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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Arrigo Cipriani

Harry's Bar : The Life and Times of the Legendary Venice Landmark

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The anecdotal history of Harry's Bar in Venice, a meeting place for the rich and famous for sixty-five years, accompanies the autobiography of one of the founders of the bar, Arrigo Cipriani, from World War II through the present.

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J. Stratton Shufelt, Kenneth W. Osbeck

101 Hymn Stories : The Inspiring True Stories Behind 101 Favorite Hymns

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This book would be a great read for anyone with an appreciation for hymns and their history. The author provides interesting and inspiring stories about the hymns, making it a great choice for devotional reading or as a source for sermon illustrations. It would also be useful for anyone interested in historical or biographical research on the topic. Overall, readers are likely to appreciate the unique insight into the beloved hymns they know and love.

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Michael Ignatieff

Isaiah Berlin - A Life

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This book could be a good read for those interested in exploring the life and ideas of one of the greatest intellectuals of the 20th century. Through the insightful interviews conducted by Michael Ignatieff, readers will gain unprecedented access to Isaiah Berlin's thoughts, memories and conflicts, making it a must read for anyone seeking to understand his brilliance in intellect and his impact on philosophy and politics.

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Karen Armstrong, Adrian House

Francis of Assisi : A Revolutionary Life

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This book provides an insight into the life of St. Francis of Assisi, who lived a true life of poverty and devoted his life to serving the least fortunate. It emphasizes how he found his true calling by abandoning his previous life as a playboy. Readers will appreciate the unique life Paul lived and his influence, which has lasted for centuries.

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Svetlana Alexievich, Larry Heinemann, Sergio Rapetti

Zinky Boys : Soviet Voices from the Afghanistan War

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Zinky Boys could be a great read for anyone interested in learning about the Soviet-Afghan War from a unique perspective. It offers an insight into the realities of war from the firsthand accounts of the officers, grunts, nurses, and prostitutes. The candid and affecting testimony of the people affected by the war presents a shocking and brutal picture of the war and its lasting effects. The book is an unforgettably powerful account of the war that sheds light on the similarities between the Soviet-Afghan War and the American experience in Vietnam.

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Studs Terkel

Working : People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do

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Working could be a good read for someone who is curious about different kinds of jobs and wants to understand how people feel about their work. The book provides firsthand accounts from various individuals including a truck driver, a farm worker, and even a prostitute, giving readers unique perspectives. Its enduring relevance lies in its ability to connect with readers from diverse backgrounds, inspiring empathy and understanding.

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John W. Dean

Worse Than Watergate

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Former White House counsel and bestselling author John Dean reveals how the Bush White House has set America back decades -- employing a worldview and tactics of deception that he claims will do more damage to the nation than Nixon at his worst.

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John Gimlette

Elephant Complex

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Everyone has wanted a piece of paradise. Sri Lanka is a small island with a long, violent and enthralling history. Home to thousands of wild elephants, this is a place where natural beauty has endured, indifferent to human tragedy. Journeying through its many regions - some haunted by war, many rarely seen by our eyes - award-winning travel writer John Gimlette interviews ex-presidents and cricketers, tea planters and terrorists, negotiating the complex relationships of Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim communities and the more sinister forms of tourism. Each city raises the ghosts of old colonies: Portuguese, Dutch and British armies striving to claim the most significant ports in the southern seas; each site resurrects a civilization that preceded, and sometimes, outfaced them. The political families of Colombo lead Gimlette through recent years of turmoil, survivors of the tsunami tell of their recovery and, tale by tale, scrap by scrap, the thorny truths of the civil war emerge - a war whose wounds have yet to heal.As he walks in the steps of old conquerors, follows the secret paths of elephants and marches alongside pilgrims, Gimlette seeks the soul of a country that is struggling to free itself from trauma and embody an identity to match its vitality, its power and its people.

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Jean Sasson

Desert Royal

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This book sheds light on the secret reality of women living in the royal family of Saudi Arabia. It provides an eye-opening account of the struggles Princess Sultana faces in advocating for women's rights amid the conservative Muslim patriarchal society. The book uncovers harrowing stories of forced marriage and sex slavery, while also detailing Princess Sultana's personal struggle with alcoholism. Desert Royal is an essential read for those interested in women's rights and the Saudi royal family.

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Giles Milton

Samurai William : The Adventurer Who Unlocked Japan

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In 1611 an astonishing letter arrived at the the East India Trading Company in London after a tortuous seven-year journey. Englishman William Adams was one of only twenty-four survivors of a fleet of ships bound for Asia, and he had washed up in the forbidden land of Japan. The traders were even more amazed to learn that, rather than be horrified by this strange country, Adams had fallen in love with the barbaric splendour of Japan - and decided to settle. He had forged a close friendship with the ruthless Shogun, taken a Japanese wife and sired a new, mixed-race family. Adams' letter fired up the London merchants to plan a new expedition to the Far East, with designs to trade with the Japanese and use Adams' contacts there to forge new commercial links. SAMURAI WILLIAM brilliantly illuminates a world whose horizons were rapidly expanding eastwards.

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Lucinda Holdforth

True Pleasures - A Memoir of Women in Paris

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Meet the dazzling women of from Colette to Nancy Mitford; Marie Antoinette to Coco Chanel; Madame de Stael to Pamela Harriman; Napoleon’s Josephine to Edith Wharton. Rule-breakers and style-setters, demimondes and diplomats, these women were utterly diverse, yet all shared one common passion — Paris, the world’s headquarters of femininity.At a turning point in her life, Lucinda Holdforth journeys to Paris and takes a very personal tour through the lives, loves, and losses of its celebrated women. She evokes the city’s incarnations from Louis XIV through the French Revolution, two world wars and the Paris of the new millennium. As she walks in their footsteps, she draws inspiration from the fascinating women who created and nurtured the world’s most civilized city. Sophisticated, witty, and intelligent, this entrancing travelogue will seduce and inspire every woman in search of her own true pleasures.

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Robert Macfarlane

The Wild Places

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The Wild Places is both an intellectual and a physical journey, and Macfarlane travels in time as well as space. Guided by monks, questers, scientists, philosophers, poets and artists, both living and dead, he explores our changing ideas of the wild. From the cliffs of Cape Wrath, to the holloways of Dorset, the storm-beaches of Norfolk, the saltmarshes and estuaries of Essex, and the moors of Rannoch and the Pennines, his journeys become the conductors of people and cultures, past and present, who have had intense relationships with these places. Certain birds, animals, trees and objects snow-hares, falcons, beeches, crows, suns, white stones recur, and as it progresses this densely patterned book begins to bind tighter and tighter. At once a wonder voyage, an adventure story, an exercise in visionary cartography, and a work of natural history, it is written in a style and a form as unusual as the places with which it is concerned. It also tells the story of a friendship, and of a loss. It mixes history, memory and landscape in a strange and beautiful evocation of wildness and its vital importance.

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F. Howard Taylor, Geraldine Guinness Taylor

Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret

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Discover Hudson Taylor, a pioneer missionary to China, who suffered tribulation, hardship, poverty, and misunderstanding. But at his heart, he loved the Chinese people and learned through his misfortunes to trust God completely. 'HUDSON TAYLOR'S SPIRITUAL SECRET' is a stirring biography that challenges you to live a life of faith.RUNNING TIME ⇒ 7hrs. and 16mins.Public Domain (P)2011 christianaudio.com

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Robert D. Kaplan

Mediterranean Winter: The Pleasures of History and Landscape in Tunisia, Sicily, Dalmatia and the Peloponnese

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"Mediterranean Winter" isn't just a travel memoir; it transports you to the quieter side of the Mediterranean, away from the bustling tourist season. Imagine strolling through ancient ruins with Kaplan as your thoughtful guide, weaving personal reflection with deep dives into the region's rich history. It’s perfect for the introspective traveler in you, longing for a connection between landscapes and the layers of time they hold.

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Lawrence Goldstone, Nancy Goldstone

Out of the Flames

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"Out of the Flames" could be a good read for history enthusiasts and those interested in the power of ideas and the history of books. The book provides insight into the life and times of Michael Servetus, an influential but often overlooked figure in history, and the impact of his work on other great thinkers of the time. The story of the survival of his book in the face of persecution and censorship is inspiring and shows the enduring legacy of ideas and the power of free expression.

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Han Fook Kwang, Warren Fernandez, Sumiko Tan

Lee Kuan Yew: the Man and His Ideas : The Man and His Ideas

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Lee Kuan Yew passed away on 23 March 2015 at the age of 92. This book, which was first published in 1998, tells the story of his life from when the Japanese occupied Singapore in 1941 until 1998 when he was Senior Minister. Based on 13 exclusive interviews held over 30 hours, this book chronicles the events, people and political fortunes that were to shape Lee’s view of the world, as well as the path he set for the transformation of Singapore. It delves into the choices he made, the political turnings he took, the insights gained and lessons learnt, some of which were expounded to the authors for the first time, with wit, wisdom, candor and vivid recollection. Written by three leading journalists from The Straits Times.

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Margaret Thatcher

The Downing Street Years

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This book is a captivating account of Margaret Thatcher's time as Prime Minister, revealing her determination and resilience in achieving her goals. Through her frank accounts of her dealings with foreign statesmen and her own ministers, readers gain insight into the challenges and triumphs that defined her political career. If you're interested in leadership, politics, or the life of an influential woman, this book is a must-read.

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Clive James

Cultural Amnesia - Notes In The Margin Of My Time

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This book is an ultimate guide to the prominent figures of the twentieth century, including thinkers, philosophers, and artists. It's a must-read for anyone interested in gaining insights into cultural history and savoring the life-long research of Clive James. Through a turbulent read, it provides snippets of knowledge and reflections for the readers to assemble their own conclusions. It's not just a book; it's an insight into cultural landscapes, and a cornerstone for the curious.

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Ed Cray, Studs Terkel

Ramblin' Man : The Life and Times of Woody Guthrie

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The life and career of the most recognized and beloved folk musician of the twentieth century are recalled here, with details of his hobo days as well as his marriage, his "subversive" activities, and his eventual death by Huntingdon's Disease.

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Lorna Luft

Me and My Shadows : A Family Memoir

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The daughter of Judy Garland describes how it felt growing up in the shadows of her famous mother and half-sister, Liza Minnelli, as well as the painful experience she endured watching Garland succumb to her drug and alcohol dependence.

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Thich Nhat Hanh, Chan Khong, Cao Ngoc Phuong

Learning True Love : How I Learned and Practiced Social Change in Vietnam

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Learning True Love tells the inspiring story of Sr. Chan Khong, who worked with Thich Nhat Hanh in founding the School of Youth for Social Service in Vietnam. The book focuses on Khong's spiritual growth and integrity against the backdrop of a war-torn Vietnam. It offers many examples of how to resolve difficulties and find joy in a life dedicated to service, making it an inspirational read for those interested in personal growth and social change.

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Lee Kuan Yew

The Singapore Story Abridged Edition [Paperback] Lee Kuan Yew

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This book could be a good read for you if you are curious about the history and development of Singapore and the role of Lee Kuan Yew in it. Lee Kuan Yew, a renowned political genius, shares his personal experiences, from his boyhood to his political career, providing valuable insights into the making of modern Singapore. Discover how his visionary leadership transformed a small island nation into a thriving global hub of economic success. Get inspired by the tenacity and strategic thinking of a leader who shaped the destiny of a nation.

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Yair Reiner, Kang Chol-Hwan, Pierre Rigoulot

The Aquariums of Pyongyang : Ten Years in the North Korean Gulag

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"Destined to become a classic" (Iris Chang, author of The Rape of Nanking ), this harrowing memoir of life inside North Korea was the first account to emerge from the notoriously secretive country -- and it remains one of the most terrifying.Amid escalating nuclear tensions, Kim Jong-un and North Korea's other leaders have kept a tight grasp on their one-party state, quashing any nascent opposition movements and sending all suspected dissidents to its brutal concentration camps for "re-education."Kang Chol-Hwan is the first survivor of one of these camps to escape and tell his story to the world, documenting the extreme conditions in these gulags and providing a personal insight into life in North Korea. Sent to the notorious labor camp Yodok when he was nine years old, Kang observed frequent public executions and endured forced labor and near-starvation rations for ten years. In 1992, he escaped to South Korea, where he found God and now advocates for human rights in North Korea.Part horror story, part historical document, part memoir, part political tract, this book brings together unassailable firsthand experience, setting one young man's personal suffering in the wider context of modern history, giving eyewitness proof to the abuses perpetrated by the North Korean regime.

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Hunter Davies

The Beatles : The Authorised Biography

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There's only one book that ever truly got inside the Beatles and this is it. The landmark, worldwide bestseller that has grown with the Beatles ever since.During 1967 and 1968 Hunter Davies spent eighteen months with the Beatles at the peak of their powers as they defined a generation and rewrote popular music. As their only ever authorised biographer he had unparalleled access - not just to John, Paul, George and Ringo but to friends, family and colleagues. There when it mattered, he collected a wealth of intimate and revealing material that still makes this the classic Beatles book - the one all other biographers look to.Hunter Davies remained close with the band and as such has had access to more information over the years. This 40th anniversary edition contains new material which has never been revealed before, from the author's archives and from the Beatles themselves, that will bring new insights to their legend.

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Amanda Foreman

Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire

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Recommendation: If you're seeking a riveting historical biography filled with scandal and intrigue, "Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire" is the perfect choice. Amanda Foreman masterfully brings to life the tumultuous world of one of the most flamboyant women of the eighteenth century. From political maneuvering to controversial love affairs, this captivating tale will leave you enthralled from start to finish.

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Pamela Des Barres

Rock Bottom : Dark Moments in Music

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The best selling author of I'm With the Band, the classic groupie memoir, now writes from the relatively upright perspective of a magazine journalist. Pamela Des Barres recounts the classic tales of rock star overindulgence, and the book's own press material honestly bills it as a compendium of "horror stories." Rock Bottom contains something to offend just about anyone, but, strange to say, the book is actually quite readable as an appropriately skewed history of rock. Des Barres seems to have diligently done her research, talking to the principles of the mayhem, or, in many cases, to their survivors, and does deliver a series of pieces documenting some very dark corners of pop culture.

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Laurens van der Post

Yet Being Someone Other

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"If you are seeking a philosophical exploration of identity and the human experience, Yet Being Someone Other is a must-read. Laurens van der Post vividly portrays his own journey of self-discovery, weaving together his experiences with broader existential questions. His powerful storytelling and reflections on the human condition will leave you with a new sense of purpose and belonging."

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Sam Childers

Another Man's War : The True Story of One Man's Battle to Save Children in the Sudan

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A gun-toting preacher, a rebel army led by a madman, and entire villages slaughtered just because they were in the way. In Another Man's War , follow Sam Childer's remarkable transformation from violent thug to a man of faith, and his ongoing battle to save children in one of the world's most lawless areas. “Another Man’s War is about true terrorism . . . against more than 200,000 children in northern Uganda and Southern Sudan. Sam Childers—a fighter and a preacher (some call him a mercenary)—tirelessly leads a small militia into the jungle, daring to fight against a vicious army outnumbering him one thousand to one. One man can make a huge difference. Sam Childers certainly does.” ? Peter Fonda, actor/filmmaker, best known as star of Easy Rider “The Reverend Sam Childers has been a very close friend to the government of South Sudan for many years and is a trusted friend.” ? President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan “The Reverend Sam Childers is a long time devoted friend to our government and his courageous work is supported by us.” ? President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda “Sam Childers is one of those rare men [who is] willing to do literally whatever it takes to promote the message of Jesus Christ and save children from the tyranny of evil men.” ? John Rich, lead singer and songwriter, Big & Rich

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LIFE

The American Journey of Barack Obama

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For decades Americans have turned to LIFE to see, understand, and remember the most important events and people of our time. Just as LIFE once opened up the glittering Kennedy White House, LIFE now focuses its lens on Barack Obama.The American Journey of Barack Obama covers the candidate from his childhood and adolescence to his time as editor of The Harvard Law Review and his Chicago activist years, culminating with the excitement and fervor of the historic 2008 Democratic National Convention. The unfolding drama of Obama's life and political career is cinematic in scope, and never has it been presented so compellingly.In addition to a powerful array of photographs that were taken by many of the country's greatest photographers (and some that were snapped, in the quiet moments, by Obama family members themselves), this book also includes a Foreword by Senator Edward M. Kennedy, an incisive narrative biography and original essays by some of our finest writers, including Gay Talese, Charles Johnson, Melissa Fay Greene, Andrei Codrescu, Fay Weldon, Richard Norton Smith, Bob Greene and several others. Many readers will find a new understanding of Obama. All readers will feel that they are bearing witness to a singular, undeniably American story.

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Maya Angelou

His Day Is Done - A Nelson Mandela Tribute

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His Day Is Done is a powerful and moving tribute to Nelson Mandela's unwavering courage and resolute determination. This book celebrates the life and remarkable soul of Mandela, whose leadership, strength, and perseverance helped end apartheid in South Africa. Maya Angelou authentically and elegantly captures Mandela's legacy in a way that is truly heartfelt and gripping for readers. This book is perfect for those who are looking to learn more about the man behind the legend and his lasting impact on the world.

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Debbie Harry, Mark Blake

Punk : The Whole Story

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On the thirtieth anniversary of the rise to popularity of punk rock, a collection of articles, interviews, and photography from the pages of MOJO magazine looks at the history of punk and the artists, music, and culture it spawned.

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John McPhee

Rising from the Plains

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This book is a great read for anyone interested in geology or curious about the formations and history of the North American continent. McPhee's writing style presents complex geological concepts in an accessible manner, making it a fascinating and informative read. The most unique and distinctive feature of the book is how McPhee weaves together the stories of geologists and their work with the geological history of North America, creating a narrative that is both educational and engaging.

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Richard A. Clarke

Against All Enemies : Inside America's War on Terror

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Recommendation: Against All Enemies could be a good read for someone interested in understanding the American government's response to the 9/11 attacks and their War on Terror. The book provides insights into the workings of key organizations such as the Department of Homeland Security and al Qaeda. The most unique feature of the book is the author's firsthand account of his experiences as a counter-terrorism expert.

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Dinesh D'Souza

Ronald Reagan - How An Ordinary Man Became An Extraordinary Leader

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This book gives readers an insightful look into how Ronald Reagan went from being an actor to becoming one of the most successful US Presidents. Through Reagan's leadership, the country experienced an incredible economic boom that left a lasting impact. With meticulous research and captivating storytelling, D'Souza offers readers a unique perspective on one of the most fascinating political figures of the 20th century. If you're interested in US history, politics, or leadership, this book is a must-read.

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Joseph Pearce

Tolkien : A Celebration

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"Tolkien: A Celebration" is a must-read for any fan of the acclaimed writer who desires an in-depth insight into his life and works. The personal recollections by those who knew him, combined with essays by other scholars, make for a comprehensive celebration of Tolkien's literary legacy. The unique feature of this book is its exploration of the spiritual values and faith that undergirded Middle-earth, revealing the deeper meanings behind the fantastical world.

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Peggy Noonan

What I Saw at the Revolution #

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Recommended for political enthusiasts, insights on policymaking.

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Chris Horrocks, Zoran Jevtić

Introducing Foucault : A Graphic Guide

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"This book is an insightful guide to understanding the work of Michel Foucault, a philosopher, historian, and political activist. It explores his groundbreaking ideas on the correlation between power and knowledge and how institutions have enforced practices of confinement, confession, and discipline. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the fields of philosophy, history, and politics, and for those who want to expand their knowledge on the concepts of madness, sexuality, and criminality."

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Aerosmith

Walk This Way: The Autobiography Of Aerosmith

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Worn dust jacket has a short tears to the edges, page edges tanned. Orders received by 3pm Sent from the UK that weekday.

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Geoff Benge, Janet Benge

Hudson Taylor - Deep In The Heart Of China

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Hudson survived his perilous maiden voyage to his beloved China. With his heart set in determined obedience to God, and trusting the provision of the One who had called him, Hudson overcame persecution and almost overwhelming personal losses to bring God's truth to the "ripe harvest fields" of China.Today, Hudson Taylor's story continues to challenge and inspire believers young and old to carry the anchoring gospel message, regardless of personal trials or hardships, to those who are adrift and without hope (1832-1905).

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Adelaide Donnelley, Dalai Lama XIV, Ani Pachen

Sorrow Mountain : The Journey of a Tibetan Warrior Nun

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The tragedy that has befallen Tibet and its people over the past 50 years is easy to quantify, with the loss of several million lives and the wholesale destruction of the culture and natural resources in the name of "liberation". Yet the devastating reality of these events is better understood through the harrowing stories told by various refugees such as Ani Pachen. The story of her life is vividly recounted by Adelaide Donnelley in Sorrow Mountain, tracing the invasion and devastation of Tibet by the Chinese from the 50s down to the present-day as experienced by one very brave woman.Ani Pachen vividly describes the peaceful traditional Tibetan way of life she knew during her youth even though the dark clouds of impending disaster were gathering in the east. She brings to life the valiant yet futile attempts by poorly equipped Tibetan fighters to drive back the Communist army, a fight in which she also took part until her capture and subsequent imprisonment.She endured over 21 years of extreme brutality in prison, sustained only by her passionate faith in Buddhism and trust in the Dalai Lama. With a nobility of spirit that puts her jailers to shame, she was still able to pray, "let my pain take the place of others' suffering" while being tortured repeatedly. When she was finally released, with her spirit unbroken, she remained for a while in Lhasa, taking part in the freedom demonstrations of the 80s at great personal risk, before finally escaping to India where she recounted this story of her life. --Stephen Hodge

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Con Coughlin

Saddam : King of Terror

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An unprecedented biography, drawn from the author's exclusive access to high-ranking defectors, intelligence officials, and even Saddam's own relatives -- fully illustrated with photos from his early life to the present Two weeks before September 11, 2001, Saddam Hussein placed his troops on their highest military alert since the Gulf War. As al-Qaeda terrorists set their attacks on America in motion, the Iraqi dictator was prepared to go to war for a second time with the United States. How did an illegitimate child from Tikrit become the West's greatest adversary, and one of the most dangerous and murderous dictators of modem times? King of Terror is the most insightful and illuminating portrait of the Iraqi president to date-and a fascinating study of the making of a tyrant. Con Coughlin, executive editor of London's award-winning Sunday Telegraph, has covered the Middle East for decades -- on the front lines, narrowly escaping kidnapping and violence. He has cultivated exclusive contacts among the Western intelligence community and numerous defectors from Saddam's inner circles -- including former generals, political associates, and bodyguards as well as childhood friends. Coughlin knew immediately that American and British declarations of war against terrorism after the September 11th attacks would sooner rather than later encompass Saddam Hussein as well as Osama bin Laden. Coughlin shows that any operation against terrorism will be incomplete as long as Saddam remains in power -- that international policies will have to change from cautious tolerance to active intervention, a change that is already becoming a reality. Coughlin also provides the first complete portrait of Saddam's childhood ever published, compiled from the author's inter-views with Saddam's contemporaries and relatives who have never before spoken publicly about him According to Coughlin, Saddam has a younger sister no one knew about, and he idolizes his mother, although his childhood was deeply marred by his shame about being fatherless. From his earliest years, he looked to his mother's brother as a father figure, and Coughlin tells how it was this uncle who first introduced Saddam to a life of crime and political rebellion. King of Terror meticulously traces Saddam's bloody rise to power, from Saddam's first murder and his time in prison, to an eyewitness account of Saddam storming Iraqs presidential palace in a tank, to his almost feral ruthlessness in disposing of his opponents, even dose friends and relatives, to create his regime -- a complex mechanism in which family and tribe are central, held together by Saddam's carefully orchestrated reign of fear. In King of Terror, we see both the bizarre, almost pathological behavior of an international pariah and the unshakable power of a tyrant who has defied the world's censure and holds a nation in his grasp.

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Andrew Mango

Ataturk : The Biography of the Founder of Modern Turkey

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This book would be a good read for anyone interested in the formation of modern Turkey and the life of its founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The book provides a detailed account of his life and times, and how his vision and tactics transformed Turkey into a regional power. The author, Andrew Mango, writes in a clear and engaging manner, and offers a nuanced perspective on Ataturk, highlighting both his admirable qualities and controversial decisions. Overall, this biography offers a rich and informative insight into the life and legacy of a transformative leader.

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The Mistress: Histories, Myths and Interpretations of the Other Woman
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Victoria Griffin

The Mistress: Histories, Myths and Interpretations of the Other Woman

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The Mistress by Victoria Griffin could intrigue you with its rich blend of historical accounts, literature, and cultural analysis, especially if you're fascinated by the complex roles of women in society and relationships. Griffin's courage to investigate mistresses from all walks of life, using both historical figures and contemporary examples, might give you fresh perspectives on the subject while sparking thoughtful reflection on its relevance today.

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Madeleine K. Albright

Madam Secretary : A Memoir

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Madam Secretary is an insightful memoir about Madeleine Albright, a pioneer for women in politics. Her account of working in a male-dominated environment is inspiring, and she writes candidly about the personal challenges she faced. Albright’s unique perspective on world leaders and her tireless advocacy for women’s rights make this book a must-read for anyone interested in political history and women’s empowerment.

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Ronald Reagan, Nancy Reagan

I Love You, Ronnie - The Letters Of Ronald Reagan To Nancy Reagan

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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.

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William Fotheringham

Fallen Angel : The Passion of Fausto Coppi

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A remarkable biography of one of history's greatest cyclists—a man who lived a tumultous life, and was voted the most popular Italian sportsman of the 20th century Fausto Angelo Coppi was the campionissimo, or champion of champions, and this is the tragic story of his life and death, and how a man who became the symbol of a nation's rebirth after the disasters of war died reviled and heartbroken. The greatest cyclist of the immediate post-war years, he was the first man to win cycling's great double, the Tour de France and Tour of Italy, in the same year—and he did it twice. He achieved mythical status for his crushing solo victories, world titles and world records. But his significance extends far beyond his sport. Coppi's scandalous divorce and controversial early death convulsed a conservative, staunchly Roman Catholic Italy in the 1950s. At a time when adultery was still illegal, Coppi and his lover were dragged from their bed in the middle of the night, excommunicated, and forced to face a clamorous legal battle, the ramifications of which are still being felt today. Told with insight and intelligence, this is a unique portrait of Italy and Italian sport at a time of tumultuous change.

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Richard Carlin

Country Music : The People, the Places and Moments That Shaped the Country Sound

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Covering everything from Western to Rockabilly, Bluegrass to Country Rock, this profusely illustrated celebration of country music is an authoritative and lively history of America’s most popular form of music, its creators, interpreters, and institutions.A rich visual chronicle of the diverse American musical idioms collectively known as “country,” this entertaining and meticulously researched book explores more than 100 of the most significant people, places, and moments in its century-long history. Profiles include Stephen Foster, the Carter Family, Gene Autry, Roy Acuff, Hank Williams, Minnie Pearl, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dolly Parton, Waylon Jennings, the Oak Ridge Boys, Alan Jackson, the Dixie Chicks—and dozens more. Other subjects include the Grand Ole Opry, the Bristol Sessions, “Louisiana Hayride,” Rockabilly, Country Rock, and O Brother Where Art Thou , among many other things. Timelines lay out the entire history of the form at a glance, and the greatest country songs of all time are discussed in depth throughout.Every page of this extroardinary book features a wealth of images—many of them rare and never-before published in book form—from sheet music and memorabilia to portraits, album covers, and candids. It is truly a must-have for the millions of fans of country music in all its diversity.

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Nelson Mandela

Conversations With Myself

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"Conversations With Myself" is a must-read for those seeking a more intimate understanding of Nelson Mandela. Through personal writings, readers gain insight into his darkest hours while imprisoned, as well as his political consciousness and galvanizing role on the world stage. This book includes photographs from his life, journals from his time on the run, and conversations with friends in recorded interviews. Overall, "Conversations With Myself" provides a more revealing and moving glimpse into Mandela's life than his autobiography "Long Walk to Freedom."

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Hunter S. Thompson

The Great Shark Hunt : Strange Tales from a Strange Time

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America, with all its warts, lies naked under the laser-like scrutiny of legendary outlaw journalist and brilliant reporter Hunter S. Thompson. Fearlessly, he hurls himself into each assignment, gouges out the truth, then returns with a fresh story no one else on earth could write. From Nixon to napalm, Las Vegas to Watergate, Carter to cocaine, hippies to himself, Thompson's razor-sharp insight and crystal clarity capture the crazy, hypocritical, degenerate, and redeeming aspects of the explosive and colorful '60s and '70s. Thompson is a rebel and an artist, and we are all richer for it."No other reporter reveals how much we have to fear and loathe, yet does it so hilariously."-- Chicago Tribune

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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.