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.

512 Results

512 Results

No results

No results

Khushwant Singh

UNFORGETTABLE KHUSHWANT SINGH : His Finest Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry and Humour

from $13.89

Unit price
per

This book is an ideal choice for those who love reading exceptional works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and humor. Khushwant Singh's remarkable writing skills are showcased in each of the 99 stories, essays, extracts, poems and articles- one for each year of his life. The book is attractively divided into 15 sections- each concentrated on a genre that Singh excelled in, from family matters to natural history and literature. It is a must-read for those who appreciate a diverse range of well-written stories, articles, and poems from an accomplished writer.

from $13.89

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Photos, Stephen E. Ambrose

Undaunted Courage : Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West

from $10.00

Unit price
per

Undaunted Courage is a must-read for history buffs who enjoy thrilling explorations. Ambrose brings to life the personalities and adventures of Lewis, Clark, and their crew. The book details their struggles with the weather, terrain, and illnesses of the region in a way that makes the reader feel as if they are right there with them. Ambrose provides a rich and complete picture of the expedition, introducing readers to the various characters involved, while exploring the politics and diplomacy that influenced this great adventure in American history. Overall, Undaunted Courage is engaging, informative, and satisfying.

from $10.00

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Adeline Yen Mah

Chinese Cinderella : The Secret Story of an Unwanted Daughter

from $3.88

Unit price
per

Jung-ling's family considers her bad luck because her mother died giving birth to her. They discriminate against her and make her feel unwanted yet she yearns and continuously strives for her parents' love. Her stepmother is vindictive and cruel and her father dismissive. Jung-ling grows up to be an academic child, with a natural ability for writing. Only her aunt and grandfather offer her any love and kindness. The story is of survival in the light of the mental and physical cruelty of her stepmother and the disloyalty of her siblings. Jung-ling blossoms in spite of everything and the story ends as her father agrees to let her study in England.

from $3.88

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Li Cunxin

Mao's Last Dancer

from $6.67

Unit price
per

If you're in for an inspiring true story with layers of cultural richness and personal growth, "Mao's Last Dancer" could be a heartwarming addition to your shelf. Li Cunxin’s transformation from a poor peasant boy to an international ballet sensation is not only a gripping adventure through adversity but a testament to the human spirit. This story, with its vivid backdrop and emotional depth, promises to touch readers who appreciate tales of perseverance and the arts.

from $6.67

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Marion Crawford

The Little Princesses : The extraordinary story of the Queen's childhood by her Nanny

from $6.91

Unit price
per

This book offers a personal insight into the childhoods of the Queen and Princess Margaret. Marion Crawford was their governess, and the story reveals her relationship with the royal family. The book offers a fresh take on royal life, and shows how the princesses were brought up with both regal and everyday experiences, making it a must-read for those interested in the British monarchy and its history.

from $6.91

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Thomas Keneally

Schindler's List

from $7.18

Unit price
per

In the shadow of Auschwitz, a flamboyant German industrialist grew into a living legend to the Jews of Cracow. He was a womaniser, a heavy drinker and a bon viveur, but to them he became a saviour. This is the extraordinary story of Oskar Schindler, who risked his life to protect Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland and who was transformed by the war into a man with a mission, a compassionate angel of mercy.

from $7.18

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Laura Hillenbrand

Unbroken : A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

Regular price $16.32 from $11.42 Save up to 30%

Unit price
per

This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the true story of human resilience. Hillenbrand’s meticulous and dramatic retelling of Zamperini’s tale will keep readers gripped from start to finish. The book’s unflinching portrayal of a man’s triumph over inhuman treatment will inspire readers for years to come.

Regular price $16.32 from $11.42 Save up to 30%

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Barbara Demick

Nothing to Envy : Ordinary Lives in North Korea

from $8.00

Unit price
per

An eye-opening account of life inside North Korea--a closed world of increasing global importance--hailed as a "tour de force of meticulous reporting" (The New York Review of Books)NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST - NATIONAL BOOK CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD FINALIST In this landmark addition to the literature of totalitarianism, award-winning journalist Barbara Demick follows the lives of six North Korean citizens over fifteen years--a chaotic period that saw the death of Kim Il-sung, the rise to power of his son Kim Jong-il (the father of Kim Jong-un), and a devastating famine that killed one-fifth of the population.Demick brings to life what it means to be living under the most repressive regime today--an Orwellian world that is by choice not connected to the Internet, where displays of affection are punished, informants are rewarded, and an offhand remark can send a person to the gulag for life. She takes us deep inside the country, beyond the reach of government censors, and through meticulous and sensitive reporting we see her subjects fall in love, raise families, nurture ambitions, and struggle for survival. One by one, we witness their profound, life-altering disillusionment with the government and their realization that, rather than providing them with lives of abundance, their country has betrayed them.Praise for Nothing to Envy"Provocative . . . offers extensive evidence of the author's deep knowledge of this country while keeping its sights firmly on individual stories and human details."--The New York Times"Deeply moving . . . The personal stories are related with novelistic detail."--The Wall Street Journal"A tour de force of meticulous reporting."--The New York Review of Books"Excellent . . . humanizes a downtrodden, long-suffering people whose individual lives, hopes and dreams are so little known abroad."--San Francisco Chronicle"The narrow boundaries of our knowledge have expanded radically with the publication of Nothing to Envy. . . . Elegantly structured and written, [it] is a groundbreaking work of literary nonfiction."--John Delury, Slate"At times a page-turner, at others an intimate study in totalitarian psychology."--The Philadelphia Inquirer

from $8.00

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Frank McCourt

Tis - A Memoir

from $8.41

Unit price
per

A #1 New York Times bestseller and the eagerly anticipated sequel to the Pulitzer Prize–winning Angela’s Ashes , this masterpiece from Frank McCourt tells of his American journey from impoverished immigrant to brilliant teacher and raconteur.Frank McCourt’s glorious childhood memoir, Angela’s Ashes, has been loved and celebrated by readers everywhere for its spirit, its wit and its profound humanity. A tale of redemption, in which storytelling itself is the source of salvation, it won the National Book Critics Circle Award, the Los Angeles Times Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize. Rarely has a book so swiftly found its place on the literary landscape.And now we have ’Tis, the story of Frank’s American journey from impoverished immigrant to brilliant teacher and raconteur. Frank lands in New York at age nineteen, in the company of a priest he meets on the boat. He gets a job at the Biltmore Hotel, where he immediately encounters the vivid hierarchies of this “classless country,” and then is drafted into the army and is sent to Germany to train dogs and type reports. It is Frank’s incomparable voice—his uncanny humor and his astonishing ear for dialogue—that renders these experiences spellbinding.When Frank returns to America in 1953, he works on the docks, always resisting what everyone tells him, that men and women who have dreamed and toiled for years to get to America should “stick to their own kind” once they arrive. Somehow, Frank knows that he should be getting an education, and though he left school at fourteen, he talks his way into New York University. There, he falls in love with the quintessential Yankee, long-legged and blonde, and tries to live his dream. But it is not until he starts to teach—and to write—that Frank finds his place in the world. The same vulnerable but invincible spirit that captured the hearts of readers in Angela’s Ashes comes of age.As Malcolm Jones said in his Newsweek review of Angela’s Ashes, “It is only the best storyteller who can so beguile his readers that he leaves them wanting more when he is done...and McCourt proves himself one of the very best.” Frank McCourt's ’Tis is one of the most eagerly awaited books of our time, and it is a masterpiece.

from $8.41

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Jang Jin-sung

Dear Leader : North Korea's senior propagandist exposes shocking truths behind the regime

from $8.74

Unit price
per

SUNDAY TIMES TOP 10 BESTSELLERDear Leader contains astonishing new insights about North Korea which could only be revealed by someone working high up in the regime. It is also the gripping story of how a member of the inner circle of this enigmatic country became its most courageous, outspoken critic.Jang Jin-sung held one of the most senior ranks in North Korea's propaganda machine, helping tighten the regime's grip over its people. Among his tasks were developing the founding myth of North Korea, posing undercover as a South Korean intellectual and writing epic poems in support of the dictator, Kim Jong-il.Young and ambitious, his patriotic work secured him a bizarre audience with Kim Jong-il himself, thus granting him special status as one of the 'Admitted'. This meant special food provisions, a travel pass and immunity from prosecution and harm. He was privy to state secrets, including military and diplomatic policies, how the devastating 'Scrutiny' was effected, and the real position of one of the country's most powerful, elusive men, Im Tong-ok. Because he was praised by the Dear Leader himself, he had every reason to feel satisfied with his lot and safe.Yet he could not ignore his conscience, or the disparity between his life and that of those he saw starving on the street. After breaking security rules, Jang Jin-sung, together with a close friend, was forced to flee for his life: away from lies and deceit, towards truth and freedom.

from $8.74

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Laura Hillenbrand

Unbroken : A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

Regular price $8.38 from $5.87 Save up to 30%

Unit price
per

Unbroken is a remarkable biography that tells the extraordinary story of Louis Zamperini's survival, resilience, and redemption during World War II. It is a powerful, moving, and inspiring testament to human endurance that will leave readers in awe and admiration of Zamperini's tenacity and strength. This book is perfect for anyone looking to read an amazing true story of a man who refused to be broken, even in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Regular price $8.38 from $5.87 Save up to 30%

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Bill Bryson

Shakespeare

from $3.88

Unit price
per

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the life of one of history's greatest playwrights. Bill Bryson takes readers on a captivating journey through the streets of Shakespeare's time, unraveling the myths and shedding light on the man behind the famous plays. With Bryson's signature wit and attention to detail, this biography brings Shakespeare's genius and the vibrant world of Elizabethan England to life. Prepare to be enthralled by the fascinating tales of fall-outs, folios, and the enduring legacy of Shakespeare's language.

from $3.88

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Bill Bryson

One Summer : America 1927

from $3.88

Unit price
per

"One Summer: America 1927" is a must-read for history buffs who want an entertaining and informative book that captures the essence of a pivotal year in American history. Bryson's witty and engaging prose brings to life the larger-than-life figures of the era, from Charles Lindbergh to Al Capone, while weaving together seemingly disparate events like Babe Ruth's resurgence and the start of the Great Depression. Readers will come away with a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped America in the 20th century and an appreciation for Bryson's skill in making history come alive.

from $3.88

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Suketu Mehta

This Land Is Our Land : An Immigrant's Manifesto

from $10.28

Unit price
per

Few subjects prompt more discussion and controversy than immigration. But do we really understand it? In This Land Is Their Land, the renowned author Suketu Mehta explains why the West is being destroyed not by immigrants but by the fear of immigrants.Drawing on his family’s own experience emigrating from India to Britain and America, and years of reporting around the world, Mehta subjects the worldwide anti-immigrant backlash to withering scrutiny. He juxtaposes the phony narratives of populist ideologues with the ordinary heroism of labourers, nannies and others, from Dubai to New York, and explains why more people are on the move today than ever before. As civil strife and climate change reshape large parts of the planet, it is little surprise that borders have become so porous.Mehta also stresses the destructive legacies of colonialism and global inequality on large swathes of the world. When today’s immigrants are asked, ‘Why are you here?’, they can justly respond, ‘We are here because you were there.’ And now that they are here, as Mehta demonstrates, immigrants bring great benefits, enabling countries and communities to flourish.Impassioned, rigorous, and richly stocked with memorable stories and characters, This Land Is Their Land is a timely and necessary intervention, and literary polemic of the highest order.

from $10.28

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Richard Holmes

The Age of Wonder : How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science

from $9.13

Unit price
per

The Age of Wonder by Richard Holmes is a captivating biography that follows the remarkable voyages of some of history's most celebrated thinkers in their pursuits of artistic and scientific discovery. The book is perfect for readers interested in the history of scientific innovation, and who would enjoy an engaging and dynamic read that brings to life the beauty, and terror, of scientific experimentation.

from $9.13

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Andrew Roberts

Churchill : Walking with Destiny

from $11.61

Unit price
per

If you're seeking inspiration from a legendary leader, Churchill: Walking with Destiny is the perfect pick. Andrew Roberts takes you on an immersive journey through Churchill's life, from his humble beginnings to his pivotal role in World War II. The book offers unprecedented access to new material, including transcripts of War Cabinet meetings and the secret diary notes of King George VI. Through Roberts' brilliant storytelling, you'll discover the hidden forces that fueled Churchill's indomitable spirit, leaving you in awe of his courage, tenacity, and unwavering moral conviction. Prepare to be inspired and gain valuable insights into leadership challenges that are relevant even today.

from $11.61

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Jonathan Allen, Amie Parnes

HRC : State Secrets and the Rebirth of Hillary Clinton

from $8.15

Unit price
per

HRC is an enthralling political biography that captures Hillary Clinton's unwavering determination, impeccable political acumen, and remarkable rise from a political defeat to her resurgence as a powerful stateswoman and front-runner for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination. The book provides an insider's view of the ruthless Clinton political machine, her challenges and triumphs in negotiating both political and diplomatic worlds, and her instrumental role in transforming the State Department. This book is a must-read for those interested in understanding the nuances of American politics and the political heavyweight that is Hillary Clinton.

from $8.15

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Adeline Yen Mah

Chinese Cinderella : The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter

from $6.56

Unit price
per

An alternative cover edition for this ISBN can be found here.A riveting memoir of a girl's painful coming-of-age in a wealthy Chinese family during the 1940s.A Chinese proverb says, "Falling leaves return to their roots." In Chinese Cinderella, Adeline Yen Mah returns to her roots to tell the story of her painful childhood and her ultimate triumph and courage in the face of despair. Adeline's affluent, powerful family considers her bad luck after her mother dies giving birth to her. Life does not get any easier when her father remarries. She and her siblings are subjected to the disdain of her stepmother, while her stepbrother and stepsister are spoiled. Although Adeline wins prizes at school, they are not enough to compensate for what she really yearns for -- the love and understanding of her family.Following the success of the critically acclaimed adult bestseller Falling Leaves, this memoir is a moving telling of the classic Cinderella story, with Adeline Yen Mah providing her own courageous voice. Includes 6-page photo insert.From the Paperback edition.

from $6.56

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Margaret MacMillan

Women Of The Raj

from $5.07

Unit price
per

This book is a poignant reminder of the challenges and struggles faced by British women during the time of the Raj. It delves into the nuanced experiences of these women, from mundane tasks to extraordinary events, and how these have helped shaped the modern India we know today. If you are interested in history, colonialism, or just looking to broaden your knowledge, this book is definitely worth a read.

from $5.07

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Jung Chang

Wild Swans : Three Daughters of China

from $11.73

Unit price
per

"Wild Swans could be a great read for history enthusiasts who want to learn about China's transformative 20th century. Jung Chang uses the stories of three women in her family to weave together a gripping tale of war, revolution, and survival. The intricate descriptions of the Chinese society and culture make this an unforgettable masterpiece that's both engrossing and informative."

from $11.73

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Joseph J. Ellis

Founding Brothers : The Revolutionary Generation

from $7.98

Unit price
per

Founding Brothers is a must-read for history buffs who want to delve into the personal and political relationships between the Founding Fathers. The book explores the fascinating dynamics and conflicts between iconic figures like Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson, and Madison, through six intriguing episodes, including Hamilton's duel and Adams' political partnership with his wife. Ellis masterfully reimagines the historical events and highlights the complex ideals and personalities that shaped the early years of American democracy.

from $7.98

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Sonny Liew

The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye [Special Edition]

from $8.26

Unit price
per

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the art of comics and wants to explore the history of a talented and influential artist. Through beautiful illustrations and paintings, it provides a detailed insight into the life and work of Chan Hock Chye, capturing the changing political and economic environment of Singapore. Sonny Liew's dedication to honoring the artist shines through, making this biography a captivating and heartfelt tribute.

from $8.26

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Rebecca Skloot

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

from $8.37

Unit price
per

Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, yet her cells, taken without her knowledge, became one of the most important tools in medicine. The first “immortal” human cells grown in culture, they are still alive today, though she has been dead for more than sixty years. If you could pile all HeLa cells ever grown onto a scale, they’d weigh more than 50 million metric tons, as much as a hundred Empire State Buildings. HeLa cells were vital for developing the polio vaccine; uncovered secrets of cancer, viruses, and the atom bomb’s effects; helped lead to important advances like in vitro fertilization, cloning, and gene mapping; and have been bought and sold by the billions.Yet Henrietta Lacks remains virtually unknown, buried in an unmarked grave.Now Rebecca Skloot takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the “colored” ward of Johns Hopkins Hospital in the 1950s to stark white laboratories with freezers full of HeLa cells; from Henrietta’s small, dying hometown of Clover, Virginia — a land of wooden slave quarters, faith healings, and voodoo, to East Baltimore today, where her children and grandchildren live and struggle with the legacy of her cells.Henrietta’s family did not learn of her “immortality” until more than twenty years after her death, when scientists investigating HeLa began using her husband and children in research without informed consent. And though the cells had launched a multimillion-dollar industry that sells human biological materials, her family never saw any of the profits. As Rebecca Skloot so brilliantly shows, the story of the Lacks family, past and present, is inextricably connected to the dark history of experimentation on African Americans, the birth of bioethics, and the legal battles over whether we control the stuff we are made of.Over the decade it took to uncover this story, Rebecca became enmeshed in the lives of the Lacks family—especially Henrietta’s daughter Deborah, who was devastated to learn about her mother’s cells. She was consumed with questions: Had scientists cloned her mother? Did it hurt her when researchers infected her cells with viruses and shot them into space? What happened to her sister, Elsie, who died in a mental institution at the age of fifteen? And if her mother was so important to medicine, why couldn’t her children afford health insurance?Intimate in feeling, astonishing in scope, and impossible to put down, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks captures the beauty and drama of scientific discovery, as well as its human consequences.

from $8.37

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Suetonius

Caligula

from $3.88

Unit price
per

Recommended for history enthusiasts who enjoy dark themes. This book offers a disturbing insight into the twisted mind of Emperor Caligula, known for his brutal, incestuous and insane reign over Rome. The author, Suetonius, provides a detailed account of Caligula's life and actions, which can be both fascinating and disturbing. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Roman history, especially those who want to explore the darker side of the empire.

from $3.88

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Patrick Curry, Oscar Zárate

Introducing Machiavelli : A Graphic Guide

from $6.23

Unit price
per

Nicolò Machiavelli's The Prince remains controversial in its electrifying frankness as a practical guide to power. Is it a how-to manual for dictators, or a subtle analysis of successful government? Introducing Machiavelli traces the colorful life of this paradoxical realist whose clear-sighted patriotism made him the first truly modern political scientist.

from $6.23

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Li Cunxin

Mao's Last Dancer

from $5.61

Unit price
per

Raised in a desperately poor village during the height of China's Cultural Revolution, Li Cunxin's childhood revolved around the commune, his family and Chairman Mao's Little Red Book. Until, that is, Madame Mao's cultural delegates came in search of young peasants to study ballet at the academy in Beijing and he was thrust into a completely unfamiliar world. When a trip to Texas as part of a rare cultural exchange opened his eyes to life and love beyond China's borders, he defected to the United States in an extraordinary and dramatic tale of Cold War intrigue. Told in his own distinctive voice, this is Li's inspirational story of how he came to be Mao's last dancer, and one of the world's greatest ballet dancers.

from $5.61

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Frank McCourt

Angela's Ashes

from $7.51

Unit price
per

Angela's Ashes is a poignant memoir that highlights the resilience of human spirit amidst poverty, despair and hardships. Frank McCourt chronicles his family's struggles in Limerick, painting vivid descriptions of the trials and tribulations they face. His witty, humorous writing style is heartwarming and adds a unique flair to his storytelling. The book is highly recommended for those who enjoy autobiographical accounts, especially ones that showcase the power of perseverance in the face of adversity.

from $7.51

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Loung Ung

First They Killed My Father : A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers

from $9.81

Unit price
per

From a childhood survivor of Cambodia's brutal Pol Pot regime comes anunforgettable narrative of war crimes and desperate actions, the unnervingstrength of a small girl and her family, and their triumph of spirit. Until the age of five, Lounge Ung lived in Phnom Penh, one of seven childrenof a high-ranking government official. She was a precocious child who lovedthe open city markets, fried crickets, chicken fights, and sassing herparents. While her beautiful mother worried that Loung was atroublemaker--that she stomped around like a thirsty cow--her beloved fatherknew Lounge was a clever girl. When Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge army stormed into Phnom Penh in April 1975, Ung's family fled their home and moved from village to village to hide theiridentity, their education, their former life of privilege. Eventually, thefamily dispersed in order to survive. Because Lounge was resilient and determined, she was trained as a childsoldier in a work camp for orphans, while other siblings were sent to laborcamps. As the Vietnamese penetrated Cambodia, destroying the Khmer Rouge,Loung and her surviving siblings were slowly reunited.Bolstered by the shocking bravery of one brother, the vision of theothers--and sustained be her sister's gentle kindness amid brutality--Loungforged on to create for herself a courageous new life.

from $9.81

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Blaine Harden

Escape from Camp 14 : One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West

from $7.59

Unit price
per

"Escape from Camp 14" is a vivid account of the life inside North Korea's political prison. The book portrays the story of Shin Dong-hyuk, the only person born inside one of these camps to have escaped. It highlights the inhumane conditions of the political prison camps and the brutalities people had to deal with on a daily basis. It is a must-read for those interested in human rights and political issues.

from $7.59

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Volker Weidermann, Carol Janeway

Ostend : Stefan Zweig, Joseph Roth, and the Summer Before the Dark

from $8.02

Unit price
per

It’s the summer of 1936, and the writer Stefan Zweig is in crisis. His German publisher no longer wants him, his marriage is collapsing, and his house in Austria—searched by the police two years earlier—no longer feels like home. He’s been dreaming of Ostend, the Belgian beach town that is a paradise of promenades, parasols, and old friends. So he journeys there with his lover, Lotte Altmann, and reunites with fellow writer and semi-estranged close friend Joseph Roth, who is himself about to fall in love. For a moment, they create a fragile haven. But as Europe begins to crumble around them, the writers find themselves trapped on vacation, in exile, watching the world burn. In Ostend, Volker Weidermann lyrically recounts “the summer before the dark,” when a coterie of artists, intellectuals, drunks, revolutionaries, and madmen found themselves in limbo while Europe teetered on the edge of fascism and total war. Ostend is the true story of two of the twentieth century’s great writers, written with a novelist’s eye for pacing, chronology, and language—a dazzling work of historical nonfiction. (Translated from the German by Carol Brown Janeway)

from $8.02

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Jon Meacham

American Lion : Andrew Jackson in the White House

from $3.88

Unit price
per

The definitive biography of a larger-than-life president who defied norms, divided a nation, and changed Washington foreverAndrew Jackson, his intimate circle of friends, and his tumultuous times are at the heart of this remarkable book about the man who rose from nothing to create the modern presidency. Beloved and hated, venerated and reviled, Andrew Jackson was an orphan who fought his way to the pinnacle of power, bending the nation to his will in the cause of democracy. Jackson's election in 1828 ushered in a new and lasting era in which the people, not distant elites, were the guiding force in American politics. Democracy made its stand in the Jackson years, and he gave voice to the hopes and the fears of a restless, changing nation facing challenging times at home and threats abroad. To tell the saga of Jackson's presidency, acclaimed author Jon Meacham goes inside the Jackson White House. Drawing on newly discovered family letters and papers, he details the human drama-the family, the women, and the inner circle of advisers- that shaped Jackson's private world through years of storm and victory.One of our most significant yet dimly recalled presidents, Jackson was a battle-hardened warrior, the founder of the Democratic Party, and the architect of the presidency as we know it. His story is one of violence, sex, courage, and tragedy. With his powerful persona, his evident bravery, and his mystical connection to the people, Jackson moved the White House from the periphery of government to the center of national action, articulating a vision of change that challenged entrenched interests to heed the popular will- or face his formidable wrath. The greatest of the presidents who have followed Jackson in the White House-from Lincoln to Theodore Roosevelt to FDR to Truman-have found inspiration in his example, and virtue in his vision.Jackson was the most contradictory of men. The architect of the removal of Indians from their native lands, he was warmly sentimental and risked everything to give more power to ordinary citizens. He was, in short, a lot like his country: alternately kind and vicious, brilliant and blind; and a man who fought a lifelong war to keep the republic safe-no matter what it took.

from $3.88

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Blaine Harden

Escape from Camp 14 : One man's remarkable odyssey from North Korea to freedom in the West

from $9.03

Unit price
per

Recommendation: - If you're in search of a memoir that will leave you captivated from beginning to end, "Escape from Camp 14" is the perfect choice. With vivid descriptions and a harrowing narrative, this book takes you on an extraordinary journey from the depths of a North Korean labor camp to the taste of freedom in the West. Prepare to be moved and enlightened by Shin Dong-hyuk's incredible story of survival and resilience.

from $9.03

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Frank McCourt

Angela's Ashes

from $3.97

Unit price
per

"Angela's Ashes" is a heart-wrenching memoir that showcases the resilience of a family in poverty. Frank McCourt narrates his childhood and tells the story of his mother Angela, who fights every day to provide for her children, and his alcoholic father Malachy who adds to their troubles. Despite its harsh realities, the book is written with McCourt's characteristic sense of humor, making readers laugh and cry. This book is a perfect read for those interested in stories of human struggle, family dynamics, and Irish culture.

from $3.97

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Sydney Padua

The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage : The (Mostly) True Story of the First Computer

from $8.85

Unit price
per

In The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage Sydney Padua transforms one of the most compelling scientific collaborations into a hilarious set of adventuresMeet two of Victorian London's greatest geniuses... Ada Lovelace, daughter of Lord Byron: mathematician, gambler, and proto-programmer, whose writings contained the first ever appearance of general computing theory, a hundred years before an actual computer was built. And Charles Babbage, eccentric inventor of the Difference Engine, an enormous clockwork calculating machine that would have been the first computer, if he had ever finished it.But what if things had been different? The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage presents a delightful alternate reality in which Lovelace and Babbage do build the Difference Engine and use it to create runaway economic models, battle the scourge of spelling errors, explore the wider realms of mathematics and, of course, fight crime - for the sake of both London and science. Extremely funny and utterly unusual, The Thrilling Adventures of Lovelace and Babbage comes complete with historical curiosities, extensive footnotes and never-before-seen diagrams of Babbage's mechanical, steam-powered computer. And ray guns.

from $8.85

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Catherine Belton

Putin's People : How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took on the West

from $3.88

Unit price
per

A chilling and revelatory expose of the KGB’s renaissance, Putin’s rise to power, and how Russian black cash is subverting the world.In Putin’s People, former Moscow correspondent and investigative journalist Catherine Belton reveals the untold story of how Vladimir Putin and his entourage of KGB men seized power in Russia and built a new league of oligarchs.Through exclusive interviews with key inside players, Belton tells how Putin’s people conducted their relentless seizure of private companies, took over the economy, siphoned billions, blurred the lines between organised crime and political powers, shut down opponents, and then used their riches and power to extend influence in the West.In a story that ranges from Moscow to London, Switzerland and Trump’s America, Putin’s People is a gripping and terrifying account of how hopes for the new Russia went astray, with stark consequences for its inhabitants and, increasingly, the world.

from $3.88

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Walter Isaacson

Benjamin Franklin : An American Life

from $3.88

Unit price
per

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life could be a great read for history buffs who are interested in US political history and the life of one of America's founding fathers. Walter Isaacson portrays Franklin in an intriguing manner that showcases his practical and determined personality, bringing his legacy to life. Readers will gain insights into Franklin's long-lasting impact on America's identity and his instrumental role in the Revolutionary War.

from $3.88

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Mineko Iwasaki, Rande Brown

Geisha of Gion

from $6.04

Unit price
per

GEISHA, A LIFE ""No woman in the three-hundred-year history of the karyukai has ever come forward in public to tell her story. We have been constrained by unwritten rules not to do so, by the robes of tradition and by the sanctity of our exclusive calling...But I feel it is time to speak out.""Celebrated as the most successful geisha of her generation, Mineko Iwasaki was only five years old when she left her parents' home for the world of the geisha. For the next twenty-five years, she would live a life filled with extraordinary professional demands and rich rewards. She would learn the formal customs and language of the geisha, and study the ancient arts of Japanese dance and music. She would enchant kings and princes, captains of industry, and titans of the entertainment world, some of whom would become her dearest friends. Through great pride and determination, she would be hailed as one of the most prized geishas in Japan's history, and one of the last great practitioners of this now fading art form.In "Geisha, a Life," Mineko Iwasaki tells her story, from her warm early childhood, to her intense yet privileged upbringing in the Iwasaki okiya (household), to her years as a renowned geisha, and finally, to her decision at the age of twenty-nine to retire and marry, a move that would mirror the demise of geisha culture. Mineko brings to life the beauty and wonder of Gion Kobu, a place that "existed in a world apart, a special realm whose mission and identity depended on preserving the time-honored traditions of the past." She illustrates how it coexisted within post-World War II Japan at a time when the country was undergoing its radical transformation from apost-feudal society to a modern one."There is much mystery and misunderstanding about what it means to be a geisha. I hope this story will help explain what it is really like and also serve as a record of this unique component of Japan's cultural history," writes Mineko Iwasaki. "Geisha, a Life" is the first of its kind, as it delicately unfolds the fabric of a geisha's development. Told with great wisdom and sensitivity, it is a true story of beauty and heroism, and of a time and culture rarely revealed to the Western world.

from $6.04

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Frank McCourt

Angela's Ashes

from $3.88

Unit price
per

Recommended for those who enjoy heartfelt memoirs and stories of perseverance. McCourt's writing style is marked with humor and compassion despite the difficult circumstances he endured.

from $3.88

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Frank McCourt

Angela's Ashes

Regular price $5.69 from $3.98 Save up to 30%

Unit price
per

"Angela's Ashes" is a poignant memoir of Frank McCourt's childhood in extreme poverty in New York and Ireland. The book showcases the strength of the human spirit and the ability to survive even the toughest of circumstances. McCourt narrates the story with a unique blend of humor and compassion, making it a heartwarming read that will leave you feeling inspired and grateful for life's blessings. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to appreciate the human experience from a different perspective.

Regular price $5.69 from $3.98 Save up to 30%

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Elizabeth Sherrill, John Sherrill, Corrie ten Boom

The Hiding Place : The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom

from $4.69

Unit price
per

At one time Corrie ten Boom would have laughed at the idea that there would ever be a story to tell. For the first fifty years of her life nothing at all out of the ordinary had ever happened to her. She was an old-maid watchmaker living contentedly with her spinster sister and their elderly father in the tiny Dutch house over their shop. Their uneventful days, as regulated as their own watches, revolved around their abiding love for one another. However, with the Nazi invasion and occupation of Holland, a story did ensue. Corrie ten Boom and her family became leaders in the Dutch Underground, hiding Jewish people in their home in a specially built room and aiding their escape from the Nazis. For their help, all but Corrie found death in a concentration camp. The Hiding Place is their story.

from $4.69

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Edmund de Waal

The Hare with Amber Eyes : A Hidden Inheritance

Regular price $8.02 from $5.61 Save up to 30%

Unit price
per

"The Hare with Amber Eyes" would be a good read for those interested in historical memoirs that are unique and personal. The book's most distinguishing feature is its use of miniature sculptures to tell the story of a family over the course of a tumultuous century. Users may appreciate its elegantly written prose and the author's ability to trace his family's history against the backdrop of major historical events.

Regular price $8.02 from $5.61 Save up to 30%

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Amy Stanley

Stranger in the Shogun's City: A Japanese Woman and Her World

from $6.34

Unit price
per

This book would be a good read for anyone seeking a captivating story of an extraordinary woman who challenges societal norms in 19th-century Japan. Through the life of Tsuneno, readers are transported to a vibrant and bustling Edo, on the cusp of a transformative encounter with the West. With meticulous detail and exquisite sympathy, the author paints a vivid picture of a woman who dares to forge her own path, sacrificing her family and reputation in the process. "Stranger in the Shogun's City" offers a rare insight into Japanese culture and a compelling exploration of individuality and resilience.

from $6.34

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Erik Larson

The Devil In The White City

Regular price $8.43 from $5.90 Save up to 30%

Unit price
per

The Devil in the White City is a gripping non-fiction that details the true story of two men, one an architect and the other, a serial killer, during the World Fair held in Chicago in 1893. It is an enthralling account of how they each realized their goals: the architect, Daniel Burnham, designed an ambitious and dazzling White City while the killer, H.H. Holmes, preyed on innocent victims. The book captures both the charisma and darkness of the characters involved, and offers an insightful look into a defining moment in American history.

Regular price $8.43 from $5.90 Save up to 30%

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Loung Ung

First They Killed My Father : A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers

from $8.14

Unit price
per

This book would be a good read for those who appreciate powerful true stories of resilience and courage. Loung Ung's firsthand account of surviving the Khmer Rouge and the killing fields in Cambodia will leave you captivated and moved. Through the eyes of a young girl, you will witness the atrocities of war and the unbreakable spirit of the human soul. A must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of history.

from $8.14

Unit price
per

Out of stock

François Mauriac, Marion Wiesel, Elie Wiesel

Night

from $6.81

Unit price
per

Night offers a deeply emotional and poignant account of Elie Wiesel's survival as a teenager in the Nazi death camps. It is a must-read book for everyone, especially those interested in history and the Holocaust. This book is an eye-opener, giving readers a detailed insight of the horrific experiences that people underwent in the concentration camps. The book's most unique feature is its depiction of emotional trauma and the human spirit's resilience.

from $6.81

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures : The Untold Story of the African American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race

from $5.45

Unit price
per

#1 New York Times BestsellerNOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTUREOscar Nominated For Best Picture and Best Adapted ScreenplaySet amid the civil rights movement, the never-before-told true story of NASA’s African-American female mathematicians who played a crucial role in America’s space program.Before Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, a group of professionals worked as ‘Human Computers’, calculating the flight paths that would enable these historic achievements. Among these were a coterie of bright, talented African-American women. Segregated from their white counterparts, these ‘colored computers’ used pencil and paper to write the equations that would launch rockets, and astronauts, into space.Moving from World War II through NASA’s golden age, touching on the civil rights era, the Space Race, the Cold War, and the women’s rights movement, Hidden Figures interweaves a rich history of mankind’s greatest adventure with the intimate stories of five courageous women whose work forever changed the world.

from $5.45

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Art Spiegelman

The Complete MAUS

from $3.88

Unit price
per

On the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of its first publication, here is the definitive edition of the book acclaimed as “the most affecting and successful narrative ever done about the Holocaust” (Wall Street Journal) and “the first masterpiece in comic book history” (The New Yorker).The Pulitzer Prize-winning Maus tells the story of Vladek Spiegelman, a Jewish survivor of Hitler’s Europe, and his son, a cartoonist coming to terms with his father’s story. Maus approaches the unspeakable through the diminutive. Its form, the cartoon (the Nazis are cats, the Jews mice), shocks us out of any lingering sense of familiarity and succeeds in “drawing us closer to the bleak heart of the Holocaust” (The New York Times).Maus is a haunting tale within a tale. Vladek’s harrowing story of survival is woven into the author’s account of his tortured relationship with his aging father. Against the backdrop of guilt brought by survival, they stage a normal life of small arguments and unhappy visits. This astonishing retelling of our century’s grisliest news is a story of survival, not only of Vladek but of the children who survive even the survivors. Maus studies the bloody pawprints of history and tracks its meaning for all of us.

from $3.88

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Jung Chang

Wild Swans

from $4.63

Unit price
per

The story of three generations in twentieth-century China that blends the intimacy of memoir, and the panoramic sweep of eyewitness history.An engrossing record of Mao’s impact on China, an unusual window on the female experience in the modern world, and an inspiring tale of courage and love. Jung Chang describes the extraordinary lives and experiences of her family members: her grandmother, a warlord’s concubine; her mother’s struggles as a young idealistic Communist; and her parents’ experience as members of the Communist elite and their ordeal during the Cultural Revolution.Jung was a Red Guard briefly at the age of fourteen, then worked as a peasant, a 'barefoot doctor', a steelworker, and an electrician. As the story of each generation unfolds, Chang captures in gripping, moving, and uplifting detail the cycles of violent drama visited on her own family, and millions of others caught in the whirlwind of history.

from $4.63

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Ursula Doyle

Love Letters of Great Men

from $9.96

Unit price
per

Love Letters of Great Men is a perfect read for hopeless romantics who want to experience the timeless beauty and power of love. It offers a unique insight into the greatest minds and their heart's deepest desires. Through their letters, readers will be transported to a different time and place, and will be given a glimpse of how love can inspire and move even the greatest of men. This book is a treasure trove of romance and passion, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages.

from $9.96

Unit price
per

Out of stock

Rob Broomby, Martin Gllbert, Denis Avey

The Man Who Broke into Auschwitz : The Extraordinary True Story

from $8.32

Unit price
per

The Man Who Broke into Auschwitz is the extraordinary true story of a British soldier who marched willingly into the concentration camp, Buna-Monowitz, known as Auschwitz III. In the summer of 1944, Denis Avey was being held in a British POW labour camp, E715, near Auschwitz III. He had heard of the brutality meted out to the prisoners there and he was determined to witness what he could. He hatched a plan to swap places with a Jewish inmate and smuggled himself into his sector of the camp. He spent the night there on two occasions and experienced at first-hand the cruelty of a place where slave workers, had been sentenced to death through labor. Astonishingly, he survived to witness the aftermath of the Death March where thousands of prisoners were murdered by the Nazis as the Soviet Army advanced.After his own long trek right across central Europe he was repatriated to Britain. For decades he couldn't bring himself to revisit the past that haunted his dreams, but now Denis Avey feels able to tell the full story--a tale as gripping as it is moving--which offers us a unique insight into the mind of an ordinary man whose moral and physical courage are almost beyond belief.

from $8.32

Unit price
per

Out of stock

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.