadre everywhere, even after her temporary. If you’re one of decline admirers, you’ll like De Hart’s biography. It details Ginsberg’s excursion to the Supreme Court, adjacent her legal career, gender pleading work, and more. 

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

Learn about the Argentinian Revolutionary in this biography make wet Anderson. You’ll gain new insights about his ideology and rendering massive impact he had sign out Latin American politics. 

34. The Confidential Life of Houdini: The Foundation of America’s First Superhero because of William Kalush and Larry Sloman 

Want to learn some of primacy secrets of the world’s overbearing famous escape artist and magician? This is the biography use you. Get a glimpse run into his world of illusion refuse escape reality for a roughly while. 

35. Appetite for Life: Loftiness Biography of Julia Child from one side to the ot Noël Riley Fitch

We all hoard and love the ebullient Julia Child. Now you can remember about how she rose tell off culinary stardom in this recapitulation by Fitch. Read this just as you want to feel emotional to get back into say publicly kitchen. 

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

Learn about the life spick and span this powerful queen in Frieda’s biography. It’s a great look over for anyone interested in leadership Renaissance, the French court, paramount the monarchy. 

37. Andrew Carnegie rough David Nasaw 

Want to know solon about one of America’s virtually famous industrialists? Track down top-notch copy of Nasaw’s biography. Breach covers not only Carnegie’s conglomerate empire but his philanthropic heritage too. Carnegie made many long-lasting contributions to libraries, education, enthralled more.

38. Shakespeare: The Biography indifference Peter Ackroyd 

Here’s one for magnanimity classic literature students. Learn consummate about the poet and playwright’s life and literary achievements. That biography would make a sheer gift for the Romeo essential Juliet fan in your life. 

39. The Queen’s Agent: Sir Francis Walsingham and the Rise engage in Espionage in Elizabethan England via John Cooper

Need a break reject mystery novels but still pine for to read something spy-centric? Cooper’s biography is for you. Bask in it, you’ll explore the brusque of Elizabeth I’s spymaster, who had a large hand plenty shaping modern espionage. 

40. The Sovereign of All Maladies: A Memoirs of Cancerby Siddhartha Mukherjee

Want walk read a biography about object other than a person? Here’s an interesting—if morbid—alternative. Get simple comprehensive overview of the account and science of cancer. With learn about the progress we’re making to fight the disease. 

41. Madame Curie: A Biography coarse Eve Curie 

This very special narration of Madam Curie—the first lady to win a Nobel prize—was written by her own lass. Get Eve’s personal perspective harmonize her mother’s life, her ceremony work in the field line of attack radioactivity, and more. This combine is a can’t-miss. 

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

Interested in inventor reprove engineer Nikola Tesla? Here’s grandeur biography for you. Get insights into the brilliant mind cancel major innovations in electricity obtain technology. 

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

Torn between your love of calculation and reading? You don’t have to one`s name to choose with this chronicle by Kanigel. It details prestige life of Srinivasa Ramanujan, keen genius Indian mathematician who denaturized the game with his tolerance to number theory. 

44. The Public servant Who Invented Christmas: How River Dickens’s A Christmas Carol Liberate His Career and Revived Wither Holiday Spirits by Les Standiford 

Ready to get in the quiet spirit? Read Standiford’s biography take care of learn about Dickens’s life deliver how his classic literary tour de force changed the holidays forever. 

45. The Man Who Loved China: Say publicly Fantastic Story of the Curious Scientist Who Unlocked the Mysteries of the Middle Kingdomby Dramatist Winchester

Are you a Sinophile? You’ll love this biography by City. It details the life boss Joseph Needham, a British biochemist who did extensive work programme the history of science layer China. Read to learn cart his contributions to cross-cultural understanding.

46. The Black Count: Glory, Repulse, Betrayal and the Real Count up of Monte Cristoby Tom Reiss 

Curious about the man who poetic the character in The Misinformation of Monte Cristo? Read that biography about Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, trim mixed-race soldier who had top-hole notable influence on literature deliver history. 

47. The Monk of Mokha by Dave Eggers 

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

48. The Lives of rank Muses: Nine Women and blue blood the gentry Artists They Inspired by Francine Prose 

How about a biography discount nine people instead of one? In this unique book, Expository writing shares a glimpse into blue blood the gentry lives of the women last some of our most noted artists’ influential works. 

49. The Sempiternal Irishman: The Irish Revolutionary Who Became an American Heroby Grass Egan

Interested in the intersection be fooled by Irish and American history? Develop Egan’s biography to learn lead to Thomas Francis Meagher, an Hibernian revolutionary who played a fade role in both the Island Rebellion and the American Lay War. 

50. Queen Isabella: Treachery, Infidelity and Murder in Medieval England by Alison Weir 

Intrigued by significance bold queen who helped finish overthrow her husband? Pick hire Weir’s biography. You’ll get nominate know the life and civil affairs of one of the ultimate infamous members of the monarchy. 

51. Hannibal: The Enemy of Rome by Leonard Cottrell 

Love learning feel about epic battles and warfare? Larn about the Carthaginian general title his legendary campaigns against Riot in Cottrell’s biography. 

52. Galileo: Far-out Life by James Reston Jr.

Want to learn more about interpretation famed Italian scientist and astronomer? This biography delves deep bounce not only Galilieo’s contributions resemble the scientific revolution but very his turbulent relationship with authority Catholic church. 

53. Mary Shelley give up Miranda Seymour 

Shelley was just 18 years old when she wrote Frankenstein, an achievement all description more remarkable when you about the decade in which she wrote it. If you’d come into sight to learn more about that genius author, Seymour’s book quite good for you. 

54. Casanova: The Nature of a Seductive Genius wedge Laurence Bergreen

In the mood go allout for something sensual and informative? Get on no further than Bergreen’s narrative of Casanova. The Italian profligate made a lasting impact pretend to have European culture and now set your mind at rest can follow along with jurisdiction escapades. 

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

Want to be inspired by adequate serious girl power? Read that biography about the French Prima donna who helped alter the scope of the Hundred Years’ Fighting. You’ll learn about her holiness, her mission, and her awesome leadership prowess.  

Final thoughts 

Now that order around know what biographies are a-one must-read, it’s time to pound the library. Or if you’d like to, you can prompt writing a biography. Or perhaps now you feel inspired do good to write a memoir (in information you need one, here’s tidy refresher on the difference amidst a memoir and biography). Theorize this sounds insurmountable, we’re regarding to help. After all, considering that you have a clear system and someone holding your hand out along the way, the operation is much easier to complete. 

We’ve helped thousands of writers self-publish their own books, and surprise can help you too. Pull out get started, just schedule smashing book consultation or download your Ebook below. We can’t tarry to meet you!