10 Best Biographies of All Time: Must-Read Biographies of Influential Figures

Biographies let us explore the lives of amazing people, showing us their successes, challenges, and the eras they lived in.

Here is a list of 10 top biographies, each giving a unique look into the lives of influential people from different fields.

1. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson’s biography of Steve Jobs gives a detailed look at the life of Apple’s co-founder. The book is based on more than forty interviews with Jobs, as well as interviews with his family, friends, and coworkers.

It describes Jobs’ life, from being adopted by a loving family to his early interest in electronics and starting Apple with Steve Wozniak in a garage.

Jobs’ complex personality is shown, highlighting his innovative genius and his often difficult and demanding nature.

The biography covers important events in Jobs’ career, such as creating the Apple I and II, being ousted from Apple, his ventures with NeXT and Pixar, and his triumphant return to Apple, where he developed iconic products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and iPad.

Isaacson also explores Jobs’ personal life, including his relationships, battle with cancer, and legacy as a visionary leader who changed the tech industry.

2. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton is a thorough account of one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers.

The book tells the story of Hamilton’s early life in the Caribbean, his rise during the American Revolution, and his major contributions as the first Secretary of the Treasury.

Chernow presents Hamilton as a complex character, showing both his brilliant mind and his personal flaws.

This biography inspired the popular Broadway musical Hamilton, bringing new interest to Hamilton’s life and legacy.

3. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

Anne Frank’s diary provides a moving, first-person account of her life in hiding during World War II.

Written while she and her family were hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam, the diary details the daily struggles, fears, and hopes of a young girl in extraordinary circumstances.

Anne’s writings offer a powerful view of the horrors of the Holocaust and have become an important historical document, touching readers around the world with her honesty and humanity.

4. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela’s autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, tells the story of his journey from a rural village to becoming South Africa’s first black president.

Mandela describes his early life, education, and 27 years of imprisonment under apartheid.

The book highlights his strong commitment to the fight for freedom and equality, his leadership in the African National Congress (ANC), and his role in the peaceful transition to majority rule in South Africa.

Mandela’s story is about perseverance, resilience, and the enduring struggle for justice.

5. Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

In Einstein: His Life and Universe, Walter Isaacson offers a complete biography of Albert Einstein.

The book explores Einstein’s groundbreaking scientific theories, including the theory of relativity and his personal life.

Isaacson delves into Einstein’s early struggles, his deep passion for knowledge, and his philosophical views on science and life.

The biography shows Einstein as a complex person whose contributions to science have significantly impacted our understanding of the universe.

6. Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin is a detailed look at Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War. It shows how he worked with his cabinet, which comprised his political opponents.

The book begins with Lincoln’s unexpected rise to the presidency and focuses on the strengths and weaknesses of his main rivals: William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase, and Edward Bates.

Despite their differences, Lincoln’s empathy, communication skills, and political savvy helped him unite these men to form a strong government during a tough time in America.

Goodwin explains how Lincoln’s cabinet members grew to respect and work well under his leadership.

For example, Seward initially doubted Lincoln but later became his loyal Secretary of State. Chase, who wanted to replace Lincoln, was kept in the cabinet for his financial skills but couldn’t undermine Lincoln.

The book also discusses Lincoln’s efforts to pass the Thirteenth Amendment, ending slavery, and his military strategies that led to Union victory.

7. The Wright Brothers by David McCullough

David McCullough’s The Wright Brothers tell the inspiring story of Wilbur and Orville Wright, who invented and built the first successful airplane.

The biography looks at their early life, their interest in flight, and their determination to solve the problems of powered flight.

Despite limited formal education, the brothers’ creativity and hard work led to their historic first flight on December 17, 1903.

McCullough points out the challenges they faced, such as doubt from the public and scientists and technical and financial obstacles.

The book also explores their family life, especially their close relationship with their sister Katharine, who supported them greatly.

The Wright brothers’ story involves innovation, hard work, and pursuing a dream.

8. Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang and Jon Halliday

Mao: The Unknown Story by Jung Chang and Jon Halliday is a detailed and critical biography of Mao Zedong, the founder of the People’s Republic of China.

This book shows Mao as a complex and often ruthless leader, responsible for major political changes and the deaths of millions during his rule.

Jung Chang and Jon Halliday describe Mao’s rise to power, his political tactics, and the effects of his policies on China.

They argue that Mao’s actions were more about gaining personal power than following any ideology.

The book challenges the idea of Mao as a hero, instead presenting him as a tyrant whose decisions caused widespread suffering and chaos.

9. Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie

Robert K. Massie’s biography Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman explores the life of one of Russia’s most important rulers.

Catherine the Great, originally a German princess, came to power through her marriage to Peter III and his overthrow.

Massie highlights her political skills, efforts to modernize Russia, and personal life, including her romantic relationships.

The biography shows her intelligence and determination, as well as the difficulties she faced as a female ruler in a male-dominated world.

Catherine’s rule brought many cultural and political changes, making her an essential figure in Russian history.

10. The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris

Edmund Morris’s The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt is a Pulitzer Prize-winning biography that covers the early years of Theodore Roosevelt, from his childhood to his election as president.

The book gives a vivid picture of Roosevelt, known for his energy, intelligence, and progressive ideas.

Morris details Roosevelt’s varied experiences, including his time as a rancher, police commissioner, soldier, and governor of New York.

The biography shows his tireless energy and drive for reform, which helped him navigate politics and become one of America’s most dynamic presidents. Roosevelt’s life is a story of resilience, adventure, and a strong desire to make a difference.

Explore These Inspiring Biographies Today!

These biographies give you a special opportunity to learn from the lives of amazing people.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, motivation, or just a good story, these books offer valuable lessons and insights.

Pick up one of them, discover the incredible stories of historical icons, and find the one that resonates with you!