Biography & Autobiography

With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together, published in 1998, is more than just a dual autobiography; it’s a love story, a historical record, and a testament to the power of partnership. Co-written by the legendary actors and activists, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee, the book offers an intimate glimpse into their extraordinary lives.

Barbara Jordan: American Hero by Mary Beth Rogers, published in 1998, is not just a biography; it’s a profound exploration of a woman who defied expectations and shaped American politics. Rogers, an experienced journalist and political analyst, brings a sharp, insightful perspective to Jordan’s life, moving beyond a simple recounting of events to delve into

Stepping into the pages of The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr., compiled by Clayborne Carson and published in 1998, is like sitting at the feet of a legend. This isn’t a traditional biography, but rather a carefully curated self-portrait, drawn from King’s own writings, speeches, and interviews. Carson, a distinguished scholar and the director

Julia Briggs’s Virginia Woolf: An Inner Life, published in 2005, offers a meticulously researched and deeply empathetic biography, placing itself firmly within the genre of literary biography. Briggs, a distinguished scholar of English literature, brings her expertise to bear on Woolf’s life, not just as a writer but as a complex, often troubled individual. The

In 2008, the world received a precious gift: Letter to My Daughter by the incomparable Maya Angelou. This small but mighty volume, a collection of essays presented as advice to an adopted daughter, transcends the typical self-help genre. Angelou, a poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, wasn’t just sharing wisdom; she was offering a glimpse

In Eyewitness to Wall Street, published in 2002, David Colbert, a former Wall Street professional, doesn’t just chronicle the events of his career; he delivers a raw and visceral account of the intense and often morally ambiguous world of finance. This non-fiction work offers a personal, boots-on-the-ground perspective, a welcome departure from the typical dry

Aretha: From These Roots, a compelling autobiography co-authored by the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, and David Ritz, published in 1999, transcends the typical celebrity memoir. It’s more than just a recounting of events; it’s a deeply personal journey through the life and soul of a musical icon. Ritz, known for his biographical collaborations

Jorie B. Gracen’s Paul McCartney: I Saw Him Standing There, published in 1997, isn’t just another biography; it’s a vibrant exploration of a musical icon, delving into the essence of Paul McCartney’s artistry and enduring appeal. Gracen, known for her keen insight into popular culture and meticulous biographical work, crafts a narrative that resonates with

Just for Fun: The Story of an Accidental Revolutionary by Linus Torvalds, co-written with David Diamond, published in 2001, isn’t just another tech biography; it’s a surprisingly relatable exploration of passion, collaboration, and the power of “just for fun.” Torvalds, the creator of the Linux kernel, isn’t your typical Silicon Valley guru. He comes across

Riding Shotgun, published in 2009 by the University of Iowa Press, isn’t your typical memoir. Penned by Kathryn Kysar, a poet and essayist known for her insightful explorations of personal experience, this book delves into the intricate relationship between a daughter and her aging father. Kysar, whose work often centers on the complexities of family