Självbiografier

Most Hollywood biographies are little more than 500-page musings on the 'when-I-met...' theme, filled with famous names, love affairs and cliches of a 'meteoric rise' or 'tragic fall'. Bruce Campbell's If Chins Could Kill: Confessions of a B Movie Actor is the boisterous antidote to such convention.

Widely considered to be the most important biography of Nelson Mandela, Antony Sampson's remarkable book has been updated with an afterword by acclaimed South African journalist, John Battersby.Long after his presidency of South Africa, Nelson Mandela remained an inspirational figure to millions - both in his homeland and far beyond. He has been, without doubt, one of the most important figures in global history. His death, on 5 December 2013 at the age of 95, resonated around the world.Mandela's opposition to apartheid and his 27 year incarceration at the hands of South Africa's all-white regime are familiar to most. In this utterly compelling book, eminent biographer Anthony Sampson draws on a fifty year-long relationship to reveal the man who rocked a continent - and changed its future.With unprecedented access to the former South African president - the letters he wrote in prison, his unpublished jail autobiography, extensive conversations, and interviews with hundreds of colleagues, friends, and family - Sampson depicts the realities of Mandela's private and public life, and the tragic tension between them. Updated after Sampson's death with a new afterword by distinguished South African journalist John Battersby, this is the ultimate biography of one of the twentieth century's greatest statesmen.

The searing, visionary memoir of founding Black Panther Huey P. Newton, in a dazzling graphic package Tracing the birth of a revolutionary, Huey P. Newton's famous and oft-quoted autobiography is as much a manifesto as a portrait of the inner circle of America's Black Panther Party. From Newton's impoverished childhood on the streets of Oakland to his adolescence and struggles with the system, from his role in the Black Panthers to his solitary confinement in the Alameda County Jail, Revolutionary Suicide is unrepentant and thought-provoking in its portrayal of inspired radicalism.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

A full and detailed account of Darwin's life and discoveries, but written, designed and illustrated to look like a personal notebook or journal.

But if that was the case and doctors told me I had to stop I'd like to think I would be brave enough to drink myself into the grave.' Oliver ReedThis is the story of four of the greatest thespian boozers who ever walked - or staggered - off a film set into a pub.

In 1998 John Wood was a rising executive at Microsoft . Then a trip to Nepal inspired him to set up schools and libraries in the developing world.

A story of the author's early life in Irish Catholic Birkenhead that started him on the long and winding road from mischievous altar boy to national treasure. It includes a tale of gossip in the back yard, bragging in the corner shop and slanging matches on the front doorstep.

This comprehensive new book is an essential volume for anyone who wants to learn more about this intriguing artist, and to survey their greatest works in one beautfully illustrated collection.

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'I don't believe in God, but I miss Him.' Julian Barnes' new book is, among many things, a family memoir, an exchange with his philosopher brother, a meditation on mortality and the fear of death, a celebration of art, an argument with and about God, and a homage to the French writer Jules Renard.

The astonishing and bestselling life story of the renowned campaigner for religious tolerance and women's rights, Ayaan Hirsi Ali.

A funny story of a boy growing into a man who then realizes he has only begun to grow. This book presents the story of turning points in his life, events that would make him what he is - if only he could survive them. It is filled with curiosity about nature, good humour and honesty.

Acclaimed analysis of the life and career of Formula 1's most successful driver - Michael Schumacher

Jodorowsky's memoirs of his experiences with Master Takata and the group of wisewomen--magiciennes--who influenced his spiritual growth.

Tells the history of the modest family which rose to become one of the most powerful in Europe. This title explores the intensely dramatic rise and fall of the Medici family in Florence, as well as the Italian Renaissance which they did so much to sponsor and encourage.

The real Master and Commander 'There is no man I envy so much as Lord Cochrane' Lord Byron

Isamu Noguchi was one of the most prolific yet enigmatic figures in the history of twentieth-century American art. This book features his biography. It draws on Noguchi's letters, his reminiscences, and interviews with his friends and colleagues to cast light on his youth, his creativity, and his relationships.

The full story of one of France's greatest cinema legends, a clown whose film-making innovation was to turn everyday life into an art form. Jacques Tati's Monsieur Hulot, unmistakable with his pipe, brolly and striped socks, was a creation of slapstick genius that made audiences around the world laugh at the sheer absurdity of life.

Following the enormous success of HITLER: HUBRIS this book triumphantly completes one of the great modern biographies. No figure in twentieth century history more clearly demands a close biographical understanding than Adolf Hitler; and no period is more important than the Second World War. Beginning with Hitler's startling European successes in the aftermath of the Rhinelland occupation and ending nine years later with the suicide in the Berlin bunker, Kershaw allows us as never before to understand the motivation and the impact of this bizarre misfit. He addresses the crucial questions about the unique nature of Nazi radicalism, about the Holocaust and about the poisoned European world that allowed Hitler to operate so effectively.

Shows how the author build his legend: running for sheriff in Aspen, Colorado, creating the seminal road book "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", twisting political reporting to new heights for "Rolling Stone" and making sense of it all in the landmark "Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72."

Rudolph Hoess was Commandant of Auschwitz during the war. He was taken prisoner by the British. Between his trial and his execution he was ordered to write his autobiography. This is it.

The mesmerizing autobiography of one of the most revered soul, jazz, and blues divas of our time-the late Nina Simone

In this highly readable, witty and colourful autobiography, Flynn reveals himself and his remarkable life as he did nowhere else.

The Orientalist unravels the mysterious life of a man born on the border between West and East, a Jewish man with a passion for the Arab world. Tom Reiss first came across the man who called himself 'Kurban Said' when he went to the ex-USSR to research the oil business on the Caspian Sea, and discovered a novel instead.

Genghis Khan - creator of the greatest empire the world has ever seen - is one of history's immortals.

This biography of Freddie Mercury is written by the man who was his personal assistant for the last 12 years of his life. It reveals the truth behind the scandalous rumours and describes the part played in Mercury's life by such famous names as Elton John, Kenny Everett and Elizabeth Taylor.

WINNER OF THE MEDICAL JOURNALISTS' OPEN BOOK AWARD 2005Revered and feared in equal measure, John Hunter was the most famous surgeon of eighteenth-century London.

Booker wining novelist, playwright, essayist, poet and critic - even admirers rarely know John Berger in all his literary incarnations. This collection of essays takes a look at his career. Berger's wide-ranging essays emphasise the continuities that have underpinned more than 40 years of tireless intellectual inquiry and political engagement.

Faced with cancer and financial ruin, the Civil War's greatest general and former president, Ulysses S Grant wrote his personal memoirs to secure his family's future. In doing so, he won himself a unique place in American letters. This title deals with his life as a soldier.