We all say we never have enough time to read a good book, but I promise you'll want to make time for these! Here's a list of 10 biographies that'll inspire you to achieve greatness!
1) Alan Turing: The Enigma: The Book That Inspired the Film The Imitation Game - Updated Edition by Andrew Hodges
Most of us know about the story of Alan Turing, the genius mathematician who helped us win World War Two with his project- breaking the enigma code. In this book the author sheds light on the inner workings of Turing and his experiences with his successes as well as his persecution.
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2) Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
This book details the story of Louis Zamperini, a young man whose US Army Bomber crashed in the Pacific Ocean and their survival mission on their raft for 47 days. They were then captured by the Japanese Navy and branded prisoners of war, tortured for two and a half years. Hillenbrand tells us of the trials and tribulations of this story for Zamperini, including his religious turn and recovery from these awful experiences.
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3) Churchill: A Life by Martin Gilbert
An important figure in British history, Churchill has had his story told many times, but nothing quite like this. This book looks in great depth at his experiences, successes and short comings that gave him the title of one of the greatest prime ministers the UK has ever seen.
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4) Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts
A new perspective on his tirade, this biography explores the life and achievements of Napoleon Bonaparte in a more positive light. This book explores his military exploits as well as his complex marital situation. The author sheds a much fairer view on Bonaparte, unlike the many other authors who've had a lesser view of him.
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5) Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt
Good old Will, an iconic figure in British literature and the original wordsmith. This book details his life and writing processes. With a hole in regards to in depth detail on his life, Greenblatt manages to tell the great-bard's story with much insight into his influences and achievements.
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6) Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
A personal favourite of mine, Alexander Hamilton is an iconic figure in American history yet wasn't known all too well until a few years ago- his namesake musical written by Lin-Manuel Miranda being a 2016 smash hit globally! A long read, this book details his life and achievements including how he shaped the America we know today as well as his infamous affair with Maria Reynolds. If a musical retelling isn't your speed then give this book a try!
You can buy this book here
7) Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie: A Tale of Love and Fallout by Lauren Redniss
One of the most important figures in our world's history, Marie Curie was a Nobel-Prize winning scientist and was a key figure in discovering the effects of radiation. With her husband Pierre she helped shape the science world we know today with vital research which is used today in treatments for various illnesses.
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8) Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera
A household name in modern art, Kahlo has an interesting and eventful life, suffering the effects of a horrific accident as a teenager as well as a husband who had multiple affairs during their marriage. The subject of the book however, highlights her brilliance and success, painting a seemingly brighter picture of her life that's well deserved.
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9) Prince: A Private View by Afshin Shahidi
A slightly different kind of entry to this list, Prince was a well-loved musician who was an icon for the LGBTQ+ community as well as the world. After his death in 2016 his private photographer Shahidi brought together a collection of his photos to help us see the real Prince behind closed doors.
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10) Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
A great man to round off this list, Steve Jobs was the co-founder and CEO of Apple who's been immortalised in his phones, a popular choice for most of the world. This book delves in to his childhood and journey from a garage engineer to one of the most successful men in the world.
You can buy this book here
We hope you found some read-speration for Summer 2021! Let us know on our socials if you read any of these books, we'd love to hear from you!
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