Biographies & Memoirs

Appealing art and descriptive text bring Lewis and Clark alive for young adventurers. Carefully chosen text from Lewis and Cark's actual journals opens a fascinating window into this country's exciting history.

No matter what else was going on in his life or where he was—travelling to make movies for G.E., in the California governor's office, at the White House, or on Air Force One, and sometimes even from across the room—Ronald Reagan wrote letters to Nancy Reagan, to express his love, thoughts, and feelings, and to stay in touch. Through letters and reflections, the characters, personalities, and private lives of a president and his first lady are revealed. Nancy Reagan comments on the letters and writes with love and insight about her husband and the many phases of their life together.

It is said that the duty of public servants is to "speak truth to power" — to give honest, sound and sometimes unpopular advice to political leaders. Underneath the narrative of the Singapore story, as personified by Lee Kuan Yew and the first-generation leaders, lie the lesser-known tales of dedicated public servants in the nation-building process. Singapore's development cannot be fully understood without considering the role of those in public service during the transition to independence from the 1950s to 60s. Featuring oral history interviews from the National Archives of Singapore with 11 pioneer public servants, Speaking Truth to Singapore's Pioneer Public Servants reveals first-hand, personal accounts of the civil service's transition from the colonial era, their relationship with the political leaders, and how Singapore's economic development was driven by sound public administration in those critical years. The annotated interviews make for an easily readable format for researchers and general audiences alike. Some of Singapore's pioneer public servants featured in the book Wee Chong Jin, The First Local Chief Justice Goh Koh Pui, Chairman of the PSA Abdul Wahab Ghows, Solicitor-General and High Court Judge Hedwig Anuar, Director of the National Library Kwa Soon Bee, Pioneer of Singapore's Healthcare System Alan Choe, HDB's First Architect-Planner, and Founder of the URA Chan Chin Bock, Chairman of the EDB J. Y. Pillay, The Man Behind Singapore Airlines Ngiam Tong Dow, The Maverick Perm Sec Tommy Koh, Singapore's Representative at the United Nations Winston Choo, The First Chief of Defence Force

The Iron Lady, the definitive Margaret Thatcher biography, is available just in time for the movie starring Meryl Streep as one of the most infamous figures in postwar politics. Whether you love her or hate her, Margaret Thatcher's impact on twentieth-century history is undeniable. From her humble, small-town upbringing to her rise to power as the United Kingdom's first female prime minister, to her dramatic fall from grace after more than three decades of service, celebrated biographer John Campbell delves into the story of this fascinating woman's life as no one has before. The result of more than nine years of meticulous research, The Iron Lady is the only balanced, unvarnished portrait of Margaret Thatcher, one of the most vital and controversial political figures of our time.

PULITZER PRIZE WINNER • Drawing on the diaries of one woman in eighteenth-century Maine, "A truly talented historian unravels the fascinating life of a community that is so foreign, and yet so similar to our own" ( The New York Times Book Review).Between 1785 and 1812 a midwife and healer named Martha Ballard kept a diary that recorded her arduous work (in 27 years she attended 816 births) as well as her domestic life in Hallowell, Maine. On the basis of that diary, Laurel Thatcher Ulrich gives us an intimate and densely imagined portrait, not only of the industrious and reticent Martha Ballard but of her society. At once lively and impeccably scholarly, A Midwife's Tale is a triumph of history on a human scale.

Heroism in battle has been celebrated throughout history, yet it is one of the least understood virtues. What makes some men and women perform extraordinary deeds on the battlefield? What makes them risk their lives in the pursuit of victory?Max Hastings, one of our foremost military historians, has seen combat up close and written about it for decades. In Warriors, he brings us the experiences of fourteen soldiers who fought in the wars of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. From an exuberant cavalry officer in Napoleon’s army to an abused orphan who in World War II became America’s youngest general since Custer, to an Israeli officer who recovered from a devastating injury to save his country, each portrait depicts a unique and remarkable story. A tribute to soldierly valor and a deeply insightful study of combat, this is an essential book for anyone who wishes to understand what it means to be at war.From the Trade Paperback edition.

This biography of Einstein not only delves into the genius mind that shaped modern physics but also uncovers the personal struggles and complexities of the man behind the theories. From his formative years in the Swiss Alps to his moral dilemmas, this book paints a vivid portrait of a remarkable individual who reshaped our understanding of the universe. A must-read for anyone seeking insight into the life and mind of an extraordinary genius.

This book is a captivating exploration of Madame Sadayakko's transformation from a revered geisha to a courageous rebel. Through her groundbreaking journey, readers will be mesmerized by her audacity to challenge societal norms and pursue her own path. From her encounters with influential figures like Picasso and Rodin to her heartbreaking decision between respectability and love, this book offers a rare glimpse into the life of a remarkable woman who defied expectations and left an indelible mark on both Western and Japanese society. Prepare to be transported to a world of beauty, art, and heartbreaking choices.

Boom! provides valuable insights into how the '60s changed American institutions from politics to social values. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the impact of the cultural upheaval that defined this pivotal era in our nation's history.

A survivor of the Cambodian genocide recounts a childhood in Cambodia, where rudimentary labor camps filled with death and illness were the norm and modern technology, such as cars and electricity, no longer existed. 15,000 first printing.

This memoir of Anchee Min's extraordinary life in China offers a deeply personal and emotional glimpse into a tumultuous time. Through her powerful storytelling, she delves into the complexities of navigating a society ruled by strict communist ideals, and the forbidden love affair she formed as a means of escape. With lyrical prose that brings to life the beauty of Chinese culture, Red Azalea is a mesmerizing exploration of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of love in the face of adversity.

Just Being Audrey could be a wonderful read for fans of Audrey Hepburn or those looking to learn more about the actress's life. Margret Cardillo does an amazing job of detailing the life of a young girl who goes on to be an icon in fashion and movies. The book's unique tales of Audrey's kindness, spirit, and grace will inspire readers of all ages.