Explore the best of our biography and memoir books this Christmas, and learn about the life of some of the world’s visionaries. With titles dedicated to the likes of Ludvik van Beethoven, Charlotte Brontë, William Wordsworth, and more, they’re perfect for Christmas gifting and fans of non-fiction.

Beethoven – Biographies and Appreciations
This volume contains a collection of biographical sketches of Beethoven written by various authors. One of the most celebrated composers in Western history, Beethoven’s music remains amongst the most commonly-performed classical music around the world. This volume offers a unique insight into the life and mind of this incredible composer and will appeal to those with an interest in classical music.

Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl – by Harriet Ann Jacobs
This famous memoir chronicles Jacobs’ life as a female slave and documents how she attained freedom both for herself and for her children. Within this volume Jacob’s explores the life of female slaves on plantations, the abuse and hardships that they had to endure, and their desperate efforts to protect their children.

Remembering Wordsworth – Essays and Extracts on the Life and Work of the Great Poet
A fantastic collection of essays and other assorted writings by various authors discussing the life and work of this seminal poet, not to be missed by lovers of poetry and those with an interest Wordsworth’s life both public and private.

Louisa May Alcott: Her Life, Letters, and Journals
This early work is a collection of Louisa May Alcott‘s letters, journals, and notes. Published a year after Alcott’s death this is a truly unparalleled collection of her personal correspondence and a fascinating insight into the character and thoughts of this much-loved author.

From the Deep Woods to Civilization – by Charles Alexander Eastman
Charles Alexander Eastman was a Santee Dakota writer, physician, lecturer, and reformer. This book chronicles Eastman’s departure from his reservation at the age of fifteen to study at Boston University, his involvement with the Wounded Knee massacre, and of his time spent in various governmental jobs in Washington, D.C.

Her Name Was Charlotte Brontë
A collection of essays, excerpts and other assorted writings on the subject of Charlotte Brontë, her works and family, by G. K . Chesterton, Virginia Woolfe, Mrs Gaskell, Mrs Oliphant and Others. Charlotte Brontë (1816 – 31 March 1855) was an English novelist and poet, and the oldest sister in the world-famous trio of literary sisters.

De Profundis – by Oscar Wilde
This book contains a letter written by Oscar Wilde to British poet and journalist Lord Alfred Douglas, first published in 1905. Composed whilst Wilde was imprisoned in Reading Goal, the letter talks about his romantic relationship with Douglas and their time spent together, as well as Wilde’s spiritual development and identification with Jesus Christ. A fascinating and uniquely insightful letter that constitutes a must-read for those with an interest in the life and mind of this world-renowned writer.

My Own Story – by Emily Pankhurst
The 1914 memoirs of Emily Pankhurst. Emmeline Pankhurst (1858–1928) was a British political activist who organised the British suffragette movement and helped women attain voting rights. “Time” magazine named Pankhurst one of the 100 most important people of the 20th century in 1999.

Walden & On the Duty of Civil Disobedience – by Henry David Thoreau
This book concerns Thoreau’s experiences over a period of two years, two months, and two days spent in a cabin near Conrad, Massachusetts. A reflection on simple living in nature, it is partly an exploration of personal freedom, partly a social experiment, and partly a voyage of self-discovery.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Discover our full collection of Biography & Memoir books here.