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Biographies

A good biography invites you into someone else’s life. It takes you on fascinating journeys through the ups and downs of the life of legendary film stars, talented musicians, inspiring athletes, visionary politicians and many more. A good biography lets you get under the skin of your biggest idols, and you feel collected when reading their story - maybe even in the form of their own words. You will find both biographies and autobiographies in Tales’ selection, in addition to diaries and memoirs. So are you ready to be inspired by some of the world’'s most extraordinary individuals?
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  • - Tales from the Last Bookshop
    by Tom Morton
    £14.99

    What's it really like to live on a remote island at the crossroads of the North Atlantic and the North Sea? To run the Last Bookshop in Scotland? To experience the eternal light of a Shetland summer and the deep darkness of winter, the fury of hurricanes in an ancient house a few feet from the ocean? Tom Morton's fascinating, funny, moving and acerbic memoir will take you to a place you may suddenly long to be. Even if it's just to browse the books. In Shetland. On the edge of the world...

  • - Spiritual Insights from the World's Most Beloved Neighbor
    by Amy Hollingsworth
    £14.99

    The Simple Faith of Mr. Rogers focuses on Mr. Rogers' spiritual legacy, but it is much more than that. It shows us a man who, to paraphrase the words of St. Francis of Assisi, 'preached the gospel at all times; when necessary he used words.'

  • - A Prince Among Princes
    by Richard Barber
    £7.99

    Henry II (1154-89) through a series of astonishing dynastic coups became the ruler of an enormous European empire. One of the most dynamic, restless and clever men ever to rule England, he was brought down both by his catastrophic relationship with his archbishop Thomas Becket and his debilitating arguments with his sons, most importantly the future Richard I and King John. His empire may have ultimately collapsed, but in Richard Barber's vivid and sympathetic account the reader can see why Henry II left such a compelling impression on his contemporaries.

  • Save 11%
    - A Heroic Failure
    by Jonathan Sumption
    £7.99

    Edward III lived through bloody and turbulent times. His father was deposed by his mother and her lover when he was still a teenager; a third of England's population was killed by the Black Death midway through his reign; and the intractable Hundred Years War with France began under his leadership. Yet Edward managed to rule England for fifty years, and was viewed as a paragon of kingship in the eyes of both his contemporaries and later generations. Venerated as the victor of Sluys and Cr cy and the founder of the Order of the Garter, he was regarded with awe even by his enemies. But he lived too long, and was ultimately condemned to see thirty years of conquests reversed in less than five. In this gripping new account of Edward III's rise and fall, Jonathan Sumption introduces us to a f ted king who ended his life a heroic failure.

  • - The Dreamer
    by Sue Tabashnik
    £16.49

    Patrick Swayze, the beloved dancer, actor, singer, songwriter, producer, choreographer, family man, athlete, horseman, and more, had a diversified career in the arts world for over thirty-five years. He often played hero roles in his work and spoke about traditional values such as honor, integrity, morality, passion, faith, and love. He was always searching for meaning in his life and trying to give to others some joy or sense of purpose or meaning. During his hard-fought and inspirational battle against pancreatic cancer, he became a real-life hero to millions of people. Patrick Swayze was taken too soon, but his remarkable spirit and enormous legacy will always shine bright.Discover how his focus on dreams for himself and others sustained him and guided him to live a zest-filled and hopeful life even while dealing with great adversity. Honor and celebrate Patrick while reading about his career, his connection with his family, and his involvement in advocacy for dance, cancer advances, and conservation. Learn what his professional colleagues and fans have to say about him. Tributes from professional colleagues in the book are written by: Eleanor Bergstein (Dirty Dancing), Jordan Brady (Waking Up in Reno), Linda Gottlieb (Dirty Dancing), Piper Laurie (Tiger Warsaw), Tom Sanders (Point Break), Joshua Sinclair (Jump!), Marshall Teague (Road House), Diane Venora (Three Wishes), and Scott Wilder (Point Break). Finally, get a look at what I think Patrick would say to us now.Enjoy approximately thirty color photos throughout the book which include Patrick Swayze from his various movie and television roles, rarely seen photos from appearances, and more.Read Patrick's own words which have been compiled from multiple media sources throughout the years.

  • - Stories from a Transgender Dad
    by Trevor MacDonald
    £13.99

  • - Story of the Committee of 300
    by Joan Coleman
    £16.49

    Can you imagine an all powerful group, that knows no national boundaries, above the laws of all countries, one that controls every aspect of politics, religion, commerce and industry, banking, insurance, mining, the drug trade, the petroleum industry, a group answerable to no one¿but its members?To the vast majority of us, such a group would appear to be beyond the realms of possibilities and capabilities of any given organization. If that is what you believe, then you are in the majority. The conception of a secret, elite group exercising control of every aspect of our lives is beyond our comprehension. Americans are prone to say, "It can't happen here, our Constitution forbids it."That there is such a body, called "The committee of 300," is graphically told in this book. When most people attempt to address our problems, they speak or write about "they"; this book tells precisely who "they" are, and what "TheY" have planned for our future, how "they" have been at war with the American nation for 50 years, a war which we are on the brink of losing, what methods "They" use and exactly how "they" have brainwashed us.If you are Puzzled and perplexed as to why things are occurring that we as a nation don't like yet seem powerless to prevent, why it is that the United States always seems to back the wrong horse, Why the united states is in a depression from which it will not emerge, why our former social and moral values have been turned aside and seemingly buried; if you are confused by the many conspiracy theories, the conSPirators' hierarchy: the committee of 300 will clearly establish that these conditions have been deliberately created to bring us to our knees.Once you have read the applying truths contained in this book, understanding past and present political, economic, social and religious events will no longer be a problem. This powerful account of the forces ranged against the United States, and indeed the entire free world, cannot be ignored.

  • - 1910-1997
    by Mother Teresa
    £8.99

    The collection of quotes, stories, and prayers in this book are all her own words and experiences. They were compiled from various sources. Her undying faith and concern of the human spirit is reflected in these passages. In her years of work, Mother Teresa has brought God to millions in places of darkness. Let her share her hope, faith, and love with you.Paperback

  • - For events, gatherings, functions, vacation homes, AirBnBs, special occasions, housewarmings, parties, birthdays, anniversaries, commemorations
     
    £18.99

    Hardback sleek matte finish cover, lime green with bird/nature theme. Page size: 8.5" x 8.5" (216mm x 216 mm). 96 lined white pages. Welcome page with space to add your personalized message Left page: Name Right page: ThoughtsAn eye catching guest book for any occasion with a simple layout for your guests to write their name and thoughts.Celebrate your life and create memories of those special events!As a guest book for vacation homes there's plenty of space for your visitors to write their thoughts and comments and leave you valuable testimonials.It's also great as a simple house guest book - writing in the guest comment book is a fun way for friends & family to show their appreciation and express their thanks to the hosts!Use for: Events & Functions Visitors Book Party Guest Book House Guest Book Vacation home guest book Beach House Guest BookSee "Angelis Publications" to view the whole range of guest books.

  • Save 13%
    - Investigations in a Secret Police File
    by Katherine Verdery
    £20.99

    Katherine Verdery analyzes the 2,781 page surveillance file the Romanian secret police compiled on her during her research trips to Transylvania in the 1970s and 1980s. Reading it led her to question her identity and also revealed how deeply the secret police was embedded in everyday life.

  • - A Biography
    by Bob Millard
    £11.99

    Wynonna Judd has a smile like Elvis Presley’s, a voice comparable to Patsy Cline’s, and a vocal style that’s (almost) all her own. Onstage, she shares the music and the limelight with her Kentucky-born mother Naomi. Together, the Judds have become the hottest country-western duo singing today. They’ve brought country back to its roots with a rockabilly beat and helped bring Nashville renewed success as a music capital.   Author Bob Millard traces the colorful lives of mother and daughter, from Naomi’s tragic loss of her brother in childhood, to her escape into early marriage, through the “U-Haul years” when Wynonna and her sister Ashley were toted through countless cities in search of their mother’s dream. Theirs is a wild, inspiring story of love and devotion, fights, reconciliations, and bald ambition. But most of all, it’s a story of finding harmonies—in music and in the women themselves.

  • by Johnnie Cochran
    £16.49

    The most famous lawyer in America talks about the law, his life, and how he has won.Johnnie Cochran has been a lawyer for almost forty years. In that time, he has taken on dozens of groundbreaking cases and emerged as a pivotal figure in race relations in America. Cochran gained international recognition as one of America's best - and most controversial lawyers - for leading 'the Dream Team' defense of accused killer O.J. Simpson in the Trial of the Century. Many people formed their perception of Cochran based on his work in that trial. But long before the Simpson trial and since then Johnnie Cochran has been a leader in the fight for justice for all Americans. This is his story.Cochran emerged from the trial as one of the nation's leading African-American spokespersons - and he has done most of his talking through the courtroom. Abner Louima. Amadou Diallo. The racially-profiled New Jersey Turnpike Four. Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. Patrick Dorismond. Cynthia Wiggins. These are the names that have dominated legal headlines - and Cochran was involved with each of them. No one who first encountered him during the Simpson trial can appreciate his impact on our world until they've read his whole story.Drawing on Cochran's most intriguing and difficult cases, A Lawyer's Life shows how he's fought his critics, won for his clients, and affected real change within the system. This is an intimate and compelling memoir of one lawyer's attempt to make us all truly equal in the eyes of the law.

  • by Hiltgunt Zassenhaus
    £16.99

  • - Life and Poetry of Lotus Moon
    by Otagaki Rengetsu
    £18.49 - 24.49

  • - a man, his 1910 motorcycle and an epic journey across the world
    by Ron Fellowes
    £16.99

    In 2012, while others his age were enjoying quiet retirement, Ron Fellowes set off on the challenge of a lifetime. His dream to ride a 102 year-old FN motorcycle across the world - to the Belgian factory where the bike originated - had all the hallmarks of an epic adventure: one that was never going to be easy. For eight months Ron rode 14,600 kilometres through 15 countries under grueling conditions, into some of the world's most hostile territory. He faced desert sandstorms, mountains too steep for the motorcycle's capability, the threat of rockslides and bombings when he took a detour, and pressure from armed police through conflict zones. He was robbed, and when held at gunpoint, Ron came face-to-face with his own mortality. The motorcycle's limited capacity - no gears, inadequate brakes and pedal assisted - made it a daily struggle. Breakdowns were common, and only Ron's ingenuity and single-mindedness, Lynne's logistical support, and the generosity of others kept him going. Beautifully illustrated in full colour throughout, No Room for Watermelons is co-written by Ron and Lynne. It is an engaging, and entertaining account of one man's stoic determination to fulfill his dream. You will be carried along for the ride, and inspired to achieve your own dreams... no matter how impossible they seem.

  • - A Story Within a Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
    by Terrence Wood
    £17.99

  • - Life After Locked-In Syndrome
    by David Nette
    £11.49

  • Save 13%
    by Abbe Aemile Warre
    £13.99

    The book describes the development, construction and operation of the "People's Hive" of Abbé Émile Warré. The original L'Apiculture Pour Tous ran to twelve editions in French. This a translation of the last edition by Patricia & David Heaf is the first such in English. Warré's hive can be easily made by anyone with basic woodworking skills or is available from suppliers in the UK, USA or continental Europe. The title will be attractive to all who wish to follow a natural way of keeping bees which the author describes. ¿¿A translation by Mr & Mrs Heaf of the 12th French edition of L'Apiculture Pour Tous which suggests simple and productive beekeeping.¿¿This translation was made from the 1948 French Edition.

  • Save 17%
    by Frieda Hughes
    £9.99

    This selection from Frieda Hughes's first four poetry collections is prefaced by a short memoir about her life and work, including the loss of her parents, Ted Hughes and Sylvia Plath, and brother Nicholas. The book excludes poems from Forty-five (HarperCollins, US, 2006), and Alternative Values: poems & paintings (Bloodaxe Books, 2015).

  • - Photographer and American Progressive
    by Timothy J. Duerden
    £37.99

    Filling a void, this is the first full-length biography of early twentieth century photographer and social reformer, Lewis Hine. Drawing from the existing literature, this volume also includes primary research, not published until now, including information gleaned from surviving family members. The book includes over sixty-five images, some well-known, others not.

  • Save 15%
    - More honest, heart-warming and hilarious antics from reality TV's biggest star
    by Charlotte Crosby
    £10.99

    The next chapter in Charlotte Crosby's life - Celebrity Big Brother winner, MTV presenter, fitness DVD and book bestseller and one of the UK's best loved and funniest reality TV stars.

  • Save 10%
    by Christopher Berry-Dee
    £8.99

    Christopher Berry-Dee, criminologist and bestselling author of books about the serial killers Aileen Wuornos and Joanne Dennehy, turns his uncompromising gaze upon women who not only kill, but kill repeatedly.

  • Save 10%
    by Harry Harris
    £8.99

    A bestseller in both the UK and the USA on its first publication, this book was the first fully authorised life of world's greatest living footballer. With exclusive access to Pelé, award-winning sports writer Harry Harris charts his meteoric rise from humble beginnings in Brazil to his first international at the age of sixteen. Superb athleticism, speed of thought and execution, and astonishing ball control helped him become the only player to have appeared in three World Cup-winning sides, and to have scored more than 1,200 goals in his senior career, a feat that is now unlikely ever to be equalled, let alone surpassed.Pelé remains the best footballer of all time, despite the extraordinary exploits of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, and legends such as Diego Maradona and Johan Cruyff. Now revised and updated to bring the story completely up to date, this is a tribute to a world-class sporting hero, a great sportsman and, to this day, an inspiration to millions.

  • Save 15%
    - The Presidential Years
    by Mandla Langa & Nelson Mandela
    £10.99 - 18.99

    Dare Not Linger is the remarkable story of Nelson Mandela's presidency told in his own words and those of distinguished South African writer Mandla Langa.

  • - An Indian tale
    by Herman Hesse
    £7.49

    A brahmin boy follows his heart and goes through various lives to finally understand what it means to be enlightened. He experiences life as a pious brahmin, a Samana, a rich merchant, a lover, and an ordinary ferryman, to a father. Neither a practitioner nor a devotee, neither meditating nor reciting, Siddhartha comes to blend in with the world, resonating with the rhythms of nature, bending the reader's ear down to hear answers from the river.

  • Save 10%
    by Marc Chagall
    £8.99

  • Save 29%
    - The Autobiography of David Hobbs
    by David Hobbs
    £35.49

    Englishman David Hobbs - `Hobbo' to his friends and fans - is one of motor racing's most remarkable all-rounders. In a 41-year driving career he raced in almost every imaginable category.

  • Save 13%
    - Use Your Feminine Energy to Ignite Your Future
    by Elle Luna
    £12.99

Biographies
Biographies books are per definition a collection of someone’s life. That someone is mostly a celebrity and often comes from the world of entertainment for example a famous movie or television star. A good biography lets you under the skin of the subject. Biographies are mostly written by biography authors, who are specialized in capturing the life of another person through research and multiple interviews with both the individual and his or her relatives. The celebrity or icon can also choose to write his or her own story, which is what characterizes an autobiography. An autobiography can - if the writer is good - give you a more intimate picture of the subject. You can both find biographies and autobiographies in Tales’ wide selection of Biographies. 

Biographies best sellers
Tales’ selection contains most of the biographies best sellers. The biographies books are often about celebrities known from film, television or the music industry, but they can also be about inspiring trailblazers from the societal or political world like the biography best seller Becoming about Michelle Obama. The American first lady has inspired many Americans and people around the world. Her and her husband - the first black American first lady and President - made many extraordinary changes in the American society and advocated for more diversity and respect in the American people. Michelle Obama also fights for more equality, especially when it comes to girls and women. Read the inspiring story of how Michelle Obama became one of our times most popular, kind and obliging residents of the White House in her biography Becoming, and let it guide you to finding our own voice. 
Another best seller is Three Women by Lisa Taddeo. Taddeo has written an innovative biography that is a collection of three American women's lives. The biography is an investigation of the female lust in all its complexity. Many women have expressed that they can reflect their own life and feelings of desire in the book. 

Biographies about musicians
Take a look in our selection and find some of the best biographies about musicians. The selection has something for every taste, because you find accounts about musicians from every end of the spectre. Whether you like rock, jazz, classical music, pop or musicals you will find biographies about musicians representing every genre. 
Take for example the autobiography Me Elton John, who has gained extraordinary reviews and success all around the world making the Elton John biography an international best seller. The book is the only official biography made about the iconic musician and singer. Read the incredible and turbulent story about one of our biggest stars to date, and you might learn the secrets behind writing and performing hit after hit.
You can also dive into the fascinating story of the musical legend Julie Andrews. In the biography Home you can read about her journey from London to Broadway stardom. The triple threat is the woman behind legendary roles such as Mary Poppins and Maria from The Sound of Music, and you can follow her journey through Hollywood in the sequel Home Work. Julie Andrews is the writer of her own story and she writes in an intimate and heart-warming narrative. 

Biographies about artists
Are you an art lover, art student or an artist yourself? Then we would recommend you to find inspiration in our biographies about artists. Our collection of biographies contains among others the book Frida Kahlo - A Biography written by Claudia Schaefer. Schaefer gives an introduction to the beloved Latino artist. Frida Kahlo is one of modern times greatest female artists and her surrealist artworks are extraordinary. The biography introduces the reader to her unique form of art - Kahlo did not see herself as a surrealist - but it also gives a look into the artist behind the world famous works of art. If you want to dive into the lives of amazing artists, the story of Kahlo is just one of many wonderful biographies about artists. 

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