Which biographies have you read, and why?
Discussion
For me, that would be-
The Michael Ainger biography of Gilbert and Sullivan. Why, partly because I like the stuff they wrote together, and I found the film Topsy Turvy inspired me to buy a boxed set of DVDs of their operettas, but mainly because I am fascinated by their working relationship and the way they needed eachother in order to produce such memorable works which are still being performed all over the globe over a century later.
A biography of the Carpenters (can't remember who wrote it, but I believe it was 'official'. Again, partly because of the music, and that voice, but mainly because of the relationship and how again they each needed the other to produce such marvellous songs.
If I had ever seen it in a library, I might well have read the autobiography of Albert Pierrepoint, but I didn't so I didn't. I suspect it was more a diary of the executions he carried out than anything very illuminating, so I propbably haven't missed much.
Anybody read any biographies they would like to mention, and the reasons for so doing?
The Michael Ainger biography of Gilbert and Sullivan. Why, partly because I like the stuff they wrote together, and I found the film Topsy Turvy inspired me to buy a boxed set of DVDs of their operettas, but mainly because I am fascinated by their working relationship and the way they needed eachother in order to produce such memorable works which are still being performed all over the globe over a century later.
A biography of the Carpenters (can't remember who wrote it, but I believe it was 'official'. Again, partly because of the music, and that voice, but mainly because of the relationship and how again they each needed the other to produce such marvellous songs.
If I had ever seen it in a library, I might well have read the autobiography of Albert Pierrepoint, but I didn't so I didn't. I suspect it was more a diary of the executions he carried out than anything very illuminating, so I propbably haven't missed much.
Anybody read any biographies they would like to mention, and the reasons for so doing?
t written about Sid, all after his death.The Moon's A Balloon
A brilliant book but I feel there's huge lots more we won't ever read
Niven, just got to like the bloke
I enjoy the autobio aspects of books like "Apache" by Ed Macy and "Eye Of The Storm" by Peter Radcliffe
There is so much more that we don't get
I've decided not to write my own
there's so much more...
OK No there isn't
A brilliant book but I feel there's huge lots more we won't ever read
Niven, just got to like the bloke
I enjoy the autobio aspects of books like "Apache" by Ed Macy and "Eye Of The Storm" by Peter Radcliffe
There is so much more that we don't get
I've decided not to write my own
there's so much more...
OK No there isn't
singlecoil said:
If I had ever seen it in a library, I might well have read the autobiography of Albert Pierrepoint, but I didn't so I didn't. I suspect it was more a diary of the executions he carried out than anything very illuminating, so I propbably haven't missed much.
Anybody read any biographies they would like to mention, and the reasons for so doing?
The Pierrepoint book is worth reading. Not so much of a "I hanged this person on that day" account, but more a how-it-was-done telling. No body count but strongly suggests that execution is wrong and not a deterrant. Anybody read any biographies they would like to mention, and the reasons for so doing?
"Dolgun" by Alexander Dolgun or the later version (not read) "Alexander Dolgun's story: An American in the Gulag" is my most read book. Grim, bleak but compelling reading.
Too many to list! My mum works for a big publisher, so I've got enough books to fill a library, lots if signed dedicated ones as well.
Currently reading No Angel - Bernie Ecclestine, quite amusing that he conducted a fair few business lunches in my local during the early 80s when he had premises in chessington
Currently reading No Angel - Bernie Ecclestine, quite amusing that he conducted a fair few business lunches in my local during the early 80s when he had premises in chessington
Many, really
The Lyndon Johnson five volume set, latest volume just published
The William Manchester uncompleted set on Winston Churchill- first three volumes were magnificent.
Ferdinand Porsche -Genesis of Genius by Karl Ludvigsen
Hitler set by Ian Kershaw
Biography of Charles Dickens by Peter Ackroyd
I don"t specialize in reading biographies but I like 20th century history. Some of the better written stuff illuminates the broader context in which these people lived.
The Lyndon Johnson five volume set, latest volume just published
The William Manchester uncompleted set on Winston Churchill- first three volumes were magnificent.
Ferdinand Porsche -Genesis of Genius by Karl Ludvigsen
Hitler set by Ian Kershaw
Biography of Charles Dickens by Peter Ackroyd
I don"t specialize in reading biographies but I like 20th century history. Some of the better written stuff illuminates the broader context in which these people lived.
I've read quite a few mainly covering music and motorsport. Off the top of my head:
Murray Walker
Eddie Jordon
David Couthard
Nigel Mansell
Bernie Ecclestone
Ayrton Senna
Ozzy Osbourne
Slash
Mick Fleetwood
Ronnie Wood
Nick Mason (more a biography of pink floyd than himself)
Eric Clapton
The two Billy Connelly bio's by his missus (Pamela Stephenson?)
Shela Hancock's story of her and John Thaw
Both the Gordon Ramsey ones.
Richard Hammond 2 autobiographies
Probably more as well, but can't just remember them now.
Murray Walker
Eddie Jordon
David Couthard
Nigel Mansell
Bernie Ecclestone
Ayrton Senna
Ozzy Osbourne
Slash
Mick Fleetwood
Ronnie Wood
Nick Mason (more a biography of pink floyd than himself)
Eric Clapton
The two Billy Connelly bio's by his missus (Pamela Stephenson?)
Shela Hancock's story of her and John Thaw
Both the Gordon Ramsey ones.
Richard Hammond 2 autobiographies
Probably more as well, but can't just remember them now.
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