Biographies & Memoirs

Explore the stories of remarkable lives in our Biographies & Memoirs section at Thryft. Discover firsthand accounts of influential figures and captivating memoirs that'll inspire and educate. Our collection is carefully curated to ensure you find the perfect narrative to delve into.

18 Results

Switch between grid and list views for a better book browsing experience!

18 Results

No results

Eat a Peach : A Memoir - Thryft
Gabe Ulla, David Chang  | Clarkson Potter Publishers

Eat a Peach

$19.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.88

$19.90

Unit price
per

If food is your passion, "Eat a Peach" could provide you with more than just a taste; it serves up David Chang's raw and stirring life story on a platter. You'll delve into the gritty reality behind the glossy world of high-end cuisine, all while witnessing the personal growth of a man who turned his deepest struggles into a recipe for success. Plus, foodies might just find Chang's unconventional path to redefining modern dining an exhilarating trail to follow.
Ferran: The Inside Story of El Bulli and the Man Who Reinvented Food
Colman Andrews | Avery

Ferran: The Inside Story of El Bulli and the Man Who Reinvented Food

Regular price $14.90 $11.90 20% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.63

Regular price $14.90 $11.90 20% off

Unit price
per

If you're enchanted by the artistry of cooking and the stories behind the world's most acclaimed chefs, "Ferran" is a compelling read. It's not just a biography; it captures a cultural and gastronomic shift led by Adrià's innovative spirit. It's a peek into the kitchen and mind that forever changed fine dining. You'll find that each page brings you closer to understanding the fervor that surrounds El Bulli and its celebrated chef.
The Sweet Life in Paris: Delicious Adventures in the World's Most Glorious, and Perplexing, City

$9.90

Unit price
per

61% off est. retail
If you've ever fantasized about chucking it all and moving to Paris, you'll devour David Lebovitz's "The Sweet Life in Paris." It's a confection of his adventures that are as tart and funny as they are sweet. With over fifty recipes woven into his tales, you can taste the Parisian life without leaving your kitchen. It's for armchair travelers and foodies who enjoy a side of laughter with their culinary escapades.
The Man Who Ate the World: In Search of the Perfect Dinner
Jay Rayner | Headline Home

The Man Who Ate the World: In Search of the Perfect Dinner

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.61

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

69% off est. retail
If food is your passion and travel your dream, Jay Rayner's "The Man Who Ate the World" could be your next favorite read. The book is a delightful blend of humor and gastronomic fervor as Rayner takes you on a global journey through the highs and lows of dining extravagance. His quest to find the perfect meal is not just a feast for the stomach but also a banquet for the mind, as it's peppered with fascinating insights and witty anecdotes that can make you both chuckle and salivate.
Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child
Bob Spitz | Knopf

Dearie: The Remarkable Life of Julia Child

Regular price $25.90 $17.90 31% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.88

Regular price $25.90 $17.90 31% off

Unit price
per

61% off est. retail
Julia Child isn't just a name; she's an inspiration. This book delves deep into her spirited life, from her OSS beginnings to transforming American cuisine. If you ever wondered how a towering woman with an endearing warble became synonymous with French cooking in the US, this biography is a warm, affectionate dish you'll savor.
My Life in France
Alex Prud’homme, Julia Child  | Vintage

My Life in France

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$8.90

Unit price
per

If food is your love language, then "My Life in France" could feel like an intimate conversation with Julia Child herself. You're getting a personal tour through her transformation from an ordinary American woman to an extraordinary culinary legend. It's an inspiring story of passion, perseverance, and the love of French cuisine that's bound to stir your own cooking ambitions.
At Home at Highclere: Entertaining at the Real Downton Abbey
Fiona Carnarvon | Rizzoli

At Home at Highclere: Entertaining at the Real Downton Abbey

Regular price $20.90 $10.90 48% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.15

Regular price $20.90 $10.90 48% off

Unit price
per

83% off est. retail
Imagine being graciously whisked away to a world of refined elegance and historical charm—that's "At Home at Highclere" for you. If you're enamored with the grandeur of Downton Abbey, Lady Carnarvon's personal tour through Highclere Castle's tradition of entertainment will captivate you. It's not just a peek into aristocratic socializing; it's a handbook that intertwines history, personal anecdotes, and a dash of practicality for modern-day hosts.
Chanterelle: The Story and Recipes of a Restaurant Classic

$18.90

Unit price
per

If you're passionate about French cooking and love the idea of food intertwined with personal dreams, "Chanterelle" will likely resonate with you. Imagine tasting the essence of an iconic restaurant through its recipes that have captivated diners for decades, all nestled in a beautifully illustrated book ready to inspire your next culinary adventure.
Cake Boss: Stories and Recipes from Mia Famiglia

$14.90

Unit price
per

If you're a fan of heartfelt stories and baking, "Cake Boss" by Buddy Valastro could be a delightful addition to your shelf. The memoir not only gives you a window into the passionate life of a master baker and his family’s legacy, but it could also serve as a guide to recreate the magic of Carlo's Bakery right in your own kitchen. With personal anecdotes and professional tips, this book might just be the perfect mix of inspiration and indulgence for you.
The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry
Kathleen Flinn | Penguin Publishing Group

The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry

Regular price $15.90 $11.90 25% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.69

Regular price $15.90 $11.90 25% off

Unit price
per

66% off est. retail
If your taste buds are tingling for a story that combines the zest of a culinary pilgrimage with the heartfelt journey toward self-discovery, Kathleen Flinn's "The Sharper Your Knife, the Less You Cry" could be a perfect pairing. As you flip through the pages, you'll virtually stroll through Parisian alleys, taste the fervor of Le Cordon Bleu, and perhaps find the courage to take your own leap of faith. The blend of gastronomy and personal growth in Flinn's memoir is as enchanting as it is relatable, perfect for foodies and dreamers alike.
Backstage with Julia: My Years with Julia Child - Thryft
Nancy Verde Barr | Harvest

Backstage with Julia: My Years with Julia Child

Regular price $10.90 $3.90 64% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.86

Regular price $10.90 $3.90 64% off

Unit price
per

83% off est. retail
If you're drawn to the warmth of behind-the-scenes stories with renowned figures, "Backstage with Julia" promises a tender and personal glimpse into Julia Child's world. Nancy Verde Barr offers you a seat at Julia's table, revealing the humanity and spirited passion of a chef who reshaped American cuisine. It's a heartfelt tribute, sure to inspire anyone with a love for food and the legends behind it.
How to Cook Everything: Bittman Takes on America's Chefs - Thryft
Mark Bittman | John Wiley & Sons Inc

How to Cook Everything: Bittman Takes on America's Chefs

Regular price $11.90 $3.90 67% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.19

Regular price $11.90 $3.90 67% off

Unit price
per

90% off est. retail
"How to Cook Everything" is a perfect cookbook for aspiring home chefs who want to learn restaurant-style techniques. Mark Bittman is a famous food writer whose recipes are easy to follow and delicious. In this book, he challenges some of the nation's top chefs to cook their signature dishes at home-style levels. The outcome is a collection of recipes that are gourmet yet doable, perfect for those who want to impress guests with their culinary skills or cook up a fancy dinner for themselves.
Taste: My Life Through Food
Stanley Tucci | Fig Tree

Taste: My Life Through Food

$8.88

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.19

$8.88

Unit price
per

If you revel in the interplay of food with life's moments, Stanley Tucci's "Taste" might just resonate with you. It's not just a memoir; it captures the romance of gastronomy entwined with personal history. Tucci's witty narrative takes you through a savory journey that's as much about the dishes as it is about the memories they conjure. Whether you're a foodie or a fan of heartfelt storytelling, this book is like a well-seasoned dish – rich and fulfilling.
Jamie's Kitchen - Thryft
Jamie Oliver | Gardners Books

Jamie's Kitchen

Regular price $18.90 $7.90 58% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.89

Regular price $18.90 $7.90 58% off

Unit price
per

"Jamie's Kitchen" isn't just a cookbook—it's an inspirational guide, especially for those of you looking to sharpen your culinary skills with a touch of creativity. Jamie Oliver guides you with a personal touch, diving into not only recipes but also the passion and stories behind the dishes. His simple, charming approach can turn any kitchen novice into a more confident cook.
The De' Medici Kitchen - Thryft
Lorenza De' Medici | Collins Pub San Francisco

The De' Medici Kitchen

Regular price $5.90 $3.90 34% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.82

Regular price $5.90 $3.90 34% off

Unit price
per

90% off est. retail
Contains a collection of recipes taken from the television show for first, middle, and main courses, vegetables, and desserts, and with illustrations and instructions when needed
Toast: The Story of a Boy's Hunger
Nigel Slater | Uk General Books

Toast: The Story of a Boy's Hunger

Regular price $10.90 $4.90 55% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.78

Regular price $10.90 $4.90 55% off

Unit price
per

"Toast" by Nigel Slater is for anyone who understands that food is not just sustenance, but a vessel for memories and emotion. Slater's writing style brings warmth and vulnerability to the story of his upbringing, enveloping the reader in the vivid tableau of 1960s England through his culinary lens. Your senses will sharpen as Slater's personal journey through food evokes your own reflections of family, love, and growth.
From Saint Hildegard's Kitchen : Foods of Health, Foods of Joy - Thryft
Sold out

$8.57

Unit price
per

73% off est. retail
From Saint Hildegard's Kitchen contains a collection of tasty and healthy recipes that are easy to follow. The book emphasizes the use of fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden, and the recipes are easy to adapt to a variety of dietary restrictions. The book also includes a brief biography of Hildegard and blessings from Saint Benedict. It would make a great gift for anyone interested in healthy and delicious cooking.
Under The Tuscan Sun - Thryft
Sold out
Frances Mayes | Transworld Pub

Under The Tuscan Sun

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.77

Regular price $8.90 $5.90 34% off

Unit price
per

63% off est. retail
If you're a foodie and love travel, you'll adore this charming memoir about restoring a villa in Tuscany. Mayes' descriptions of the local cuisine and Italian culture are vivid, and her recipes inspired by the seasonal ingredients she finds at the markets are delicious. This book is a feast for the senses and a great escape for armchair travelers seeking a delightful Italian adventure.

Dive Into Real-Life Stories

Biographies and memoirs offer unparalleled insights into the lives and minds of individuals who've shaped our world. Be it political icons, celebrities, or unsung heroes, Thryft brings you a rich assortment of stories that reveal extraordinary experiences and life lessons. Embark on a journey through time as you explore the personal tales that have influenced history and culture.