Historic Biography Books

A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain by Marc Morris invites you into the riveting saga of a monarch who reshaped British history. This comprehensive biography, the first of its kind in decades, delivers a detailed and captivating portrait...

All His Spies: The Secret World of Robert Cecil by the acclaimed author Alford invites you to delve into the shadowy realms of Tudor espionage and intrigue. This riveting exploration of Robert Cecil, England's quintessential spymaster, unravels the complexities of a man who played...

All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake by Tiya Miles is not just a book; it’s a poignant exploration of history, love, and resilience woven together through the threads of a simple cotton sack. In this compelling narrative,...

An Autobiography by Angela Davis, edited by the legendary Toni Morrison, is a compelling narrative that has inspired countless readers worldwide. First published in 1974, this timeless classic remains as relevant today as it was nearly 50 years ago, echoing the struggles for justice...

Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed History is a captivating exploration by a renowned historian that unveils the untold tale of two of England's most iconic queens. This meticulously researched account offers a fresh perspective on the complex relationship...

Bess Of Hardwick: First Lady of Chatsworth is an enthralling biography by a renowned historical author, showcasing the extraordinary life of one of Tudor England's most formidable women. This captivating narrative delves into the trials and triumphs of Bess, illuminating her journey from modest...

Black Spartacus: The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture by Sudhir Hazareesingh is a gripping exploration of one of history's most formidable revolutionaries. This meticulously researched biography invites readers to journey through the life of Toussaint Louverture, the extraordinary leader who transformed the Haitian Revolution...

Caravaggio: A Life Sacred and Profane by Andrew Graham-Dixon is an enthralling biography that delves deep into the tumultuous existence of Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, one of art history's most controversial figures. This gripping narrative takes readers on a journey through the gritty streets...

Catherine de' Medici: The Life and Times of the Serpent Queen by Mary Hollingsworth offers an extraordinary glimpse into the life of one of history’s most misunderstood figures. This masterfully written biography redefines the narrative surrounding Catherine de' Medici, presenting her not merely as...

East West Street: Winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize is a captivating masterpiece by acclaimed international lawyer Philippe Sands that intricately weaves personal memoir with profound historical inquiry. This remarkable narrative invites readers on a compelling journey, ignited by Sands’ lecture invitation to Lviv,...

Discover the captivating world of Eighteen: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives by the acclaimed author Alice Loxton, a remarkable Sunday Times instant bestseller and the honored Blackwell's Book of the Year. Shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year, this beautifully foiled...

Eleanor Of Aquitaine: By the Wrath of God, Queen of England by Alison Weir is an enthralling biography that delves into the life of one of history's most formidable women. This meticulously crafted work uncovers the journey of Eleanor, the Duchess of Aquitaine, who...

Immerse yourself in the profound narratives of Exiles: Three Island Journeys by acclaimed author William Atkins. This masterful exploration intertwines history, travel, and the intricacies of human experience, offering readers a captivating journey through the tales of three extraordinary nineteenth-century dissidents. In Exiles, Atkins...

Frida: The Biography of Frida Kahlo is an exquisite exploration of one of history's most influential artists, brought to life by acclaimed author and vendor. This captivating biography offers a profound insight into Frida Kahlo's resilient spirit and her unparalleled artistry. This definitive account...

Girl in a Green Gown: The History and Mystery of the Arnolfini Portrait by Carola Hicks is your key to unlocking the secrets of one of art history's most enigmatic masterpieces. Prefaced by the renowned artist Grayson Perry, this book invites you into a...

Hidden Portraits: The Untold Stories of Six Women Who Loved Picasso by Sue Roe is a captivating exploration into the lives of six remarkable women who played pivotal roles in shaping the genius of Pablo Picasso. This meticulously crafted narrative invites readers on an...

Immerse yourself in the riveting historical saga of Hunting the Falcon: Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Marriage That Shook Europe, penned by acclaimed historians John Guy and Julia Fox. This groundbreaking narrative unravels the intricate relationship between Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, a...

Joan of Arc by the esteemed historian and broadcaster Helen Castor presents a riveting new perspective on the life of one of history's most iconic figures. Dive into this masterful work of popular history, where the legendary image of Joan is stripped away, revealing...

Discover the transformative journey of Long Walk To Freedom: 'Essential reading' Barack Obama, a powerful memoir by the iconic Nelson Mandela. This autobiographical masterpiece not only chronicles Mandela's remarkable life but serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for readers around the globe....

Discover the compelling world of "Looking for Trouble: 'One of the truly great war correspondents: magnificent.'" (Antony Beevor) by Virginia Cowles, a remarkable memoir that immerses readers in the tumultuous landscapes of wartime Europe through the eyes of a pioneering female war correspondent. This...

Magus: The Art of Magic from Faustus to Agrippa by Anthony Grafton invites you to delve deep into the captivating universe of the magus, the learned magicians who were instrumental during the Renaissance's intellectual renaissance. This fascinating exploration unveils how these enigmatic figures melded...

Mary I: Queen of Sorrows by Alison Weir invites readers into the captivating saga of England's first Queen Regnant, a tale that resonates with those enamored by the Tudor dynasty. This Sunday Times bestselling novel has garnered critical acclaim, described as 'thrilling' by historian...

On a Farther Shore: The Life and Legacy of Rachel Carson, Author of Silent Spring by the University of Wisconsin Press offers a deeply inspiring look into the life of one of the most pivotal figures in environmental history. This engaging biography captures the...

Pre-Raphaelite Sisters is a groundbreaking exploration published by a renowned art history publisher, highlighting the indispensable yet often marginalized contributions of women to the Pre-Raphaelite movement. This captivating book reveals the essential roles these women played during a transformative time in British art, serving...

Queen Victoria: Daughter, Wife, Mother, Widow by bestselling historian Lucy Worsley offers an extraordinary glimpse into the life of one of Britain's most iconic monarchs. This intimate biography draws readers into a captivating narrative that transcends the traditional portrayal of Queen Victoria, revealing the...

Rural Hours: The Country Lives of Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Townsend Warner and Rosamond Lehmann by Harriet Baker takes you on a mesmerizing exploration of the serene landscapes that profoundly influenced three of literature's most iconic women. In this award-winning narrative, recognized as a Times...

Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's Greatest Architect? by Clive Aslet is an extraordinary journey into the legacy of one of the 20th century's most illustrious architects. This short biography offers readers an intimate glimpse into the life and work of Sir Edwin Lutyens (1869-1944), whose...

Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar by Simon Sebag Montefiore is an enthralling exploration into the complex world of one of history's most infamous dictators. This critically acclaimed biography, winner of the British Book Awards History Book of the Year and shortlisted for...

Discover the literary marvel of Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne by Katherine Rundell, the proud winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2022. This extraordinary biography immerses readers in the life of John Donne, a poetic genius whose works have transcended time...

The Dead Are Arising: Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Biography is an extraordinary masterpiece by the acclaimed journalist Les Payne, offering an insightful exploration into the life of Malcolm X—one of the most pivotal figures of the 20th century. This Pulitzer Prize-winning biography...

The Hare With Amber Eyes: The #1 Sunday Times Bestseller by Edmund de Waal is a mesmerizing memoir that interlaces family history with the beauty of art and the passage of time. This Costa Biography Award-winning book invites readers to embark on an extraordinary...

The Invention of Nature: The Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt, the Lost Hero of Science by Andrea Wulf is a compelling narrative that brings to life the extraordinary journey of a man who reshaped our understanding of the natural world. This award-winning book, honored...

The Last Emperor of Mexico: A Disaster in the New World by Edward Shawcross is a captivating narrative that reveals the extraordinary yet often overlooked saga of Maximilian, an Austrian archduke drawn into a treacherous adventure by Napoleon III. This remarkable book offers a...

The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Find out the truth about Henry VIII's wives by Alison Weir is a captivating exploration into the lives of one of history's most notorious monarchs and his six queens. Weir, an award-winning author, delves deep into their stories,...

The Sunflowers are Mine: The Story of Van Gogh's Masterpiece by Martin Bailey is a captivating exploration into the vibrant life and works of Vincent Van Gogh, focusing on one of art history's most cherished series. This remarkable book invites readers to uncover the...

The Vanishing Man: In Pursuit of Velazquez by Laura Cumming is a literary gem that transcends time and art. This riveting biography has garnered prestigious accolades, being a finalist for the James Tait Black Biography Award and shortlisted for the Rathbones Folio Prize, in...

The Yellow House: Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Nine Turbulent Weeks in Arles by acclaimed author Martin Gayford is a breathtaking narrative that plunges readers into the intense and complex relationship between two of history's most celebrated artists. This revised and updated edition offers an...

Thunderclap: A memoir of art and life & sudden death by Laura Cumming is an extraordinary exploration of creativity, loss, and the enduring legacy of art. This award-winning memoir, shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction 2024 and honored as the Winner of the...