Reading biographies and autobiographies about some of the most influential people that have ever lived makes for a great read. But every famous person seems to have a biography written about them. That is why we decided to list the ten best biographies and autobiographies of all time!
There is no better way to learn about little known facts about famous people than through biographies and autobiographies. The author often times goes out of their way to tell a story that many people have overlooked or didn’t do enough research. Plus, reading autobiographies lets you learn about the person’s childhood and upbringing and that is something you won’t find anywhere else.
The Ten Best Biographies and Autobiographies of All Time
- Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
- Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
- Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson
- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
- The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
- Maus by Art Spiegelman
- Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
- The Mayor of Castro Street by Randy Shilts
Must Reads
A book that easily deserves the title of one of the best autobiographies of all time is Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl. Another book that is considered a classic is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. These two are must reads and automatically deserve to be on the list.
Other books that are amazing reads include Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot and Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera. Almost all of the books on the list are some of the best written accounts of some of the most influential people to ever live. The ones that aren’t are that more impressive to be able to capture the attention of millions through sheer story telling.
Conclusion
That wraps up our best biographies and autobiographies of all-time list. What books should have made the lsit but didn’t? Let us know in the comments below. Until next time, happy reading!
I’ve read a few of these. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” is probably my favorite on this list.
Me too! I think Hillbilly Elegy should be on that list. It’s about so much more than an autobiography just as the Henrietta Lacks book.
Hillbilly elegy is disingenuous garbage by a moron. Ohio should be embarrassed.
How about ‘Memoirs’ by U. S. Grant?
Unreadable. Full of endless battle minutia of interest only to battlefield historians. Made my eyes glaze over.
Autobiography of Malcolm X
How about “My Happiness Bears No Relation to Happiness: A Poet’s Life in the Palestinian Century” by ADINA HOFFMAN
Why is Boswell’s life of Dr. Johnson not included?