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.
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Anna Reynolds, Lucy Peter |
Royal
Collection
Trust
Royal Childhood - Souvenir Album
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Goodreads rating: 4.08
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If you're fascinated by regal lives and intimate histories, 'Royal Childhood' could be a delightful journey for you. This book combines rare photographs with personal anecdotes, transporting you inside the walls of Buckingham Palace. It offers a unique opportunity to peek at the royal upbringing, connecting historical artifacts with present-day narratives.
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Arthur S. Lefkowitz
|
Stackpole
Books
George Washington's Indispensable Men: The 32 Aides-De-Camp Who Helped Win American Independence
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Goodreads rating: 4.35
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If you're into the intricacies of American history, "George Washington's Indispensable Men" might just enrich your understanding of the Revolutionary War. It's not just a narrative about battles and declarations, but a closer look at the cogs that made the machine work. Those with an appreciation for unsung heroes and a curiosity about the inner workings of Washington's command will find this book revealing and thought-provoking.
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Italo Calvino, Martin McLaughlin, Michael Wood |
Princeton
University
Press
Italo Calvino : Letters, 1941-1985 - Updated Edition
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Goodreads rating: 4.16
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Diving into Italo Calvino's letters offers a unique backstage pass to the thoughts and influences of a literary maestro. You're not just reading correspondence; you're peering into the intellectual dialogues that shaped his and other luminaries' works. It's like witnessing the creative process unfold, a narrative in itself that enriches your understanding of his novels and the literary landscape of his time.
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Nicholas Wright, Richard Eyre |
Bloomsbury
Pub
Ltd
Changing Stages: A View of British Theatre in the Twentieth Century
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Goodreads rating: 3.93
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For anyone who cherishes the rich tapestry of British theatre, "Changing Stages" is a treasure trove. Imagine sitting down for a cozy, insightful chat with Sir Richard Eyre, as he takes you on a tour through the evolving landscape of British plays, personalities, and performances of the last century. It's storytelling that not only educates but also captivates through a passionate lens that only insiders like Eyre and Wright could provide.
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Isabella Lucy Bird
|
John
Beaufoy
Publishing
A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains
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Goodreads rating: 3.96
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Imagine stepping back into the unspoiled grandeur of the 1870s' American West with Isabella Bird as your guide. "A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains" isn't just travel literature; it's a time machine wrapped in eloquent prose. Bird's candid letters offer an intimate glimpse of pioneering life, complete with all its perils and wonders. For anyone intrigued by personal tales of courage and adventure in the face of nature's majesty, this book promises an immersive journey.
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Ting-xing Ye
|
Anchor
Canada
A Leaf In The Bitter Wind: A Memoir
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Goodreads rating: 4.1
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This book is a powerful and heart-wrenching account of Ting-Xing Ye's journey through the tumultuous years of the Cultural Revolution in Maoist China. It offers a firsthand perspective of the harsh realities faced by individuals, the persecution they endured, and their unwavering spirit to survive against all odds. A Leaf In The Bitter Wind is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and an inspiring story of refusing to be defeated by an unjust system. It's a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the true impact of historical events on individuals' lives.
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Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
|
Penguin
Press
The Daughters Of Kobani - A Story Of Rebellion, Courage, And Justice
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Goodreads rating: 4.06
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This book is a captivating and empowering account of the courageous women who defied all odds to stand up against ISIS. It not only sheds light on the terrifying reality of war but also celebrates the power of women as leaders and fighters. Through their unwavering determination and sacrifice, these women not only fought for their own liberation but also became a symbol of hope for women everywhere. Prepare to be inspired by their remarkable journey of resilience and the unwavering pursuit of justice.
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Giles Milton
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John
Murray
Big Chief Elizabeth : How England's Adventurers Gambled and Won the New World
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Goodreads rating: 4.02
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This book is a captivating historical adventure that delves into the fascinating story of Queen Elizabeth I and her favorite, Sir Walter Ralegh. Set in the Elizabethan era, it follows their daring expedition to establish the first English settlement in the New World. Through first-hand accounts, the author unveils a thrilling tale of heroism, mystery, and the forgotten history of early English colonization. If you enjoy immersive historical narratives, this book will transport you back in time and keep you mesmerized until the very end.
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Murugaian Nirmala
|
Straits
Times
Press
JOURNEYS: TAMILS IN SINGAPORE
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This book is a must-read for anyone interested in delving deep into the rich history and heritage of the Tamil community in Singapore. With a perfect blend of historical accounts, personal anecdotes, and captivating descriptions, JOURNEYS: TAMILES IN SINGAPORE takes you on an immersive journey through the arrival, growth, and social and political contributions of the Tamils in Singapore. The inclusion of rare photographs adds a visual delight to the narrative, making it a truly enriching and enlightening read.
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Said Zahari
|
Insan
Dark Clouds at Dawn: A Political Memoir
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Goodreads rating: 3.67
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Dark Clouds at Dawn is a must-read for those interested in political history and the ever-changing landscape of politics. The book offers insight into Said's personal experiences, as well as the political climate of the time, making it a fascinating and informative read. Said's unique perspective is the most distinctive feature of this book and sets it apart from other political memoirs. Overall, Dark Clouds at Dawn is a captivating and thought-provoking memoir that is both informative and entertaining.
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Nina Willner
|
William
Morrow
Forty Autumns : A Family's Story of Courage and Survival on Both Sides of the Berlin Wall
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Goodreads rating: 4.36
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"Forty Autumns" is a captivating memoir set in East Germany during the Cold War. It tells the story of five women separated by the Berlin Wall and their eventual reunion after years of longing. The book offers a personal and emotional account of life under Communist rule, as well as insights into the work of an intelligence officer. With vivid descriptions and a strong sense of familial love, "Forty Autumns" is a compelling read for anyone interested in history, espionage, and the human experience.
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Jany Fournier-Rosset
|
Liguori
Publications
From Saint Hildegard's Kitchen : Foods of Health, Foods of Joy
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Goodreads rating: 4.13
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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.
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Gladys Aylward, Christine Hunter |
Moody
Press,
U.s.
Gladys Aylward : The Little Woman
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Goodreads rating: 4.39
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Recommended for those seeking inspiring missionary stories. Gladys Aylward's journey to China without any support will ignite readers' faith in God. The story of her struggles during the Sino-Japanese War and how she triumphed over impossible situations will motivate readers to live with bold faith.
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Jonathan Allen, Amie Parnes |
Arrow
HRC: State Secrets and the Rebirth of Hillary Clinton
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Goodreads rating: 3.61
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This book offers an in-depth look into the career of acclaimed politician Hillary Clinton, detailing the ups and downs of her political career. Readers will appreciate the behind-the-scenes accounts of the strategies, machinations and decision-making that contributed to one of the greatest political comebacks in history. Recommended for fans of political memoirs and those interested in first-hand insights leading up to a historical moment.
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Simon Winchester
|
Penguin
The Surgeon of Crowthorne : A Tale of Murder, Madness and the Oxford English Dictionary
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Goodreads rating: 3.84
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"The Surgeon of Crowthorne" could be a good read for those interested in the history of the English language, as well as true crime enthusiasts. The book's most unique and distinctive feature is the unlikely story of how a convicted murderer ended up being one of the most important volunteers in the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary. Readers will be intrigued by the strange and fascinating life of W C Minor, as well as the incredible effort it took to compile the dictionary over the course of 50 years.
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David Carter
|
Hesperus
Press
Brief Lives: Honore De Balzac
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Goodreads rating: 3.82
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Brief Lives: Honore De Balzac provides a fascinating insight into the life of Honore de Balzac and how it influenced his impressive body of work. This book would be a great read for anyone interested in literature, particularly French realism. David Carter not only provides a comprehensive biography of the author but also sets his works in context, giving readers a deeper understanding of his contribution to literature. Many who read this book would appreciate the discoveries of Balzac's literary works and his significance in French literature.
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Graham Salter, Hilary Macaskill, Florian Schweizer |
Frances
Lincoln
Charles Dickens at Home
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Goodreads rating: 4.27
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This book delves into the life of Charles Dickens and the impact his homes had on his writing. It offers a unique perspective on the author and his works, making it a great read for fans of Dickens' literature. The book provides an in-depth look at the places where the author lived, and how they influenced the setting and characters of his novels. Dickens' attention to detail and acute observation are highlighted, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the author's life and work. The book is illustrated with archive material and original photography, making it a beautiful addition to any book lover's collection.
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Laura Hillenbrand
|
Random
House
Unbroken : A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
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Goodreads rating: 4.38
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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.
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Andrei Maylunas, Sergei Mironenko |
Doubleday
A Lifelong Passion: the Letters of Nicholas and Alexandra
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Goodreads rating: 4.2
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"A Lifelong Passion: the Letters of Nicholas and Alexandra" is a must-read for those fascinated by the lives of the royal family. The book offers a rare glimpse into the private world of Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra, revealing their undying love for each other. The letters showcase the couple's unwavering devotion, which is both unique and touching. It is a great pick for those interested in Russian history, or anyone curious about the personal relationships of historical figures.
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Jonathan Harr
|
Random
House
Publishing
Group
The Lost Painting : The Quest for a Caravaggio Masterpiece
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Goodreads rating: 3.84
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The Lost Painting tells the story of an Italian graduate student Francesca Cappelletti, who discovers a clue that leads to the search for a lost painting. This book is perfect for art enthusiasts who love a good mystery and want to learn about Caravaggio's life and paintings. Harr's narrative style creates suspense and adventure that keep readers hooked until the very end.
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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.
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Carol Ann Lee
|
Puffin
Anne Frank's Story
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Goodreads rating: 4.19
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The life story of Anne Frank, from her early happy childhood in Frankfurt, growing up in Amsterdam, her two years in hiding and the last few months of her life in the concentration camps. Narrated in six clearly written chapters, this biography for children answers the many detailed questions about Anne that readers of the Diary often have, and includes interesting anecdotes from friends who survived her. There is an Historical Note at the beginning of the book and a map of Europe, so that children will be able to understand the situation at the time, and an Introduction by Anne Frank's cousin, Buddy Elias.
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Bruce Alvin King
|
Haus
Publishing
Robert Graves : A Biography
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Goodreads rating: 3.0
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"Robert Graves: A Biography" is a must-read for anyone interested in the life of one of the 20th century's most distinguished poets. The book offers a unique glimpse into Graves' unconventional life, including his unusual relationships with strong-willed women, his search for poetic inspiration, and his experiences in the First World War. With its vivid descriptions and insightful analysis, this biography sheds new light on the life of one of the great literary figures of the past century."
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Blaine Harden
|
Penguin
Books
Escape from Camp 14 : One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West
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Goodreads rating: 4.0
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"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.
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Loung Ung
|
Harper
Perennial
First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers
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Goodreads rating: 4.33
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This book is a gripping and harrowing memoir that takes you on a journey through the terrifying experiences of a young girl during the Cambodian genocide. Loung Ung's story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of love and courage in the face of unimaginable brutality. If you are looking for a deeply moving and inspiring read that will stay with you long after you turn the last page, this book is for you.
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Adeline Yen Mah
|
Broadway
Books
Falling Leaves : The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter
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Goodreads rating: 3.9
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Born in 1937 in a port city a thousand miles north of Shanghai, Adeline Yen Mah was the youngest child of an affluent Chinese family who enjoyed rare privileges during a time of political and cultural upheaval. But wealth and position could not shield Adeline from a childhood of appalling emotional abuse at the hands of a cruel and manipulative Eurasian stepmother. Determined to survive through her enduring faith in family unity, Adeline struggled for independence as she moved from Hong Kong to England and eventually to the United States to become a physician and writer.A compelling, painful, and ultimately triumphant story of a girl's journey into adulthood, Adeline's story is a testament to the most basic of human needs: acceptance, love, and understanding. With a powerful voice that speaks of the harsh realities of growing up female in a family and society that kept girls in emotional chains, Falling Leaves is a work of heartfelt intimacy and a rare authentic portrait of twentieth-century China.
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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.
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.
Our collection includes a wide range of biographies, from influential leaders to pop culture icons. Find engrossing memoirs that give insight into personal journeys and historical events.
Consider what aspects of life you’re curious about. Whether it’s artistic journeys, political memoirs, or overcoming adversity, our collection will have something that resonates with you.
Yes, we include stories about notable religious figures. You might also explore our Religion collection for more faith-based narratives.
Yes, we celebrate local voices and histories. Discover the lives of Singaporean figures that have shaped our city-state's unique culture and heritage.