It can be challenging to determine the best biographies of all time.
Some of them feature a compelling storytelling or narrative voice. Others depict an eventful life full of intriguing developments. A portion of them also have a relatable style with overwhelming authenticity, which helps readers connect with the human they’re reading about.
The following biographies or memoirs stand out from the rest by being exceptional in any—or all—of the aforementioned elements.
They are extraordinary works that have, in many different ways, made a lasting impact on culture and could be the next engaging read you need.
Spare
by Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex
A tell-all written by the rebellious prince himself, Spare truly spares no detail portraying the intimate details of his struggle between love, duty, and pain at the heart of the Royal Family.
Leonardo Da Vinci
In the book Leonardo Da Vinci, Renowned American historian and journalist Walter Isaacson provides powerful insight into the life of one of humanity’s most notable geniuses by reading and studying Leonardo’s notebooks and written thoughts.
Elon Musk
Once again, Isaacson ventures into studying the minds of prominent figures by releasing Elon Musk, an authorized biography of the noted business magnate covering his life, projects, and controversies up until the publishing date.
American Prometheus: The Inspiration for the Major Motion Picture OPPENHEIMER
by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin
Based on interviews, records, letters, and other exhaustive research, American Prometheus won the Pulitzer Prize for depicting J. Robert Oppenheimer’s life before, during, and after he becomes Death, destroyer of worlds.
Becoming
The life of America’s first African-American First Lady is a rollercoaster of struggle and success, meaning and accomplishment. With creative narrative choices and clever wordsmithing, Becoming has become one of the most celebrated autobiographies and even won a Grammy.
The Woman in Me
As the long-awaited autobiography of the Princess of Pop, The Woman in Me reveals the most intimate details of her life in her words. Direct, candid, and vulnerable, Britney exposes her life—from childhood to her fight for freedom.
In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom
by Yeonmi Park and Maryanne Vollers
In Order To Live is the harrowing yet inspiring memoir of Yeonmi Park, a human rights activist who escaped North Korea alongside her mother in 2007 at 13 years old. From fear to slavery, this is her journey towards freedom.
Diana: Her True Story
Princess Diana continues to be admired, remembered, and beloved long after her untimely passing. But before becoming Lady Di, she was simply Diana—and there is no better way to learn about her than through her words in Diana: Her True Story book.
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir
Matthew Perry’s memoir exposes his soul—the good and the bad—as he deals with both friends and Friends, lovers along the way, and, of course, the Big Terrible Thing: his addictions.
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
Benjamin Franklin had both a brilliant mind and an intriguing life. Benjamin Franklin’s biography explores his life, death, and achievements while unraveling the man behind the legend, the kite, and the lightning.
Einstein: His Life and Universe
Einstein is another emblematic biography by best-seller writer Walter Isaacson, focusing on one of humanity’s brightest minds and the tenacious curiosity that drove him to change the world.
Churchill: Walking with Destiny
British historian and journalist Andrew Roberts breathes new literary life into Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s figure and legend in the Churchill biography that reveals brand-new information through letters and transcripts of war cabinet meetings.
The Accidental President: Harry S. Truman and the Four Months That Changed the World
An ordinary man in extraordinary circumstances, Harry S. Truman’s first four months in office took place right at the climax of World War II and its unraveling consequences, challenging who he was and who he wanted to become.
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music
The autobiography of one of the living rock legends, The Storyteller follows Dave Grohl from childhood to Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and everything in between through a collection of short stories.
Me: Elton John Official Autobiography
As seen on the screen in Rocketman, Elton John has had an electrifying and extraordinary life. In Me, he exposes his soul in his words—from his days as Reginald Dwight to now.
Greenlights
Written by the Academy Award-winning actor after a self-imposed exile, Greenlights is equal parts a memoir and a philosophical journey through his perspective on life, hopes, and dreams.
A Promised Land
From his start as a young boy trying to find himself to his position as one of the most powerful men in the world, Barack Obama has seen it all. His presidential memoir A Promised Land shares some of that and his insights, thoughts, and analysis.
Steve Jobs
Yet another exceptional biography by Isaacson, Steve Jobs explores the revolutionary entrepreneur’s outer achievements and inner world, based on countless interviews.
An Autobiography Or The Story of My Experiments With Truth
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a man before becoming a world-class leader and symbol of peace. In his autobiography, he reflects on his beginnings until 1920 and the events that shaped his philosophy on leadership.
The Nazi Officer’s Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocaust
by Edith Hahn Beer and Susan Dworkin
Originally published in 1999, The Nazi Officer’s Wife follows the life of Austrian Jewish Edith Hahn Beer amidst the horrors of Nazi control, her trials to avoid deportation, and the terror of living in fear of capture.
No Time Like the Future
Michael J. Fox is more than his Parkinson’s diagnosis. Renowned for his role as Marty McFly in Back to the Future, No Time Like the Future shares his insight on illness, health, mortality, and, ultimately, the will to live.
Grant
Ulysses S. Grant is one of the most controversial figures in American history. Nonetheless, Chernow’s biography invites readers to discover the complexity and accomplishments beneath his tainted reputation.
Twelve Years a Slave
Written in 1853, Twelve Years a Slave recounts Northup’s eponymous twelve years as an enslaved man—a Black man born free who was nonetheless kidnapped, sold, and forced into slavery.
Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption and Hollywood
Upon its publication in 2021, Danny Trejo’s memoir became a best-seller. In it, he recounts his troubled childhood, early start into a life of drugs and crime, and eventual redemption and recovery in front of the screens.
Alexander Hamilton
Ron Chernow’s biography of Hamilton famously inspired Lin Manuel-Miranda’s acclaimed musical. It takes a deep dive into Hamilton’s life—his humble origins, ambitious ideas, scandalized fall from grace, and indispensable role as a Founding Father.
Fascinating Narratives For Fascinating Lives
Biographies and memoirs offer a treasure trove of engaging tales, insights, and sometimes even life lessons. They are a window into the lives of people who have—in many ways—lived lives worth sharing with others.
Although these books are among the best, this list is far from all-inclusive. From geniuses to artists and heroic tales of self-improvement, there are many other biographies that also offer a captivating insight into the beauty of the human experience, so don’t hesitate to choose them for your next read.
Did you know that in the United States, the publishing industry consumes approximately 32 million trees each year to produce books? Why not use BookScouter.com to buy your next read in used condition? Save money and support nature and green living!
For those stuck on their next book choice, see even more cool booklists on the BookScouter blog: Madeline Miller’s Books, The Bridgerton Books in Order, Must-Read Books for Your Vacation, and even the Hardest Books to Read for those who love reading challenges.
