The Greatest English "Autobiography" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Autobiography

Autobiography is a literary genre that focuses on the life story of the author. It is a first-person account of the author's experiences, thoughts, and emotions, often including significant events and milestones that have shaped their life. Autobiographies can be written by anyone, from famous public figures to ordinary people, and can cover a wide range of topics, including personal growth, career achievements, struggles, and relationships. This genre provides readers with a unique insight into the author's life and perspective, making it a popular and engaging category of books.

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  1. 1. The Book Of Margery Kempe by Margery Kempe

    "The Book of Margery Kempe" is considered one of the earliest autobiographies in English, detailing the life and spiritual experiences of its author, a medieval mystic and pilgrim. The narrative captures her profound religious visions, her tumultuous emotional responses to them, and her extensive pilgrimages to holy sites across Europe and the Holy Land. It also explores her struggles with societal norms, her confrontations with religious authorities, and her quest for spiritual validation. The book provides a vivid insight into the complexities of medieval spirituality and the challenges faced by a woman asserting her religious authority in the Middle Ages.

  2. 2. Grace Abounding To The Chief Of Sinners by John Bunyan

    "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners" is a spiritual autobiography that delves into the author's profound journey from a life marred by sin and despair to one transformed by divine grace. The narrative vividly describes his struggles with faith, his bouts with demonic temptations, and his ultimate quest for redemption. Through his introspective exploration, the author offers a detailed account of his spiritual awakening, his painstaking conflicts with religious doubts, and his eventual embracing of a life devoted to serving God. This work not only reflects the author's personal spiritual journey but also serves as an inspirational guide for others seeking redemption and enlightenment.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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