Best Biographies Books

Book rating updated 15.02.2024

Gain insight into the lives of remarkable individuals through our selection of the best biographies of all time.

  1. Steve Jobs

    4.7
    24 068 ratings
    Recommended by: Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Mr. Beast and 2 others
    The book is a biography of the late Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple Inc. It is a story about his early days, building Apple from a garage, and revolutionizing the technology industry through innovative products such as the iPhone and the iPad. The book also delves into his leadership style, his passion for perfection, and how his personal and professional life has influenced the future of technology. Through personal insight, as well as interviews with those who knew him best, it paints a comprehensive portrait of the man who changed the world, and his genius and flaws.
  2. Open: An Autobiography

    4.7
    21 124 ratings
    Andre Agassi
    It is an autobiography that opens up the life of a tennis great who hated the sport from his tender age, and follows how he moved from being pushed into tennis by his dad to becoming one of the world's best players. The book goes into his struggles with fame, identity and personal relationships to that of depression, struggle with drugs. It is the story of transformation and redemption showing how he found purpose through the charity work and love for the game he once despised. A candid and inspiring tale of resilience and change.
  3. Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

    4.5
    42 044 ratings
    Matthew Perry
    Within this memoir, Matthew Perry drags the readers through a journey in his life from the rise to fame being on the hit TV show "Friends" to the pain of addiction struggles. He tells some fucking insane personal and heartwrenching love stories right up to friendship, all with their problems making it feel raw and true. Perry's story is just as much a tragedy that is more informative on how fame comes at a cost and what it takes to rid oneself of their demons. This book is a powerful testament to resilience, showing how even in the darkest times, there is always a path forward.
  4. The Woman in Me

    4.4
    37 094 ratings
    Britney Spears
    The memoir of a global pop icon opens to her confrontations with issues of fame, love, and resilience in her personal journey. It contains open and introspective reflections on her struggles with media, personal battles for autonomy, and the search for peace within. It's about finding your voice in the chaos of the spotlight, an inspiring testament to empowerment and self-discovery.
  5. Elon Musk

    4.7
    11 356 ratings
    This biography covers the story of Elon Musk's life, who is deemed today one of the most visionary entrepreneurs, and of some of the most impactful companies for humanity in their respective business areas: SpaceX, Tesla, and SolarCity. It is a story of a young dreamer whose way starts from South Africa and continues up to becoming one of the most influential visionaries in technology business today. The book, through interviews and personal insights, uncovers Musk's drive, determination to break traditional industries, and his goals for the future of humanity. It is a very compelling story about determination, creativity, and changing the world through revolutionary ideas.
  6. Just Kids

    4.5
    9 720 ratings
    Patti Smith
    A memoir of friendship and coming-of-age, the story details the relationship between the two artists dealing with the bohemian New York City of the late 1960s and 1970s. It maps their struggles, growth, and aspirations as friends and partners, through establishing themselves as influential creators in their own right. Set in a swirling, vibrant and changing city, pure testament to the power of creativity, love and resilience. This report, intimate in its form, presents a window on the lives of two young people determined to make art true to themselves in a touching reaffirmation of the importance of friendship and pursuit of the dream.
  7. Leonardo da Vinci

    4.5
    10 295 ratings
    Recommended by: Bill Gates, Mukesh Ambani
    This biography delves into the life of Leonardo da Vinci, exploring his unparalleled genius in both art and science. It attests to how much curiosity, imagination, and quest for knowledge were intertwined with him, and how they led to the creation of some of the most prominent masterpieces of all times, such as the Mona Lisa or The Last Supper. It also pays notice to his contributions in anatomy, his inventions in engineering, and works in physics – his ideas were far ahead of his times. With great detail and in brilliant storytelling, the reader is drawn into the very mind of a man striving to comprehend the world in all its dimensions.
  8. Einstein

    4.6
    5 634 ratings
    The book offers an explicit exposition of the life of Einstein in view of his groundbreaking scientific discoveries as well as his relatively complicated personal life. The book dissects, with clarity, his creation of the theory of relativity, influence as a philosophy of science and pacifism at a time that was characterized by great turmoil. It delves deeper into his struggles and victories, painting a picture of a man who opened new frontiers in the way we understand the universe. With detailed background research on data used and excellent narrations, it gives a complete view of one of the most intelligent men ever known in human history.
  9. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

    4.6
    4 888 ratings
    Recommended by: Elon Musk, Sam Parr, Charlie Munger
    This biography is on the life of Benjamin Franklin, the ever-iconic character in American history who developed his reputation through science, invention, diplomacy, and as a founding father. Thus, the book is an illustration of Franklin's contributions towards the American Revolution and drafting of the Declaration of Independence. Through intensive research, the author reveals the personality of Franklin who turned to know it all and his influence towards the making of American identity. It is an inspiring story that offers a look into the mind of one man whose legacy continues to impact the world today.
  10. Somebody's Daughter

    4.3
    5 723 ratings
    Ashley C. Ford
    Recommended by: Oprah Winfrey
    This memoir traces the chronicles of a young girl being raised in an extremely difficult family situation. Her father is serving time in prison, and she has difficulty not only relating to him, but also relating to herself. As she moves through adolescence, grappling with her body image, sexuality, and understanding of love, the story is a powerful narrative of forgiveness and resilience in the face of harm and the need for connection. It explores the effect of incarceration on families and that love and understanding between family members go beyond. This book provides readers with insight into the struggles and success of growing up with what is possibly called difficult circumstances.
  11. The Snowball: Warren Buffett

    4.6
    4 272 ratings
    Alice Schroeder
    Recommended by: Sam Parr
    This biography continues to describe the life of Warren Buffet, one of the most successful investors to have ever lived. It further details his journey from a little boy enchanted by numbers to being the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. It tells the tale of investment strategies, personal philosophies, and struggles ahead. It's really a true intimate account of details and tales that will give one a hint into the mind of Buffett, and one might say, not just an interesting read for a financial buff, but also about the man behind the legend.
  12. Total Recall

    4.6
    4 862 ratings
    Arnold Schwarzenegger
    This autobiography chronicles the biggest achievements and milestones in Arnold Schwarzenegger's life, from his first days in Austria through his triumph as a champion bodybuilder, Hollywood star, and Governor of California. With uncompromising honesty and humor, it goes into his extraordinary success in areas varied in revolved around his influence with work as his attitude. The story is not only a personal story of success but also on his failures or discouragements and how he managed to come out of them. This story inspires, showing that with ambition and perseverance, it's possible to achieve the seemingly impossible.
  13. Titan

    4.6
    330 ratings
    Ron Chernow
    "Titan" is the biography of one John D. Rockefeller, Sr., founder of Standard Oil Company, America's first billionaire and patriarch of a dynasty that remains one of the most powerful business institutions on earth. From his humble beginnings to building an oil empire that literally monopolized American industry, Rockefeller's life was one of relentless ambition, controversy, and philanthropy. Economically and socially associated with the legacy, clearly comes out through this story of wealth and power.
  14. Kissinger: A Biography

    4.4
    617 ratings
    This comprehensive, evenhanded biography examines Kissinger's profound impact on global affairs as National Security Advisor and Secretary of State. Isaacson portrays Kissinger's strategic brilliance in détente with the Soviet Union, rapprochement with China, and other deft geopolitical maneuvers, while also scrutinizing his controversial actions like intervening in Chile's politics.
  15. Lincoln the Unknown

    4.8
    518 ratings
    An insightful biography highlighting lesser-known details about Abraham Lincoln's life story, from his humble upbringings and self-education efforts to his celebrated presidency navigating the Civil War. Carnegie humanizes Lincoln through anecdotes showcasing his integrity, storytelling abilities, and influential leadership.
  16. Gandhi

    4.2
    62 ratings
    Jad Adams
    Recommended by: Dave Chappelle
    Jad Adams's "Gandhi" is a long and detailed biographical essay on the life, philosophy, and huge influence that Mahatma Gandhi made in his motherland, India, and worldwide, including a selection of his activities and philosophies. The book explores the role Gandhi played as a political and spiritual leader of his people, his unmovable stance for nonviolent protest, and his personal life and activity, presenting an image of a person who was one of the world icons for peaceful protest and civil activity. This thorough examination sets the stage for the next level of understanding Gandhi’s impact and legacy.
  17. Andrew Carnegie

    4.0
    20 ratings
    Joseph Frazier Wall
    Recommended by: Codie Sanchez, Charlie Munger
    A full biography traces his remarkable rise from very humble beginnings to titan of industry and leadership in steelmaking. This incisive overview includes his innovative business strategies, major industrial contributions, and abiding legacy of giving, resulting in a multifaceted portrayal of an American titan of industry and philanthropy.

FAQ

  • What are the most popular authors of biographies books?

    Here are authors of good biographies books:

    • Walter Isaacson - innovators, historical figures.
    • Robert A. Caro - political figures, power dynamics.
    • Doris Kearns Goodwin - U.S. Presidents, historical leadership.
    • David McCullough - american history, biography.
    • Ron Chernow - historical biographies, finance figures.

List of top rated Biographies books everyone should read. Best sellers only!