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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 14%
    by Gary Stevenson
    £9.49

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    by Patric Gagne
    £9.49 - 14.99

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    by Charles Watts
    £9.49 - 18.99

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    by Nathaniel Zinsser
    £9.49

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    by Rebecca (Y) Solnit
    £9.49

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    by Maggie Haberman
    £10.99

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    by Hannah Gadsby
    £9.49 - 15.49

    'There is nothing stronger than a broken woman who has rebuilt herself.' Hannah Gadsby, NanetteHannah Gadsby's unique stand-up special Nanette was a viral success that left audiences captivated by her blistering honesty and her ability to create both tension and laughter in a single moment. But while her worldwide fame might have looked like an overnight sensation, her path from open mic to the global stage was hard-fought and anything but linear. Ten Steps to Nanette traces Gadsby's growth as a queer person from Tasmania - where homosexuality was illegal until 1997 - to her ever-evolving relationship with comedy, to her struggle with late-in-life diagnoses of autism and ADHD, and finally to the backbone of Nanette - the renouncement of self-deprecation, the rejection of misogyny and the moral significance of truth-telling. Equal parts harrowing and hilarious, Ten Steps to Nanette continues Gadsby's tradition of confounding expectations and norms, properly introducing us to one of the most explosive, formative voices of our time.

  • Save 10%
    by Rory Smith
    £8.99

  • Save 14%
    - The Remarkable Odyssey of Angela Merkel
    by Kati Marton
    £9.49 - 18.99

    The definitive biography of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, detailing the remarkable rise and political brilliance of the most powerful - and elusive - woman in the world.

  • Save 15%
    - Three Daughters of China
    by Jung Chang
    £10.99

    Few books have had such an impact as Wild Swans: a popular bestseller which has sold more than 13 million copies and a critically acclaimed history of China; a tragic tale of nightmarish cruelty and an uplifting story of bravery and survival.

  • Save 11%
    - The International Bestseller
    by Nicklas Bendtner & Rune Skyum-Nielsen
    £7.99

    Utterly compelling and brutally honest self-portrait of a troubled Premier League star.

  • Save 10%
    - Why the World Has Gone Nuts
    by Piers Morgan
    £8.99

    'The biggest threat to our freedom in the 21st century isn't coronavirus but hysterically woke liberals trying to kill democracy by suppressing free speech.

  • Save 14%
    - A Journey
    by Alicia Keys
    £9.49 - 15.49

    An intimate, revealing look at one artist's journey from self-censorship to full expression

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    - A Memoir
    by Debbie Harry
    £10.99

    'I was saying things in songs that female singers didn't really say back then. I wasn't submissive or begging him to come back, I was kicking his ass, kicking him out, kicking my own ass too. My Blondie character was an inflatable doll but with a dark, provocative, aggressive side. I was playing it up, yet I was very serious.'

  • Save 17%
    - My life and strange times in television
    by Louis Theroux
    £9.99

    A funny, insightful memoir by much-loved documentary maker Louis Theroux, who takes us on a weird and wonderful journey through his life and two decades of groundbreaking television.

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    by Craig Brown
    £9.49

    From the award-winning author of Ma'am Darling: 99 Glimpses of Princess Margaret comes a fascinating, hilarious, kaleidoscopic biography of the Fab Four.

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    - Walking with Destiny
    by Andrew Roberts
    £14.99

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    - A Climber's Journey of Endurance, Risk and Going Beyond Limits to Climb the Dawn Wall
    by Tommy Caldwell
    £11.99

  • 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.

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    - 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.

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    - 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 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

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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