Biography & Autobiography

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

Tropic of Barney
Loren Glass on the autobiography of Barney Rosset, legendary publisher of Grove Press.
Loren GlassSep 29, 2016
- Biography & Autobiography
- History
Or Not So Well
Glyn Salton-Cox on what "Or Orwell" and "Orwell's Nose" can tell us about the much-studied George Orwell.
Glyn Salton-CoxSep 19, 2016
Was the Black Prince Black? And Other Historical Questions
What can a biographer do when their subject is elusive? John T. Scott finds out in his review of Catherine Fletcher's "The Black Prince of Florence."
John T. ScottAug 31, 2016
- Biography & Autobiography
- History
The Odor of Mortality: On John Sutherland’s “Orwell’s Nose”
In "Orwell's Nose," John Sutherland captures Orwell's essence in a brief 240 pages better than most biographers do in 600. But is it enough?
Andrew FedorovAug 29, 2016
- Biography & Autobiography
In for Doom: Austin Reed’s “The Life and the Adventures of a Haunted Convict”
Bashaun Brown and Caleb Smith discuss Austin Reed's recently rediscovered memoir, "The Life and the Adventures of a Haunted Convict".
Bashaun Brown, Caleb SmithAug 26, 2016
- Biography & Autobiography
- Nonfiction
An Extraordinary Person
Shirin Ebadi’s autobiographical “Until We Are Free” describes her struggle to erect human rights law in Iran after winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
Ameena Mirza QaziAug 17, 2016
The Fresh Air of the Modern World
Leslie M. M. Blume proves that Hemingway matters after all.
Shehryar FazliAug 13, 2016
- Biography & Autobiography
- Nonfiction
A Tornado of Causes
Bridey Heing reviews Larry Tye's "Bobby Kennedy: The Making of a Liberal Icon".
Bridey HeingAug 12, 2016
- Biography & Autobiography
- Politics
Dev Developing: Ronan Fanning’s “Éamon de Valera: A Will to Power”
The political biography of Éamon de Valera and his time in power in Ireland.
Robert CreminsJun 14, 2016
- Biography & Autobiography
- History
Behind the Grunt: Finding the Soul of the Godfather of Soul
James McBride adds flesh and bone to musical myth.
Shehryar FazliJun 10, 2016
- Biography & Autobiography
- Music
The History of Prestige: Blanche Knopf and Literary Culture
Josh Lambert discusses the history of literary prestige with Alfred and Blanche Knopf.
Josh LambertMay 30, 2016
- Biography & Autobiography
A Horror of “Pretty,” “Sweet” Writing
Constance Fenimore Woolson deserves more credit; Anne Boyd Rioux has helped.
Stephanie GortonApr 25, 2016
- Biography & Autobiography