Biographies & Memoirs - Books

Out of the Dog House

Biographies & Memoirs

In 1963, Dick Portillo built a 6' x 12' trailer with no running water or bathroom and opened a simple hot dog stand in Villa Park, Illinois. He called it "The Dog House." More than 50 years and 50 locations later, his namesake Portillo's restaurants are a Windy City institution, famous for perfect, Chicago-style dogs. In Out of the Dog House, Portillo tells the incredible story of his life, sharing the ingenuity and hard-earned wisdom that went into building a beloved restaurant chain. From a modest childhood as the son of Greek and Mexican immigrants, to the core principles that became essential in growing a national business, this is a singular, at times surprising, tale of how one man crafted his own American dream, one hot dog at a time.

When the Astors Owned New York

Biographies & Memoirs

In this marvelous anecdotal history, Justin Kaplan––Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of Mark Twain––vividly brings to life a glittering, bygone age.Endowed with the largest private fortunes of their day, cousins John Jacob Astor IV and William Waldorf Astor vied for primacy in New York society, producing the grandest hotels ever seen in a marriage of ostentation and efficiency that transformed American social behavior.Kaplan exposes it all in exquisite detail, taking readers from the 1890s to the Roaring Twenties in a combination of biography, history, architectural appreciation, and pure reading pleasure

Bernhard Dräger

Biographies & Memoirs

1889: Mit gerade mal 19 Jahren entwickelt Bernhard Dräger zusammen mit seinem Vater Johann Heinrich Dräger das Lubeca-Ventil, mit dem die Erfolgsgeschichte des Drägerwerks in Lübeck beginnt. Es folgen weitere Erfindungen des jungen Drägers, wie Atemschutzgeräte für den Bergbau und Feuerwehren, Wiederbelebungsgeräte, Narkoseapparate für die Medizin und Tauchretter. Alles Meilensteine der Technikgeschichte. In dieser Biografie widmet sich der Historiker Michael Kamp dem Leben und Schaffen von Bernhard Dräger, dem Unternehmensleiter der zweiten Dräger-Generation. Das Buch erzählt von Ideen und Motivationen, von Erfolgen und Rückschlägen, von Familie und Beruf, von allem, was ein Leben ausmacht. Es beschreibt zugleich eine Phase der deutschen Geschichte, die von gesellschaftlichen und politischen Umwälzungen geprägt ist. So entsteht ein Porträt eines beeindruckenden Menschen in seiner Zeit.

La mère obligée

Biographies & Memoirs

Denise va mourir. Elle le sait malgré l’optimisme convenu des médecins qui passent à son chevet. Elle a 90 ans. La mort, elle l’a toujours refusée, convaincue que sa peur et ses prières suffisaient à l’éloigner pour toujours. Pendant qu’on s’acharne sur son corps squelettique pour lui redonner un souffle de vie, elle plonge dans les souvenirs de toute une vie passée à Montréal sous la gouverne de l’Église, de son mari, de ses enfants. Elle tente de trouver sa voie, mais surtout sa voix de femme née pour se taire. La mère obligée ne mourra pas sans se libérer. Diplômé en 1990 de l’Université de Montréal en Études françaises, Michael Butler publie dès l’âge de 21 ans un récit intitulé L’homme de mon lit aux Éditions VLB. Amoureux de culture en général, il affectionne particulièrement le théâtre et la littérature, auxquels il consacre ses loisirs tout en menant une carrière dans le milieu syndical. Il lui faudra le décès de sa mère pour reprendre la plume et publier trente ans plus tard ce deuxième récit, poignant et introspectif, mettant en relief la temporalité de la vie humaine.

Salvaje

Biographies & Memoirs

La historia de los 1800 kilómetros que la joven autora anduvo en su recorrido a pie por la cordillera del Pacífico de los Estados Unidos.Con veintidós años creía que lo había perdido todo en la vida. Tras la muerte de su madre y tomar la decisión de separarse, sus hermanos se dispersaron y ella se quedó sin pilares sobre los que construir su vida.Cuatro años después de la muerte de su madre toma la decisión más impulsiva de su vida: recorrer el camino del las Cumbres del Pacífico, una ruta de senderismo que recorre toda la costa oeste de los Estados Unidos, desde el desierto Mojave en California y Oregon al estado de Washington. Y decide hacerlo completamente sola. Sin ninguna experiencia en senderismo, y ni tan solo habiendo pasado jamás una noche al aire libre, para ella se trataba de una idea, vaga y extravagante y prometedora.Pero esa promesa se convirtió en la necesidad de volver a juntar las piezas del rompecabezas en que se ha convertido su vida. Narrada con suspense, estilo, sentido del humor y ternura, Savaje consigue atrapar el miedo y los placeres en la vida de una joven que se encuentra en el proceso de forjar su vida contra toda expectativa, en el viaje que la volvió loca, que la fortaleció y que acabó por sanarla.La crítica ha dicho... «Espectacular...Te atrapa... Una aventura que te quita el aliento y una profunda reflexión sobre la naturaleza del dolor y la supervivencia. Un triunfo a nivel literario y personal.»New York Times Book Review«Un libro ameno y a ratos duro, que hará las delicias de senderistas y amantes de la buena literatura con las peripecias de una joven en procesode reconstrucción, a lo largo del viaje que la volvió loca, que la fortaleció y que terminó por sanarla.»Evadium

My Autobiography

Biographies & Memoirs

Which in many cases were really of no consequence compared with what they said and did. Surely every man has his faults and his little and often ridiculous weaknesses, and these weaknesses belong quite as much to a man's character as his strength; nay, with the suppression of the former the latter would often become almost unintelligible. I like the biographies of such friends of mine as Dean Stanley, Charles Kingsley, and Baron Bunsen. But even these are deficient in those shadows which would but help to bring out all the more clearly the bright points in their character. We should remember the words of Dr. Wendell Holmes: "We all want to draw perfect ideals, and all the coin that comes from Nature's mint is more or less clipped, filed, 'sweated', or bruised, and bent and worn, even if it was pure metal when stamped, which is more than we can claim, I suppose, for anything human". True, very true; and what would the departed himself say to such biographies as are now but too common–most flat.

Tales of Transformation

Biographies & Memoirs

One hundred (and one) tales to mark Salman Akhtar's one hundredth book! Divided into eight informative parts - Dr Akhtar's journey to psychoanalysis; the lessons he learned from his teachers, supervisors, and mentors; the teachings from his peers and colleagues; the benefits of clinical work; the impact of cultural difference; insights gained from students, supervisees, and audiences; his experiences of writing, editing, and publishing; and advice for those about to take their first steps - each section is packed full of incredible advice lightly given in a series of engaging anecdotes. Tales of Transformation: A Life in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis is the perfect book for trainees, practising clinicians, those considering psychoanalysis as a career path, anyone with an interest in the subject, and all who enjoy reading the recollections of a witty raconteur.

My Life

Biographies & Memoirs

My Life is the Russian revolutionary Communist leader Leon Trotsky's autobiography.The book was first published in 1930 and was written in the first year of Trotsky's exile in Turkey. It covers the time from his youth, through the Revolution of 1905, the Revolution of 1917, the Russian Civil War up to his struggle against Stalinism and eventual expulsion from the Communist Party.Lev Davidovich Bronstein, better known as Leon Trotsky (1879-1940) was a Russian revolutionary, political theorist and politician. He was an influential figure in the early days of the Russian Revolution. Trotsky's ideas and writings have had a lasting influence on the left-wing political movements of the 20th century.

Billy

Biographies & Memoirs

The remarkable true story of a young Billy Graham and his best friend who walked away from the faith.We all know how the story ends but how did it begin? Before he became a household name, and America's Pastor, he was simply known as Billy. When he wasn't playing baseball, he was discovering his love for Christian ministry. His best friend, Charles Templeton, was already on track to be a highly successful evangelist and the two young men began strategizing on how to win the world for Christ. That plan takes a drastic turn, however, when Templeton deserts the faith and becomes an atheist. The impact of this decision on a young Billy Graham is immeasurable and agonizing. Charles would later become the great intellectual architect for agnosticism and atheism. Billy would become the single greatest messenger for the Christian Gospel. It is one of the great untold dramas between friends - Atheism vs Christianity, betrayal and hope.

Il principe. La vera storia di Vittorio Emanuele

Biographies & Memoirs

Nella notte tra il 17 e il 18 agosto del 1978, Dirk Hamer, un ragazzo tedesco pieno di vita, si trovava su una barca di amici al largo dell’isola di Cavallo in Corsica. In seguito a un diverbio sull’uso di un gommone, da un’imbarcazione vicina sulla quale si trovava il principe Vittorio Emanuele di Savoia un fucile fece fuoco e un colpo raggiunse il ragazzo alla gamba. Dirk morirà in seguito a un calvario di operazioni durato mesi. Processato dalla Corte d’Assise di Parigi, Vittorio Emanuele venne assolto dall’accusa di omicidio preterintenzionale. Ma nel 2006 arrivò la clamorosa svolta. In un’intercettazione ambientale disposta dalla Procura nella cella del carcere di Potenza in cui Vittorio Emanuele era rinchiuso per l’inchiesta Vallettopoli, il Principe confidava al compagno di cella di essere stato lui a sparare e a colpire Dirk. E si vantava del fatto che con la sua «batteria di avvocati» avesse «fregato» il giudice francese. Essendo già stato assolto, Vittorio Emanuele non poté essere perseguito per il delitto. Birgit Hamer decise di scrivere questo coraggioso libro-verità, curato poi dalla giornalista Beatrice Borromeo, ricostruendo dettagliatamente la responsabilità del Savoia. La vicenda di Dirk, ucciso da una fucilata a diciannove anni, è tornata alla ribalta grazie alla serie che Netflix ha dedicato al caso. Birgit Hamer ha lottato contro il Potere nelle sue diverse forme, perché suo fratello avesse giustizia. Quella scritta in queste pagine è la verità dei fatti, così come Birgit l’ha accertata. Prefazione di Beatrice Borromeo. Postfazione di Gianni Barbacetto.

Up a Creek, with a Paddle

Biographies & Memoirs

Up a Creek, With a Paddle is an intimate and often humorous memoir by the author of Lies My Teacher Told Me, James W. Loewen, who holds the distinction of being the best-selling living sociologist today. Rivers are good metaphors for life, and paddling for living. In this little book, Loewen skillfully makes these connections without sermonizing, resulting in nuggets of wisdom about how to live, how to act meaningfully, and perhaps how to die. Loewen also returns to his life’s work and gently addresses the origins of racism and inequality, the theory of history, and the ties between the two. But mostly, as in his life, he finds rueful humor in every canoeing debacle—and he has had many!

E se Obama fosse Africano? E outras Interinvenções

Biographies & Memoirs

Na sequência do anterior Pensatempos, Mia Couto ressurge com um conjunto de textos de intervenção que resulta da sua participação em encontros públicos nos últimos anos. São textos de reflexão crítica de um autor de ficção que, ao mesmo tempo que reinventa o seu universo, não abdica da sua missão de pensar o mundo. As intervenções abordam temas que vão da política à literatura, da cultura à antropologia, mas todos eles confirmam como o escritor moçambicano faz da sensibilidade poética um modo de entender a complexidade do nosso tempo....

The Life of Olaudah Equiano, Gustavus Vassa the African

Biographies & Memoirs

"The Life of Olaudah Equiano" is one of the earliest-known examples of published writing by an African writer and the first influential slave narrative of what became a large literary genre. Equiano's autobiography helped in the creation of the Slave Trade Act 1807 which ended the African slave trade for Britain and its colonies. Olaudah Equiano (c. 1745 – 1797), known in his lifetime as Gustavus Vassa was a freed slave of Igbo extraction from the eastern part of present-day Nigeria, who supported the British movement to end the slave trade.

Life With Autism

Biographies & Memoirs

In "Life with Autism," David Bell invites you into a world shaped by resilience, misunderstanding, and the quest for acceptance. From early health challenges as a 'blue baby' to the complications of directing through social norms, David shares his deeply personal journey with honesty and courage. Through humorous stories and moving reflections, David unveils the misunderstandings and societal barriers that often accompany autism. From childhood escapades misunderstood by police to the emotional turmoil of familial discord, each chapter reveals layers of struggle and victory. David's story shows the strength found in hardship and the power of empathy in fostering genuine connections. As he goes through misdiagnoses, spiritual questioning, and societal rejection, his journey becomes a source of hope and understanding. "Life With Autism" is a call for compassion, an exploration of resilience, and shows the human spirit's ability to persevere against all odds. Join David on his quest for acceptance and understanding in a world that often fails to see beyond the surface.

Coma

Biographies & Memoirs

"Jadis, enfant, lorsque l'Été résonne et sent et palpite de partout, mon corps en même temps que mon moi commence de s'y circonscrire et donc de le former : le "bonheur" de vivre, d'éprouver, de prévoir déjà, le démembre, tout de ce corps éclate, les neurones vont vers ce qui les sollicite, les zones de sensation se détachent presque en blocs qui se posent aux quatre coins du paysage, aux quatre coins de la Création. Ou bien, c'est la fusion avec le monde, ma disparition dans tout ce qui me touche, que je vois, et dans tout ce que je ne vois pas encore. Sans doute ne puis-je alors supporter de n'être qu'un seul moi devant tous ces autres moi et d'être immobile dans cet espace où l'on saute, s'élance, s'envole... Plutôt mourir (comme peut "mourir" un enfant) que de ne pas être multiple, voire multiple jusqu'à l'infini. Quelle douleur aussi de ne pouvoir se partager, être, soi, partagé, comme un festin par tout ce qu'on désire manger, par toutes les sensations, par tous les êtres : cette dépouille déchiquetée de petit animal par terre c'est moi... si ce pouvait être moi !" Récit lumineux d'une crise artistique et spirituelle et de ses prémices dans l'enfance du narrateur, Coma nous entraîne jusqu'aux confins de l'au-delà et nous fait entrevoir une nouvelle naissance. La confiance dans le monde, fondement de l'acte poétique et de l'acte de vivre, enchante ce récit initiatique, qui éclaire l'œuvre faite et à venir de Pierre Guyotat.

God In My Corner

Biographies & Memoirs

Everyone needs a second chance, even if your name is George Foreman."My second chance arrived unexpectedly in a Puerto Rican dressing room after a heavyweight boxing match. What happened to me in that room is so incredibly bizarre, it's unlikely you've ever before read anything like it. Simply stated, I died and went to the other side. The experience impacted me so profoundly that three decades later I can't go a single day without thinking about it."A childhood in grinding poverty. Two heavyweight boxing championships – twenty years apart. A life-changing encounter with God. A new life devoted to ministy. An inspiring comeback and then astounding success as an entrepreneur and trusted product pitchman.For the first time, George Foreman tells the whole story of his remarkable life. With the frankness, warmth, and humor you expect from Foreman, he shares the faith journey that has shaped his life, offering many life lessons along the way. What are the secrets to George Foreman's inspiring success? Why is he always smiling? Why did he name all five of his sons George? There is no one quiet like George Foreman. God in My Corner explains why. More importantly, it will open your eyes to the reality that God is there in your corner, just as He's been there for George all these years.

The Anthology of Slave Narratives

Biographies & Memoirs

The Anthology of Slave Narratives offers a profound exploration into the deeply personal and collective histories of those who endured the atrocities of slavery and fought for freedom. This collection encapsulates a diverse range of literary styles, from poignant prose to powerful oratory, threading together stories of resilience, courage, and resistance. Through firsthand accounts, the anthology traverses the horrifying realities of enslavement while illuminating the indomitable spirit that propelled many towards emancipation. The narratives provide critical insights and uncover paradigms of human rights, freedom, and identity, ensuring the voices of the enslaved rightfully occupy their space in literary and historical discourse. Curated from the works of illustrious individuals like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Jacobs, and Olaudah Equiano, along with lesser-known yet equally impactful figures, this anthology reflects a broad spectrum of cultural backgrounds. These narratives are significant artifacts that document different experiences within the scope of slave history. The memoirs and reflections capture both the convergence and divergence of experiences influenced by regions, socio-political landscapes, and personal fortitude. Through their collective contributions, these authors illuminate the pervasive consequences of slavery and foster understanding of the intersecting movements for abolition and civil rights. This anthology is an indispensable resource for readers eager to engage with a multiplicity of voices chronicling one of history's most brutal epochs. It is more than a collection of narratives; it is an invitation to engage with poignant, educational dialogues around the enduring impacts of slavery. Scholars, students, and general readers alike will find the book a treasure trove of insights and perspectives that challenge our understanding and perceptions, compelling an ongoing conversation about race, justice, and humanity.

El libro de Miguel Delibes

Biographies & Memoirs

Para la celebración del «Año Delibes», un recorrido por la vida y la obra del genio de nuestra literatura.Edición y textos de Jesús MarchamaloSelección de textos de Miguel Delibes a cargo de Amparo Medina-BocosEn el centenario del nacimiento de Miguel Delibes, este libro recorre, de la mano del comisario de la gran exposición en la Biblioteca Nacional de España, Jesús Marchamalo, su trayectoria vital y las claves de su universo narrativo: su familia, sus aficiones, sus amigos, sus hábitos creativos, su manera minuciosa, ordenada, de trabajar y de entender la escritura… Todo ello acompañado de fotografías de su archivo personal, dibujos y documentos y de una cuidada antología de textos seleccionados por la profesora Amparo Medina-Bocos, gran conocedora de su obra. Una nueva mirada moderna, actualizada, reivindicativa, que permitirá al lector acercarse al personaje y a su época y hacerse una idea también de la estrecha relación que yacía entre su vida personal y su obra literaria, dos caras de la misma moneda. Jesús Marchamalo (Madrid, 1960) es periodista y escritor, y cuenta con una amplia experiencia en medios de comunicación, tanto escritos como audiovisuales. Durante más de veinte años ha estado vinculado a Radio Nacional y Televisión Española, donde ha trabajado fundamentalmente en el campo del guion, la dirección de Programas y la creación de contenidos. Su trabajo ha merecido importantes galardones, entre ellos el Premio ICARO de Periodismo 1989 y el Premio Nacional de Periodismo Miguel Delibes en 1999. También ha realizado tareas de docencia en estudios universitarios y de posgrado, ha impartido numerosas conferencias, ha sido presentador de programas culturales de televisión y ha comisariado diversas exposiciones. En el «año Delibes» es comisario de la gran exposición dedicada a Miguel Delibes en ocasión de su centenario en la Biblioteca Nacional de España. Como escritor, es autor de más de una decena de libros, entre los últimos, Cortázar y los libros (Fórcola, 2011), La conquista de los polos (ilustrado por Agustín Comotto) (Nórdica, 2018), Stefan Zweig, la tinta violeta (ilustrado por Antonio Santos) (2019) y Delibes en bicicleta, ilustrado por Antonio Santos (Nórdica, 2020).

De overlevede

Biographies & Memoirs

Et enestående vidnesbyrd om nogle helt usædvanlige skæbner fortalt af den engelske journalist og forfatter Wendy Holden, der har samlet dem i en velresearchet ramme om Europa før og efter krigen. Tre unge, nygifte kvinder rives ud af deres gode liv og deporteres til Hitlers rædselslejre. I de sidste uger af 2. Verdenskrig bliver kvinderne, der nærmest er omvandrende skeletter, overført til udryddelseslejren Mauthausen. Det er lykkedes kvinderne at skjule, at de er gravide. Under ufattelige omstændigheder ser tre nye liv dagens lys med få dages mellemrum. På mirakuløs vis overlever både mødrene og spædbørnene, Eva, Hana og Mark, til amerikanske tropper endelig udfrier dem i maj 1945. I et nyhedsbrev i anledning af 65-årsdagen for Mauthausens befrielse beretter nogle US-veteraner om Hana og hendes mor. Historien når Eva og Mark, der hver især har troet, at de var den eneste overlevende baby i Mauthausen. Ved en mindehøjtidelighed i maj 2010 mødes de tre 'mirakler' før første gang. Deres fælles fortid binder dem sammen med et tæt bånd. Trioen indgår et samarbejde med den engelske forfatter Wendy Holden, for at kaste lys over deres mødres barske og umenneskelige tilværelse under krigen.

How to Think Like Mandela

Biographies & Memoirs

Nelson Mandela is one of the few men alive who can say he has genuinely changed the world - how we think about our place in society among other ethnic, political and religious groups and how perseverance, moral conscience and honest dialogue can help us achieve anything. Throughout his long life, he has faced struggles against odds and opposition many of us can only begin to understand, was imprisoned for decades for his beliefs, yet ultimately stood by them and saw them vindicated by a nation. How to Think Like Mandela teaches us how he accomplished his achievements, his methods, his speeches, the many forms of opposition, both peaceful and non-peaceful, that he employed to reach his ends and why he fought in the way he did. Comprehensive and informative, this is the ideal book for admirers of this great man.

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