Biography & Autobiography

"I don't think anyone should write their autobiography until after they're dead." — Samuel Goldwyn

Who Does He Favor?
Rachel Masilamani offers a graphic portrait revisiting the 2016 presidential campaign. Part of the July 2017 Smithsonian Asian American Literature Festival.
Rachel MasilamaniJul 9, 2017
One Fait Accompli After Another: Mikhail Gorbachev on the New Russia
Tom Gallagher appreciates “The New Russia,” a political autobiography by Mikhail Gorbachev.
Tom GallagherJul 8, 2017
The Myth of an Apolitical Montaigne
Robert Minto assays “Montaigne: A Life” by Philippe Desan, which restores the great essayist’s political dimension.
Robert MintoJul 3, 2017
The Objectionist: The Life and Times of William F. Buckley Jr.
William F. Buckley Jr. loved to yell “stop” no matter what was moving, says our reviewer.
Andrew BurtJun 20, 2017
- Biography & Autobiography
- Politics
Have a Carrot, Have Two
Glen Roven on Amy Gary's "In the Great Green Room," a biography of "Goodnight Moon" author Margaret Wise Brown.
Glen RovenMay 23, 2017
- Biography & Autobiography
- Young Adult & Children’s Literature
A Tapestry of Fame and Failure
Noah Kennedy reviews George Prochnik's "Stranger in a Strange Land."
Noah KennedyMay 21, 2017
The American Sputnik: Van Cliburn Heats Up the Cold War
Tim Riley reviews two new books about pianist Van Cliburn.
Tim RileyMay 10, 2017
- Biography & Autobiography
- Music
How to “Madame President”
Chris Fink talks to Helene Cooper about her new biography of the first democratically elected female head of state in Africa.
Chris FinkApr 1, 2017
- Biography & Autobiography
- Politics
Traumatized Nixon
“Richard Nixon is not the gateway to understanding Donald Trump.” Larry Harnisch reviews John A. Farrell’s “Richard Nixon: The Life.”
Larry HarnischMar 29, 2017
- Biography & Autobiography
- Politics
The Strange Promise of a Genuine Squirrel Coat
Judith Freeman admires “Bonnie Cashin: Chic Is Where You Find It” by Stephanie Lake.
Judith FreemanMar 25, 2017
- Art & Architecture
- Biography & Autobiography
Worse Than the “Vilest Strumpet”
Leigh Eric Schmidt on Bonnie S. Anderson's biography of Ernestine Rose, "The Rabbi's Atheist Daughter."
Leigh Eric SchmidtMar 22, 2017
- Biography & Autobiography
- Religion
Hitler Feared for Magnetism
Anthony Mostrom reviews three new books about Adolf Hitler’s rise to power.
Anthony MostromMar 20, 2017
- Biography & Autobiography
- History