Biographies & Memoirs - Books

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano

Biographies & Memoirs

In the mid 1700s, around the age of eleven, Olaudah Equiano and his sister were kidnapped from their village in equatorial Africa and sold to slavers. Within a year he was aboard a European slave ship on his way to the Caribbean. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African was published by the author in 1789 and is part adventure story, part treatise on the corrupting power of slavery, and part tract about the transformative powers of Christianity.Equiano’s story takes him from Africa to the Americas, back across the Atlantic to England, into the Mediterranean, and even north to the ice packs, on a mission to discover the North-East passage. He fights the French in the Seven Year’s War, is a mate and merchant in the West Indies, and eventually becomes a freedman based in London.The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano was one of the first popular slave narratives and was reprinted eight times in the author’s lifetime. While modern scholars value this account as an important source on the life of the eighteenth-century slave and the transition from slavery to freedom, it remains an important literary work in its own right. As a valuable part of the African and African-American canons, it is still frequently taught in both English and History university courses.

The Hiltons

Biographies & Memoirs

The Hiltons is a sweeping saga of the success-and excess-of an iconic American family. Demanding and enigmatic, patriarch Conrad Hilton's visionary ideas and unyielding will established the model for the modern luxury hotel industry. But outside the boardroom, Conrad struggled with emotional detachment, failed marriages, and conflicted Catholicism. Then there were his children: Playboy Nicky Hilton's tragic alcoholism and marriage to Elizabeth Taylor was the stuff of tabloid legend. Barron Hilton, on the other hand, deftly handled his father's legacy, carrying the Hilton brand triumphantly into the new millennium. Eric, raised apart from his older brothers, accepted his supporting role in the Hilton dynasty with calm and quiet-a stark contrast to the boys' much younger half-sister Francesca, whose battle for recognition led her into courtrooms and conflict. The cast of supporting players includes the inimitable Zsa Zsa Gabor, who was married to Conrad briefly and remained a thorn in his side for decades, and a host of other Hollywood and business luminaries with whom the Hiltons crossed paths and swords over the years.

Überbitten

Biographies & Memoirs

Die Fortsetzung des SPIEGEL-Bestsellers und der gleichnamigen erfolgreichen Netflix-Serie „Unorthodox“Mit 23 verlässt Deborah Feldman die ultraorthodoxe chassidische Gemeinde der Satmarer Juden in Williamsburg, New York, und damit das Leben, das sie in "Unorthodox" so packend erzählt hat. Die Möglichkeit zurückzukehren hat sie nicht. Sie folgt ihrem großen Traum, gemeinsam mit ihrem Sohn in Freiheit zu leben. Sie verlässt New York und folgt den europäischen Spuren ihrer geliebten Großmutter, die den Holocaust überlebt hat und die die einzige Person war, bei der sich die junge Frau angenommen fühlte. Schließlich gelingt es Deborah Feldman, Wurzeln zu schlagen, ausgerechnet in Berlin, dem Ort, der durch die Satmarer mit so vielen Ängsten und Vorurteilen verbunden war. Bildstark, wortgewaltig erzählt Deborah Feldman die beeindruckende Geschichte einer Selbstfindung und Versöhnung mit der Vergangenheit.

Devoted

Biographies & Memoirs

The remarkable story of a father's devotion to his wheelchair-bound son and how their bond inspired millions of people worldwide. Born a spastic quadraplegic, Rick Hoyt was written off by numerous doctors. They advised his parents, Dick and Judy, to put their firstborn son in an institution. But Rick's parents refused. Determined to give their son every opportunity that "normal" kids had, they made sure to include Rick in everything they did, especially with their other two sons, Rob and Russ. But home was one thing, the world at large, another. Repeatedly rebuffed by school administrators who resisted their attempts to enroll Rick in school, Rick's mother worked tirelessly to help pass a landmark bill, Chapter 766, the first special-education reform law in the country. As a result, Rick and other physically disabled kids were able to attend public school in Massachusetts. But how would Rick communicate when he couldn't talk? To overcome this daunting obstacle, Dick and Judy worked with Dr. William Crochetiere, then chairman of the engineering department at Tufts University, and several enterprising graduate students, including Rick Foulds, to create the Tufts Interactive Communication device (TCI). In the Hoyt household, it became known as the "Hope machine" as it enabled Rick to create sentences by pressing his head against a metal bar. For the first time ever, Rick was able to communicate. Then one day Rick asked his dad to enter a charity race, but there was a twist. Rick wanted to run too. Dick had never run a race before, but more challenging still, he would have to push his son's wheelchair at the same time. But once again, the Hoyts were determined to overcome whatever obstacle was put in their way. Now, over one thousand races later, including numerous marathons and triathlons, Dick Hoyt continues to push Rick's wheelchair. Affectionately known worldwide as Team Hoyt, they are as devoted as ever, continuing to inspire millions and embodying their trademark motto of "Yes, you can."

The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila by Herself

Biographies & Memoirs

"The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila by Herself" is the autobiographical account of Saint Teresa Sánchez de Cepeda y Ahumada, a prominent 16th century Spanish mystic, Carmelite nun, and writer of the Counter Reformation. Like many of her writings her autobiography has a didactic tone as it intends to instruct the reader on how to live a more devout Christian life in the manner put forth by the Catholic Church. A classic work of Christian mysticism "The Life of Saint Teresa of Avila by Herself" is a must read for anyone seeking a more contemplative life and a closer and more spiritual connection with God through prayer and religious devotion.

Ingen engel

Biographies & Memoirs

Agenten Jay Dobyns gik undercover hos Hells Angels i forsøget på at bringe dem til fald. Følg hans oplevelser i denne spændende fortælling fra rockernes rå verden. Jack voksede op i en helt almindelig familie, havde sunde interesser og var ganske dygtig til at spille amerikansk fodbold. Der var intet i hans baggrund, som tydede på, at han en dag skulle sidde kronraget og muskuløs med tatoveringer over det meste af kroppen, overskrævs på sin mægtige Harley Davidson iført en vest med et af de mest frygtede rygmærker i den vestlige verden: Hells Angels grinende kranie. Jay Anthony Dobyns (f. 1961) er undercover agent for Bureau of Alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives (ATF). Fra 2001 til 2003 infiltrerede han Hells Angels efter at have fingeret mordet på et medlem af en rivaliserende rockerbande

Anne Frank Remembered

Biographies & Memoirs

The reminiscences of Miep Gies, the woman who hid the Frank family in Amsterdam during the Second World War, presents a vivid story of life under Nazi occupation.

Piccoli uomini

Biographies & Memoirs

Avete mai provato a guardare gli uomini come se fossero donne?A valutarli in base alla loro avvenenza, all’età, alla freschezza, al sex appeal? Lidia Ravera l’ha fatto, tre volte alla settimana, in novecento battute, dal marzo del 2009, sul quotidiano l’Unità. Ha applicato uno sguardo implacabilmente «maschile» ai protagonisti della vita politica italiana.Niente di personale, nessuna vendetta, semmai un sottile intento pedagogico e una robusta passionecivile. Inevitabilmente, fra una pancetta e un riporto, fra uno sguardo rapace e un sorriso ambiguo, emergono i segnali della mutazione antropologica in corso, dalle risse televisive al mercato delle carni femminili, dalla miseria linguistica degli intercettati alla proliferazione dei corruttibili, il tutto commentato con divertita severità. Senza mai cadere nell’ovvio o nel volgare, con la precisione chirurgica della lingua letteraria.Lidia Ravera ha raggiunto la notorietà nel 1976 con Porci con le ali. È autrice di romanzi, saggi, sceneggiature.Tra le sue opere ricordiamo Sorelle (Mondadori, 1994), Maledetta gioventù (Mondadori, 1999), La festa è finita (Mondadori, 2002), Eterna ragazza (Rizzoli, 2006), Le seduzioni dell’inverno (Nottetempo, 2008), La guerra dei figli (Garzanti, 2009), A Stromboli (Laterza, 2010).

Civil Rights Champions

Biographies & Memoirs

Civil Rights Champions explores the pivotal role of lawyers in the Civil Rights Movement, revealing how landmark legal cases became powerful tools for social change. It highlights the unsung heroes who strategically dismantled segregation and expanded equality under the law, emphasizing the legal battles and unwavering commitment to social justice. The book argues that the movement was not just a grassroots effort but a meticulously planned legal campaign.The book examines foundational cases like Brown v. Board of Education, dissecting the legal arguments and long-term consequences. It also highlights the crucial work of lawyers fighting for voting rights and fair housing, illustrating how legal strategies shaped the movement. By focusing on the lawyers' stories and strategic thinking, Civil Rights Champions offers a unique perspective on the legal history of the Civil Rights Movement.Unfolding chronologically, the book introduces key legal figures and the pre-movement landscape, progressing through landmark cases to assess the movement's legal legacy. Drawing upon court records and personal papers, the book presents a comprehensive account accessible to a broad audience, making complex legal concepts understandable. The lessons from these legal battles offer insights applicable to contemporary struggles for equality.

Confessions of a Ghostwriter

Biographies & Memoirs

HE’S WRITTEN MORE THAN 80 BOOKS. HE’S SOLD MILLIONS OF COPIES ACROSS THE WORLD. HE IS THE MAN BEHIND A DOZEN SUNDAY TIMES TOP 10 HITS, SPENDING OVER 120 WEEKS IN THE BESTSELLER CHARTS.BUT YOU PROBABLY HAVEN’T HEARD OF HIM.Andrew Crofts is a ghostwriter, an author for hire, employed to write other people’s stories – everyone from film stars to footballers, hitmen to hookers, world leaders to abused children. Ghostwriters are confidantes to the most famous people on earth, and they help give a voice to some of the most vulnerable and inspiring. They dip their toes into every corner of life, and inhabit worlds that are both shadowy and glamorous. They are the ones who write the books that top the bestseller charts.Andrew is one of the world’s most sought-after ghosts. In this book he confesses the truth about ghosting; how it feels to be an invisible author, to be given first class tickets to travel anywhere and permission to ask whatever questions you like. Confessions of a Ghostwriter gives an unrivalled peek into private worlds that few others gain admission to.ReviewsPraise for Andrew Crofts“Crofts is disarmingly, charmingly frank about the perks and pitfalls of his own working life and shady trade.”– The Times“One of British literature’s best kept secrets.”– Matt Allwright, The One Show“One of our currently eminent ghostwriters, Andrew Crofts.”– John Sutherland, Emeritus Lord Northcliffe Professorof Modern English Literature at UCL, The Spectator“The jolly successful rent-a-ghost, Andrew Crofts.”– Horace Bent, The Bookseller Magazine“The shadowy authors of books such as these … are becoming some of the most popular writers of our time.”– Harriet Dennys, The Bookseller Magazine“And of course there's the Crofts factor.”– Caroline Sanderson, The Bookseller MagazineAbout the authorAndrew Crofts is a ghostwriter and author who has published more than eighty books, a dozen of which were Sunday Times number one bestsellers.

Life of Johnson, Volume 3

Biographies & Memoirs

The Life of Samuel Johnson, is a biography of Dr. Samuel Johnson written by James Boswell. It is regarded as an important stage in the development of the modern genre of biography; many have claimed it as the greatest biography written in English. While Boswell's personal acquaintance with his subject only began in 1763, when Johnson was 54 years old, Boswell covered the entirety of Johnson's life by means of additional research. The biography takes many critical liberties with Johnson's life, as Boswell makes various changes to Johnson's quotations and even censors many comments.

Martin Luther

Biographies & Memoirs

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER“Metaxas is a scrupulous chronicler and has an eye for a good story. . . . full, instructive, and pacey.” —The Washington PostFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Eric Metaxas comes a brilliant and inspiring biography of the most influential man in modern history, Martin Luther, in time for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation On All Hallow’s Eve in 1517, a young monk named Martin Luther posted a document he hoped would spark an academic debate, but that instead ignited a conflagration that would forever destroy the world he knew. Five hundred years after Luther’s now famous Ninety-five Theses appeared, Eric Metaxas, acclaimed biographer of the bestselling Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy and Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery, paints a startling portrait of the wild figure whose adamantine faith cracked the edifice of Western Christendom and dragged medieval Europe into the future. Written in riveting prose and impeccably researched, Martin Luther tells the searing tale of a humble man who, by bringing ugly truths to the highest seats of power, caused the explosion whose sound is still ringing in our ears. Luther’s monumental faith and courage gave birth to the ideals of liberty, equality, and individualism that today lie at the heart of all modern life.

Unforgivable Blackness

Biographies & Memoirs

In this vivid biography Geoffrey C. Ward brings back to life the most celebrated — and the most reviled — African American of his age. Jack Johnson battled his way out of obscurity and poverty in the Jim Crow South to win the title of heavyweight champion of the world. At a time when whites ran everything in America, he took orders from no one and resolved to live as if color did not exist. While most blacks struggled simply to exist, he reveled in his riches and his fame, sleeping with whomever he pleased, to the consternation and anger of much of white America. Because he did so the federal government set out to destroy him, and he was forced to endure prison and seven years of exile. This definitive biography portrays Jack Johnson as he really was--a battler against the bigotry of his era and the embodiment of American individualism.

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano

Biographies & Memoirs

Widely admired for its vivid accounts of the slave trade, Olaudah Equiano's autobiography -- the first slave narrative to attract a significant readership -- reveals many aspects of the eighteenth-century Western world through the experiences of one individual. The second edition reproduces the original London printing, supervised by Equiano in 1789. Robert J. Allison's introduction, which places Equiano's narrative in the context of the Atlantic slave trade, has been revised and updated to reflect the heated controversy surrounding Equiano's birthplace, as well as the latest scholarship on Atlantic history and the history of slavery. Improved pedagogical features include contemporary illustrations with expanded captions and a map showing Equiano's travels in greater detail. Helpful footnotes provide guidance throughout the eighteenth-century text, and a chronology and an up-to-date bibliography aid students in their study of this thought-provoking narrative.

The Caney Kansas Jail Break

Biographies & Memoirs

An American adventure story set in the 1950s and 1960s that follows the life of Paul Barrett, a working class kid from Queens, New York, who falls in love with the rodeo at a matinee performance in Madison Square Garden. The story details Paul's freewheeling journey, along with the smooth-talking RJ Christy, and other young boys from New York City who also have big rodeo dreams. They roam New England as hired hands in wild west shows, and travel west in hotel Chevrolet as rodeo competitors in the days of Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. It's a life where hard work and perseverance are relentlessly trumped by lady luck in determining Paul's fate, and whether or not he can make his championship bull riding dreams come true.

Book of Souls

Biographies & Memoirs

In this intimate glimpse into the heart of his own creative spirit, Jack Ketchum shares his early career, literary influences, and some of the characters that formed the man he has become. From his early respect and admiration for Henry Miller to the tortured lives of friends, and the aftermath of 9/11 - these are the stories that define a career. This is the kind of book that opens windows into the soul. Step up and take a look.

Star of the Show

Biographies & Memoirs

A stunning celebration of Dolly Parton’s iconic career as a performer, featuring entertaining personal stories alongside more than 500 full-color photographs, including exclusive images and ephemera from her archive, and an eight-page gatefold listing her lifetime of performances.In Star of the Show, the culminating book in Dolly Parton’s photographic trilogy—following Songteller (lyrics) and Behind the Seams (fashion)—the global superstar finally shares a definitive look at her career as one of the world’s most dazzling and beloved performers.Featuring engaging stories and memories from Parton’s dynamic life behind the microphone, this book spotlights her signature performances and star-making moments, from singing in front of her family to premiering on the Grand Ole Opry stage and beyond. Her formative years performing with country legend Porter Wagoner are chronicled as she learns hard lessons from life on the road. Breaking out on her own at state fairs and critically acclaimed venues, she toured the world performing for millions of fans in arenas, stadiums, and at festivals. From making her onscreen debut in the blockbuster feature film 9 to 5 to playing the Dallas Cowboys’ 2023 Thanksgiving halftime show to 42 million viewers, this global superstar knows no limits. Along the way, Dolly shares the stage with Kenny Rogers, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and others, while offering insight on touring big, singing strong, and staying on top for seven decades.Brimming with Parton’s trademark wit and heartfelt sincerity, Star of the Show: My Life on Stage is not only an homage to one of history’s most cherished artists, but also a must-have collector’s item for—and love letter to—any fan of the one and only Dolly Parton.

A Native's Return, 1945–1988

Biographies & Memoirs

The prominent journalist, historian, and author—an eyewitness to some of the most pivotal events of the twentieth century—tells the story of his final years. In the last book of a three-volume series, William L. Shirer recounts his return to Berlin after the Third Reich’s defeat, his shocking firing by CBS News, and his final visit to Paris sixty years after he first lived there as a cub reporter in the 1920s. It paints a bittersweet picture of his final decades, friends lost to old age, and a changing world. More personal than the first two volumes, this final installment takes an unflinching look at the author’s own struggles after World War II—and his vindication after the publication of The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich, his most acclaimed work. It also provides intimate details of his often-troubled marriage. This book gives readers a surprising and moving account of the last years of a true historian—and an important witness to history.

King of the Night

Biographies & Memoirs

A candid, unauthorized portrait of Johnny Carson draws on the observations of ex-wives, paramours, colleagues, family, and friends to provide a close-up study of America's most famous talk-show host.

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano

Biographies & Memoirs

The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, written in 1789, details its writer's life in slavery, his time spent serving on galleys, the eventual attainment of his own freedom and later success in business. Including a look at how slavery stood in West Africa, the book received favorable reviews and was one of the first slave narratives to be read widely.

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