Browse our Biographies

From the metaphysics of Plato to the nihilism of Nietzsche, this engaging and accessible book invites readers to contemplate the ideas of 100 key philosophers within the Western intellectual tradition. Covering philosophical, scientific, political and religious thought over a period of 2500 years, '100 Great Philosophers Who Changed the World' serves as an excellent guide to this history of philosophy and the progress that has been made in interpreting the world around us.

In his widely anticipated memoir, Ai Weiwei - one of the world's most famous artists and activists - tells a century-long epic tale of China through the story of his own extraordinary life and the legacy of his father, Ai Qing, the nation's most celebrated poet.

Here is an intimate history of Shakespeare, following him through a single year that changed not only his fortunes but the course of literature as we know it.

The hilarious trials and tribulations of stand-up comedian Paul Tonkinson as he attempts to beat the much lauded three-hour mark at the London Marathon. With a supporting cast of fellow comedians, this is a warmly written and wonderfully honest adventure-through-sport that will both entertain and inspire. Along the way, we are introduced to the characters helping Paul with his quest. Celebrity names such as Bryony Gordon, Russell Howard, Roisin Conaty and Vassos Alexander pop up with wit and wisdom, alongside an alpine adventure to the Mayr Clinic with Michael McIntyre that pushes Paul to the limit. And not forgetting the 'words of wisdom' and derision from Paul's anti-running friend, Richard.

Helene Hanff's true story of her 20 year correspondence with London bookseller, Frank Doel, is a charming and bittersweet tale of two people united by a love of books. From her apartment in New York, Helene sends Frank her 'wishlist' of first editions and is delighted to receive such quietly efficient service.

'Goodbye Christopher Robin' is drawn from Ann Thwaite's acclaimed biography of A.A. Milne, one of the most successful English writers ever, and the creator of Winnie-the-Pooh, and of Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore and Christopher Robin. But the fictional Christopher Robin was based on Milne's own son. This heart-warming and touching book, which ties in to a major film starring Domhnall Gleeson and Margot Robbie, offers a glimpse into the relationship between Milne and the real-life Christopher Robin, whose toys inspired the magical world of the Hundred Acre Wood. Along with his mother Daphne and his nanny Olive, Christopher Robin and his family are swept up in the international success of the books; the enchanting tales bring hope and comfort to an England ravaged by the First World War. But with the eyes of the world on Christopher Robin, what will the cost be to the family?

In this warm and engaging book, the late, great Sir Roger Moore reflects on life and aging. Delivered, along with his own hand-drawn sketches, to his publisher mere days before he passed away, in this book, Roger looks back on his life - and gives it his trademark sideways glance, too.

Tony 'AP' McCoy is unquestionably the greatest and most successful jump-jockey of all time. He has collected a record 16 consecutive jump jockey titles to date, and since 1992 he has ridden over 3000 winners. This autobiography looks at life at the very top in National Hunt racing.

A.B. de Villiers is one of the finest batsmen ever to play cricket, and yet his achievement extends beyond his outrageous armoury of drives, pulls, paddles, scoops and flicks. Whether he is delighting home crowds at the Wanderers or Newlands or setting new records in Bengaluru or Sydney, he plays the game in a whole-hearted manner that projects a positive image of his country around the world, and also makes millions of South Africans feel good about themselves. This is his story, in his own words. The story of the youngest of three talented, sports-mad brothers growing up in Warmbaths, of a boy who excelled at tennis, rugby and cricket, of a youngster who made his international debut at the age of twenty and was then selected in every single test played by South Africa for the next eleven seasons.