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The 30 best biographies of all time.

Biographer Richard Holmes once wrote that his work was “a kind of pursuit… writing about the pursuit of that fleeting figure, in such a way as to bring them alive in the present.”

At the risk of sounding cliché, the best biographies do exactly this: bring their subjects to life. A great biography isn’t just a laundry list of events that happened to someone. Rather, it should weave a narrative and tell a story in almost the same way a novel does. In this way, biography differs from the rest of nonfiction .

All the biographies on this list are just as captivating as excellent novels , if not more so. With that, please enjoy the 30 best biographies of all time — some historical, some recent, but all remarkable, life-giving tributes to their subjects.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the number of great biographies out there, you can also take our 30-second quiz below to narrow it down quickly and get a personalized biography recommendation  😉

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1. A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar

This biography of esteemed mathematician John Nash was both a finalist for the 1998 Pulitzer Prize and the basis for the award-winning film of the same name. Nasar thoroughly explores Nash’s prestigious career, from his beginnings at MIT to his work at the RAND Corporation — as well the internal battle he waged against schizophrenia, a disorder that nearly derailed his life.

2. Alan Turing: The Enigma: The Book That Inspired the Film The Imitation Game - Updated Edition by Andrew Hodges

Hodges’ 1983 biography of Alan Turing sheds light on the inner workings of this brilliant mathematician, cryptologist, and computer pioneer. Indeed, despite the title ( a nod to his work during WWII ), a great deal of the “enigmatic” Turing is laid out in this book. It covers his heroic code-breaking efforts during the war, his computer designs and contributions to mathematical biology in the years following, and of course, the vicious persecution that befell him in the 1950s — when homosexual acts were still a crime punishable by English law.

3. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton is not only the inspiration for a hit Broadway musical, but also a work of creative genius itself. This massive undertaking of over 800 pages details every knowable moment of the youngest Founding Father’s life: from his role in the Revolutionary War and early American government to his sordid (and ultimately career-destroying) affair with Maria Reynolds. He may never have been president, but he was a fascinating and unique figure in American history — plus it’s fun to get the truth behind the songs.

Prefer to read about fascinating First Ladies rather than almost-presidents? Check out this awesome list of books about First Ladies over on The Archive.

4. Barracoon: The Story of the Last "Black Cargo" by Zora Neale Hurston

A prolific essayist, short story writer, and novelist, Hurston turned her hand to biographical writing in 1927 with this incredible work, kept under lock and key until it was published 2018. It’s based on Hurston’s interviews with the last remaining survivor of the Middle Passage slave trade, a man named Cudjo Lewis. Rendered in searing detail and Lewis’ highly affecting African-American vernacular, this biography of the “last black cargo” will transport you back in time to an era that, chillingly, is not nearly as far away from us as it feels.

5. Churchill: A Life by Martin Gilbert

Though many a biography of him has been attempted, Gilbert’s is the final authority on Winston Churchill — considered by many to be Britain’s greatest prime minister ever. A dexterous balance of in-depth research and intimately drawn details makes this biography a perfect tribute to the mercurial man who led Britain through World War II.

Just what those circumstances are occupies much of Bodanis's book, which pays homage to Einstein and, just as important, to predecessors such as Maxwell, Faraday, and Lavoisier, who are not as well known as Einstein today. Balancing writerly energy and scholarly weight, Bodanis offers a primer in modern physics and cosmology, explaining that the universe today is an expression of mass that will, in some vastly distant future, one day slide back to the energy side of the equation, replacing the \'dominion of matter\' with \'a great stillness\'--a vision that is at once lovely and profoundly frightening.

Without sliding into easy psychobiography, Bodanis explores other circumstances as well; namely, Einstein's background and character, which combined with a sterling intelligence to afford him an idiosyncratic view of the way things work--a view that would change the world. --Gregory McNamee

6. E=mc²: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation by David Bodanis

This “biography of the world’s most famous equation” is a one-of-a-kind take on the genre: rather than being the story of Einstein, it really does follow the history of the equation itself. From the origins and development of its individual elements (energy, mass, and light) to their ramifications in the twentieth century, Bodanis turns what could be an extremely dry subject into engaging fare for readers of all stripes.

7. Enrique's Journey by Sonia Nazario

When Enrique was only five years old, his mother left Honduras for the United States, promising a quick return. Eleven years later, Enrique finally decided to take matters into his own hands in order to see her again: he would traverse Central and South America via railway, risking his life atop the “train of death” and at the hands of the immigration authorities, to reunite with his mother. This tale of Enrique’s perilous journey is not for the faint of heart, but it is an account of incredible devotion and sharp commentary on the pain of separation among immigrant families.

8. Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo by Hayden Herrera

Herrera’s 1983 biography of renowned painter Frida Kahlo, one of the most recognizable names in modern art, has since become the definitive account on her life. And while Kahlo no doubt endured a great deal of suffering (a horrific accident when she was eighteen, a husband who had constant affairs), the focal point of the book is not her pain. Instead, it’s her artistic brilliance and immense resolve to leave her mark on the world — a mark that will not soon be forgotten, in part thanks to Herrera’s dedicated work.

9. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Perhaps the most impressive biographical feat of the twenty-first century, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is about a woman whose cells completely changed the trajectory of modern medicine. Rebecca Skloot skillfully commemorates the previously unknown life of a poor black woman whose cancer cells were taken, without her knowledge, for medical testing — and without whom we wouldn’t have many of the critical cures we depend upon today.

10. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Christopher McCandless, aka Alexander Supertramp, hitchhiked to Alaska and disappeared into the Denali wilderness in April 1992. Five months later, McCandless was found emaciated and deceased in his shelter — but of what cause? Krakauer’s biography of McCandless retraces his steps back to the beginning of the trek, attempting to suss out what the young man was looking for on his journey, and whether he fully understood what dangers lay before him.

11. Let Us Now Praise Famous Men: Three Tenant Families by James Agee

"Let us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us.” From this line derives the central issue of Agee and Evans’ work: who truly deserves our praise and recognition? According to this 1941 biography, it’s the barely-surviving sharecropper families who were severely impacted by the American “Dust Bowl” — hundreds of people entrenched in poverty, whose humanity Evans and Agee desperately implore their audience to see in their book.

12. The Lost City of Z: A Tale of Deadly Obsession in the Amazon by David Grann

Another mysterious explorer takes center stage in this gripping 2009 biography. Grann tells the story of Percy Fawcett, the archaeologist who vanished in the Amazon along with his son in 1925, supposedly in search of an ancient lost city. Parallel to this narrative, Grann describes his own travels in the Amazon 80 years later: discovering firsthand what threats Fawcett may have encountered, and coming to realize what the “Lost City of Z” really was.

13. Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang

Though many of us will be familiar with the name Mao Zedong, this prodigious biography sheds unprecedented light upon the power-hungry “Red Emperor.” Chang and Halliday begin with the shocking statistic that Mao was responsible for 70 million deaths during peacetime — more than any other twentieth-century world leader. From there, they unravel Mao’s complex ideologies, motivations, and missions, breaking down his long-propagated “hero” persona and thrusting forth a new, grislier image of one of China’s biggest revolutionaries.

14. Mad Girl's Love Song: Sylvia Plath and Life Before Ted by Andrew Wilson by Andrew Wilson

Titled after one of her most evocative poems, this shimmering bio of Sylvia Plath takes an unusual approach. Instead of focusing on her years of depression and tempestuous marriage to poet Ted Hughes, it chronicles her life before she ever came to Cambridge. Wilson closely examines her early family and relationships, feelings and experiences, with information taken from her meticulous diaries — setting a strong precedent for other Plath biographers to follow.

15. The Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes

What if you had twenty-four different people living inside you, and you never knew which one was going to come out? Such was the life of Billy Milligan, the subject of this haunting biography by the author of Flowers for Algernon . Keyes recounts, in a refreshingly straightforward style, the events of Billy’s life and how his psyche came to be “split”... as well as how, with Keyes’ help, he attempted to put the fragments of himself back together.

16. Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder

This gorgeously constructed biography follows Paul Farmer, a doctor who’s worked for decades to eradicate infectious diseases around the globe, particularly in underprivileged areas. Though Farmer’s humanitarian accomplishments are extraordinary in and of themselves, the true charm of this book comes from Kidder’s personal relationship with him — and the sense of fulfillment the reader sustains from reading about someone genuinely heroic, written by someone else who truly understands and admires what they do.

17. Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts

Here’s another bio that will reshape your views of a famed historical tyrant, though this time in a surprisingly favorable light. Decorated scholar Andrew Roberts delves into the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, from his near-flawless military instincts to his complex and confusing relationship with his wife. But Roberts’ attitude toward his subject is what really makes this work shine: rather than ridiculing him ( as it would undoubtedly be easy to do ), he approaches the “petty tyrant” with a healthy amount of deference.

18. The Passage of Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson IV by Robert A. Caro

Lyndon Johnson might not seem as intriguing or scandalous as figures like Kennedy, Nixon, or W. Bush. But in this expertly woven biography, Robert Caro lays out the long, winding road of his political career, and it’s full of twists you wouldn’t expect. Johnson himself was a surprisingly cunning figure, gradually maneuvering his way closer and closer to power. Finally, in 1963, he got his greatest wish — but at what cost? Fans of Adam McKay’s Vice , this is the book for you.

19. Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder by Caroline Fraser

Anyone who grew up reading Little House on the Prairie will surely be fascinated by this tell-all biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Caroline Fraser draws upon never-before-published historical resources to create a lush study of the author’s life — not in the gently narrated manner of the Little House series, but in raw and startling truths about her upbringing, marriage, and volatile relationship with her daughter (and alleged ghostwriter) Rose Wilder Lane.

20. Prince: A Private View by Afshin Shahidi

Compiled just after the superstar’s untimely death in 2016, this intimate snapshot of Prince’s life is actually a largely visual work — Shahidi served as his private photographer from the early 2000s until his passing. And whatever they say about pictures being worth a thousand words, Shahidi’s are worth more still: Prince’s incredible vibrance, contagious excitement, and altogether singular personality come through in every shot.

21. Radioactive: Marie & Pierre Curie: A Tale of Love and Fallout by Lauren Redniss

Could there be a more fitting title for a book about the husband-wife team who discovered radioactivity? What you may not know is that these nuclear pioneers also had a fascinating personal history. Marie Sklodowska met Pierre Curie when she came to work in his lab in 1891, and just a few years later they were married. Their passion for each other bled into their passion for their work, and vice-versa — and in almost no time at all, they were on their way to their first of their Nobel Prizes.

22. Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson

She may not have been assassinated or killed in a mysterious plane crash, but Rosemary Kennedy’s fate is in many ways the worst of “the Kennedy Curse.” As if a botched lobotomy that left her almost completely incapacitated weren’t enough, her parents then hid her away from society, almost never to be seen again. Yet in this new biography, penned by devoted Kennedy scholar Kate Larson, the full truth of Rosemary’s post-lobotomy life is at last revealed.

23. Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay by Nancy Milford

This appropriately lyrical biography of brilliant Jazz Age poet and renowned feminist, Edna St. Vincent Millay, is indeed a perfect balance of savage and beautiful. While Millay’s poetic work was delicate and subtle, the woman herself was feisty and unpredictable, harboring unusual and occasionally destructive habits that Milford fervently explores.

24. Shelley: The Pursuit by Richard Holmes

Holmes’ famous philosophy of “biography as pursuit” is thoroughly proven here in his first full-length biographical work. Shelley: The Pursuit details an almost feverish tracking of Percy Shelley as a dark and cutting figure in the Romantic period — reforming many previous historical conceptions about him through Holmes’ compelling and resolute writing.

25. Shirley Jackson: A Rather Haunted Life by Ruth Franklin

Another Gothic figure has been made newly known through this work, detailing the life of prolific horror and mystery writer Shirley Jackson. Author Ruth Franklin digs deep into the existence of the reclusive and mysterious Jackson, drawing penetrating comparisons between the true events of her life and the dark nature of her fiction.

26. The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel

Fans of Into the Wild and The Lost City of Z will find their next adventure fix in this 2017 book about Christopher Knight, a man who lived by himself in the Maine woods for almost thirty years. The tale of this so-called “last true hermit” will captivate readers who have always fantasized about escaping society, with vivid descriptions of Knight’s rural setup, his carefully calculated moves and how he managed to survive the deadly cold of the Maine winters.

27. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

The man, the myth, the legend: Steve Jobs, co-founder and CEO of Apple, is properly immortalized in Isaacson’s masterful biography. It divulges the details of Jobs’ little-known childhood and tracks his fateful path from garage engineer to leader of one of the largest tech companies in the world — not to mention his formative role in other legendary companies like Pixar, and indeed within the Silicon Valley ecosystem as a whole.

28. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand

Olympic runner Louis Zamperini was just twenty-six when his US Army bomber crashed and burned in the Pacific, leaving him and two other men afloat on a raft for forty-seven days — only to be captured by the Japanese Navy and tortured as a POW for the next two and a half years. In this gripping biography, Laura Hillenbrand tracks Zamperini’s story from beginning to end… including how he embraced Christian evangelism as a means of recovery, and even came to forgive his tormentors in his later years.

29. Vera (Mrs. Vladimir Nabokov) by Stacy Schiff

Everyone knows of Vladimir Nabokov — but what about his wife, Vera, whom he called “the best-humored woman I have ever known”? According to Schiff, she was a genius in her own right, supporting Vladimir not only as his partner, but also as his all-around editor and translator. And she kept up that trademark humor throughout it all, inspiring her husband’s work and injecting some of her own creative flair into it along the way.

30. Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare by Stephen Greenblatt

William Shakespeare is a notoriously slippery historical figure — no one really knows when he was born, what he looked like, or how many plays he wrote. But that didn’t stop Stephen Greenblatt, who in 2004 turned out this magnificently detailed biography of the Bard: a series of imaginative reenactments of his writing process, and insights on how the social and political ideals of the time would have influenced him. Indeed, no one exists in a vacuum, not even Shakespeare — hence the conscious depiction of him in this book as a “will in the world,” rather than an isolated writer shut up in his own musty study.

If you're looking for more inspiring nonfiction, check out this list of 30 engaging self-help books , or this list of the last century's best memoirs !

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The 50 Best Biographies of All Time

Think you know the full and complete story about George Washington, Steve Jobs, or Joan of Arc? Think again.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

Biographies have always been controversial. On his deathbed, the novelist Henry James told his nephew that his “sole wish” was to “frustrate as utterly as possible the postmortem exploiter” by destroying his personal letters and journals. And one of our greatest living writers, Hermione Lee, once compared biographies to autopsies that add “a new terror to death”—the potential muddying of someone’s legacy when their life is held up to the scrutiny of investigation.

Why do we read so many books about the lives and deaths of strangers, as told by second-hand and third-hand sources? Is it merely our love for gossip, or are we trying to understand ourselves through the triumphs and failures of others?

To keep this list from blossoming into hundreds of titles, we only included books currently in print and translated into English. We also limited it to one book per author, and one book per subject. In ranked order, here are the best biographies of all time.

Crown The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayal, and the Real Count of Monte Cristo, by Tom Reiss

You’re probably familiar with The Count of Monte Cristo , the 1844 revenge novel by Alexandre Dumas. But did you know it was based on the life of Dumas’s father, the mixed-race General Thomas-Alexandre Dumas, son of a French nobleman and a Haitian slave? Thanks to Reiss’s masterful pacing and plotting, this rip-roaring biography of Thomas-Alexandre reads more like an adventure novel than a work of nonfiction. The Black Count won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 2013, and it’s only a matter of time before a filmmaker turns it into a big-screen blockbuster.

Farrar, Straus and Giroux Ninety-Nine Glimpses of Princess Margaret, by Craig Brown

Few biographies are as genuinely fun to read as this barnburner from the irreverent English critic Craig Brown. Princess Margaret may have been everyone’s favorite character from Netflix’s The Crown , but Brown’s eye for ostentatious details and revelatory insights will help you see why everyone in the 1950s—from Pablo Picasso and Gore Vidal to Peter Sellers and Andy Warhol—was obsessed with her. When book critic Parul Sehgal says that she “ripped through the book with the avidity of Margaret attacking her morning vodka and orange juice,” you know you’re in for a treat.

Inventor of the Future: The Visionary Life of Buckminster Fuller, by Alec Nevala-Lee

If you want to feel optimistic about the future again, look no further than this brilliant biography of Buckminster Fuller, the “modern Leonardo da Vinci” of the 1960s and 1970s who came up with the idea of a “Spaceship Earth” and inspired Silicon Valley’s belief that technology could be a global force for good (while earning plenty of critics who found his ideas impractical). Alec Nevala-Lee’s writing is as serene and precise as one of Fuller’s geodesic domes, and his research into never-before-seen documents makes this a genuinely groundbreaking book full of surprises.

Free Press Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original, by Robin D.G. Kelley

The late American jazz composer and pianist Thelonious Monk has been so heavily mythologized that it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. But Robin D. G. Kelley’s biography is an essential book for jazz fans looking to understand the man behind the myths. Monk’s family provided Kelley with full access to their archives, resulting in chapter after chapter of fascinating details, from his birth in small-town North Carolina to his death across the Hudson from Manhattan.

University of Chicago Press Frank Lloyd Wright: A Biography, by Meryle Secrest

There are dozens of books about America’s most celebrated architect, but Secrest’s 1998 biography is still the most fun to read. For one, she doesn’t shy away from the fact that Wright could be an absolute monster, even to his own friends and family. Secondly, her research into more than 100,000 letters, as well as interviews with nearly every surviving person who knew Wright, makes this book a one-of-a-kind look at how Wright’s personal life influenced his architecture.

Ralph Ellison: A Biography, by Arnold Rampersad

Ralph Ellison’s landmark novel, Invisible Man , is about a Black man who faced systemic racism in the Deep South during his youth, then migrated to New York, only to find oppression of a slightly different kind. What makes Arnold Rampersand’s honest and insightful biography of Ellison so compelling is how he connects the dots between Invisible Man and Ellison’s own journey from small-town Oklahoma to New York’s literary scene during the Harlem Renaissance.

Oscar Wilde: A Life, by Matthew Sturgis

Now remembered for his 1891 novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde was one of the most fascinating men of the fin-de-siècle thanks to his poems, plays, and some of the earliest reported “celebrity trials.” Sturgis’s scintillating biography is the most encyclopedic chronicle of Wilde’s life to date, thanks to new research into his personal notebooks and a full transcript of his libel trial.

Beacon Press A Surprised Queenhood in the New Black Sun: The Life & Legacy of Gwendolyn Brooks, by Angela Jackson

The poet Gwendolyn Brooks was the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize in 1950, but because she spent most of her life in Chicago instead of New York, she hasn’t been studied or celebrated as often as her peers in the Harlem Renaissance. Luckily, Angela Jackson’s biography is full of new details about Brooks’s personal life, and how it influenced her poetry across five decades.

Atria Books Camera Man: Buster Keaton, the Dawn of Cinema, and the Invention of the Twentieth Century, by Dana Stevens

Was Buster Keaton the most influential filmmaker of the first half of the twentieth century? Dana Stevens makes a compelling case in this dazzling mix of biography, essays, and cultural history. Much like Keaton’s filmography, Stevens playfully jumps from genre to genre in an endlessly entertaining way, while illuminating how Keaton’s influence on film and television continues to this day.

Algonquin Books Empire of Deception: The Incredible Story of a Master Swindler Who Seduced a City and Captivated the Nation, by Dean Jobb

Dean Jobb is a master of narrative nonfiction on par with Erik Larsen, author of The Devil in the White City . Jobb’s biography of Leo Koretz, the Bernie Madoff of the Jazz Age, is among the few great biographies that read like a thriller. Set in Chicago during the 1880s through the 1920s, it’s also filled with sumptuous period details, from lakeside mansions to streets choked with Model Ts.

Vintage Penelope Fitzgerald: A Life, by Hermione Lee

Hermione Lee’s biographies of Virginia Woolf and Edith Wharton could easily have made this list. But her book about a less famous person—Penelope Fitzgerald, the English novelist who wrote The Bookshop, The Blue Flower , and The Beginning of Spring —might be her best yet. At just over 500 pages, it’s considerably shorter than those other biographies, partially because Fitzgerald’s life wasn’t nearly as well documented. But Lee’s conciseness is exactly what makes this book a more enjoyable read, along with the thrilling feeling that she’s uncovering a new story literary historians haven’t already explored.

Red Comet: The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath, by Heather Clark

Many biographers have written about Sylvia Plath, often drawing parallels between her poetry and her death by suicide at the age of thirty. But in this startling book, Plath isn’t wholly defined by her tragedy, and Heather Clark’s craftsmanship as a writer makes it a joy to read. It’s also the most comprehensive account of Plath’s final year yet put to paper, with new information that will change the way you think of her life, poetry, and death.

Pontius Pilate, by Ann Wroe

Compared to most biography subjects, there isn’t much surviving documentation about the life of Pontius Pilate, the Judaean governor who ordered the execution of the historical Jesus in the first century AD. But Ann Wroe leans into all that uncertainty in her groundbreaking book, making for a fascinating mix of research and informed speculation that often feels like reading a really good historical novel.

Brand: History Book Club Bolívar: American Liberator, by Marie Arana

In the early nineteenth century, Simón Bolívar led six modern countries—Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela—to independence from the Spanish Empire. In this rousing work of biography and geopolitical history, Marie Arana deftly chronicles his epic life with propulsive prose, including a killer first sentence: “They heard him before they saw him: the sound of hooves striking the earth, steady as a heartbeat, urgent as a revolution.”

Charlie Chan: The Untold Story of the Honorable Detective and His Rendezvous with American History, by Yunte Huang

Ever read a biography of a fictional character? In the 1930s and 1940s, Charlie Chan came to popularity as a Chinese American police detective in Earl Derr Biggers’s mystery novels and their big-screen adaptations. In writing this book, Yunte Huang became something of a detective himself to track down the real-life inspiration for the character, a Hawaiian cop named Chang Apana born shortly after the Civil War. The result is an astute blend between biography and cultural criticism as Huang analyzes how Chan served as a crucial counterpoint to stereotypical Chinese villains in early Hollywood.

Random House Savage Beauty: The Life of Edna St. Vincent Millay, by Nancy Milford

Edna St. Vincent Millay was one of the most fascinating women of the twentieth century—an openly bisexual poet, playwright, and feminist icon who helped make Greenwich Village a cultural bohemia in the 1920s. With a knack for torrid details and creative insights, Nancy Milford successfully captures what made Millay so irresistible—right down to her voice, “an instrument of seduction” that captivated men and women alike.

Simon & Schuster Steve Jobs, by Walter Isaacson

Few people have the luxury of choosing their own biographers, but that’s exactly what the late co-founder of Apple did when he tapped Walter Isaacson, the Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of Albert Einstein and Benjamin Franklin. Adapted for the big screen by Aaron Sorkin in 2015, Steve Jobs is full of plot twists and suspense thanks to a mind-blowing amount of research on the part of Isaacson, who interviewed Jobs more than forty times and spoke with just about everyone who’d ever come into contact with him.

Brand: Random House Véra (Mrs. Vladimir Nabokov), by Stacy Schiff

The Russian-American novelist Vladimir Nabokov once said, “Without my wife, I wouldn’t have written a single novel.” And while Stacy Schiff’s biography of Cleopatra could also easily make this list, her telling of Véra Nabokova’s life in Russia, Europe, and the United States is revolutionary for finally bringing Véra out of her husband’s shadow. It’s also one of the most romantic biographies you’ll ever read, with some truly unforgettable images, like Vera’s habit of carrying a handgun to protect Vladimir on butterfly-hunting excursions.

Greenblatt, Stephen Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare, by Stephen Greenblatt

We know what you’re thinking. Who needs another book about Shakespeare?! But Greenblatt’s masterful biography is like traveling back in time to see firsthand how a small-town Englishman became the greatest writer of all time. Like Wroe’s biography of Pontius Pilate, there’s plenty of speculation here, as there are very few surviving records of Shakespeare’s daily life, but Greenblatt’s best trick is the way he pulls details from Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets to construct a compelling narrative.

Crown Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own, by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.

When Kiese Laymon calls a book a “literary miracle,” you pay attention. James Baldwin’s legacy has enjoyed something of a revival over the last few years thanks to films like I Am Not Your Negro and If Beale Street Could Talk , as well as books like Glaude’s new biography. It’s genuinely a bit of a miracle how he manages to combine the story of Baldwin’s life with interpretations of Baldwin’s work—as well as Glaude’s own story of discovering, resisting, and rediscovering Baldwin’s books throughout his life.

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Top historical figures: 100+ of the most famous people through history – in chronological order

Who are some of the most famous figures in history? We introduce 100+ historical figures you should know about...

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Who are some of the most famous figures in history?

We introduce 100+ notable historical figures – from medieval monarchs to 20th-century despots...

Hatshepsut (c1507 BC–c1458 BC)

Ancient Egyptian pharaoh

One of only a few known ancient Egyptian female pharaohs , Hatshepsut reigned in her own right from c1473–58 BC. However, Hatshepsut’s royal reign really began in c1479 BC when she acted as regent for her infant stepson, Thutmose III. By the end of his seventh regnal year, Hatshepsut had been crowned king and had adopted all pharaonic titles and regalia, co-ruling with her stepson. In images, she was depicted with a male body wearing the traditional pharaonic kilt, crown and false beard.

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Amenhotep ii i (c1401 – c1350 bc).

Pharaoh of Egypt

During his long reign, Amenhotep III presided over a golden age during the 18th dynasty when Egypt was the most powerful nation on Earth. Although his grandson Tutankhamun is far more widely known today, it is Amenhotep III who was taken as the ultimate role model by subsequent monarchs. The finest Egyptian craftsmanship was created under his personal patronage, as was the ambitious construction programme that made him the most prolific builder in Egyptian history.

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Alexander the Great (356 BC–323 BC)

King of Macedonia

When the son of Philip II of Macedon inherited the throne in 336 BC, he set about reasserting Macedonian authority in Greece, aiming to conquer the Persian empire. By the time of his death in Babylon at the age of 32, Alexander had created an empire that spanned three continents and covered around 2 million square miles. Commenting on what makes Alexander the Great such a ‘great’ leader, historian Professor Paul Cartledge said: “He combined immense personal charisma and bravery (he often led his troops from the front). Plus he had a priceless ability to identify the key moment in a battle and act decisively to ensure he won that moment.”

Ashoka the Great (c304–c232 BC)

Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty

Ashoka the Great was an Indian emperor of the Maurya Dynasty who ruled over most of the Indian subcontinent from c268–c232 BC. Considered one of India’s greatest emperors, he also promoted the spread of Buddhism across ancient Asia. The Ashoka Chakra (the “wheel of righteousness”) appears on the flag of modern India.

Julius Caesar (100 BC–44 BC)

Roman ruler, general and statesman

A successful politician and general who greatly expanded the extent of the Roman republic, Julius Caesar seized power in 44 BC, naming himself consul and dictator. He implemented a number of wide-ranging reforms – including the introduction of the Julian calendar – and is considered to have been a great military leader who conquered Gaul and invaded Britain twice. Caesar’s assassination, carried out by a group of republican senators on the Ides of March , was to become the focal point of one of William Shakespeare ’s most famous history plays.

Cleopatra (69 BC–30 BC)

Last active pharaoh of ancient Egypt

The last active pharaoh of Egypt, Cleopatra helped bring prosperity to a divided country but is more often remembered for relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, her alleged beauty and her suicide – possibly by snake bite – after defeat by Octavian. She assumed control of Egypt in 51 BC following the death of her father and initially co-ruled with her brother, Ptolemy XII.

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Caesar Augustus (63 BC–AD 14)

Considered the first Roman emperor

The man born Gaius Octavius and known as Octavian was adopted by Julius Caesar as his heir. After defeating Antony and Cleopatra at the battle of Actium in 31 BC, he took the name Augustus and became Rome’s first emperor in 27 BC. Read more about Augustus’s bloody rise to power by Adrian Goldsworthy, author of a biography of the emperor.

Jesus Christ (c6-4 BC–30 AD)

Religious leader central to Christianity

Much of the information we have about the life of Jesus comes from the four Gospels, written between c60 and 90 AD – decades after his death. They tell us that Jesus was the son of God, born to the wife of a carpenter in Nazareth, crucified in Jerusalem. Christianity, based on the teachings of Jesus, is the world’s biggest religion with more than 2 billion followers. It originated in the Middle East, and spread across Europe, Syria, Mesopotamia, Asia Minor and Egypt, becoming the Roman empire’s official religion in AD 380.

• Read more | When did Christianity first arrive in Britain?

Boudica (c30–60)

Ancient British queen of the Iceni tribe

Queen of the Iceni people living in what is now Norfolk and parts of Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, Boudica (also called Boudicca or Boadicea) led a daring revolt against the Romans who invaded Britain in AD 43. Her forces destroyed Colchester – capital of Roman Britain – as well as London and St Albans.

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King Arthur ( possibly sixth century)

Legendary British warrior and king

This legendary British king takes centre stage in a plethora of TV dramas, film adaptations and novels. Although he is largely considered to be a figure of folklore, some historians – notably archaeologist Miles Russell – suggest that King Arthur is a composite of several real medieval characters.

Wu Zetian (624–705)

Emperor of China

Wu Zetian is the only woman ever to have sat as emperor of China in her own right. She ruled from 690 to 705 and was ruthless in her quest for power, killing her own newborn child and framing her predecessor’s empress for the murder. “Wu Zetian was clearly a dangerous person to know, particularly if you were standing in the way of her route to power,” says Professor Rana Mitter.

• Read more | Empress Wu Zetian: the only woman to rule China

Alfred the Great (849–899)

King of Wessex

Best known for his defeat of the Danish king Guthrum’s Viking forces in 878 at the battle of Edington , Alfred is also remembered for his social and educational reforms. “There are many Anglo-Saxon kings who were great military commanders – what makes Alfred stand out is that he was also interested in learning, and in the promotion of English as a written language,” says Barbara Yorke, professor emerita of early medieval history at the University of Winchester. Part of a pelvic bone thought to belong to the Wessex king was discovered in a box at Winchester Museum in 2014. He is also the only English monarch known as ‘the Great’.

Æthelflæd (c870–918)

Anglo-Saxon ruler of Mercia

There is little information on Æthelflæd's childhood; she first appears in the historical record as an adult married to Æthelred of Mercia, who had served King Alfred as a loyal lieutenant. Their marriage brought together the kingdoms of Wessex and the newly reclaimed Mercia. "Æthelflæd is one of the few known women who not only held a role within the household as mother and lady, but also wielded power on the battlefield," says historian Janina Ramirez . "She went on to secure some of the most significant victories in battle of the early 10th century."

Harold II ( c1022–1066)

England’s last Anglo-Saxon king

Harold II, also called Harold Godwinson, was the last crowned Anglo-Saxon king of England. He held the crown for nine months before he was killed by Norman invaders under William the Conqueror at the battle of Hastings .

• Read more | Why is Harold Godwinson a hero of the Bayeux Tapestry?

William the Conqueror (c1028–87)

First Norman king of England

The first Norman king of England, William the Conqueror (previously William, Duke of Normandy) defeated the Anglo-Saxon king Harold II at the battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066 – a triumph famously recorded in the Bayeux Tapestry . William the Conqueror transformed the face of Anglo-Saxon England: he secured his hold on the lands he had invaded, replacing the English ruling class with Norman counterparts and building defensive fortresses at strategic points throughout the kingdom. Under William the feudal system [a hierarchical system in which people held lands in return for providing loyalty or services to a lord] was introduced; the church was reorganised and England’s links to Europe were strengthened. But no one at the time called William ‘the Conqueror’ – the earliest recorded use of that nickname occurred in the 1120s, and the name didn’t become commonplace until the 13th century.

Empress Matilda (1102–67)

Claimant to the English throne

Named heir to the throne by her father, Henry I, Matilda would have been England’s first queen regnant after his death. Instead, however, her cousin Stephen of Blois seized the throne. In the resulting civil war Matilda came within days of coronation before being forced to abandon her claim. Her son was later crowned Henry II.

Eleanor of Aquitaine (c1122–1204)

Queen of France, Queen of England, mother of Richard I and John

Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine , became one of the most powerful women in Europe when she married Louis, heir to Louis VI of France in late July 1137. The French king died the following month and Eleanor became queen of France, a title she would hold for 15 years. Her second marriage to the future Henry II saw her become queen of England. Two of her sons, Richard and John, would go on to become kings of England, while Eleanor herself played a key role in the successful running of Henry’s empire, managing territories in England and France. In 1189 she acted as regent for Richard I when he departed for the Middle East to join the Third Crusade , despite being in her mid-sixties.

Henry II (1133–89)

First Plantagenet king of England

The son of Empress Matilda continued his mother’s fight for the English throne, winning the crown in 1154 following the death of Stephen. Henry II ’s feud with Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury, ended with Becket’s murder in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170, allegedly on the king’s orders.

William Marshal (c1146/47–1219)

Anglo-Norman soldier and statesman

Knight, advisor, tournament fighter: William Marshal (c1147–1219) had quite the CV – not to mention the five kings he called employers (Henry II, Henry the Young King, Richard, John and Henry III).

“Two aspects of his life stand out,” says Thomas Asbridge, author of the Marshal biography The Greatest Knight (Simon & Schuster, 2015). “Firstly, his unprecedented rise to the heights of power and social status, and secondly, the abiding sense that he believed in the value of chivalry and honour.”

His services to the crown included becoming guardian to Prince Henry (later Henry the Young King) and serving as King John’s closest advisor. After John’s death in 1216, Marshal became regent for nine-year-old Henry III . Marshal is seen by many as the architect of Magna Carta .

Richard I (1157–99)

English king, known as ‘the Lionheart’

An expert military tactician, Richard I – also known as Richard the Lionheart – is perhaps the most famous crusader of the Middle Ages (although he ultimately failed to take Jerusalem). He is most notably remembered for his confrontation with the Muslim leader Saladin during the Third Crusade, as well as for rebelling against his father, Henry II (1133–89).

• Read more | Does Richard I deserve his reputation as a martial genius?

Genghis Khan (1162–1227)

Founder of the Mongol empire

Genghis Khan wasn’t always known as such; he was born in c1162, the son of a tribal warrior chief, and named Temujin. Over the course of a century, Khan and his successors built the largest contiguous empire in the history of the world – the Mongol Empire, a 12-million-square-mile swathe of land that stretched from the Sea of Japan to the grasslands of Hungary in the heart of Europe.

King John (1166/67–1216)

King of England who sealed Magna Carta

King John is perhaps best known as being the king who sealed the historic document Magna Carta . His reign was blighted by civil war, a French invasion and numerous acts of cruelty and betrayal – so it’s no wonder that John remains a controversial monarch. “Many argue that Magna Carta was a long time in gestation, and that many of the grievances expressed in 1215 had been brewing for decades,” says Marc Morris, author of a biography on the much-maligned king. “My view is that more blame should be placed on King John himself.”

• Read more | Why King John was truly a dastardly monarch

Simon de Montfort (c1208–65)

Rebel baron and early of Leicester

French-born nobleman Simon de Montfort came to England in 1229. He quickly became one of King Henry III’s favourites – and was even married to the king’s sister, Eleanor – but went on to lead a revolt against Henry III during the Second Barons’ War. His victory against Henry in May 1264 at the battle of Lewes made him the most powerful man in the kingdom.

Edward I ( 1239–1307)

King of England

Edward I is considered one of the great medieval kings, credited not just with beginning the unification of the British Isles, but also for masterminding vast improvements to England’s legal system. Son of King Henry III , he was crowned king of England at Westminster Abbey on 19 August 1274.

• Read more | Reassessing Edward I: battle-hungry aggressor or dutiful conqueror?

Mansa Musa (c1280 – c1332/ 37)

Emperor of Mali

Mansa (emperor) Musa I, who ruled the Mali empire for 25 years from about 1312, has a claim to being the richest person who has ever lived. He inherited an unprecedentedly wealthy empire and spent a great deal of his reign enlightening himself and his people, establishing a new centre of knowledge in the city of Timbuktu. “What’s incredible about his story is that Musa ruled with absolute power – yet, by focusing on learning and on writing things down, he divested some of that power,” says Gus Casely-Hayford, director of London’s V&A East.

Isabella of France (1295–1358)

Queen consort of Edward II

Isabella of France married King Edward II of England in Boulogne, northern France, on 25 January 1308 when she was 12 and he was 23. She went on to lead an invasion of England that ultimately resulted in the deposition of her king and husband in January 1327 – the first ever abdication of a king in England.

John of Gaunt (1340–99)

Third surviving son of Edward III

John of Gaunt , third surviving son of King Edward III of England, is notable for being a commander in the Hundred Years’ War . Following the death of his father and his brother Edward the Black Prince , John became effective regent of England during the minority reign of his nephew, Richard II. In October 1399, after overthrowing Richard II, John’s eldest son was crowned Henry IV, the first Lancastrian king of England.

Katherine Swynford (1350–1403)

Third wife of John of Gaunt

In 1396, John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, made the somewhat surprising decision to marry his children’s governess, Katherine Swynford. Katherine – a widow – had previously been the wife of one of Gaunt's retainers, Hugh Swynford, with whom she had two or possibly three children. She gave birth to four children with John of Gaunt, who were subsequently legitimised under the name ‘Beaufort’ and would go on to found the most famous dynasty in British history: the Tudors.

Owain Glyndwr (c1350–c1416)

Welsh ruler and rebel

Owain Glyndwr was a Welsh leader who instigated a long-running rebellion against English rule in Wales in the 14th century. On 16 September 1400, Glyndŵr was proclaimed Prince of Wales – the last native Welsh person to do so. His fate is uncertain, though one chronicler recorded that he died in 1415. He is considered a Welsh national hero.

Henry V (1387–1422)

King of England and victor at Agincourt

Created Prince of Wales at his father’s coronation in 1399, young Henry’s military prowess was noted at the battle of Shrewsbury in which he fought, aged just 16. Henry V owes much of his reputation as one of England’s greatest medieval warrior kings to William Shakespeare. Henry V (c1599) depicts the transformation of the young prince from wayward youth to heroic ruler, leading England and Wales to victory against the French at the battle of Agincourt – a significant encounter in an era of conflict between the two countries known as the Hundred Years’ War. Henry became heir to the French throne in 1420 but died, probably of dysentery, just two years later, leaving his nine-month-old son to rule as Henry VI.

Joan of Arc ( 1412–31)

French martyr, saint and military leader

Joan of Arc (c1412–31) became a heroine of the Hundred Years’ War thanks to her actions at the siege of Orléans, only to be executed as a heretic two years later. "Her tale is both profoundly familiar and endlessly startling: the peasant girl sent by God to save France, dressed in armour as though she were a man; the martyr who became a legend – and later a saint – when she was burned at the stake by the English enemy," says Helen Castor.

Cecily Neville ( 1415–95)

Mother of Edward IV and Richard III

Cecily Neville, mother of Richard III, is typically glossed over in the story of the Wars of Roses . But behind the scenes, she fought her own war, using intrigue, manipulation and the power of words to support her family’s struggle for power.

Vlad the Impaler (1431–76)

Prince of Wallachia, Romania

Vlad the Impaler – or Vlad III – was prince of Walachia (now in Romania). His methods of punishment – impaling his enemies on stakes – gained him notoriety in 15th century Europe and it is suggested that he may have served as inspiration for Bram Stoker's acclaimed gothic novel Dracula.

Elizabeth Woodville (1437–92)

Queen consort of Edward IV

A widow and a commoner, Elizabeth Woodville married Edward IV in secret. She was crowned queen in 1465, whereupon she promoted many members of her family to positions of power. Her story was the focus of the 2013 BBC drama The White Queen , based on Philippa Gregory’s historical novel series The Cousins’ War.

Edward IV (1442–83)

First Yorkist king of England

Edward IV became king in 1461 after his Yorkist forces defeated the Lancastrian king Henry VI at the battle of Towton . His reign was interrupted in 1470 when Margaret of Anjou reclaimed the throne for her husband, Henry VI. The remainder of Edward’s rule was fairly peaceful but after his death his sons, Edward and Richard (the ‘princes in the Tower’), disappeared in mysterious circumstances during the reign of his younger brother, Richard III.

• Read more | 7 things you (probably) didn’t know about the houses of Lancaster and York

Margaret Beaufort ( 1443–1509)

Mother of King Henry VII

Born in 1443, Margaret Beaufort belonged to a Lancastrian noble family with royal ancestry. By age 13, she had been married twice, widowed and given birth to a son, Henry Tudor. Margaret went on to marry two more times and survived several regime changes during the Wars of the Roses, as Lancastrian Henry VI was deposed by Yorkist Edward IV , before Edward’s brother Richard III eventually took the throne. After the battle of Tewkesbury in 1471, her son Henry Tudor went into exile, returning to England in 1485 to defeat Richard at the battle of Bosworth and claim the crown as Henry VII . “Margaret played the 15th-century game of power-politics with bravery and determination,” says historian Michael Jones. “On 22 August 1485, her perseverance was rewarded when her son, Henry Tudor, defeated Richard III at the battle of Bosworth to become king.”

Christopher Columbus (c1451–1506)

Italian explorer and navigator

Christopher Columbus was an Italian explorer and navigator long credited with the discovery of the New World (although Vikings had technically visited North America many centuries previously ). His transatlantic adventures were sponsored by Ferdinand II and Isabella I of Spain.

Isabella I of Castile ( 1451–1504)

Queen of Castile and Aragon

Isabella of Castile was one half of a 15th-century power couple that united Spain and helped propel the west towards global dominance. Married to Ferdinand of Aragon – whom she had been betrothed to since the age of six – she became queen in December 1474. “he impact of her legacy on Spain was significant and she is today considered one of Spain’s most revered monarchs.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)

Italian Renaissance polymath

The illegitimate son of a Tuscan lawyer, Leonardo da Vinci became one of the most influential artists, sculptors, engineers, scientists and inventors of the Renaissance. The parachute and the helicopter are just two of many inventions credited to the Italian genius, while his painting known as Mona Lisa remains one of the most recognisable, and reproduced, portraits in the world.

Richard III (1452–85)

He’s loved, he’s loathed, he’s been dug up and reburied: it’s the divisive Plantagenet king Richard III (1452–85). Interest in the Yorkist king reached fever pitch in 2012 when his remains were found beneath a Leicester car park. Mystery still surrounds Richard, not least whether he was responsible for the deaths of his nephews – the princes in the tower – who mysteriously disappeared from the Tower of London in the summer of 1483.

Richard III’s death at the battle of Bosworth heralded the dawn of the Tudor dynasty as Henry Tudor took the throne of England, marrying Richard’s niece, Elizabeth of York. Five monarchs would sit on the throne for more than a century of Tudor rule.

Anne Neville (1456–85)

Queen consort of Richard III

Anne Neville was wife to both the last Lancastrian heir to the throne of England and later the last Yorkist king, Richard III. She married the latter in the spring of 1472, when she was still in her mid-teens, and had a son with him named Edward. In 1483 Richard was appointed Lord Protector of his 12-year-old nephew Edward V, who had become king following the death of his father. However Edward and his younger brother were soon declared illegitimate and thrown into the Tower of London. They disappeared shortly afterwards, in what is considered as one of history’s enduring mysteries. Richard ascended the throne and, with Anne, was crowned in 1483 in the first joint coronation in 175 years. Anne died at the age of 28, due to tuberculosis.

Henry VII (1457–1509)

First Tudor king of England

Born to the teenage Lancastrian Margaret Beaufort, Henry VII ’s claim to the throne lay in a distant kinship to Edward III. In 1471, when Edward IV’s Yorkist forces defeated the Lancastrians at the battle of Tewkesbury, Henry was forced to flee to France but after Edward’s death he returned to claim the throne. Henry’s victory over the usurper king Richard III at the battle of Bosworth in 1485 saw a new dynasty ascend to the throne of England, the unification of the houses of Lancaster and York, and an end to the Wars of the Roses.

• Read more | How Edward IV reclaimed his throne at the battle of Tewkesbury

Elizabeth of York (1466–1503)

Queen consort of Henry VII

The eldest daughter of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, Elizabeth of York united the houses of York and Lancaster with her marriage to Henry VII in 1486 – helping to end the dynastic conflict known as the Wars of the Roses. The first Tudor queen, Elizabeth was mother to Henry VIII, founding a dynasty that ruled for 118 years. Next year will see the 550th anniversary of her birth.

Thomas More ( 1478–1535)

Tudor statesman and author

Thomas More was a Tudor statesman who rose rapidly to prominence in the court of Henry VIII, where he succeeded Thomas Wolsey as Lord Chancellor. He was executed for refusing to accept Henry VIII as head of the church of England and is recognised as a saint by the Catholic Church.

• Read more | Thomas More: saint or sinner?

Martin Luther (1483–1546)

German theologian

On 31 October 1517, after witnessing corruption in the Catholic church, German theologian Martin Luther supposedly nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle church. In them, he condemned the practice of selling ‘indulgences’ to absolve sin and stated that salvation could be reached by faith, not deeds. Luther was condemned by the Catholic church but his work sparked the Protestant Reformation.

Catherine of Aragon (1485–1536)

Spanish-born first wife of Henry VIII

Catherine of Aragon was the first wife of Henry VIII. Their marriage was eventually annulled on the grounds that she had previously been married to his late brother, Arthur – allowing the king to remarry Anne Boleyn. “[Catherine] was a woman of great integrity who put principle before pragmatism and, in defying Henry VIII, showed great courage,” says Alison Weir.

Thomas Cromwell ( 1485–1540)

English statesman

The star of Wolf Hall – the 2015 BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s prize-winning novels, which focuses on his relationship with Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn – Thomas Cromwell rose from blacksmith’s son to Henry VIII’s right-hand man. After six years as chief minister, he was executed for treason, without trial.

“Cromwell was a fascinating man who held sway at court for a decade and changed England’s religious and political life forever,” says historian Tracy Borman, author of a 2014 biography on the controversial politician. “He masterminded some of the most seismic events in our history, from the break with Rome to the revolution in government. Far more than a cynical bureaucrat in search of personal gain, he was committed to reform, and undoubtedly Henry VIII’s most faithful servant.”

Margaret Tudor (1489–1541)

Daughter of Henry VII, sister of Henry VIII

Margaret Tudor , the eldest daughter of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, is almost forgotten compared with other members of her famous family. And yet she briefly presided over a golden period in Scottish history as the wife of James IV.

Henry VIII (1491–1547)

One of the most famous kings in British history, Henry became heir to the throne after the death of his brother, Arthur, in 1502. Known for his six wives, two of whom were beheaded, Henry VIII is also remembered as the father of the English Reformation, which saw the country break with the Catholic church in Rome and establish its own Church of England. Henry’s 37-year rule also saw permanent changes to the nature and role of parliament, wars with Scotland and France, and the creation of the Royal Navy.

Anne Boleyn (c1501–36)

Wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I

Anne Boleyn was Henry VIII’s second wife, and mother to one of England’s greatest queens – Elizabeth I. The king’s determination to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon to marry a woman with whom he was infatuated, sparked the English Reformation and a break with the church of Rome. But after failing to give Henry the son he craved, Anne was sentenced to death, having been charged with adultery, incest and conspiring the king’s death. Debate still rages as to whether she was the victim of a court conspiracy or actually guilty.

Katherine Parr (1512–48)

Sixth and last wife of Henry VIII

The sixth and last wife of Henry VIII, Katherine Parr has gone down in history as the wife who 'survived'. But according to historian Derek Wilson, she “was the cleverest, most devout and passionate of Henry VIII’s bedfellows”, holding an important place in the history of the English Reformation.

• Read more | Katherine Parr: the truth about the wife who ‘survived’

Anne of Cleves ( 1515–57)

German-born fourth wife of Henry VIII

Anne of Cleves was Henry VIII’s fourth wife. The royal couple were married for just six months, making her the shortest reigning of all Henry’s queens. She is often referred to as the 'ugly wife' – according to reports, Henry VIII was so revolted when he first clapped eyes on Anne that he immediately instructed his lawyers to find a way to end the marriage.

Catherine de Medici (1519–89)

Italian noblewoman and queen of France

Catherine de Medici was the queen mother of France during the reign of her three sons: Francis II of France, Charles IX of France, and Henry III of France. She is remembered for being one of the most powerful French queens of the early modern period. However, none of her sons were able to secure the dynasty and Catherine was ultimately blamed for many of the atrocities that occurred during their reigns.

Catherine Howard (c1524–42)

Fifth wife of Henry VIII

Catherine Howard was the fifth wife of Tudor king Henry VIII . They married on 28 July 1540, just three weeks after the annulment of the king’s brief marriage to Anne of Cleves . At nearly 50 years old at the time of their wedding, Henry was at least 30 years older than the teenage Catherine. Their relationship ended in tragedy when Henry discovered information about Catherine’s sexual past – including an affair with Thomas Culpeper. She was charged with adultery and treason, and executed at the Tower of London on 13 February 1542.

Bess of Hardwick (1527–1608)

Elizabethan noblewoman

Elizabeth ‘Bess’ of Hardwick was the richest woman in England after Queen Elizabeth I towards the end of her life, and yet she hailed from comparatively humble beginnings. Born to a moderately prosperous Derbyshire gentry family, Bess accumulated her wealth through a series of marriages that propelled her into aristocratic and royal circles. She had a somewhat tumultuous relationship with the queen, particularly when Bess began grooming her granddaughter Arbella to succeed to the crown.

Elizabeth I (1533–1603)

Queen of England

Elizabeth I is one of England’s best-loved monarchs. Her refusal to dilute her power through marriage earned her the soubriquet ‘the Virgin Queen’, while her navy’s famous victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588 won her the adulation of her nation. Elizabeth’s reign also heralded an age of exploration and discovery in the New World.

Oda Nobunaga (1534–1582)

Japanese feudal lord

Oda Nobunaga was born during a period in which Japan was split into warring fiefdoms whose samurai fought endless battles with one another. Oda, who inherited a fief in central Japan, used firearms and surprise tactics to defeat his enemies. He used the power he gained to unify Japan and lived by the motto “rule the realm by force”. “In battle after battle, Oda showed himself to be a first-class tactician. He defeated far larger forces than his own by using surprise attacks,” says Dr Christopher Harding.

Read more about Oda Nobunaga

Lady Jane Grey (1537–54)

Queen of England for nine days

Named queen on 9 July 1553 in a bid to prevent the Catholic Mary Tudor acceding the throne after the death of Edward VI, the ‘Nine Day Queen’ is often seen as a victim of her power-hungry family. She was charged with high treason and executed in 1554. But was Lady Jane Grey really an innocent victim? Read more about her tragic story here

Francis Drake (c1540–1596)

English admiral and navigator

One of the most famous seamen of the 16th century, Sir Francis Drake is best known for being the first Englishman to circumnavigate the earth. Sponsored by Queen Elizabeth I, Drake initially attempted the feat in November 1577, although bad weather forced him to turn back. He tried again in December 1577, beginning his venture from Plymouth and setting sail for the Pacific coast on his ship the Pelican. Drake and his men returned to Plymouth, England, on 26 September 1580, after successfully circumnavigating the earth. He was knighted for his efforts.

• Read more | Francis Drake’s forgotten role in the English slave trade

Mary, Queen of Scots (1542–87)

Scottish queen and French queen consort

Having become queen of Scotland at just six days old, Mary returned to her homeland in 1561 after the death of her husband, the French king Francis II. She became the focus of several plots to place her on the English throne and was eventually sentenced to death by her cousin, Elizabeth I.

Akbar (1542–1605)

Mughal emperor

Akbar was the grandson of Babur, founder of the Mughal empire, who in 1525 invaded northern India from Afghanistan. Under Mughal principles, princes did not inherit the throne by primogeniture but were instead expected to fight for it – subsequently, Akbar was crowned as a teenager in a Punjab field in a bid to forestall rivals. Over the course of his rule, he reconciled the majority of inhabitants of an overwhelmingly Hindu empire to Muslim rule. “This almost exact contemporary of the English queen Elizabeth I transformed a foreign occupation into a strong, cohesive empire of 100 million ethnically and religiously diverse people,” says historian Diana Preston. At the time of his death – on 15 October 1605, a date that may also have been his own birthday – he had more than 300 titular wives.

William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

English poet, playwright and actor

William Shakespeare , Stratford-upon-Avon’s most famous son, remains one of the world’s most well-known yet enigmatic authors. His works have been translated into some 80 languages, and the Oxford English Dictionary credits him with introducing almost 3,000 words to the English vocabulary. As well as writing 37 plays and 154 sonnets, Shakespeare was also an established actor who performed before James VI and I.

Born in 1564, much about the playwright’s life remains a mystery. Yet the fevered speculation about everything from his authorship to his sexuality is perhaps only a reflection of our fascination with the Bard.

Lady Arbella Stuart (1575–1615)

English noblewoman

First cousin twice removed to Elizabeth I, Arbella was at one time considered a possible heir to the Virgin Queen. She died in the Tower of London after being imprisoned there by King James VI and I for marrying without his permission.

Oliver Cromwell (1599–1658)

English soldier and statesman

Oliver Cromwell appeared on the political scene in 1628 when he became MP for Huntingdon, and opposed Charles I’s interpretation of Protestantism, which clashed with his own strict Puritan views. During the Civil War, Cromwell became one of the commanders of parliament’s New Model Army , and in 1649 was one of 59 signatories on Charles I’s death warrant. In December 1653 he became lord protector of England, Scotland and Ireland; his brutal treatment of Irish Catholics remains controversial.

• Read more | Oliver Cromwell: Hero or Villain?

Charles I (1600–49)

King of England, Scotland and Ireland

Charles I is remembered for his belief in the divine right of kings (the idea that a monarch’s authority is bestowed by God). His clash with parliament resulted in the Civil Wars , the conflict between Royalists and Parliamentarians that wracked the British Isles in the middle of the 17th century.

Charles II (1630–85)

Charles II was the first surviving son of King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria, born on 29 May 1630 – the first child to be born as heir to the three crowns of England, Scotland and Ireland. The so-called ‘Merry Monarch’ was restored to the throne in 1660, marking the end of 11 years of republican rule that followed the execution of his father, Charles I. His reign saw London engulfed in flames, thousands die from plague, and a financially crippling war with the Dutch.

Louis XIV ( 1638–1715)

French monarch, known as the Sun King

“Louis is best remembered today for his domestic achievements," says historian Philip Mansel. "He earned his place among the pantheon of French monarchs through his actions on the home front – ruthlessly consolidating his control of an increasingly centralised France; weakening the influence of the Paris parlement and the military might of great nobles to give himself a secure power base. And he was a master at projecting that power – most notably through the enormous palace of Versailles, which he completed between 1666 and 1688.”

• Read more | King of the world: how Louis XIV turned France into a global power

Isaac Newton (1643–1727)

Mathematician, astronomer and physicist

Recognised as one of the most influential physicists and mathematicians in history, Isaac Newton was key to the 18th-century scientific revolution. Among many achievements, his work laid the foundations for classical mechanics and calculus. “There are always new stories to tell about the Briton who invented gravity and unwove the colours of the rainbow,” says historian Patricia Fara.

Catherine the Great (1729–96)

Empress of Russia

The daughter of a minor German prince, Catherine (born Sophie Friederike Auguste von Anhalt-Zerbst) became a member of Russian royalty following her marriage to Grand Duke Peter, heir to the Russian throne. Catherine overthrew her husband shortly after he became tsar in 1762, and was declared empress, a title she would hold for more than 30 years. Expanding the empire was her priority: territories gained during her reign include Crimea, Belarus and Lithuania. She was also a great patron of the arts and education.

George Washington (1732–99)

Founding father and first US president

A founding father of the United States, George Washington commanded the Continental Army that won independence from the British, and stood as the nascent America’s first president. He presided over the Philadelphia Convention that drew up the US Constitution and once declared that “the Constitution is the guide which I will never abandon”.

Thomas Jefferson ( 1743–1826)

Founding Father and third US president

Thomas Jefferson is one of American history’s greats: he was the 3rd President and the lead author of the Declaration of Independence, the ground-breaking document that laid the foundations for the modern-day United States.

Marie Antoinette (1755–93)

Austrian-born queen of France

Known for her extravagant tastes and lavish spending, Austrian archduchess Marie Antoinette became queen of France and Navarre in 1774 when her husband, Louis XVI, took the throne. She met a bloody end during the French Revolution when she was executed by guillotine.

• Read more | Did Marie Antoinette really say “let them eat cake”?

Alexander Hamilton (c1755/57–1804)

American statesman and politician

Alexander Hamilton came to the attention of George Washington during the American Revolutionary War, becoming the general’s aide-de-camp. After training as a lawyer, he was elected to the lower house of the New York legislature and eventually earned himself a place at the Constitutional Convention as representative for New York. Hamilton was consequently one of the founding fathers of the US Constitution, and had a profound influence on its ratification. When Washington was elected to the presidency, he appointed Hamilton the country’s first secretary of the treasury.

Horatio Nelson ( 1758–1805)

British naval commander

Horatio Nelson ’s naval career began when he was 12. By the age of 21 he had become a captain, seeing service in the West Indies, the Baltic and Canada. But it was during the Napoleonic Wars that Nelson’s extraordinary talents as a commander and tactician came to the fore, notably at the battle of the Nile in 1798, during which he completely destroyed Napoleon’s French fleet. Between 1794 and 1805 Nelson contributed to a number of naval victories against the French – losing both the sight in one eye and an arm in the process – but it was the battle of Trafalgar , on 21 October 1805, that propelled him into the history books. Victory in that battle saved Britain from the threat of invasion, but cost Nelson his life.

1st Duke of Wellington ( 1769–1852)

British prime minister and military leader

Irish-born Arthur Wesley (Duke of Wellington from 1814) joined the army in 1787, and subsequently demonstrated his military talents. He is best known for his victory against Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo in June 1815. “Victory at Waterloo ushered in decades of peace for Europe, brought a long overdue end to the Napoleonic Wars and snuffed out Napoleon’s extraordinary, expansionist career for good,” says historian Justin Marozzi, who nominated the ‘Iron Duke’.

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821)

French military and political leader

Described by many as one of the greatest military leaders in history, Napoleon Bonaparte rose to prominence in the wake of the French Revolution , becoming commander of the French army in Italy in 1796. His talents as a commander and strategist saw Napoleon win a number of battles during the French Revolutionary Wars of 1792–1802, conflicts fought between the French Republic and several European powers.

In 1799, Napoleon was made First Consul of France, and crowned himself emperor in 1804. “He was a towering historical figure and military genius,” says historian Professor Peter Hart.

Jane Austen (1775–1817)

English novelist

English novelist Jane Austen’s first known writings date from c1787, with Sense and Sensibility the earliest of her novels to be published in her lifetime, in 1795. Austen, who never married, is celebrated as one of England’s favourite authors: her six novels – all published anonymously at first – are a window into the life of the landed gentry in the 18th and 19th centuries. She is believed to have died of Addison’s disease, an endocrine disorder.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh (1780–1839)

Ruler of the Sikh empire

Maharaja Ranjit Singh , the "Lion of Punjab”, founded the Sikh empire and presided over an era of toleration and stability. He also famously owned the Koh-i-Noor – one of the largest cut diamonds in the world. “His reign marked a golden age for Punjab and north-west India,” says historian Matthew Lockwood . “Under his leadership, infrastructure was improved, commerce opened and expanded, and the arts flourished.”

Benjamin Disraeli (1804–81)

British prime minister

Twice prime minister, Disraeli was a key player in the creation of the modern Conservative party . The first Jewish-born prime minister (although he was baptised a Christian during childhood), Disraeli was a staunch opponent of Liberal William Gladstone, and their mutual loathing was well known. A firm favourite of Queen Victoria, Disraeli did much to improve public health in Britain, and passed laws to prevent labour exploitation.

Mary Seacole (1805–1881)

Mary Seacole was a Caribbean-born, Anglo-Jamaican businesswoman and pioneer nurse best known for the comfort that she provided for wounded British soldiers in the Crimean War. Her 1857 autobiography, Wonderful Adventures of Mrs Seacole in Many Lands , is one of the earliest memoirs of a mixed-race woman. In 2004 she was voted the greatest black Briton, and in 2016 a statue of her was erected in the grounds of St Thomas’ Hospital, London.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel (1806–59)

British civil and mechanical engineer

Isambard Kingdom Brunel built the most ambitious bridges, ships and railways of the 19th century. From his office at 18, Duke Street, London, he spearheaded an engineering empire involving a professional staff comprising some 30 engineers, clerks and draughtsmen working on multiple projects at a time.

• Read more | 7 famous Victorians: from Brontë to Brunel

Abraham Lincoln (1809–65)

16th US president and opponent of slavery

Abraham Lincoln , who became the 16th US president in 1861, led the Union to victory in the American Civil War of 1861–65 and introduced the 13th Amendment of 1865, which abolished slavery in the US. But although he managed to prevent the fragmentation of the country, Lincoln saw only six weeks of peace during his tenure and was assassinated in April 1865.

Charles Darwin ( 1809–82)

British naturalist, geologist and biologist

Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection – that the varying survival of individual organisms with different characteristics in specific environments results in the promotion of those traits – brought him into conflict with the Anglican church. His groundbreaking work The Origin of Species was published in 1859, provoking outrage among creationists. But his 1871 Descent of Man caused even more controversy with its claims that humans and apes were descended from a common ancestor.

William Gladstone (1809–98)

Liberal politician William Gladstone served as British prime minister four times – more than any other – and campaigned on a variety of issues including reforms to the justice system and the civil service. Gladstone was regarded as a champion of the working classes, spent large amounts of his own money on what he saw as the rescue and rehabilitation of prostitutes, and spoke out against slavery. But his views provoked strong reactions, and he was not always popular. Queen Victoria disliked him immensely, describing him as a “half-mad firebrand”. One of Gladstone’s major acts was the Representation of the People Act of 1884, which increased the number of men who were eligible to vote in an election. But his proposed bills to allow a system of home rule in Ireland never became law.

Charles Dickens 1812–70

British writer and social critic

Charles Dickens is widely regarded as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era. He wrote a string of bestselling novels and short stories including The Pickwick Papers , Nicholas Nickleby , A Christmas Carol and Great Expectations and invented some of literature’s best-known characters. His books are still in print and have been adapted for stage and screen.

He was buried at London’s Westminster Abbey .

Karl Marx (1818–83)

German philosopher and political theorist

The theories of socialist philosopher Karl Marx on the role of class struggle in economic change have influenced intellectuals, labour unions and political parties across the world. His 1848 work The Communist Manifesto, co-written with Friedrich Engels, has been described as one of history’s most important political manuscripts.

Queen Victoria (1819–1901)

British queen and empress of India

Queen Victoria , the United Kingdom’s former longest-reigning monarch (overtaken by Elizabeth II in September 2015), ruled for more than 63 years. Her empire spanned Canada, New Zealand, Australia and swathes of Africa and she became Empress of India in 1876. Her links with other royal families prompted the nickname ‘ grandmother of Europe ’.

Florence Nightingale (1820–1910)

Founder of modern nursing

Florence Nightingale led the first official team of British military nurses to Turkey during the Crimean War, fought between Britain and Russia (1853-56). More soldiers died from disease than wounds in this conflict and Nightingale – as well as tending the sick – reported back to the army medical services on how to reduce avoidable deaths. Nicknamed ‘the Lady with the Lamp’ for the night rounds she made tending to the wounded and sick, Nightingale continued in her work after the war and was instrumental in establishing a permanent military nursing service and implementing improvements to the army medical services.

Nikola Tesla (1856–1943)

Serbian-American inventor

Inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla first travelled to America in 1884 with just four cents in his pocket and began working at Edison Machine Works improving DC generators. His invention of the induction motor that would work with alternating current (AC) is considered a milestone in modern electrical systems.

• Read more | Edison, Westinghouse and Tesla: the history behind The Current War

Emmeline Pankhurst (1858–1928)

British suffragist and political activist

In 1903, the social reformer Emmeline Pankhurst founded the Women’s Social and Political Union to campaign for the parliamentary vote for women in Edwardian Britain, ‘Deeds, not words’ being its motto. A charismatic leader and powerful orator, Pankhurst roused thousands of women to demand, rather than ask politely, for their democratic right in a mass movement that has been unparalleled in British history. Always in the thick of the struggle, she endured 13 imprisonments, her name and cause becoming known throughout the world.

Cândido Rondon (1865–1958)

Colonel Cândido Rondon was an army engineer who laid more than 4,000 miles of telegraph line through the jungles of Brazil. His expeditions into the Amazon included exploring the Western Amazon Basin, but his most famous was the Roosevelt–Rondon scientific expedition in 1913–14. In 1910, he was appointed the director of the Indian Protection Service (SPI). He encouraged the later creation of the Xingu National Park, a territory where both indigenous people and the environment are protected. In Brazil, Rondon is a national hero, and the state of Rondônia is named after him.

Sitting Bull (1831–90)

Native American leader

Sitting Bull was a warrior who fought against US forces in Red Cloud’s War (1866–68). He played a key political and strategic role in the Great Sioux War of 1876, and fought at the battle of the Little Bighorn. As settlers encroached on the northern plains, slaughtering buffalo herds and irrevocably disrupting traditional nomadic life, he joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Viewed as a leader by his people until the end, Sitting Bull died when an attempt to arrest him ended with his being shot in the chest and head.

Marie Curie ( 1867–1934)

Polish-French physicist and chemist

Marie Curie ’s discoveries of strange, glowing radioactive elements rocked Victorian Europe. Hailed as a 'celebrity scientist' in her lifetime, she was the first female to win the Nobel Prize in 1903 – for her pioneering research on radioactivity – and the first person to win a second Nobel Prize.

Tsar Nicholas II (1868–1918)

Last emperor of Russia

Tsar Nicholas II was the last emperor of Russia until he abdicated under duress during the February Revolution of 1917, amid a military crisis and domestic unrest. By renouncing the throne, he brought an end to the Romanov royal dynasty that had ruled Russia for more than 300 years. Nicholas was replaced by a provisional government until October 1917, when the country was engulfed by revolution once again, as the Bolsheviks – led by Vladimir Lenin – seized control.

Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948)

Born to a wealthy Hindu family in north-west India, Gandhi’s first experiences of nonviolent civil disobedience came while he was practising law in South Africa, in response to the Indian community’s struggle for civil rights. In around 1921 he became leader of the Indian National Congress, leading campaigns for a number of social causes and to end British rule in India. One of his most famous protests was the 240-mile Dandi Salt March of 1930, challenging the British-imposed salt tax. Gandhi was assassinated in 1948.

Vladimir Lenin (1870–1924)

Russian communist revolutionary

Vladimir Ilyich Ulianov was a fanatical Marxist who led the Bolsheviks to power in 1917 and built – on a foundation of war and oppression – the world’s first communist state. He envisioned the end of capitalism at the hands of the working classes of the world and – through a series of revolutions – laid the foundations of communist totalitarianism under Joseph Stalin.

Winston Churchill (1874–1965)

British wartime prime minister

Voted the Greatest Briton in a 2002 BBC poll, storming home with just over 28 per cent of the votes, Churchill is remembered as the man who led Britain to victory during the Second World War. He was prime minister from 1940–45 and again from 1951–55, standing down as an MP in 1964 after a political career spanning more than six decades. Churchill’s speeches, delivered during some of Britain’s darkest days, are rated among the most rousing in history, but many of his strategic decisions – particularly the blanket bombing of German cities continue to divide opinion. Churchill was also a talented artist and exhibited some 50 works at the British Academy. A keen writer, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1953 for, in the judges’ words, “his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values”.

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875–1912)

British composer/conductor

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was a British composer and conductor who wrote a number of acclaimed pieces of music. He entered the Royal College of Music as a teenage violinist but soon showed great ability in composition. In 1898, he composed the cantata ‘Hiawatha’s Wedding Feast’, which became a great success, and he was invited to perform in the US on several occasions. However, the royalty agreement he signed for ‘Hiawatha’ earned him relatively little money and his family were left impoverished when he died of pneumonia aged only 37.

Josef Stalin ( 1878–1953)

Soviet revolutionary and dictator

Dictator of the USSR from 1929 until his death, Stalin transformed the Soviet Union into an industrial and military superpower. But his was a regime of terror which caused the deaths of millions through famine or in gulags (labour camps).

Soviet forces under Stalin’s leadership helped defeat the Nazis during the Second World War.

• Read more | How Stalin, Hitler, Mao and other self-styled strongmen met their ends

Albert Einstein (1879–1955)

German-born theoretical physicist

Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein is perhaps best known for his pioneering theory of general relativity. His work established new ideas about the formation of the universe and black holes, revolutionising our knowledge of gravity, time and space.

Franklin D Roosevelt (1882–1945)

32nd US president

The 32nd (and longest-serving) US president, Franklin D Roosevelt took office in 1933 during the Great Depression . He served four terms in the White House , and saw the US through the Second World War, as well as playing a key role in developing the United Nations.

Clement Attlee (1883–1967)

Leader of the Labour party for 20 years, Clement Attlee acted as deputy prime minister to Winston Churchill in the British coalition government of the Second World War before serving as prime minister in his own right between 1945 and 1951. He is credited with creating the NHS and granting independence to India. “Attlee showed that politics can make a difference”, says Francis Beckett, author of a biography on the former Labour leader.

Benito Mussolini 1883–1945

Italian Fascist dictator

Benito Mussolini was 20th-century Europe’s first fascist dictator. He established his regime in the early 1920s, driven by the belief that he was destined to forge a new Roman empire (with himself, a new Caesar, as leader). He died in 1945 when he was captured by anti-fascist partisans.

Adolf Hitler (1889–1945)

Dictator of Nazi Germany

Adolf Hitler joined the German Workers’ Party, later known as the Nazi Party, after Germany’s surrender at the end of the First World War. Identifying with the party’s nationalist, anti-Semitic beliefs, in 1921 he became its leader.

In 1933 he was appointed chancellor of Germany, and began to mandate the exclusion of Jews and other ‘undesirables’ from public life, a process that would lead to the deaths of millions in concentration camps. In 1939 Hitler’s Germany invaded Poland, triggering the Second World War – a conflict that resulted in the deaths of more than 60 million people.

WW2 | The Big Questions

Francisco Franco ( 1892–1975)

Military dictator of Spain

Spanish general Francisco Franco ruled Spain as dictator from 1939 to 1975, following the Spanish Civil War. He was close to both Mussolini and Adolf Hitler – who both provided critical aid to his forces during the Spanish Civil War – although he ultimately wouldn’t officially join the Axis.

• Francisco Franco: is it accurate to call the Spanish dictator a fascist?

Oswald Mosley ( 1896–1980)

Leader of the British Union of Fascists

Oswald Mosley was the founder of the New Party, which – influenced by Mussolini – morphed into the quasi-military British Union of Fascists in October 1932. The party was notable for adopting Nazi insignia and distributing anti-Semitic propaganda.

Joseph Goebbels ( 1897–1945)

Propaganda minister for Nazi Germany

Joseph Goebbels – propaganda minister of the Third Reich – is recognised as a key player in the establishment and maintenance of Hitler’s power. A master orator, he is credited for establishing what historian Ian Kershaw describes as " the Hitler myth" , the cult of personality surrounding the German leader.

• Making friends with Hitler: Britain’s pre-war admiration for the Nazi dictator

Alan Turing (1912–54)

Computer scientist and cryptanalyst

Alan Turing – the subject of the 2014 film The Imitation Game – is hailed as the creator of modern computing, and for his crucial contribution to British codebreaking operations during the Second World War. In 1952 Turing was convicted of gross indecency – the charge resulting from a homosexual affair. He chose chemical castration over imprisonment but committed suicide in 1954.

Rosa Parks (1913–2005)

American civil rights activist

Rosa Parks was an American civil rights activist best known for her pivotal role in the Montgomery bus boycott of 1955, when public transport in the US state of Alabama was racially segregated. She subsequently became an iconic figure in the civil rights movement. On the centenary of her birth, the then-US president, Barack Obama, called upon all Americans to honour Rosa Parks’s “enduring legacy”.

John F Kennedy (1917–63)

35th US president

John F Kennedy – also known as Jack or JFK – was the 35th president of the United States. Elected in 1960, he was assassinated in 1963 in Dallas, Texas. Lee Harvey Oswald was charged with the murder but was himself killed before he could stand trial. JFK’s presidency witnessed serious confrontations with the USSR, leading to the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban missile crisis . Kennedy served in the US navy in the Second World War. He was married to Jacqueline Bouvier.

• Read more | Who killed JFK?

Nelson Mandela (1918–2013)

Activist and president of South Africa

Nelson Mandela was an anti-apartheid activist, revolutionary and president of South Africa from 1994–99. After rising to prominence in the ANC’s 1952 Defiance Campaign – a protest against the country’s apartheid laws – the young lawyer was unsuccessfully prosecuted in the Treason Trial (1956–61). However, in 1964 he was sentenced to life imprisonment for his opposition to the regime. He was to serve 27 years in prison, most notably on Robben Island. On his release, after being elected his country’s first black leader, Mandela’s government focused on tackling the legacy of decades of apartheid.

Amí lcar Cabral (1924 – 1973)

20th-century African independence fighter

In the 20th century, most of Africa was faced with the task of liberating itself from foreign colonial rule. The struggle for independence in Guinea was led by Amílcar Cabral, who also played a leading role in the liberation of Portugal’s other colonies in Africa. He was one of the founders of the Movimento Popular Libertação de Angola, and founder and leader of the Partido Africano para a Independência da Guiné e Capo-Verde. “Under Cabral’s leadership, the people of Guinea achieved great advances – progress that induced the government of Portugal to plot to assassinate him. His murder was carried out in 1973, just before Guinea achieved independence from Portuguese colonial rule,” says Professor Hakim Adi .

Martin Luther King (1929–68)

Religious activist and civil rights leader

In 1956, Baptist preacher Martin Luther King became a leading figure in organising the boycott by African-Americans of buses in Montgomery, Alabama in support of Rosa Parks , who had been arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man. King was a major figure in the US civil rights movement, leading non-violent protests and playing a pivotal role in the ending of the legal segregation of African-American citizens in the US. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 but was assassinated in Memphis on 4 April 1968. The US civil rights marches of 1965 were the focus of the 2014 film Selma.

• Read more | Is Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream’ the greatest speech in history?

Anne Frank ( 1929–45)

German-born Jewish diarist

Anneliese Marie Frank , known as ‘Anne’ to her friends and family, was born in Frankfurt-am-Main on 12 June 1929. She was the second and youngest child of an assimilated Jewish family. Her diary, which was written during the Second World War and covered her experience hiding from the Nazis in an Amsterdam attic, is today one of the most famous and bestselling books of all time.

Stephen Hawking (1942–2018)

Theoretical physicist

Stephen Hawking was a British theoretical physicist and cosmologist, best known for his book A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes (1988), which has sold more than 10 million copies. In 1963 the Cambridge academic was diagnosed with motor neurone disease; he died aged 76, after living with the disease for more than 50 years. The twice-married father of three’s life story was told in the hit biopic The Theory of Everything (2014).

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• People Born the Exact Same Day
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• People Who Use Stage Names
• Literal Life Savers
• Celebs Who Have Been Knighted
• Celebrity Black Belts
• Licensed Pilots
• Famous People with Very Long Names
• Former Boy Scouts
• Celebrities Who Have Side Businesses
• In Celebrity Memoirs

The Best Celebrity Autobiographies

From Hollywood stars to star musicians, the best celebrity autobiographies delve into the personal lives and experiences of these famous personalities, providing readers with a rare glimpse behind the curtain. Best celebrity autobiographies provide a unique opportunity to explore the lives of these individuals from their own perspectives. With a captivating blend of wit, wisdom, and honesty, these works offer a rare glimpse into the experiences that have shaped their careers and public personas. Discovering the best celebrity autobiographies can be an extraordinary journey for those intrigued by the rich, profound tales narrated by these famous personalities. 

The best celebrity autobiographies not only share the personal journeys of these famous figures but also transport readers through the emotional, turbulent, and triumphant moments that define their careers. Each celebrity autobiography serves as a testament to the resilience, passion, and determination required to achieve success in the limelight. Through these compelling narratives, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex personal journeys that have led to the creation of iconic moments in entertainment history. These autobiographical masterpieces, penned by the celebrities themselves, elevate the genre, setting the bar for what constitutes the finest examples of captivating and revealing life stories. 

Among the standouts in the realm of celebrity biographies, books such as Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher, I, Tina by Tina Turner, and Bossypants by Tina Fey exemplify the prowess and artistry of this unique literary genre. Fisher's candid exploration of her struggles with addiction and mental health in "Wishful Drinking" presents a raw and unfiltered account of her life in the public eye. In I, Tina , Turner chronicles her turbulent journey from an impoverished upbringing to the pinnacle of global fame, highlighting her resilience and tenacity. Fey's Bossypants offers a delightful mix of humor and insight as she reflects on her career progression from a fledgling comedian to an influential powerhouse in the world of comedy. These remarkable works showcase the innate talent and exceptional storytelling abilities of these celebrities, solidifying their place among the best autobiographies ever written. 

The enchantment of the best celebrity memoirs lies in their ability to reveal the hidden facets of these iconic lives while inspiring awe and admiration in their readers. These compelling narratives, often imbued with humor, emotion, and brutal honesty, resonate with readers on a profound level. By immersing oneself in the stories shared within these pages, it becomes evident that the best celebrity memoirs hold a timeless appeal, as they capture the essence of the human experience and provide a unique perspective on the extraordinary lives of these beloved public figures. 

Wishful Drinking

This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection

Stories I Only Tell My Friends: An Autobiography

Lucky Man: a Memoir

My Lucky Life in and Out of Show Business: a Memoir

Little Girl Lost

Home: A Memoir of My Early Years

My First Five Husbands...And the Ones Who Got Away

Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life

My Mother Was Nuts

Elvis and me

Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)

Unsweetined Jodie Sweetin

Not My Father's Son: a Memoir

Still Woman Enough: A Memoir

A Natural Woman: A Memoir

Prairie Tale: a Memoir

Moon River and Me: A Memoir

Scar Tissue

American Prince

The Bedwetter: Stories of Courage, Redemption, and Pee

American on Purpose

Stars: They're just like us! These are lists of fascinating facts about famous people - who, despite all the glitz and glamour, are well-rounded, full-formed human beings. Mostly.

The 7 Best Biography Sites for Famous and Inspirational People

Biographies give us a historical look into the lives and times of notable people. They help to teach, inspire, and improve us as people.

Famous people, both living and dead, can help to inspire us to greater things and teach us about missing gaps in our own knowledge. Indeed, by studying the lives of some of the most famous people throughout history, you can turn yourself into a better person. And who doesn’t want that?

Thanks to the internet, you don’t need to spend a fortune on physical biographies in your local bookstore. Here are the best websites for biographies of renowned people who have ever lived.

1. Biography

Biography has been online for many years and has become one of the most well-known sites out there for memoirs, interviews, and life stories.

The People section has grown to thousands of entries and covers everyone from actors to scientists. When you click on a person's profile, you'll get a brief overview of their life, a list of “quick facts”, and information on their education, career, and personal life.

Biography also has entire sections dedicated to nostalgia, celebrities, history and culture, and crime and scandal. Most of the content in these sections takes a long-form article approach.

If you enjoy the content on the main site, make sure you also check out Biography's YouTube channel. Most of the videos are a couple of minutes long and focus on a single person.

S9 is like a Wikipedia of biographies . The content is editable by the users, and they also can contribute to the existing biographies on the site.

Every day, there is a selection of featured biographies, with many of the selections being for people you might not have heard of but who have achieved wonderful things in their lives. The site also has a birthday section and a latest biographies section, allowing you to delve into the lives of different fascinating people every time you log on.

S9 even has a biographical game in the form of a quiz. The questions are, predictably, based on people's lives. Fair warning—to get a good score, you need to have a serious deep amount of knowledge.

3. Notable Biographies

The simply organized encyclopedia on famous and historical personalities is very readable with an alphabetically arranged Wikipedia-like presentation. You can also add your own information through a form.

It lacks the large number of entries that you will find on some of the other sites on this list, but don't let that put you off. If you're looking for a who's-who of various global luminaries rather than endless lists of people you have never heard of, this is the site for you.

4. Women's History Month

Women's History Month is an official site produced by the US government. Of course, the month of the celebration itself is March, but you can visit and enjoy the site and its massive amount of content throughout the year.

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in commemorating and encouraging the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

Overall, the site is an exhaustive resource on women who have impacted history through the ages. It pays tribute to some of the greatest women in history with multimedia content and other exhibits.

5. Wikipedia

If you want information on famous people, you can never go too far wrong with the ubiquitous Wikipedia. If anyone has achieved something globally noteworthy in their lives, you can be almost certain that they will have an entry on the site.

Of course, for the true giants of history, the entries can run to tens of thousands of words. But even for slightly less-famous people, you will still be able to find plenty of information.

Wikipedia is also one of the few biography sites that is available in multiple languages. For regionally famous people, you might find their local entry has far more information than the English-language entry. You can use Google Translate if you cannot understand the language in question.

And hey, if no article exists about the person in question, you can always try and make one yourself!

6. Academy of Achievement

The Academy of Achievement aims to provide readers with insight into the visionaries and pioneers who have shaped the modern world around us. The academy has existed for more than six decades, thus making inclusion in its hall of fame an honor in its own right.

For all the people who have made it onto the hallowed list over the years, you can access complete biographies, samples of their work, images, interviews, video content, and more.

7. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

If you're a politics fanatic, you will love the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. It features a biography for all 12,877 people who have served in the House of Representatives and Congress since the forming of the United States.

For each person, you will be able to find information about the congresses they served, the years they served, the state/territory they represented, their position, and their party. Of course, there is also a text article dedicated to each person, with information on their personal life, background, and career.

We've also covered some of the best sites for unbiased fact-checking if this isn't enough for your politics fix.

8. Academy of American Poets

If literature is more your thing, head to the Academy of American Poets. It offers more than 3,000 biographies of contemporary and classical poets from the US.

The site also offers non-biographical content. For example, there are thousands of poems for you to read, a poem-a-day feature, a library containing books, texts, and more, and even materials for teachers and links to poetry events near your location.

Learn About People to Become a Better Person

No matter what hobbies and interests you have, there is always something to be learned by studying the lives of other people.

Whether they help you find an answer to a moral question, inspire you to start a new project, or simply helps you pass some time on your commute, these sites will all help to keep you entertained and engaged for hours.

• Books About Death

12 Inspiring Biographies That’ll Change Your Perspective

Updated 09/26/2023

Published 06/17/2020

Kate Wight, BA in English

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Biographies and autobiographies are some of the most life-changing books that exist. They allow us to learn more about individuals, both famous and relatively unknown.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Best inspiring biographies, most inspiring autobiographies, inspiring autobiographies for children and young adults.

We may find we form a deep connection to a stranger when we read about them based on shared life experiences. Or we may just learn more about someone who has a totally different background. Most of all, we can find ourselves inspired by witnessing the way a person has lived their life. 

Here, we’ll explore some of the best memoirs and biographies published in recent years that will make you see the world in a new light. 

People often want to be moved by the world around them. We look to other people to inspire us so that we can learn and grow. The right sources of inspiration can help us believe in ourselves.

They can even transform the way we live our lives. These biographies are sure to inspire you and challenge you. 

1. Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder

Over the past several years, infectious diseases have dominated the national consciousness.

Global pandemics, the anti-vaccination movement, and preventative HIV medication are all part of this conversation. This biography focuses on the work of Dr. Paul Farmer. Farmer, a physician and anthropologist, fought tuberculosis in Haiti, Peru, and Russia. His story gives us hope that dedicated individuals are fighting to protect our health.  

View This Book on Amazon

2. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

In 1936, distance runner Louis Zamperini competed in the Berlin Olympics as a teenager, an astonishing feat. But while that would be a notable enough accomplishment to warrant a biography, it’s only the beginning of his story. 

In 1941 he was commissioned into the United States Air Force, where he served as a bombardier. When he was just 26 years old, his plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean on a search and rescue mission. Miraculously, he lived through the crash and went on to survive 47 days adrift at sea. Unfortunately, he was then captured in the Japanese-occupied Marshall Islands. He was taken to a prison camp and tortured as a POW for two and a half years until the end of World War II. 

Despite all of the ups and downs he encountered in his life, he discovered faith and the power of forgiveness. His story is proof that even after unimaginable hardship, the human spirit perseveres.  

3. Young Mandela by David James Smith

Many people know the name and the legacy of Nelson Mandela. He was a political leader, activist, and philanthropist who spent 27 years in prison, much of it in solitary confinement. His crime? Fighting to dismantle the oppressive South African apartheid regime. 

Upon his release, he became the first black president of South Africa and the first elected in a truly democratic election. Many people remember the benevolent, gray-haired Mandela from the latter part of his life.

This book focuses on his drive and leadership and his willingness to put himself on the line to invoke change. He is proof that one person can have enough of an impact to change the course of an entire nation.

View This Book on Amazon      

4. Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times by Thomas Hauser

Some people think celebrities and sports figures should keep their mouths shut about their personal beliefs and just do what they’re paid to do. One recent example of this is Colin Kaepernick. But sports figures have a lengthy history of fighting for their beliefs. Famed fighter Muhammad Ali was one of the earliest and most vocal. 

Like Kaepernick, his morals cost him years of his career. When he refused to be drafted to the Vietnam War as a conscientious objector, he was found guilty of draft evasion and stripped of his titles. But he appealed his decision all the way up to the Supreme Court, proving he was a tireless fighter in more ways than one.     

Biographies often focus on famous people, political figures, or other high-profile individuals. While celebrities also write memoirs, some of the most moving autobiographies come from people who are less well-known. Here are our picks for especially inspiring autobiographies.

5. Sully: My Search for What Really Matters by Chesley B. Sullenberger with Jeffrey Zaslow

On January 15, 2009, Americans were riveted by news reports of a near tragedy. A US Airways flight was forced into making an emergency landing after both of its engines were taken out by a flock of Canada geese.

Miraculously, pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger and his co-pilot were able to land the plane on the Hudson River without a single life lost. This story shows that on an average workday, a regular person can become a hero.      

6. Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

Bird by Bird is ostensibly a guide to help aspiring writers hone their craft. But it is so much more than that.

Lamott meditates on her awkward childhood, her history of addiction, and her journey toward faith. She also delves into deeply painful topics like the death of her beloved father.

This book shows how you can mine all your life’s experiences in aid of helping you tell compelling stories. It also demonstrates that you can overcome an incredible array of challenges and become a teacher and leader.  

7. Educated by Tara Westover

We trust our parents to prepare us for the world around us. Tara Westover’s parents raised her as a survivalist in the mountains of Idaho. She stewed herbs and canned fruits to sustain her family through the winter. What her parents didn’t do was allow her to seek an education or medical care.

At the age of 17, Westover stepped foot in a classroom for the first time in her life. She taught herself math and grammar and made it into college, and has traveled the world in pursuit of knowledge. Her story shows we can overcome the most hardscrabble and deprived upbringing.  

8. When I Fell From the Sky by Juliane Koepcke

When she was just 17, Koepcke miraculously survived a plane crash. Lightning struck her plane midflight and tore it apart. She plummeted two miles to the earth, still strapped to her seat.

She was flung far enough away from the wreckage that she had to spend 11 days navigating her way through the wilderness, even with grievous wounds. This tale of perseverance is unparalleled. 

Kids and young people often gravitate towards fictional stories. But autobiographies can be a great way to get them more interested in nonfiction books.

All children need people to look up to. These autobiographies can inspire the next generation to follow their dreams.  

9. I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb

For a lot of kids, school is tedious and boring. For Malala Yousafzai, the chance to go to school was worth risking her life. Malala grew up in the Swat Valley of Pakistan, which was seized by the Taliban. This extremist group is opposed to girls receiving any form of education. Malala refused to be intimidated and continued seeking an education. 

She nearly paid the ultimate price. When she was just fifteen years old, she was shot point-blank in the head on her bus ride home from school. Miraculously she survived and inspired the world with her courage and perseverance.   

10. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

The atrocities perpetrated against Jewish people during World War II can feel far removed from modern times. This memoir brings the harsh reality of living in Nazi-occupied Holland to life.

Anne Frank and her family spent two years living in hiding in cramped quarters. But the war is really just the backdrop. This memoir provides a human face to the sweeping historical injustices of the 1940s. It’s impossible to read the inner thoughts of a thirteen-year-old girl and not feel personally connected to her struggles.    

11. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Jacqueline Woodson is a Newbery Honor award-winning author who is known for her poetic and evocative writing style. In her memoir-in-verse, Brown Girl Dreaming , Woodson talks about what it was like growing up as a young African-American girl in the 1960s.

In particular, she talks about the juxtaposition of living in New York vs. the segregated town of Greenville, South Carolina. This book will be especially inspiring for young African-American girls who don’t always get to see characters that look like them. 

12. Firebird by Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland is a ballet dancer for the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). The ABT is one of just a few leading classical ballet companies in the United States. In 2015, Copeland became the first African-American principal dancer in the company’s 75 years of existence.

This children’s book depicts a young ballerina who, much like Copeland herself, gets to dance the lead role in Firebird . It’s a great inspiration for children to show that they can achieve their dreams through hard work and dedication. 

Read These Inspirational Biographies for a Brand-New Perspective

There are so many books to read before you die . In truth, there’s no way to read all of the books you want to. But if you’re looking for inspiration, there’s nothing like a good memoir or biography to really move you.

Every one of us, young and old, can find something in someone else’s story to challenge us to become better. Someone’s life story told well can change your own life. 

If you're looking for more recommendations, read our guides on the best inspiring fiction and non-fiction books .

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The Best 10 Biographies by Women to Add to Your Reading List

From former first ladies to famous actors and standup comedians.

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

The books on this list include incredible true stories about remarkable women who overcame great adversity, from Hollywood heavyweights sharing their personal stories for the first time to women journeying through grief, love, heartbreak, and hardship. While some of these books explore what it means to move forward after a violent crime, others explain the influence a person's upbringing had on their identity. Here, we round up 10 of the best biographies of women to add to your reading list in 2024.

'Becoming' by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama needs no introduction following her eight-year tenure as first lady in the White House, but that doesn't make her story any less remarkable. Becoming covers everything from Michelle's youth in Chicago to her relationship with husband and former president Barack Obama and the way she's learned to juggle working on a world stage alongside raising her family. Rather than shying away from her mistakes, Michelle reflects on her life to date, offering every ounce of wisdom she's gathered, making her memoir an essential read.

'I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban' by Malala Yousafzai with Christina Lamb

When Malala Yousafzai was just 15 years old, she was shot in the head after standing up to the Taliban regarding her right to an education. Seemingly against all odds, Yousafzai survived the attack, and was subsequently awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for her advocacy on behalf of children and young people. Since then, she has continued her activism by supporting young women to receive an education, while opposing extremism. I Am Malala is Yousafzai's incredible story , told in her own words.

'Inside Out: A Memoir' by Demi Moore

As an award-winning actor and the ex-wife of Bruce Willis , Demi Moore is no stranger to the spotlight. In Inside Out: A Memoir, Moore uses her wit and candor to discuss her unlikely rise to fame, the difficulties she encountered as a Hollywood star, and aspects of her personal life even the most dedicated fan wouldn't know. From her very real battles with sexism to the disintegration of multiple relationships, Moore doesn't hold anything back in her emotional autobiography.

'Know My Name' by Chanel Miller

With Know My Name, Chanel Miller gave up her anonymity as Emily Doe to tell her story. In 2016, Brock Turner was found guilty of three counts of felony sexual assault, for which he was sentenced to six months in county jail, although he would only serve three. Following the trial, Miller's victim impact statement went viral online, in which she revealed the devastating impact the crime had on every aspect of her life. Know My Name is an intimate portrayal of what it's like to survive a life-changing event and find a new forward.

'Finding Me' by Viola Davis

Viola Davis' biography , Finding Me, elevated the actor to EGOT status when she took home a Grammy for her performance of the audiobook, and it's easy to see why. Discussing her humble upbringing on Rhode Island and her quest to forge a career as an actor, Davis encourages honesty and self-reflection when readers look back on their own stories. While Davis' talent is undeniable, her journey to stardom has been anything but simple, making Finding Me an important and timeless read.

'Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology' by Leah Remini: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology

After leaving Scientology in July 2013, Leah Remini was forced to rebuild her life from the ground up. Despite being a famous actor, Remini was seemingly adrift in the world without her former religion and allegedly faced harassment and stalking by the organization for fleeing. Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology tracks Remini's upbringing in the church, the reasons she finally decided to leave, and the ways in which her life changed after she walked away.

'Survival of the Thickest' by Michelle Buteau

Comedian Michelle Buteau has continually proven herself with roles in Netflix movies, such as Someone Great and Always Be My Maybe, and on TV shows like Russian Doll and First Wives Club. In Survival of the Thickest, Buteau provides readers with an insight into her life growing up in New Jersey with Caribbean parents and why she made the move to Miami for college. Both hilarious and intimate, Buteau gets candid about her chaotic life as a standup comedian, starting a family with her Dutch husband, and the difficult decisions she faced when becoming a mother.

'Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail' by Cheryl Strayed

Brought to the big screen in a movie starring Reese Witherspoon , Cheryl Strayed's Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail is a story of resilience, heartbreak, grief, and an 1100-mile solo hike. Leaving behind a difficult romantic relationship and personal demons and still reeling from the death of her mother, Strayed navigates the challenging walk with very little hiking experience. In spite of her shortcomings, the journey changes the course of her life forever.

'Crying in H Mart' by Michelle Zauner in H Mart: A Memoir

Known as the lead singer of Japanese Breakfast , Michelle Zauner's biography is an exploration of family, food, identity, loss, and the journey to discovering oneself. From her childhood in Oregon to her experiences staying in Seoul, South Korea, with her grandmother, Zauner examines the strands that form her identity as a Korean American. In addition to tracking her career as a rock musician, Zauner opens up about the devastating family diagnosis that changed her outlook on life and heritage.

'I Came All This Way to Meet You: Writing Myself Home' by Jami Attenberg

Author Jami Attenberg is known for her novels The Middlesteins and The Melting Season, and for short story collections such as Instant Love . In I Came All This Way to Meet You, Attenberg shares the experiences that shaped her worldview, including following her father's occupation as a traveling salesman. As Attenberg discovered her own creative identity, she also found the less glamorous aspects of writing, such as the cross-country book tours and the lack of stable housing. Despite the challenges, Attenberg's memoir provides the encouragement needed to never quit, whatever the project.

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• Famous Personalities /

What Can We Learn From The Great Personalities?

• Updated on  
• Nov 19, 2022

When you ask young kids about what they want to become when they grow up, you are sure to come across answers like “I want to become a scientist like Albert Einstein ” or “I want to become a cricketer like Sachin Tendulkar.” It is exciting how great personalities influence not only adults but also children. Reading stories of successful people can leave an indelible impression on the people and their lives. From their struggles to their passion and achieving great reputations, there is an endless number of things that you can learn from such personalities. Keeping that in mind, we have formulated a list of great personalities who not only excelled in their careers but also gave the power to dream to millions of others. 

This Blog Includes:

20 great personalities of india, 20 great personalities of the world, great personalities in science, great personalities in social welfare, great political leaders, great personalities in innovation & technology, greatest personalities in arts & literature, famous indian female personalities, nelson mandela, abraham lincoln, dr apj abdul kalam, coco chanel, albert einstein, walt disney, sachin tendulkar, michael jackson, marilyn monroe, thomas alva edison, kalpana chawla , leo tolstoy, satyajit ray, other great personalities, famous personalities of india, great personalities quotes.

Here are the greatest Inspiring Personalities in India:

• Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) : the Father of India
• Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (1891–1956) : Indian Social Reformer
• Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964) : the First Prime Minister of India, an Indian Independence activist
• Indira Gandhi (1917–1984) : the First and only Female Prime Minister of India to date
• Mother Teresa  (1910–1997) : Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary
• Sri Aurobindo (1872-1950) : Indian Philosopher, Poet and Nationalist
• Lal Bahadur Shastri (1904-1966) : Indian Politician, Second Prime Minister of India
• Dr APJ Abdul Kalam (1931–2015) : Indian Aerospace Scientist and 11th President of India
• Homi J. Bhabha (1909-1966): Indian Nuclear Physicist
• Valabhbhai Patel (1875-1950) : Indian Politician, First Deputy Prime Minister of India
• Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) : Indian Poet, Writer, Philosopher, Composer and Painter
• Kalpana Chawla ( 1961-2003) : The first woman of Indian origin to go to space
• Ratan Tata : Indian Industrialist, Philanthropist and Former Chairman of the Tata Group
• Mary Kom : Indian Boxer, the Only female boxer with a medal in each one of the first seven World Championships, Padma Vibhushan
• Kapil Dev : Indian Cricketer
• Sachin Tendulkar : Indian Cricketer
• Azim Premji : Indian Businessman, Investor and Engineer
• Mukesh Ambani : Indian Businessman
• Smriti Irani : Indian Politician, Former TV Actress
• Aamir Khan : Indian Actor

Before we dive deep into the great personalities of the world and their inspiring endeavours, let’s take a look at the top 20 world-famous people.

• Abraham Lincoln (1809 – 1865) : The 16th President of the US; Leader of the American Civil War
• Charles Darwin (1809 – 1882) : English Scientist and Naturalist; Known for his contributions to the Science of Evolution
• Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) : American inventor and businessman, known as America’s greatest inventor
• Walt Disney (1901-1966 ): American motion picture and television producer and showman, Created characters like Mickey Mouse, Founder of Disneyland and Disneyworld
• Mother Teresa (1910 – 1997) : Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary
• John F. Kennedy (1917 – 1963) : 35th President of the US; the youngest person to be elected to the Office
• Nelson Mandela (1918 – 2013): South African Anti-Apartheid Revolutionary
• Marilyn Monroe (1926 – 1962): American Actress, Singer and Model
• Martin Luther King (1929 – 1968): American Activist who led the Civil Rights Movement
• Anne Frank (1929-1945): German-Dutch Diarist, Known for the Diary of a Young Girl
• Albert Einstein (1879-1955): German Theoretical Physicist, Renowned for developing the Theory of Relativity
• Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910): Renowned Russian Writer, Known for his phenomenal works like Anna Karenina and War and Peace
• Rosa Parks (1913-2005) : American Activist, Best known for her role in Montgomery Bus Boycott
• Coco Chanel (1883-1971) : French Fashion Designer and Businesswoman, Founder of the world-famous brand Chanel 
• Dr APJ Abdul Kalam (1931-2015) : Indian Aerospace Scientist and 11th President of India
• Michael Jackson (1958-2009) : American Singer, Songwriter and Dancer, Renowned as the King of Pop
• Kalpana Chawla (1961-2003) : Indian-American Astronaut and Engineer, the First woman of Indian origin to go to space
• Satyajit Ray (1921-1992) : Oscar-award Winning Indian Filmmaker, writer and illustrator; Known for films like Apu Trilogy and Jalsaghar
• Muhammad Ali (1942 – 2016) : American Boxer, Activist and Philanthropist

25 Great Personalities Inspiring Children

There are many well-known personalities in Science, Literature, Politics, Technology, Business and Arts that are truly inspiring children to give their best and learn the complexities of life! Here are the greatest personalities who are truly an inspiration to children.

• Albert Einstein : German Theoretical Physicist, Renowned for developing the Theory of Relativity
• Isaac Newton : English Mathematician, Physicist, and Astronomer who gave the Laws of Motion and Gravitation
• Thomas Alva Edison : American inventor and businessman, known as America’s greatest inventor
• Nikola Tesla : Serbian-American Engineer and Physicist, designed the Alternating-Current (AC) electric system
• Dr APJ Abdul Kalam : Indian Aerospace Scientist and 11th President of India
• Nelson Mandela : South African Anti-Apartheid Revolutionary
• Abraham Lincoln : 16th President of the US; Leader of the American Civil War
• Mahatma Gandhi : the Father of India, an anti-colonial Nationalist, Led the Non-violence movements against British colonisers for India’s independence
• Mother Teresa : Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic nun and missionary
• Kailash Satyarthi : Indian social reformer working towards the elimination of child labour in India; Nobel Peace Prize Winner 2014
• Martin J. Luther King : American Activist who led the Civil Rights Movement
• Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru : the First Prime Minister of India, an Indian Independence activist
• Dr Rajendra Prasad : Indian Independence activist, lawyer, and the First President of India
• Barack Obama : American Politician and Attorney, the first African-American President of India
• Subhash Chandra Bose : Indian National, Founder of the Indian National Army
• Steve Jobs : American inventor, the Co-founder of Apple Computers
• Mark Zuckerberg : American Entrepreneur, the Co-founder of Facebook
• Jeff Bezos : American Entrepreneur, CEO and Founder of Amazon
• Jack Ma : Chinese Entrepreneur, Co-founder of Alibaba Group
• Elon Musk : American businessman, Engineer, CEO, CTO & Chief Designer of SpaceX
• William Shakespeare : English Playwright, Poet and Actor, and one of the greatest playwrights in English Literature
• Rabindranath Tagore : Indian writer, poet and composer, Nobel Laureate in Literature, Best known for his literary works in Bengali literature including Gitanjali, The Home and The World and Gora
• Jane Austen : English Novelist, best known for Pride and Prejudice, Emma and Sense and Sensibility
• Anne Frank : German-Dutch Diarist, known for the Diary of a Young Girl
• Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) : Renowned Russian Writer, known for his phenomenal works like Anna Karenina and War and Peace
• Anandibai Gopalrao Joshi
• Roshini Sharma
• Shila Dawre
• Arunima Sinha
• Reita Faria Powel
• Mithali Raj
• Mother Teresa
• Indira Gandhi
• Pratibha Patil

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. “ – Nelson Mandela

Born in a small village named Mvezo in South Africa, Nelson Mandela was originally named Rolihlahla Mandela. He grew up listening to the stories of the valour of his ancestors during the wars of resistance.

In the early 1940s, he chose to study law at the University of Witwatersrand where he got to know people from all races and backgrounds. During these years, he went on to join the African National Congress (ANC) in which a group of young Africans aimed to start a mass grassroots movement to voice the concerns of rural peasants and working people. ANC accepted his effective ways of petitioning like boycotts, strikes, non-cooperation and civil disobedience. What ensued ahead is a long journey of defiance against the oppressive South African regime and its apartheid policies. Mandela spent almost 27 years in prison. He was arrested and detained continuously and emerged as a potent symbol of black resistance. He was released in 1990, and in 1993, Mandela received a Nobel Peace Prize for dismantling apartheid in South Africa. In 1994, he was elected as the first black President of South Africa in the country’s first-ever democratic elections.

“My best friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read.” – Abraham Lincoln

Renowned for the liberation of slaves in the United States, Abraham Lincoln was born on February 12, 1849. He was raised in Kentucky where he pursued a meagre education as he had to consistently juggle between jobs to provide for his family.

He was a self-taught lawyer and legislator, who went on to become one of the American heroes and great personalities of the American Civil War. He was appointed as the 16th US President shortly before the outbreak of the Civil War. Lincoln adopted an unconventional approach as a war leader in which he preferred to react to arising problems and circumstances rather than originating new policies and laying out designs.

Taking an experimental approach, he blended statecraft with the direction of armies. He utilised his practical insight and common sense to bring triumph to the country as a brilliant military strategist and savvy leader. It was not just his military genius that set him apart, but his gradual plan to bring freedom to the slaves through his tactical Emancipation Proclamation which paved the way for the abolishment of slavery in America.

“Dream, dream, dream. Dreams transform into thoughts and thoughts result in action.” – Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

People’s favourite leader, Dr Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam, also known as APJ Abdul Kalam , was a millennial Aerospace scientist. Named the Missile Man of India, he brought astounding technological reform to the country. From introducing the launch vehicle facility and ballistic missile to supporting the second round of nuclear tests at Pokhran, he did everything necessary for the nation’s civilian space programme and military missile development.

Dr Kalam spent close to 4 decades in ISRO and DRDO as a scientist and administrator. He served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. After retiring, he became a visiting professor at IIMs, IITs, and other universities where he motivated students to innovate and compete with the world.

From the Prithvi missile in 1988 to the Agni missile in 1989, his contribution and achievements have acquired him Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, King Charles II Medal, Hoover Medal, and many others. He is a hero to millions of people making him one of the great personalities of all time. 

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” – Coco Chanel

Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel, was a French fashion designer and businesswoman who established the prolific fashion brand Chanel. From little black dresses, tweed jackets, bell-bottomed pants, gold-chained handbags, menswear and womenswear to their signature scent, Coco Chanel has contributed to the sphere of fashion and design making her one of the great personalities.

Coco’s intense belief that fashion cannot be restricted to couture clothing brought accessories and fragrances as an essential part of fashion. She worked as a seamstress and stage performer to save money to put up her first store. In 1913, Coco managed to open her first shop in Paris followed by another in Deauville.

Her affection and passion for every item produced by the brand made her a fashion icon in no time. Who knew a young girl who learned sewing at an orphanage would someday not just design the famous Chanel logo herself but also inspire millions of people looking out for opportunities to make a  career in Fashion Designing ? 

“When I write, I can shake off all my cares.” – Anne Frank

The world-renowned German-born diarist, Anne Frank, jotted down her experiences as her family went into hiding from Nazis during the Holocaust. She spent two years in a “Secret Annex” somewhere in Amsterdam before being discovered and deported to concentration camps. Anne got her diary as a gift for her thirteenth birthday and wrote down the different events during the two years of hiding with her family.

She expressed her feelings and thoughts, began a novel as well as wrote a bunch of short stories because according to her, writing helped in passing time during those years. Her diary was later discovered by two helpers and then her writings were published as “The Diary of Anne Frank”. Anne’s father Otto survived the Holocaust and got to know about her diary from his friend and realised that it was an entirely different girl that he knew and said, “I had no idea of her depth of thoughts and feelings”.

The Diary of Anne Frank has been translated into 57 languages and tells an incredible perspective of the holocaust through the point of view of a thirteen-year-old girl in hiding and shows her extraordinaire storytelling as well as unfaltering spirit even amidst the horrible circumstances.

“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” – Albert Einstein

You must be aware of the world’s most famous equation E=mc^2, the theory of relativity, which helped to complete theories that had been put forth by Newton and the discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect which is an important step in the development of quantum theory. A German-born theoretical physicist , Albert Einstein is the man behind these innumerable findings.

As a fact, do you know that Einstein took a diploma from Federal Polytechnic School and was later awarded a PhD by the University of Zurich ? He started his career working in a patent office but later shifted to the research & development domain completely. The famous scientist greatly contributed his knowledge to students in various educational institutes like the University of Bern , Humboldt University of Berlin , Caltech , University of Oxford , etc.

Awarded a Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921, Albert Einstein is generally considered the most influential physicist of the 20th century. With his great personality and contribution, many leading scientists and physicists are trying to complete Einstein’s ultimate dream of a “theory of everything.”

“All dreams can come true if we dare to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

The legendary pioneer of Disney cartoons, Walt Disney created the beloved animated character of Mickey Mouse and was the mastermind behind mesmerizing animations as well as scintillating theme parks! Growing up in a poor family, his artistic talent was sparked by a doctor in his neighbourhood who asked him to draw a horse. Young Walt fell in love with drawing and painting and worked on improving his art by drawing cartoons from his father’s newspaper.

He joined the Mckinsey High School as his family moved to Chicago but dropped out at the age of 16 determined to join the army. With his relentless efforts, he somehow entered the Red Cross and then travelled to France with the army. Amidst the grim injuries and bloodshed that he witnessed daily, Walt found comfort in imagining new cartoon characters to fulfil his dream as an artist. Then, he came back to the city and took up a job as a cartoonist though soon fired with a decline in revenue given the reason that “he lacked imagination”.

He wrote “Alice in Wonderland” while struggling with the fall of his two businesses and then shifted to Hollywood to sell his story. But destiny had something else for him as he went on to produce Alice in Wonderland under the Banner of Disney Bros. Studios and then there was no looking back as the studio reached new heights and established itself among the top film studios in the country as well as the world!

“People throw stones at you and you convert them into milestones.” – Sachin Tendulkar

Famed all across the world and carrying the nation’s pride on his No. 10 jersey, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is prominent in the list of great personalities. Popularly known as a ‘ master blaster ’, he is a true inspiration for all cricket lovers. This finest right-handed batsman in the history of international cricket started his cricket journey at the age of 11 and made his first-class debut when he was 15 and his first test debut against Pakistan at the age of 16. We know, that in India cricket is a religion and Tendulkar is a modern legend and India’s very own God of Cricket. After his retirement in 2013, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna – the youngest person to receive this award. With a career of 22 years 91 days, he has recorded as the only player to score over 30,000 runs in international cricket, the only one to secure 100 international hundreds and the first player to score a double hundred in limited-overs cricket, 62 Man of the Match, 15 Man of the Series, and the list is endless.

He was among the first Indian players to become a part of the Yorkshire club. Not just this, being an active member of Rajya Sabha, he has donated his entire Rajya Sabha money to the Government of India for the country’s welfare.

Tendulkar carried the hopes of millions every time he walked up to bat and continues to be the biggest reason students across the world aspire to make a career in Sports and Sport Management . Watching his memorable knocks and winning many games single-handedly, people started watching cricket just to see him bat.

Here’s How to Become a Cricketer!

“If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, then make that change.” – Michael Jackson

Popularly known as the “King of Pop”, the best-selling American singer, songwriter and dancer, Michael Joseph Jackson was a multi-talented musical entertainer who enjoyed a topping career both as a solo artist and with the Jackson 5.

Encouraged by his father, Joseph Walter Jackson, MJ started his musical journey at the early age of 5 and later came to be recognised as the greatest entertainer of the 20th century. With his popular moonwalk dance move and fashion specialism like his crystal gloves, and immortalised solitary, trophy jacket trend in the 80s, he was in the limelight for more than 4 decades.

Jackson’s most famous work was exhibited in Thriller which was the second best-selling album in history and he later released a series of hit records like Bad, Dangerous, Off the Wall, HIStory and Invincible.

Some of his greatest achievements include 31 Guinness World Records, 13 Grammy Awards, 26 American Music Awards, Billboard 100 top ten singles in five different decades, etc. People across the world consider him among the great personalities for the kind of excellence he had towards his work while others sign up for Music Production courses to be a legend like him. 

“I am not interested in money. I just want to be wonderful.” – Marilyn Monroe

Popularly known as the Blonde Bombshell by her millions of admirers, Marilyn Monroe was one of a kind. Famous for her bold acting roles, she was a complete star with great modelling and singing skills. Monroe was born in 1926 in Los Angeles and was named Norma Jeane Mortenson.

After a rough childhood where she was constantly moving parts from foster homes to orphanages, she met her first love and decided to get married at the age of 16. 1946 was the golden year of her life, as she established a great career as a Model and also signed her first movie.

As she had no pre-knowledge or background in acting, her performance was judged by the people to a great extent. But, in no time she became one of the great personalities of all time. Her best work includes The Seven Year Itch, The Prince and the Showgirl, Some Like It Hot, The Misfits and Bus Stop. Due to the struggle, anxiety, depression and family issues, she died at the early age of 36.

“Genius is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent perspiration.” – Thomas Alva Edison

Known as the most creative inventor of all time, Thomas Alva Edison spent most of his life bringing new inventions to people’s lives by feeding his ideas with a correct approach. Edison was born in 1847 in Milan, Ohio and spent his early childhood days in Michigan. His family was canal owners and with time, the business declined.

To support his family, he started selling candies and vegetables on trains. Later he became a telegraph operator and spent a handful of years in this profession. At 19 he moved to Kentucky to work at the Associate Press Beuro and requested the night shift, this would give him plenty of time to read and experiment.

Due to an incident that occurred at the press house, because of his experiment, he was fired. This is when he decided to open his research laboratory. His most famous inventions were Photograph, Motion Picture Camera and the life-changing – Light Bulb. Edison is also regarded as the very first inventor who promoted teamwork while processing an invention with researchers and employees.

“You are just your intelligence.” – Kalpana Chawla 

A girl born to change the vision of a country towards women, born to bring change in the world with her starry imagination, Kalpana Chawla is a true name that stands to be on the list of great personalities of all times. She was born in 1962 in Haryana and since the beginning of her school life, the universe fascinated her the most.

She was an ordinary girl with towering dreams and indomitable courage that made her the first Indian woman and the second Indian person to fly in space in 1997. As she recalls in an interview before the Columbia mission, how she and her brother used to hop on their bicycles to see where the aeroplanes were headed to.

From choosing her name ‘Kalpana’ which means ‘imagination’ to drawing colourful aeroplanes, her creativity led her to embark on an explorative journey which gave a reason for many young minds to pursue their dreams.

Chawla was one of the seven crew members who died in the Space Shuttle Columbia accident on February 1, 2003, when the ship exploded upon re-entering the atmosphere. Chawla received the Congressional Space Medal of Honor posthumously, and various streets, colleges, and other organisations carry her name. In India, she is remembered as a national hero.

“ I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear. “ – Rosa Parks

Known as the woman who refused to give her seat to a white passenger on a bus in Montgomery, Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist whose single act of defiance led to nationwide efforts to abolish racial segregation in America.

She spent her school education in segregated schools, Parks witnessed racial segregation throughout her life and when she refused to stand from her seat on the bus and was arrested. During her trial, around 500 supporters were present for her in the court and later in her support, a city-wide boycott of buses happened when African-American commuters chose to walk to work rather than take the buses. Parks is among the foremost activists to take a stand against racial segregation carried out in the buses during that time and emerged among the great personalities who led the largest and most successful mass movements in American history. She was later honoured with the Martin Luther King Jr. Award by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” – Leo Tolstoy

With notable work in the realm of Literature, Leo Tolstoy, a Russian novelist and moral philosopher are regarded as one of the great personalities of bibliophiles. Ranked as one of the world’s leading writers, Tolstoy has worked intensely on philosophical essays, short stories and numerous plays that turned out to be best sellers.

Some of his renowned work includes The Death of Ivan Ilyich, Anna Karenina, Resurrection, War and Peace, Hadji Murad, and The Kingdom of God Is Within You , to name a few. Tolstoy did his schooling at home with the help of German and French tutors and later went for a course in oriental languages. Although writing was something which always fascinated him, Tolstoy later joined the army as a junker for a short period and was a part of the Crimean War in 1855.

Leo is often acknowledged as having possessed a skill for describing characters’ unconscious motives. With a belief that novels are not just a source of entertainment, but tools for psychological education and reform, Tolstoy’s finest achievements have continued to inspire young writers and students planning to pursue a BA in English Literature , an MA in English and a PhD in English.

“The director is the only person who knows what the film is about.” – Satyajit Ray

“Not to have seen the cinema of Ray means existing in the world without seeing the sun or the moon.” The personality of Satyajit Ray cannot be better explained than the words about him by Akira Kurosawa, one of the most influential filmmakers . Revered among the best storytellers of the 20th century, Satyajit Ray has left an indelible legacy in film direction which continues to inspire the modern industry.

Born in Bengal in 1921, Satyajit is counted among the very few filmmakers having mastery over several fields. A Screenwriter, Music Composer, Graphic Artist, Lyricist, and Author, Ray has an unmatched reputation as a polymath in modern cinema. Regarded as among the greatest film directors of all time, he has several awards to his credit including the prestigious National Film Award, BAFTA , and Ramon Magsaysay award.

Having produced several films, the critically lauded ones include Pathar Panchali, Charulata, Music Room, and The Big City. The cynosure of Indian cinema, Satyajit’s genius is incontestable making among great personalities. His dedication motivates many to pursue Film Studies , Film Editing , and Acting Courses . 

Here are the motivational and inspiring quotes by great personalities in the world:

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” – Albert Einstein

“However difficult life may seem, there is always something good you can succeed at.” – Stephen Hawking

“All our dreams can come true if we dare to pursue them.” – Walt Disney

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. “ – Nelson Mandela

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” – William Shakespeare

“Don’t spend time beating on a wall hoping to transform it into a door.” – Coco Chanel

“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” – Confucius

Mahatma Gandhi. What is this? Mahatma Gandhi is considered the father of India as he led the nationalist movement against British rule in India

Most Popular People in the World 2022.  Elon Musk : Elon Musk is the CEO of Tesla Inc and SpaceX. He is the world’s richest man, with a net worth of $239.6 billion as of 2022

American veteran actor Swayne Johnson is the most popular actor in the world in 2022.

These were some of the leading great personalities that must have inspired you to follow your dream and fly high. Let us know about which personality you admire in the comment section below. If you are someone who wants to move forward in accomplishing your dreams by pursuing a course of your interest from universities abroad, contact Leverage Edu and book a free counselling session for 30 minutes.

Nitika Sharma

Nitika is a tech-savvy Content Creator and Marketer with 5+ years of experience. She has a keen nose for learning new things and keeps updated with the best Content Marketing practices. You will find her baking a cake when she is not working.

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Biography of Famous Personalities, National and International

Biographies of famous people are a constant source of creativity. Here you will find all the information of all the famous personalities, their struggle and success stories.

A biography is a written account or narrative of a person’s life. It typically details the individual’s background, experiences, achievements, and significant events throughout their life. Biographies can be written about various individuals, including historical figures, celebrities, politicians, scientists and more. They aim to provide a comprehensive and objective portrayal of the person, shedding light on their life story, character and societal contributions. Biographies of famous people are a constant source of creativity. A few of these Indian heroes’ biographies are provided below. Freedom fighters, leaders, scientists, literary figures, authors, musicians, painters, social reformers, and business people are examples of those who fall under this category.

Biographies of Important Personalities

• Bhagat Singh Jayanti, Biography, History, Revolutionary Activities
• Lala Lajpat Rai Biography, Information, Legacy and Death
• Infosys Narayana Murthy, Biography, Career and Philanthropy
• Mangal Pandey Biography, History and Role in Revolt of 1857
• Sarojini Naidu Biography, Awards, Achievements and History
• Chandra Shekhar Azad Biography, Freedom Struggle and Legacy
• Sir CV Raman Biography, Awarded Nobel Prize in Physics for Raman Effect
• Veer Savarkar Biography, Books, Legacy and Contribution
• Satyendra Nath Bose Biography, Indian Mathematician and Theoretical Physicist
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti 2024, Biography, Life History
• Nelson Mandela Biography, First black president of South Africa
• Lata Mangeshkar Biography, Death Anniversary, Legacy and Achievements
• Karpoori Thakur Biography, Posthumously Awarded Bharat Ratna in 2024
• Mahatma Gandhi Biography, January 30th Commemorates 76th Death Anniversary of Gandhi Ji
• Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Biography, Jayanti, Achievements
• Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti 2024, Biography, Legacy, Military Leadership
• Lal Bahadur Shastri Death Anniversary 2024, Early Life, Political Career
• Maharana Pratap Biography,  Battle of Haldighati, Death and Legacy
• Jyotiba Phule Biography, Facts and Social Reforms
• Savitribai Phule Jayanti, Early Life, Contribution and Legacy

Biographies of Famous Personalities of India

Numerous well-known individuals from India who have succeeded in their fields have been produced. By having courage, tenacity, and perseverance, these Indian heroes have fought against all odds and reached the highest point of accomplishment. Millions of Indians and people throughout the world have been inspired by them and their lives, as well as an entire generation of Indians.

What is biography of a famous person?

Biographies are how we learn information about another human being's life.

Which is the first known biography written by an Indian woman?

Rashsundari Devi was born in Eastern Bengal and was the first Indian woman to write an autobiography and the first Bengali to write an autobiography.

What is a great biography?

A good biography presents the facts about a person's life including what the subject did and how he or she made a difference in the world.

Who is the first autobiography in India?

'Baburnama' is the first autobiography from the subcontinent and one of the first in the world.

Who wrote the first biography?

James Boswell wrote what many consider to be the first modern biography, The Life of Samuel Johnson, in 1791.

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Biographies of famous personalities that you should read

From learning new things to gaining some inspiration, reading a book is never a bad idea. Speaking of inspiration, there are a few biographies of famous personalities from around the world that can brighten your day with just the right dose of wisdom. With that said, dive into a journey of hardship, mental health , discipline, war, business, and politics with these powerful biographies.

'Beyond the Last Blue Mountain' by RM Lala

This is written by RM Lala on JRD Tata with his cooperation. It starts by exploring JRD's life from his birth in France in 1904. The different parts of the book discuss his chairmanship at the age of 34, his 46 years in Indian aviation, his popularity as the most outstanding personality in the Indian industry, and some lesser-known details about his life.

'A Beautiful Mind' by Sylvia Nasar

A Beautiful Mind by Sylvia Nasar is based on the life of Nobel Prize-winning economist and mathematician John Forbes Nash Jr. Although an unauthorized work, it won the National Book Critics Circle Award in 1998. It covers Nash's time at Princeton University and MIT, RAND Corporation, and his struggle with schizophrenia. The book was adapted into a movie starring Russell Crowe .

'Napoleon: A Life' by Andrew Roberts

This biography will change your views of the historical personality often portrayed as a tyrant. Andrew Roberts portrays Napoleon in a favorable light here by giving his readers an interesting peek into the life of Napoleon, describing his second-to-none military skills and also the confusing relationship with his wife Josephine. Roberts had traveled to 53 of Napoleon's 60 battle sites for this book.

'Mao: The Unknown Story' by Jung Chang and Jon Halliday

Mao: The Unknown Story by husband-wife duo Jung Chang and Jon Halliday chronicles the life of Chinese Communist leader Mao Zedong. Opposing the idealistic explanations for Mao's rise to power, Chang and Halliday portray him as a tyrant who manipulated everyone in pursuit of personal power. The book received both praise and criticism from a number of academic experts.

'Mad Girl's Love Song' by Andrew Wilson

Mad Girl's Love Song: Sylvia Plath and Life Before Ted by Andrew Wilson is a biography of the American poet and writer Sylvia Plath, who is credited with taking the genre of confessional poetry forward. Before she met Ted Hughes, her husband and a famed poet, her life was quite different with her struggling with mental health issues. Check out more such book recommendations .

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10 Must-Read Biographies of Indians Who Transformed The Nation

Here’s a list of 10 biographies of pioneering Indians -- from Dr Ambedkar and Satyajit Ray to APJ Abdul Kalam and Kapil Dev -- that will leave you inspired.

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8 Library Cafes Across India to Bookmark For Your Travels

What’s better than freshly brewed coffee? A great book to go with it! Choose from a wide selection of literary works at these library cafes across the country.

1. Dilip Kumar: The Definitive Biography by Bunny Reuban

2. Satyajit Ray: The Inner Eye by Andrew Robinson

8 Historic Libraries of India That Every Booklover Should Visit At Least Once

As Albert Einstein once said, "The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” Here is a list of libraries in India that everyone should visit once.

3. The Man Who Knew Infinity (Srinivasa Ramanujan) by Robert Kanigel

4. Sir C V Raman by Uma Parameswaran

5. Beyond the Last Blue Mountain (JRD Tata) by R M Lala

6. Gandhi Before India (M K Gandhi) by Ramachandra Guha

7. Waiting for a Visa – BR Ambedkar

8. Wings of Fire – An Autobiography by APJ Abdul Kalam and Arun Tiwari

9. Straight from the Heart: An Autobiography – Kapil Dev

10. The Race of My Life by Milkha Singh

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Building a Reading Habit? Here Are 8 Iconic Book Clubs to Join in India

From promoting silent reading to hosting author events, these book clubs across the country are every reader's paradise.

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10 Best Biographies of Indian Personalities You Should Read

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Famous person biographies are always a source of inspiration. The biographies will inform you about the controversies and dark sides of a person you may not be familiar with. Some people write biographies to dispel myths about themselves, while others seek to provoke criticism. Here is a list of the best biographies of Indian personalities that you should definitely sit down and read.

Also read: 15 Best Biographies and Autobiography Books for your TBR List

1. The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of The Genius Ramanujan – Robert Kanigel

Source: Wikipedia

A Life of the Genius: The Man Who Knew Infinity –  Robert Kanigel wrote Ramanujan, a biography of Indian mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, in 1991. The book details his upbringing in India, as well as his mathematical accomplishments and collaboration with mathematician G. H. Hardy.

2. Great Soul: Mahatma Gandhi and His Struggle With India – Joseph Lelyveld

In this biography of the many biographies of Mahatma Gandhi, Lelyveld has attempted to present a very unbiased and rooted Gandhi in flesh and bones. Gandhi appears in this biography more as a human and less as a God. It was interpreted as a way of presenting Gandhi in a “ perverse ” manner which in fact was a misinterpretation of an honest writeup.

3. Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan – Shrabani Basu

“Spy Princess,” tells the story of Noor’s life from birth to death, using information from her family, friends, witnesses, and official documents, including recently released personal files of SOE operatives. It’s the story of a young woman who lived with grace, beauty, courage, and determination, and who bravely gave up her life in the service of her ideals. “Liberte” was her final word.

4. The Polyester Prince: The Rise of Dhirubhai Ambani – Hamish McDonald

The Australian author wrote this biography of Dhirubhai Ambani, his struggles, and his journey towards success. Apparently, this book hurt the sentiments of the Ambani family and could never be published in India. It is still considered one of the most interesting biographies written about an Indian personality.

5. Beyond the Last Blue Mountain – R. M. Lala

An in-depth and unforgettable portrait of India’s most illustrious and revered industrialist. This superb biography, written with J.R.D. Tata’s cooperation, tells J.R.D.’s story from birth to 1993, the year he died in Switzerland. This biography is a must-read thus making its way on to our list of best biographies of Indian personalities.

6. Vivekananda: A Biography – Swami Nikhilananda

Swami Vivekananda’s (1863 – 1902) vast knowledge of Eastern and Western culture, deep spiritual insight, brilliant conversation, broad human sympathy, and colourful personality are presented in this engrossing biography. Swami Vivekananda, India’s first spiritual and cultural ambassador to the West, preached Vedanta’s universal message: the Godhead’s non-duality, the soul’s divinity, the oneness of existence, and religious harmony. Swami Vivekananda’s life is chronicled in this 256-page book, which includes 28 photographs and an appendix with Swami’s most important teachings.

7. Nani A. Palkhivala: A life – M V Kamath

Nanabhoy Palkhivala’s life is chronicled in this biography. He was a staunch supporter of civil liberties, a foresighted economist, and a renowned lawyer. M.V. Kamath depicts all facets of this charismatic personality in this detailed book. Interviews, letters, and archival material from a variety of reliable sources are used to compile this comprehensive book. Before writing this book, Kamath conducted extensive research into Nani’s life, as evidenced by the large amount of information intertwined with the biography. While the book provides details about specific events in Nani’s life, it also highlights Indian history that was relevant to those events, providing context.

8.   Karmayogi: A Biography of E. Sreedharan – M.S. Ashokan

Source: Wikibio

Sreedharan’s years with the Railways, the construction of the Kolkata Metro and the Konkan Railway, followed by the Delhi Metro, and the many metro projects he is currently involved with are all chronicled in this fascinating book. This is the uplifting story of a very private person who has become an icon of modern India because of his uncompromising work ethic, adapted from a bestselling Malayalam biography.

9. Indra Nooyi – A Biography –  Annapoorna

The life of Indra Nooyi is chronicled in Indra Nooyi: A Biography. Her life is chronicled in the book, from her early years in Chennai to her struggles to make a name for herself in the corporate world. It chronicles her journey from the time she moved to the United States, married, and rose steadily to her current position as CEO of the world’s second-largest food and beverage company. Rajpal published Indra Nooyi: A Biography as a paperback in 2013.

10.  Kalpana Chawla: A Life –  Anil Padmanabhan

Kalpana Chawla, who was born into a conservative family in a Haryana provincial town, aspired to be a star. She became the first PBI – Indian woman to travel to space, and even more remarkably, to travel twice, through sheer hard work, indomitable intelligence, and immense faith in herself. Journalist Anil Padmanabhan interviews people who knew her family and friends at Karnal, as well as NASA colleagues, to create a moving portrait of a woman whose life was a shining affirmation that if you have a dream, you can achieve it no matter how difficult it is.

These were some of the best biographies of Indian personalities that one should read in order to gain a better understanding of famous people, history, and various unjust social practises.

I am a writer and an athlete. I spend my mornings drinking a hot cup of coffee and working out. Being a perfectionist, I also indulge in immense self-criticism.

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Biography Online

Famous Indians

A list of the greatest and most famous Indians. These famous Indians are grouped by political leaders, spiritual figures, movie personalities, literature and culture, sport and

Famous Indian political leaders

Famous Indian spiritual and religious figures

Famous Indian Movie personalities

Famous Indian literature figures

Famous Indian Scientists

Famous Indian sport stars/adventurers

Indian Independence activists

Foreigners who came to India

Citation: Pettinger, Tejvan . “Famous Indians”, Oxford, UK www.biographyonline.net 8th February 2015. Last updated 1 March 2019.

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Home » List of Famous Indian Personalities and their Autobiographies

List of Famous Indian Personalities and their Autobiographies

Names of famous personalities of india 2022.

We are given a new updated list in tabular column. It contains names of Famous Personalities of India 2022. Also we have given their autobiography and their profession details. They have made a huge contribution to our nation. It is very important in exam point of view. Students please view this page and find the list and names of famous personalities of India 2022 before appearing for the exam.

List of Famous Indian Personalities and their Autobiographies FAQs

Q: List of famous Indian Personalities and their Autobiographies comes under in which section?

A: List of famous Indian Personalities and their autobiographies comes under Static GK Section.

Q: What is the Autobiography name of Sardar Vallabhai Patel?

A: The Sardar Of India  is the Autobiography name of Sardar VallaBhai Patel.

Q: In Which year Bhagat Singh Autobiography Published?

A: The Autobiography of Bhagat Singh was published in 1931.

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