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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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  • Save 21%
    - Lessons I've Learned from the Man Who Made Me a Champion
    by Larry Sloman & Mike Tyson
    £13.49

    The story of the relationship between the most devastating heavyweight boxer in history and the mentor who made him.

  • Save 15%
    - Beating the Odds, from Las Vegas to Wall Street
    by Edward O. Thorp
    £10.99

    The unimaginable success of a gambling and investment legend

  • - The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History
    by Scott McEwen & Chris Kyle
    £7.99 - 9.49

    The #1 New York Times bestselling memoir of U.S. Navy Seal Chris Kyle, and the source for Clint Eastwood's blockbuster movie which was nominated for six academy awards, including best picture. From 1999 to 2009, U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle recorded the most career sniper kills in United States military history.

  • Save 15%
    by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
    £10.99

    The setting is the seashore and as the author picks up shells she reflects how each symbolizes a facet of her development as a woman from young love to middle age and studies the ebb and flow of human relationships and upholds the importance of the free and individual spirit of woman and man.

  • Save 21%
    - Work and Love
    by Tuula Karjalainen
    £14.99

    The definitive illustrated biography of one of the most unique and beloved children's authors of the 20th century, the creator of the Moomins. Tove Jansson (1914-2001) led a long, colourful and productive life, impacting significantly the political, social and cultural history of 20th-century Finland. And while millions of children have grown up with Little My, Snufkin, Moomintroll and the many creatures of Moominvalley, the life of Jansson - daughter, friend and companion - is more touching still. This book weaves together the myriad qualities of a painter, author, illustrator, scriptwriter and lyricist from fraught beginnings through fame, war and heartbreak and ultimately to a peaceful end.

  • Save 11%
    by Maya Angelou
    £7.99

    Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou's debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide. Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local ';powhitetrash.' At eight years old and back at her mother's side in St. Louis, Maya is attacked by a man many times her ageand has to live with the consequences for a lifetime. Years later, in San Francisco, Maya learns that love for herself, the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors (';I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare') will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned. Poetic and powerful, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read. ';I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings liberates the reader into life simply because Maya Angelou confronts her own life with such a moving wonder, such a luminous dignity.'James Baldwin

  • Save 23%
    - The Path of the Heart
    by Ram Dass
    £15.49

    As one of the most respected spiritual explorers of recent times, Ram Dass sparked a revolution with the publication of his 2-million-copy classic, Be Here Now. Since then, he has been a beacon for spiritual seekers worldwide, challenging us to find new sources of meaning and purpose in our lives.Be Love Now is a remarkable blend of autobiography and timeless spiritual insights. From his beginnings as a Harvard psychologist and psychedelic adventurer to his profound encounters with his Indian guru, Neem Karoli Baba, and moving beyond the reawakening brought on by his near-fatal illness, Ram Dass strikes a practical, humorous, soul-stirring chord in today's egotistical and lonely world. While offering us his rich life experiences, he also holds out a timeless, wonderfully universal adventure that will open our hearts and minds.

  • Save 15%
    by Laura Hillenbrand
    £10.99

    The incredible true story of Louis Zamperini, now a major motion picture directed by Angelina Jolie.THE INTERNATIONAL NUMBER ONE BESTSELLERIn 1943 a bomber crashes into the Pacific Ocean. Against all odds, one young lieutenant survives. Louise Zamperini had already transformed himself from child delinquent to prodigious athlete, running in the Berlin Olympics. Now he must embark on one of the Second World War's most extraordinary odysseys. Zamperini faces thousands of miles of open ocean on a failing raft. Beyond like only greater trials, in Japan's prisoner-of-war camps.Driven to the limits of endurance, Zamperini's destiny, whether triumph or tragedy, depends on the strength of his will ...Now a major motion picture, directed by Angelina Jolie and starring Jack O' Connell.

  • Save 14%
    - Fifteen Writers Break the Silence
     
    £9.49

    "You will devour these beautifully written and very important tales of honesty, pain, and resilience" (Elizabeth Gilbert, bestselling author of Eat Pray Love) Fifteen brilliant writers explore how what we don't talk about with our mothers affects us, for better or for worse.

  • Save 23%
    by Robert Iger
    £15.49

  • Save 15%
    by James Acaster
    £10.99

    James Acaster's Classic Scrapes - The Hilarious Sunday Times Bestseller is a delightful read from the renowned author, James Acaster. Published by the Headline Publishing Group in 2018, this book has been a sensation in the literary world. The book falls under the genre of humor and comedy, showcasing Acaster's brilliant wit and unique storytelling ability. Each page is filled with laughter and unexpected twists, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh. Acaster's Classic Scrapes is not just a book; it's a journey filled with hilarious incidents and classic moments. The author's skillful narration and the publisher's dedication to quality make this book a classic in its own right. Don't miss out on this bestseller from the Headline Publishing Group.

  • Save 14%
    - How a Group of Inventors, Hackers, Geniuses and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution
    by Walter Isaacson
    £9.49

    The author of the massively bestselling Steve Jobs biography writes the whole history of the digital age

  • Save 14%
    - A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed
    by Leo Janos
    £9.49

    The former head of Lockheed's SKUNK WORKS reveals the amazing story of the secret aircraft that changed the course of history - from the U-2 to the Stealth Fighter

  • Save 25%
    by Liverpool FC
    £19.49

    With a foreword from Jurgen Klopp."I said when he was appointed, 'fasten your seatbelts and get ready for take-off,' and I wasn't wrong. He took us on some journey" Sir Kenny DalglishOn 9 October 2015 swathes of Liverpool FC supporters gathered outside the Shankly Gates to listen to Jurgen Klopp's first press conference, where he confidently predicted a change in the team's fortunes after years of underperformance. Across the next nine years Jurgen would go on to revolutionise the club, creating a team of mentality monsters who would consistently deliver on his promises.In this revealing book, LFC turn to the players, club heroes and competitors who worked most closely with Jurgen to describe some of the most pivotal and memorable moments of his tenure. Mike Gordon explains what made Jurgen the perfect fit for LFC; James Milner describes how he set about transforming the club; Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk outline how he convinced them to sign for him; Jordan Henderson reveals what he said in his team talk to inspire their legendary UEFA Champions League comeback against Barcelona in 2019; Sir Kenny Dalglish recalls the momentous 2019-2020 Premiere League season and how Jurgen ended the 30-year wait. Every story places readers at the heart of Jurgen Klopp's incredible LFC journey, and outlines the qualities that have enabled him to become one of the club's most revered and successful managers.Accompanied with stunning photographs from Liverpool FC's archive, this celebration describes the indelible mark that Jurgen Klopp has left and relates countless memories that LFC fans will cherish for years to come."The boss improved everything during his time here, everybody loved him, and he's been a great manager, that's plain to see. It's been incredible to play for him" Mo Salah"The greatest gift Jurgen gave to Liverpool was belief" Jordan Henderson"Rather than buy a team of superstars, Klopp built a team of superstars. He re-established Liverpool as one of the biggest and best clubs in Europe" Jamie Carragher"Jurgen's team helped us to arrive at our limits. This is the truth. They have been our biggest rival, our biggest opponent by far" Pep Guardiola

  • Save 23%
    by Sahil Bloom
    £15.49

  • by Marcus Aurelius
    £7.99 - 11.99

    In Meditations, now available in a highly designed hardcover gift edition, Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, who ruled from 161 to 180 AD, reflects on the philosophical idea of Stoicism, his day-to-day life, and issues that still plague us all.

  • Save 23%
    by Thurston Moore
    £15.49

    A study of a life lived in an environment of wild music and endless wonder, Sonic Life is the long-awaited memoir of iconic American musician and Sonic Youth frontman, Thurston Moore. A music-obsessed retrospective, beginning with his childhood epiphany of rock 'n' roll in the early 1960s into an infatuation with the subversive world of 1970s punk and no wave blasting forth from New York City - where he eventually runs off to join a band in 1978. By 1981 Moore would form the legendary and notorious experimental rock group Sonic Youth, who proceeded to record and tour relentlessly for almost 30 years, always progressing, always exploring.Along the way we meet a constellation of artists and musicians who colluded and collided with Sonic Youth including Velvet Underground, Stooges, Patti Smith, Television, Sex Pistols, Clash, Nirvana, Hole, Beastie Boys, Neil Young and a cavalcade of other musical visionaries, as well as figures from the art world - Jean Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Gerhard Richter.Simply put, Thurston Moore and Sonic Youth changed the sound of modern alternative rock music and opened the minds of a generation of artists to new possibilities within the form. This is essential reading.

  • Save 14%
    by Yu Hua
    £9.49

    Framed by ten words and phrases common in the Chinese vernacular, China in Ten Words reveals as never before the world's most populous yet often misunderstood nation.

  • Save 27%
    by Chris Beetles
    £25.49

    The definitive biography of the iconic English artist, packed with weird and wonderful artwork

  • Save 15%
    by Alan Rickman
    £10.99

    Through his never-before-seen diaries - a twenty-five-year passion project - Alan Rickman invites readers backstage and into his life. He takes us behind the scenes on films and plays ranging from Sense & Sensibility, the Harry Potter series, Private Lives and many more. Detailing the extraordinary and the ordinary, he writes in a way that is anecdotal, indiscreet, witty, gossipy and utterly candid.

  • Save 22%
    by James Fallon
    £13.99

  • Save 23%
    by Megan Hess
    £16.99

    Christian Dior: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Masteris a stunning illustrated biography of legendary designer Christian Dior from internationally renowned fashion illustrator Megan Hess. Discover the key moments of Diors fascinating life and iconic items from the fashion world that he created. Diors love of flowers, creativity, femininity and good-luck charms were woven into everything he designed, and his New Look remains iconic to this day. Elegantly enclosed by a hardback cover and ribbon, Megans beautiful illustrations follow Dior throughthree distinct chapters: the highs and lows of his early life, set against a backdrop of bohemian and wartime Paris; the couture house that he built into an empire in just ten years; and the incredible legacy he left behind for one of fashions most influential brands.Christian Dioris a celebration of a man whose life was as remarkable as the clothes that he created, brought to life on the page by the expert hand of Megan Hess.

  • Save 14%
    by Alison Bechdel
    £9.49 - 13.49

  • Save 14%
    by Jill Bolte Taylor
    £9.49

    The international bestseller and recommended by medics, patients and the NHS, this is a brain scientist's personal experience of a stroke. It tells of her journey and gives rare insight into human consciousness and its possibilities for all of us

  • Save 14%
    - The Life of Queen Elizabeth II
    by Robert Hardman
    £9.49

    An insightful biography, based on exclusive research, of Queen Elizabeth II, bringing us the full story of one of our greatest and best-loved monarchs as she celebrates her Platinum Jubilee.

  • Save 15%
    by Mans Mosesson
    £10.99

    The only official biography of the iconic DJ, Avicii whose death in 2018 shocked the world.

  • Save 20%
    by Matthew McConaughey
    £11.99

    The Academy Award (R)-winning actor, father of three, and bestselling author of Greenlights distils more than three decades of journaling experience to help you reflect, seek clarity, and forge your own path with this life-changing practice.

  • Save 24%
    by Michael Dell
    £15.99

    WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER From Michael Dell, renowned founder and chief executive of one of America’s largest technology companies, the inside story of the battles that defined him as a leaderIn 1984, soon-to-be college dropout Michael Dell hid signs of his fledgling PC business in the bathroom of his University of Texas dorm room. Almost 30 years later, at the pinnacle of his success as founder and leader of Dell Technologies, he found himself embroiled in a battle for his company’s survival. What he’d do next could ensure its legacy—or destroy it completely. Play Nice But Win is a riveting account of the three battles waged for Dell Technologies: one to launch it, one to keep it, and one to transform it. For the first time, Dell reveals the highs and lows of the company''s evolution amidst a rapidly changing industry—and his own, as he matured into the CEO it needed. With humor and humility, he recalls the mentors who showed him how to turn his passion into a business; the competitors who became friends, foes, or both; and the sharks that circled, looking for weakness. What emerges is the long-term vision underpinning his success: that technology is ultimately about people and their potential. More than an honest portrait of a leader at a crossroads, Play Nice But Win is a survival story proving that while anyone with technological insight and entrepreneurial zeal might build something great—it takes a leader to build something that lasts. 

  • Save 20%
    by Avani Gregg
    £11.99

    The award-winning digital creator and actress Avani Gregg takes you behind the scenes of her incredible life. Known for her viral make-up videos, Avani Gregg is social media phenomenon. But how did a regular girl in small-town Indiana become TikToker of the Year? In this eye-opening memoir, she shares the ups and down of her remarkable life, including the back injury that forced her to retire from gymnastics and her move to Los Angeles. Spanning topics like mental health, relationships, bullying and more, this is the revealing and deeply inspiring Backstory of a girl with big dreams and how she worked to achieve them.

  • Save 10%
    - The ultimate book for football fans inspired by the #1 podcast
    by Jamie Carragher
    £8.99

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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