The Greatest British "Autobiography, History" 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 301 '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.

History

The category of "History" in books refers to the study and interpretation of past events, societies, and cultures. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including political, social, economic, and cultural developments, as well as the lives of individuals and groups who have shaped the course of history. History books can be written from various perspectives and may focus on specific time periods, regions, or themes. They aim to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the past and its impact on the present.

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  1. 1. Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell

    The book is a personal account of the author's experiences during the Spanish Civil War, specifically his time with the POUM (Partit Obrer d'Unificació Marxista) militia in Catalonia. He provides an in-depth look at the social revolution that took place, the daily life of a soldier, the political infighting and betrayals among the Republican factions, and his eventual disillusionment with the cause he initially supported. The book is both a war memoir and a detailed analysis of a complex political situation.

    The 356th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence

    "The Seven Pillars of Wisdom" is an autobiographical account of the experiences of a British soldier serving in the Middle East during World War I. The narrative offers an insider's perspective of the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire, detailing the author's role in the guerrilla warfare, his interactions with various tribal leaders, and his deep understanding and appreciation of the Arabic culture. The book is also known for its philosophical reflections on war, politics, and the author's personal struggles.

    The 730th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. A Time Of Gifts by Patrick Leigh Fermor

    The book is a vivid memoir that chronicles the adventures of a young man as he embarks on a remarkable journey on foot across Europe in the 1930s. Starting from the Hook of Holland, he traverses through landscapes and cities, encountering a diverse tapestry of cultures, languages, and historical remnants. Along the way, he is welcomed by a variety of individuals, from aristocrats to peasants, who enrich his experience with their stories and hospitality. His travels provide not only a physical journey through the continent but also a journey through time, as he reflects on the complexities of Europe's past and the ominous shadows cast by the approaching Second World War.

    The 1117th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Eothen by Alexander William Kinglake

    "Eothen" is a vivid travelogue that chronicles the author's journey through the Middle East in the 1830s, capturing the essence of the region with a blend of personal adventure, cultural commentary, and historical insight. The narrative takes the reader on an evocative trip across countries like Turkey, Cyprus, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and Jordan, offering a glimpse into the customs, landscapes, and daily life of the time. The author's keen observations and descriptive prowess bring to life the exotic locales, the encounters with diverse peoples, and the challenges of travel in an era before modern conveniences, all while reflecting the Victorian fascination with the Orient and its perceived mysteries.

    The 3085th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Good Company by Frances Partridge

    "Good Company" is a reflective memoir that offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a central figure within the Bloomsbury Group, an influential circle of intellectuals and artists in early 20th-century England. The book weaves personal anecdotes, diary entries, and letters to paint a vivid portrait of the author's friendships, loves, and the cultural milieu in which she lived. It provides an honest and often poignant exploration of the author's relationships with key literary and artistic figures of the time, their shared experiences during the tumultuous years of the World Wars, and the enduring impact of these relationships on her life and work. The memoir stands as a testament to the power of intellectual companionship and the profound influence of community on individual creativity.

    The 3254th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The History Of Mary Prince, A West Indian Slave by Mary Prince

    This autobiographical account details the harrowing life of a woman born into slavery in Bermuda in the late 18th century. It vividly recounts her experiences of brutal treatment at the hands of various masters in the West Indies and her unyielding desire for freedom. As the first narrative of a black woman to be published in Britain, the book played a significant role in the anti-slavery movement, offering a powerful personal testimony to the cruelties and injustices of the slave system, and ultimately contributing to the abolitionist cause. Through her story, the author provides a voice to the countless enslaved individuals and highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the face of extreme oppression.

    The 3453rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Eastern Approaches by Fitzroy Maclean

    "Eastern Approaches" is a thrilling memoir that recounts the adventurous experiences of a British diplomat and soldier during the 1930s and World War II. The author vividly describes his time in the Soviet Union during the Stalinist purges, his daring travels in Central Asia, and his pivotal role in the British military missions in North Africa and Yugoslavia. The narrative combines espionage, combat, and diplomatic intrigue, providing a unique insight into some of the most critical events and figures of the 20th century, including his interactions with prominent leaders like Josip Broz Tito.

    The 4078th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Places In Between by Rory Stewart

    "The Places In Between" is a memoir by Rory Stewart about his journey on foot across Afghanistan in 2002, shortly after the fall of the Taliban. He travels from Herat to Kabul, encountering a variety of people and landscapes along the way. The book provides a unique insight into the culture and history of Afghanistan, as well as the challenges faced by the country in the aftermath of war. Stewart's writing is both lyrical and informative, making for a compelling read.

    The 4775th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Slowly Down The Ganges by Eric Newby

    This travelogue recounts the author's adventurous journey down the Ganges, one of the great rivers of the Indian subcontinent. With humor and keen observation, the narrative captures the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures encountered along the riverbanks. Through a series of mishaps, challenges, and encounters with local inhabitants, the author paints a vivid picture of life in India, reflecting on its history, religion, and the profound significance of the river to the people who live along its course. The book is as much a personal quest as it is an exploration of a place and its people, offering insights into the complexities of a rapidly changing country while navigating the waters of one of its most sacred rivers.

    The 5510th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. My Own Story by Emmeline Pankhurst

    "My Own Story" is an autobiography that chronicles the life and work of a prominent leader in the British suffragette movement, detailing her tireless struggle for women's voting rights in the early 20th century. The narrative offers a personal account of the political and social challenges faced by women activists, including the militant tactics employed, such as hunger strikes and civil disobedience, which often resulted in imprisonment. The author passionately articulates the motivations behind her activism, the sacrifices made, and the impact of her efforts on the eventual extension of suffrage to women, providing a compelling insight into the history of the fight for gender equality.

    The 5510th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Hare with Amber Eyes: A Family's Century of Art and Loss by Edmund de Waal

    This book is a family memoir that traces the journey of a collection of miniature Japanese sculptures, called netsuke, through generations of a wealthy Jewish family. The narrative delves into the family's rise to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, their survival during the Nazi regime, their post-war struggles, and their eventual decline. The author uses the netsuke as a lens to explore the themes of art, loss, and family legacy.

    The 5711th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. My Silent War by Kim Philby

    "My Silent War" is a gripping autobiographical account by a high-ranking British intelligence officer who was simultaneously working as a Soviet spy. The book details his clandestine operations, the methods he used to evade detection, and his ideological motivations for betraying his country. It provides an insider's perspective on some of the most significant Cold War espionage activities, revealing the complexities and moral ambiguities of his double life. The narrative not only explores the personal and political conflicts he faced but also sheds light on the broader implications of his actions on international relations during a tense period in history.

    The 5941st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Boswell's London Journal, 1762-1763 by James Boswell

    This book is a journal-style account of a young Scottish man's experiences in 18th-century London. It provides a vivid and detailed account of the social, political, and cultural landscape of the time. The author, a law student, records his interactions with notable figures of the day, his romantic pursuits, his struggles with depression, and his efforts to establish himself in London society. His observations offer unique insights into the life and times of 18th-century London.

    The 6163rd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Bronx Primitive by Kate Simon

    "Bronx Primitive" is a vivid memoir that transports readers to the Bronx during the early 20th century, capturing the essence of growing up in a Polish immigrant community. Through the eyes of a young girl, the narrative explores the complexities of assimilation and identity amidst the bustling backdrop of New York City. The author's reflections are both poignant and humorous, offering a richly detailed portrayal of family life, cultural clashes, and the personal quest for self-discovery within the confines of a tightly knit neighborhood.

    The 7012th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Scott's Last Expedition: The Journals by Apsley Cherry-Garrard

    This book is a detailed account of Robert Falcon Scott's ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition to the South Pole, as told through the journals of a member of the expedition. It provides a gripping and poignant insight into the harsh realities of polar exploration in the early 20th century, including the team's scientific endeavors, their struggle against the brutal Antarctic conditions, the camaraderie among the men, and the tragic death of Scott and his companions on their return journey from the South Pole.

    The 8614th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Journal of the Discovery of the Source of the Nile by John Hanning Speke

    This book is a detailed account of an adventurous exploration to discover the source of the Nile River. The author, an English explorer, recounts his journey through Africa, detailing the various hardships, dangers, and cultural encounters experienced along the way. The narrative culminates in his discovery of Lake Victoria, which he claimed as the Nile's source. The book offers an intriguing look into 19th-century African exploration and the determination that led to one of the era's most significant geographical discoveries.

    The 8637th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Berlin Diary by William L. Shirer

    "Berlin Diary" is a firsthand account of the rise of Nazi Germany and the early years of World War II as witnessed by an American journalist living in Berlin. The diary entries, spanning from 1934 to 1941, provide a detailed and personal observation of the events and atmosphere in Germany and across Europe during this tumultuous period. The author captures the impact of Nazi propaganda, the chilling transformation of society under totalitarian rule, and the international tensions leading up to and during the early stages of the war. His insights offer a crucial historical perspective on the inner workings and psyche of the Third Reich.

    The 8709th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Mudlarking by Lara Maiklem

    The book is a captivating exploration of the River Thames and its hidden treasures, as the author takes readers on a journey through time and history by unearthing objects washed up along the river's shores. With each artifact offering a unique glimpse into London's past, the narrative weaves personal anecdotes with historical insights, revealing the lives of those who walked the riverbanks before us. From Roman relics to Victorian toys, the collection of items discovered through the practice of mudlarking provides a tangible connection to the city's rich and layered history, inviting readers to ponder the stories embedded within these remnants of bygone eras.

    The 10314th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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

Download

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.

Download