Biography & Autobiography

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

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
The Earnest Liar: Joe Ollmann’s “The Abominable Mr. Seabrook”
Who was William Buehler Seabrook? And does Joe Ollmann's new comic biography of the journalist answer this question?
Jacob BroganMar 19, 2017
- Biography & Autobiography
- Comics
A Tale Which Must Never Be Told: A New Biography of George Herriman
Ben Schwartz reviews Michael Tisserand’s new biography of George Herriman, creator of “Krazy Kat.”
Ben SchwartzMar 18, 2017
- Biography & Autobiography
- Comics
“From Strength to Strength”: Filmmakers Discuss the Life and Ascent of Maya Angelou in “And Still I Rise”
Monique N. Matthews talks to Bob Hercules and Rita Coburn Whack, the filmmakers behind "Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise."
Monique N. MatthewsFeb 21, 2017
- Biography & Autobiography
- Film