Historic Biography Books

Discover the riveting saga of a monarch who redefined the course of British history with A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain by Marc Morris. This comprehensive biography, the first in decades, paints a detailed portrait of Edward I,...

All His Spies: The Secret World of Robert Cecil is a captivating exploration by renowned author Alford, who skillfully unearths the life and legacy of one of history’s most enigmatic figures. Dive into the murky waters of Elizabethan and Jacobean politics through the eyes...

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 literary icon Toni Morrison, is a riveting account that continues to inspire readers around the globe. First published in 1974, this timeless classic remains as poignant and relevant today, nearly 50 years later. Davis’s life story...

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

Bess Of Hardwick: First Lady of Chatsworth is an enthralling exploration of one of Tudor England's most formidable women, brought to life by a renowned historical author. This gripping biography not only chronicles her life but also paints a vivid picture of the societal...

Black Spartacus: The Epic Life of Toussaint Louverture by Sudhir Hazareesingh is a compelling exploration of one of history's most formidable revolutionaries. Experience the gripping narrative that chronicles the life of Toussaint Louverture, the remarkable leader who transformed the Haitian Revolution into a battle...

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 a transformative perspective on one of history's most enigmatic figures. This captivating biography sheds light on the life of Catherine de' Medici, a woman often misrepresented yet undeniably powerful...

East West Street: Winner of the Baillie Gifford Prize is a remarkable work by renowned international lawyer Philippe Sands that intricately weaves personal memoir with profound historical inquiry. Embarking on a compelling journey, Sands explores the intricate connections of his family's past, sparked by...

Eighteen: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives, authored by Alice Loxton, is a Sunday Times instant bestseller and the esteemed Blackwell's Book of the Year, shortlisted for Waterstones Book of the Year. This compelling narrative is hailed by critics, with Dan Snow...

Eleanor Of Aquitaine: By the Wrath of God, Queen of England by Alison Weir presents a compelling exploration of one of history's most enigmatic figures. Eleanor, the Duchess of Aquitaine, is not just a queen; she is a symbol of strength, intellect, and beauty...

Frida: The Biography of Frida Kahlo is a masterfully illustrated and definitive account of one of history's most captivating artists. This biography, hailed by Observer as the "first comprehensive biography of this most visceral of artists," offers an intimate glimpse into the life of...

Experience the allure of art like never before with Girl in a Green Gown: The History and Mystery of the Arnolfini Portrait by Carola Hicks. This captivating exploration, prefaced by the acclaimed artist Grayson Perry, invites you to uncover the secrets behind Jan van...

Hidden Portraits: The Untold Stories of Six Women Who Loved Picasso is a meticulously crafted narrative by Sue Roe that dives deep into the lives of six extraordinary women who significantly influenced the legendary artist, Pablo Picasso. This compelling book takes you on an...

Discover the compelling narrative of Hunting the Falcon: Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and the Marriage That Shook Europe, a groundbreaking work by renowned historians John Guy and Julia Fox. This captivating book invites you to delve deep into the tumultuous relationship between Henry VIII...

Joan of Arc by esteemed historian and broadcaster Helen Castor presents a riveting new perspective on the life of one of history's most iconic figures. This masterful work of popular history strips away the legendary image, revealing a flesh-and-blood young woman caught in the...

Long Walk To Freedom: 'Essential reading' Barack Obama, is not just a memoir; it is a profound journey through the life of Nelson Mandela, a symbol of courage and resilience. This autobiography is a moving narrative that offers readers unparalleled insight into the experiences...

Magus: The Art of Magic from Faustus to Agrippa by Anthony Grafton takes you on a mesmerizing journey into the fascinating world of the magus, learned magicians who were pivotal during the Renaissance intellectual upheaval. This exquisite exploration reveals how these enigmatic figures blended...

Mary I: Queen of Sorrows by Alison Weir is an enthralling exploration of the life of England's first Queen Regnant, a narrative that will resonate deeply with any Tudor enthusiast. This Sunday Times bestselling novel has been heralded as 'thrilling' and 'unforgettable' by renowned...

Rural Hours: The Country Lives of Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Townsend Warner and Rosamond Lehmann by Harriet Baker invites you on a captivating journey into the serene and transformative landscapes that shaped the lives of three literary giants. This award-winning book, named a Times Book...

Sir Edwin Lutyens: Britain's Greatest Architect? by Clive Aslet is a remarkable exploration into the life and work of one of the 20th century's most celebrated architects. This engaging short biography not only highlights Sir Edwin Lutyens' (1869-1944) profound impact on British architecture but...

Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar by Simon Sebag Montefiore is a profound exploration into the dark heart of one of history's most notorious figures. This British Book Awards History Book of the Year and Samuel Johnson Prize shortlisted masterpiece captivates readers from...

Discover the literary marvel of Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne by Katherine Rundell, the winner of the esteemed Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction 2022. This extraordinary biography takes you on a journey through the life of John Donne, a poet whose profound works...

The Hare With Amber Eyes: The #1 Sunday Times Bestseller by Edmund de Waal is a captivating exploration of family history, art, and the passage of time. This award-winning memoir, crowned with the esteemed Costa Biography Award, invites readers to embark on a journey...

The Invention of Nature: The Adventures of Alexander von Humboldt, the Lost Hero of Science is a remarkable narrative crafted by the award-winning author Andrea Wulf. This enthralling book, crowned with the 2015 Costa Biography Award and the 2016 Royal Society Science Book Prize,...

The Last Emperor of Mexico: A Disaster in the New World by Edward Shawcross is a captivating narrative that unveils a remarkable yet largely overlooked chapter in history. This astonishing tale follows Maximilian, an Austrian archduke lured by Napoleon III into a perilous journey...

The Six Wives of Henry VIII: Find out the truth about Henry VIII's wives by Alison Weir is a compelling journey through one of history's most captivating royal narratives. This meticulously researched collective biography reveals the lives of Henry VIII's six queens, each portrayed...

Discover the intriguing narrative of "The Sunflowers are Mine: The Story of Van Gogh's Masterpiece" by Martin Bailey, a gripping exploration of one of art history's most beloved series. This compelling book invites you into the vibrant world of Vincent Van Gogh, revealing the...

The Vanishing Man: In Pursuit of Velazquez is a literary masterpiece by acclaimed author Laura Cumming, recognized as a finalist for the James Tait Black Biography Award and shortlisted for the Rathbones Folio Prize. This extraordinary narrative is also longlisted for the Baillie Gifford...

Thunderclap: A memoir of art and life & sudden death is a remarkable narrative by Laura Cumming that elegantly intertwines the realms of art, personal loss, and the indelible mark left by creativity. Shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction 2024 and celebrated as...