Browsing: Biographies and Memoirs

During his career as a pirate captain, Bartholomew Roberts gained wealth and notoriety across the Caribbean. The infamous Black Bart’s exploits come to life in this fascinating history of lawlessness at sea.

This “astonishing” true story (Booklist) follows Eve Haas, the daughter of German Jewish refugees, who set out to uncover the secrets of her family’s heritage on a daring voyage across Europe. “Fascinating” (BBC).

Based on the true account of a World War II POW who escaped from a Soviet gulag, this book chronicles Clemens Forell’s harrowing, years-long trek across Siberia to regain his freedom. “A story of human courage, endurance, and terror” (The Washington Post).

In this thrilling true story, an itinerant cowboy volunteers for a British air squadron during World War I — and goes on to become a famed flying ace. A “jewel of a war memoir… Exciting, understated, and humorous” (The Wall Street Journal).

Once Hitler’s foreign press secretary, Ernst Hanfstaengl defected and became an asset to Franklin D. Roosevelt. This book offers an unprecedented inside look at the terrifying rise of the Nazi empire.

Did Princess Diana get along with Queen Elizabeth II? This close look at the complicated relationship between the two women “distinguishes itself with its restraint, psychological insight, and abundant insider knowledge” (Publishers Weekly).

This “nicely crafted biography” (Kirkus Reviews) tells the story of Jonathan Letterman, who devised innovative medical care techniques during the Civil War. “Stirring… An incisive portrait of the great doctor” (Publishers Weekly).

“Compelling” (Publishers Weekly): Traudl Junge dreamed of being a ballerina — but instead became the secretary to one of the world’s most evil figures. Learn about her time working for Hitler in this disturbing tale from a dark hour in history.

“Engaging” (Publishers Weekly): Thanks to an unexpected detour, Michael Ross went from backpacking through Europe to fighting al-Qaeda for Israel’s secret service. This gripping memoir chronicles his life as an undercover agent.

In this “revealing” account (Newsweek), a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian traces the lives of Tsar Nicholas II and Alexandra — the final rulers of the Romanov dynasty. “A wonderfully rich tapestry” (The New York Times) with over 9,500 five-star Goodreads ratings.