Best Autobiographies at Least 20 Books

The autobiography is the biography of oneself told by the person who is telling it. From the private writings that were intended for private consumption (letters, diaries, journals, memoirs, reminiscences) to a formal book biography, autobiographical works can take many forms. Let’s know more about Best Autobiographies at Least 20 Books

Best Autobiographies at Least 20 Books

Autobiographies are unusually rich in biographical truth: they present a distorted view of a life reshaped by recollection, complete with omissions and distortions from both that recollection and the autobiography. This is why an autobiography is only “a sort of life” according to novelist Graham Greene, whose own autobiography was titled so (in 1971).

Everyone should read these 20 best autobiographies at least once in their lives 

  1. Franklin’s Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin.
  2.  The Long Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela.
  3. In My Experiment with Truth, Mahatma Gandhi tells his story. 
  4. An autobiography by Anne Frank called A Diary of a Young Girl.
  5. A collection of Bob Dylan’s Chronicles, Volume 1.
  6. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelo
  7. An Autobiography of Malcolm X by The Malcolm X.
  8. The Autobiography of Agatha Christie.
  9. An autobiography by Andre Agassi.
  10. The memoir of Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.
  11.      Ernest Hemingway’s autobiography, “The Moveable Feast”.
  12. By Mark Twain, An Autobiography
  13. Ozzy Osbourne’s autobiography I Am Ozzy 
  14. The Mein Kampf of Adolf Hitler
  15. By Barack Obama, Dreams From My Father
  16. By Chanel Miller, Know My Name
  17. From Howard Stern, “Howard Stern Comes Again”
  18. By Jessica Simpson, Open Book
  19. Memoirs of My Hollywood Years by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton 
  20. Blood an autobiography by Allison Moorer  
  1. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin was the son of Josiah Franklin, an immigrant to Boston from Northamptonshire, England. Franklin sailed for England to purchase printing equipment, trusting that letters of credit had been sent to him by Keith.

Franklin was appointed clerk to the Pennsylvania Assembly, enabling him to secure numerous valuable orders. Franklin constantly strived to get better from his early years on.

  1. Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Below is a description of Nelson Mandela’s long journey to freedom. An extract from «Long Walk to Freedom» is presented in this chapter. In addition to them, countless others sacrificed and established during this lesson their freedom. It describes South Africa’s struggle for freedom in Nelson Mandela’s book, A Long to Freedom. Mandela became South Africa’s first black president after taking the oath to become president. Nelson Mandela came to realize his freedom was merely a mirage when he became an adult.

  1.  The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was known as «Mahatma» Gandhi’s Navjivan covers the period of time between his early childhood and roughly 1921. The autobiography was compiled by Gandhi’s close friend Swami Anand, who later became his literary manager. A note at the beginning of the book states that Gandhi’s autobiography cannot be considered a static account of his life, but rather a reflection of the way truths evolve in the course of time. For a long and complicated case, Gandhi decided to accept an offer to work for a law firm in South Africa. In response to Gandhi’s unconscionable work, he returned to India. While working on civil disobedience cases at the time of the writing of his autobiography, Gandhi became a leading proponent of nonviolent resistance.

  1.   Anne Frank: The Diary Of A Young Girl

The diary of Anne Frank begins on her 13th birthday when she receives a diary. Her family lives in Frankfurt, Germany, and is suddenly forced into hiding, thanks to Hitler’s and Nazi Germany’s treatment of Jews. With the help of other Jews, they fled to Amsterdam and hid there. In August 1944, the diary suddenly ended.

This was evident from the treatment of Jews during the war. It is not commonly thought about what she wrote in her diary today, such as how she feared discovery and punishment every day. Despite the terrible circumstances in which she and her family found themselves, Anne remained cheerful and positive.

  1. Chronicles: Volume One by Bob Dylan 

Chronicles: Volume One, Dylan’s fascinating biography about key chapters of his life, tells how fate had caught up with him. The look seemed to be directed at me alone.

The first time Dylan arrived in Manhattan, circa 1961, he saw Greenwich Village from Dylan’s open eyes. It is renowned for its smoky nightclubs, literary awakenings, and unbreakable friendships that defined Dylan’s New York. The elegiac comments are punctuated with jabs of memories, penetrating and intense. Chapter One offers personal reflections on extraordinary times, including visits to New Orleans, Woodstock, Minnesota, and other locations.

Revelations, poetics, passion, and wit combine to create Chronicles: Volume One, a fascinating look inside Bob Dylan’s mind. The voice of Dylan is uniquely American: fanciful, lively, engaged, and generous of spirit. The legendary songwriter uses his unmatched storytelling skills, as well as the exquisite expression that has always characterized his music, in Chronicles: Volume One to illustrate how life shaped him, the people he knew, and the places he visited.

  1. “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” by Maya Angelou

Maya loves the con artist Daddy Clidell, whom Vivien’s new husband, Daddy Clidell as if he were her father, and eventually the children move to San Francisco and live with Vivien. Bailey and Maya love their mother very much, and Maya continues to thrive in school. During a fight with Dolores Stockland, Maya requires stitches due to the damage she sustained during the fight. Following Bailey’s departure, Maya gets her first job on a streetcar in San Francisco.

Until Maya starts worrying about her sexuality, everything seems normal to her. By the end of the book, Maya has overcome this fear after Vivien’s encouragement and is napping in her bed with her baby.

  1. An Autobiography of Malcolm X by The Malcolm X.

Malcolm Little, Malcolm X’s father, was born in Omaha, Nebraska. Having lived in a detention home in Michigan, Malcolm moves with his half-sister to Boston to finish eighth grade. In prison, Malcolm’s brothers and sisters have already been converted to another branch of Islam promoted by the Nation of Islam, so he converts himself to it. Malcolm grows very involved in the Detroit Nation of Islam temple with his brother Wilfred. The Nation of Islam leaders is resentful and fearful of Malcolm despite his devotion to their cause.

Malcolm receives death threats as a result of the Nation of Islam’s frustration with him. Malcolm leaves the Nation of Islam following a disagreement with Elijah Muhammad.

  1. The Autobiography of Agatha Christie.

Despite the fact that Christie’s official biography revealed the truth was more complicated, and that many notes and short diaries were made from 1950 to 1965, Christie had intended to compile a series of short books in the manner of 1946’s Come Tell Me How You Live. In 1966, the manuscript was completed.

Phillip Ziegler, with Rosalind and Anthony’s assistance after Christie’s death in 1976, edited the manuscript. The death of Christie’s mother in April 1926 does not appear until page 346 of the 544 pages, nor does Christie’s first husband, Archie Christie, appear until page 212 of the book. She recounts the events of 1926 with the death of her mother, the breakdown of her marriage, and her dead husband on just seven pages, admitting, “I hate remembering the year after illness,” concluding, “There was sorrow, despair, and heartache following an illness.” In omitting to write extensively about some of her plays, Christie caused some disappointment, as described by Hubert Gregory, who directed six of her plays and wrote a memoir about her called Agatha Christie and All That Mousetrap in 1980, “Without Peter Saunders, she would not have been able to achieve major successes”.

  1. The memoir of Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.

Stephen King’s memoir, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, describes his experiences as a writer and offers advice for aspiring writers. Following his car accident the year before, King’s first book was published in 2000 by Charles Scribner’s Sons. After the memoir had originally been published in 2010, Scribner republished it in 2020 as well. King’s updated reading list appeared in the 10th-anniversary edition, while Joe Hill and Owen King contributed to the 20th-anniversary edition.

There are five sections in On Writing: the biography, in which King highlights life events that shaped his writing career; “What Writing Is”, where King encourages the reader to take writing seriously.

“The New Classics: Books – The 100 best reads from 1983 to 2008” included On Writing in 2008. King’s writing advice was lauded as solid both by Sharon Johnson of the Patriot-News and Julie Woo of the Associated Press. According to John Mark Eberhart, writing in the Sunday Free Lance-Star, King’s writing advice is “pedestrian.” Still, his book On Writing is “a minor but highly important work that should lead [King] to better things.”

  1. By Mark Twain, An Autobiography

Mark Twain wrote the Autobiography of Mark Twain, a memoir. It was Paine who published the book in 1924, a mere fourteen years after Twain requested that it be published a century after his death.

Twain’s extensive book is divided into 79 chapters, plus a Preface in which he addresses readers as if «speaking from the grave.» Chapters 1 through 17 describe his life from 1835 until 1847 when his father died. The first time Twain traveled internationally was after he moved to San Francisco and was sent to the Sandwich Islands on assignment to cover a boat accident.

The Innocents Abroad, Twain’s first major hit, is the product of chapters 29 through 35 detailing his world travels. Twain’s lack of experience in the publishing industry costs him the majority of the royalties even though his book is a huge success.

In addition to Rudyard Kipling, he mentions another favorite author.

A critical view of Bret Harte, Twain’s colleague, and a former friend can be found in Chapters 61 through 64 where Twain criticizes him for abandoning his family and leaving creditors out in the cold. As a human, Harte simply indulges in his imperfect nature due to Twain’s laziness.

  1.  Ernest Hemingway’s autobiography, “The Moveable Feast”.

Memories of Hemingway’s life as an unknown writer in Paris during the twenties are highly personal, affectionate, and witty. Seeing himself as a young writer, as well as James Joyce, Wyndham Lewis, Scott, and Zelda Fitzgerald he recalls the times when, perhaps poor but happy, and writing in cafes, he discovered his calling. A vivid and powerful reflection of Hemingway’s genius that glimmers with the romance of the city in the last years of his life, his memoir is a lively and powerful expression.

  1. By Mark Twain, An Autobiography 

There is truth and there is a lie. Mark Twain introduces his autobiography with a preface that declares that he expects his autobiography to be a “free and honest account of my life,” and he intends to maintain this standard of truthfulness. Truth is woven throughout the book.

  1. Ozzy osbourn3’s autobiography I Am Ozzy 

Black Sabbath and solo artist Ozzy Osbourne wrote an autobiography entitled I Am Ozzy. He starts as a child and grows up to become an accomplished singer. Readers highly praised the book for its humor and detail. The rating on Amazon.com is currently 4.6/5.

Osbourne’s dyslexia caused Chris Ayres to co-write the book with Osbourne. A narrator named Frank Skinner narrated this audiobook.

  1. The Mein Kampf of Adolf Hitler

Adolf Hitler wrote Mein Kampf, a manifesto of political philosophy. The only complete work he wrote, the book became the bible for the Third Reich’s National Socialism. Two volumes were published in 1925 and 1927; the abridged edition was published in 1930. Hitler was imprisoned at Landsberg am Lech after the unsuccessful Beer Hall Putsch of 1923 when he wrote Die Abrechnung, a volume from 1924.

Die Nationalsozialistische Bewegung is the second volume, published after Hitler was freed from prison in December 1924, which outlines the politics that National Socialism must adopt to gain power in the new Germany, as well as to exercise that power afterward. Although Mein Kampf initially enjoyed modest success, Hitler’s popularity and that of the Nazi movement grew over time. The book was included in state wedding gifts in Germany, so newlyweds were required to read it. There were several attempts to restrict access to employment after World War II.

Nazi-inspired books were banned under postwar German law.

  1. By Barack Obama, Dreams From My Father

Throughout his memoir Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance (1995), Obama describes his early years growing up in Honolulu and Chicago before enrolling at Harvard Law School in 1988. Obama wrote his memoir during the early days of his campaign for the Illinois Senate in 1995. Invisible Man, which Ralph Ellison wrote in the 1920s, served as the inspiration for Obama’s Dreams from My Father. He became Harvard Law Review’s first African-American president in 1990.

U.S. presidential election in 2008, President Obama won. When the Democratic Party won the Illinois Senate primary in 2004, this book was republished. In 2004, he spoke at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) and won election to the Illinois Senate. Obama entered the presidential race a little over three years later. An Obama preface and Obama’s DNC keynote address are included in the 2004 edition.

  1. By Chanel Miller, Know My Name

When she stunned millions with a letter, Emily Doe was known worldwide as Emily. A student at Stanford was sexually assaulted by Brock Turner after the incident was reported to the university. Stanford began investigating. This is a story of trauma, transcendence, and reclaiming your identity that uses language to tell her story. In many ways, the case was perfect: Turner fled after fleeing, physical evidence was seized right away, and eyewitnesses testified. Although, even in the best-case scenario, she faced isolation and shame as a result of her ordeal. As a result of Know My Name, our opinions and understanding of sexual assault will forever be changed; it will challenge our ideas about what is acceptable and speak truth to the tumultuous reality of recovery.

  1.  From Howard Stern, “Howard Stern Comes Again”

Stars of the music industry and rap gods. A-list stars and comedy legends. The supermodel and the centerfold. A mobster or a mogul. There is a president.

Radio broadcaster Howard Stern has interviewed the biggest names in music and entertainment about sex, relationships, money, fame, and spirituality during his long career. As Howard Stern had predicted, the answer comes from Howard Stern once again.

Its pages are filled with confessions and personal explorations as Stern explores his life and times between the lines of his definitive autobiography. A near-fatal auto accident makes Tracy Morgan speak out. Despite allegations of a casting couch, Harvey Weinstein denies its existence. In a series of essays, a distinguished group of creative visionaries discusses what Stern calls ‘the climb,’ their struggles and ultimately triumphs. According to the introduction, “These pages should offer you a bit of inspiration if you’re feeling unmotivated”.

A few rare clips from the Howard Stern Show archives with Donald Trump illustrate his journey: becoming a tabloid fixture to becoming a reality TV star and eventually becoming president of the United States.

  1. By Jessica Simpson, Open Book

A motivational guide for living your best life was approached by Jessica Simpson five years ago. The daughter of a preacher, the mother of a pop phenomenon, the creator of reality television, and the billionaire fashion mogul now takes readers on a journey through a life that has blessed her with compassion for everyone but also burdened her with a need to please. Jessica Simpson shares stories and emotions she has never previously shared using her voice, her heart, and her humor. A close friend’s open book will motivate you to live your best, most authentic life after she is able to finally live hers, and it will provide you with many laughs and tears.

  1.  Memoirs of My Hollywood Years by Julie Andrews, Emma Walton Hamilton 

Julie Andrews recounted her difficult childhood in In-Home, a New York Times international bestseller, as well as her rise to stardom on stage. Home Work was written with Andrew’s daughter, Emma Walton Hamilton, and tells the story of an extraordinary life with humor, heartbreak, and inspiration.

  1. Blood an autobiography by Allison Moorer  

The year was 1986 in Mobile, Alabama. A 14-year-old girl is startled by the sound of gunfire. Moorer would go on to become a highly-acclaimed musician whose songs have been compared to a Southern accent: a deliberate, strong, and very dangerous sound. Her thoughts have never forgotten that crucial moment in her own life and that of her older sister. Blood explores notions such as inheritance and destiny, as well as shame and trauma; it asks if it’s possible to create a safe place in the world despite them all.

In What Way Does a Motivational Autobiography Help?

The belief that successful people don’t have to deal with hardship has become ingrained in many people. Nevertheless, inspirational biographies give a glimpse into the struggles that the rich and famous face. The books illustrate how these people resolved conflict and later became the best.

What are the Benefits of Reading Biographies?

The most valuable things in life can be learned from biographies, autobiographies, memoirs, and diaries, which are written by people who have lived them. The autobiographies of people usually contain compelling stories about their trials and tribulations.

Conclusion 

Getting to know a person better through reading their autobiography is an excellent way to gain a better understanding of how their experiences have influenced them as a person. In today’s world, autobiographies also provide a unique perspective from outside the circle.

Frequently Asked Question 
  1. Autobiographies serve what purpose?

Written autobiographies tell about a person’s life. An autobiography is written in a first-person perspective because the author and the main character are the same.

  1. How does reading a biography benefit you?

You get inspiration from reading about other people’s diverse perspectives and experiences. Their struggles are explained as well as their solutions and lessons that can be applied to your own life. Perspectives from other people are always interesting.                                            

Best Autobiographies at Least 20 Books

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