The Greatest "Nonfiction, Biography" Books Since 1900

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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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Nonfiction

Biography

Biography is a genre of literature that focuses on the life story of a person, typically a historical figure or a celebrity. It provides a detailed account of the subject's life, including their upbringing, achievements, struggles, and personal relationships. Biographies can be written in various formats, including memoirs, autobiographies, and third-person narratives. This category of books offers readers an opportunity to gain insight into the lives of notable individuals and their impact on society.

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  1. 451. O'Neill, Son and Artist by Louis Sheaffer

    "O'Neill, Son and Artist" is a comprehensive biography that explores the life and career of a renowned playwright. The book delves into his tumultuous relationships, struggles with alcoholism, and his battle with a debilitating illness, all of which significantly influenced his work. The narrative also provides an in-depth analysis of his plays, offering readers a greater understanding of his contribution to the world of theater.

    The 11112th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 452. Julia Ward Howe by Laura E. Richards, Maud Howe Elliott

    This biography provides an in-depth look into the life of Julia Ward Howe, a prominent abolitionist and social activist best known for writing "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." The book explores Howe's early life, her marriage, and her growing involvement in social reform movements, including women's suffrage. It also details her literary contributions and her enduring legacy in American history.

    The 11112th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 453. A Prince of Our Disorder: The Life of T E. Lawrence by John E. Mack

    This biography provides a comprehensive look into the life of T.E. Lawrence, a British archaeologist, army officer, diplomat, and writer renowned for his role in the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The book delves into Lawrence's complex personality, his struggles with identity and his quest for personal growth amidst the backdrop of war, politics and diplomacy. It provides an in-depth analysis of his experiences and their impact on his psychological state, revealing the man behind the legend.

    The 11217th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 454. Grant: A Biography by William S. McFeely

    This biography provides an in-depth look into the life of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States and a commanding general during the Civil War. The book explores Grant's military career, his presidency, and his personal life, including his struggles with alcoholism. The author presents a balanced view of Grant, highlighting both his achievements and his flaws, and offers a detailed account of his role in shaping the United States during a critical period in its history.

    The 11230th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 455. Booker T. Washington: The Wizard of Tuskegee, 1901–1915 by Louis R. Harlan

    This book delves into the life and influence of Booker T. Washington during his time as the head of Tuskegee Institute from 1901 to 1915. The narrative explores Washington's political and social strategies, as well as his controversial policies, as he navigated the complexities of post-Reconstruction America. It also examines his relationships with key figures of the era, his efforts to promote African American education and economic self-reliance, and his enduring legacy in the fight for civil rights.

    The 11237th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 456. Louise Bogan: A Portrait by Elizabeth Frank

    "Louise Bogan: A Portrait" is a comprehensive biography of the renowned American poet, Louise Bogan. The book explores Bogan's personal life, her struggles with mental health, her complex relationships, and her career as a poet. It provides a deep insight into Bogan's life, her poetry, and her role as a critic for The New Yorker, highlighting her contributions to American literature. The book also discusses the challenges Bogan faced as a woman in a male-dominated literary world and how she overcame them.

    The 11247th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 457. Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference by David J. Garrow

    "Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference" is a comprehensive biography of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on his leadership role in the Civil Rights Movement. The book provides an in-depth analysis of King's philosophy, political strategies, and his relationship with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. It also explores King's personal struggles, his moral courage, and his unwavering commitment to nonviolent protest in the face of extreme opposition. The book is based on extensive research, including interviews with King's closest associates, government investigations, and surveillance records.

    The 11249th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 458. Oscar Wilde by Richard Ellmann

    This biography provides an in-depth look at the life of renowned playwright, poet, and novelist, Oscar Wilde. It covers his rise to fame, his relationships, his trial for homosexuality, and his time in prison. The book also delves into his works, philosophies, and the societal norms of his time. It presents a comprehensive and detailed account of Wilde's life, his wit, and his tragic downfall.

    The 11251st Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 459. Jackson Pollock: An American Saga by Steven Naifeh, Gregory White Smith

    This biography delves into the life and career of famed American artist, Jackson Pollock. It explores his personal struggles, his relationships, and his development as an artist, offering a comprehensive and intimate look at his life. The book also provides an analysis of Pollock's work and its impact on the art world, as well as the cultural and political context in which he lived and worked.

    The 11262nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 460. Machiavelli in Hell by Sebastian de Grazia

    "Machiavelli in Hell" is a comprehensive biography that explores the life and works of a renowned political theorist, presenting him as a profound ethical thinker who fought to uphold high moral standards and human dignity. The book delves into his life as a civil servant, political theorist, and playwright, and the many controversies that surrounded him. The author also scrutinizes the philosopher's infamous reputation, arguing that it is largely undeserved and distorted by historical misinterpretations.

    The 11262nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 461. W.E.B. Dubois : Biography of a Race, 1868–1919 by David Levering Lewis

    This biography provides an in-depth look into the life of W.E.B. Dubois, a prominent African-American sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist. The book traces Dubois' life from his birth in 1868 to 1919, detailing his upbringing, education, and his significant contributions to the civil rights movement. It offers a comprehensive portrait of his ideologies, personal struggles, and his tireless fight for racial equality, making it an essential read for those interested in American history and race relations.

    The 11272nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 462. Harriet Beecher Stowe: A Life by Joan D. Hedrick

    This book is a comprehensive biography of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the renowned author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin". It delves into her personal life, her family upbringing, her marriage, and her relationships with her children. The book also explores her fervent abolitionist beliefs, her writing career, and the impact of her work on the American Civil War. It paints a vivid picture of Stowe's life and times, providing an in-depth look at her contributions to American literature and social reform.

    The 11273rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 463. Lindbergh by A. Scott Berg

    This biography provides a comprehensive look at the life of Charles Lindbergh, the famous aviator who made the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927. The book delves into his personal life, including his marriage to Anne Morrow Lindbergh, the tragic kidnapping and murder of their son, his controversial views on race and his involvement with the America First Committee, which opposed U.S. entry into World War II. It also explores his scientific contributions, such as his work in the field of aviation and his involvement in the development of the artificial heart.

    The 11279th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 464. Vera by Stacy Schiff

    "Vera" is a biography that explores the life of Vera Nabokov, the wife of a famous Russian novelist. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship and Vera's role as her husband's muse, editor, protector, and the force behind his success. It provides a detailed look at their life together, from their meeting in 1920s Europe, through their escape from the Nazis, to their life in America. The book also highlights Vera's intelligence, strength, and unwavering support for her husband's career.

    The 11281st Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 465. W.E.B. Du Bois: The Fight for Equality and The American Century by David Levering Lewis

    This biography delves into the life of W.E.B. Du Bois, a prominent African-American civil rights activist and scholar. It explores his tireless fight for racial equality in the United States during the 20th century. The book chronicles his role as a founder and leader of the NAACP, his influence in the Harlem Renaissance, his controversial advocacy for black separatism, and his later years as an expatriate in Ghana. It paints a comprehensive picture of Du Bois as a key figure in the struggle for civil rights and the shaping of the American century.

    The 11283rd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 466. Khrushchev: The Man and His Era by William Taubman

    This biography offers an in-depth look into the life and political career of Nikita Khrushchev, the former leader of the Soviet Union. The book delves into Khrushchev's rise to power, his controversial role in the Cuban Missile Crisis and his relationships with other world leaders. It also explores his efforts to reform the Soviet Union, his eventual downfall, and his lasting impact on the country and the world.

    The 11285th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 467. Eden's Outcasts by Jon Matteson

    "Eden's Outcasts" is a biography that explores the lives of American author Louisa May Alcott and her father, Amos Bronson Alcott. The book delves into their personal and professional lives, detailing their relationships, struggles, and achievements. It provides a comprehensive look at Louisa's journey to becoming a renowned author and her father's role as a progressive educator and philosopher. The book also examines the impact of their unconventional family life and the influence of Transcendentalism on their work.

    The 11289th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 468. Margaret Fuller: A New American Life by Megan Marshall

    This biography explores the life of Margaret Fuller, a pioneering feminist, journalist, and women's rights advocate in the 19th century. The book traces her journey from her upbringing in Massachusetts, her role in the transcendentalist movement, her work as a foreign correspondent for the New York Tribune, to her tragic death in a shipwreck. The narrative provides an in-depth look at Fuller's personal struggles, her intellectual pursuits, and her groundbreaking achievements in a male-dominated society.

    The 11296th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 469. The Pope and Mussolini by David I. Kertzer

    This book delves into the secret relationship between Pope Pius XI and the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The narrative reveals how each man relied on the other to consolidate his power and achieve his political goals, ultimately leading to the Vatican’s endorsement of the Fascist regime. The author uses newly available sources from the Vatican archives to illuminate this dark chapter in the history of the Catholic Church and Italy.

    The 11298th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 470. Sontag: Her Life and Work by Benjamin Moser

    This biography provides a detailed and comprehensive look at the life and work of a renowned American writer, filmmaker, philosopher, teacher, and political activist. It delves into her upbringing, her education, her relationships, and her influential career, revealing her struggles and triumphs. The book also explores her significant contributions to culture, literature, and political thought, as well as her personal life, including her battle with cancer. It presents a well-rounded portrait of a complex, multifaceted woman who left a significant mark on the world.

    The 11311th 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