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Biography Books
Whether you’re curious about the lives of your favorite celebrities or want to get to know a president, discover biographies and memoirs of the people who shaped history and made headlines. From Abraham Lincoln to Bob Dylan and Rosa Parks, fascinating life stories await.
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Signed & Special Editions
See AllGloria Steinem: 1934 - 2026
An Unexpected Life: A Memoir
By Gloria Steinem
In her inspiring new memoir, Gloria Steinem reflects on the pivotal moments of her life and career, from childhood memories to trailblazing human rights advocacy.
Recently Reviewed
See AllThe Girl Who Taught Herself to Exist
Educated: A Memoir
By Tara Westover
At times harrowing but always hopeful, this memoir follows a young woman from an off-the-grid upbringing who embarks on a resilient journey of self-discovery.
Best Literary Biographies
See AllBeautiful, Brutal, and Often Banned
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
By Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey
This modern classic gives an unflinching view of a childhood rooted in pain that flowers into a tale of redemption and hope.
Biography eBooks
See AllA Heartbreakingly Funny Story of Fame & Survival
I'm Glad My Mom Died
By Jennette McCurdy
A direct, honest and hilarious memoir that, despite it all, delivers an inspiring story of resilience and recovery.
Biography Audiobooks
See AllBiography
Find the world’s bestselling biographies, autobiographies and memoirs at Barnes & Noble®. Historical biographies allow you to walk side-by-side with larger-than-life figures like Frederick Douglass, Sacagawea or Queen Elizabeth I. You can revel in the wonder of lesser-known figures who did incredible things, like in The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lax or Empress of the Nile. Sports biographies take you into the locker room and off the playing field with the likes of Andre Agassi, Lauren Fleshman and Caster Semenya. Artist biographies run the gamut from Vincent van Gogh to Aurora James. And political biographies don’t get more inspirational than Lovely One, by Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Discover our list of the best books of 2024 including the best memoirs of 2024 for your TBR list or to give as gifts. Looking for biography books to read today? Download a biography eBook for your smartphone, tablet, or NOOK device and start reading now.
What is the difference between biography, autobiography and memoir?
Biography, autobiography and memoir are three different types of books that revolve around true life stories. An autobiography is a life story written by the subject of the book. A biography is a life story written by someone other than the subject of the book. A memoir is a book written about a specific time in the author’s life.
Popular Biographies to Read Today:
The House of My Mother by Shari Franke
The JFK Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer
Hope by Pope Francis
From Here to the Great Unknown: A Memoir by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
Melania by Melania Trump
Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten
Cher by Cher
Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields
The Mythmakers by John Hendrix