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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Graham Farmelo
The Strangest Man: The Hidden Life of Paul Dirac, Quantum Genius
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If you’re intrigued by the human facets behind towering scientific intellects, "The Strangest Man" presents a compelling blend that you’re likely to appreciate. Graham Farmelo delves into the intricacies of Paul Dirac’s personal and professional life, offering a nuanced portrait that contrasts his groundbreaking contributions to physics with his private challenges and unique personality. It's a biography that not only celebrates genius but also humanizes it in the context of its time, making it a thought-provoking read.
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H.W. Turnbull
The Great Mathematicians
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If numbers and the people behind them fascinate you, "The Great Mathematicians" will feed your curiosity. Turnbull makes math accessible, weaving a narrative that brings the discipline’s greatest contributors to life. It’s a journey through the evolution of mathematics, mirroring the evolution of human thought and civilization. Perfect for enthusiasts looking to celebrate the human side of math.
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Pepper White
The Idea Factory: Learning to Think at MIT
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Imagine diving into the high-pressure cooker that is MIT, where the science of engineering meets the art of critical thinking. Pepper White's "The Idea Factory" offers you a personal narrative that's as much about surviving MIT's grueling academic challenges as it is about personal growth and intellectual mastery. This book will resonate with anyone interested in the transformative power of education and the pivotal moments that shape a scientific mind. Perfect for both aspiring students and those fascinated by the culture of innovation at one of the world's most prestigious institutions.
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Michael A.B. Deakin
Hypatia of Alexandria: Mathematician and Martyr
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If you're fascinated by the crossroads of history, science, and gender, "Hypatia of Alexandria" transports you to ancient times, where you'll meet an extraordinary woman ahead of her time. Hypatia's story is not just educational; it's a poignant reflection on the struggles women faced in a realm dominated by men, making it a gripping read for those interested in the human stories behind historical figures.
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Sylvia Nasar
Beautiful Mind Movie Tie , A
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"How could you, a mathematician, believe that extraterrestrials were sending you messages?" the visitor from Harvard asked the West Virginian with the movie-star looks and Olympian manner."Because the ideas I had about supernatural beings came to me the same way my mathematical ideas did," came the answer. "So I took them seriously."Thus begins the true story of John Nash, the mathematical genius who was a legend by age thirty when he slipped into madness, and who—thanks to the selflessness of a beautiful woman and the loyalty of the mathematics community—emerged after decades of ghost-like existence to win a Nobel Prize and world acclaim. The inspiration for a major motion picture, Sylvia Nasar's award-winning biography is a drama about the mystery of the human mind, triumph over incredible adversity, and the healing power of love.
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Sylvia Nasar
A Beautiful Mind
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A Beautiful Mind could be a good read for anyone interested in the human mind and its ability to overcome adversity. This book presents the story of John Nash, a mathematical genius who suffered from schizophrenia, and his journey towards recovery, which culminated in him winning a Nobel Prize. It's a compelling and inspiring read that highlights the healing power of love and mental strength. Users would likely review this book as a heartwarming journey towards triumph that showcases the resilience of the human spirit.
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Andrew Hodges
Alan Turing: The Enigma : The Book That Inspired the Film The Imitation Game
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Recommended for those interested in cryptography, computer science, and LGBTQ+ history. It offers insight into Alan Turing's contributions to computer science and artificial intelligence while exploring the persecution he faced because of his sexuality.
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Ad Aczel
Fermat's Last Theorem - Unlocking The Secret Of An Ancient Mathematical Problem
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This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by mathematical mysteries and the pursuit of knowledge. With a captivating narrative, it takes you on a journey through history, revealing the miraculous solution to a problem that stumped mathematicians for centuries. Engaging and informative, it sheds light on the dedication and perseverance required to uncover ancient secrets, inspiring readers to believe in the power of human intellect and the beauty of mathematical exploration. Get ready to be awestruck by the brilliance of Fermat's Last Theorem.
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Simon Singh, John Lynch
Fermat's Enigma - The Epic Quest To Solve The World's Greatest Mathematical Problem
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This book is a fascinating journey that delves into the mysterious world of mathematics and the quest to solve one of its greatest puzzles. Through the captivating storytelling of Simon Singh, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of excitement, heartbreak, and triumph. Prepare to be amazed, as Fermat's Enigma unveils the secrets behind an unsolved mathematical problem that baffled the greatest minds for over three centuries. Get ready to embark on an epic adventure that will forever change your perception of numbers and the power of human determination. Happy reading!
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David Bodanis
E=mc 2 (Hb) : A Biography of the Worlds Most Famous Equation
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E = mc2. Just about everyone has at least heard of Albert Einstein's formulation of 1905, which came into the world as something of an afterthought, but far fewer can explain his insightful linkage of energy to mass. David Bodanis offers an easily grasped gloss on the mass, he writes, "is simply the ultimate type of condensed or concentrated energy," whereas energy "is what billows out as an alternate form of mass under the right circumstances." Just what those circumstances are occupies much of Bodanis's book, which pays homage to Einstein and, just as important, to predecessors such as Maxwell, Faraday, and Lavoisier, who are less well known than Einstein today. Balancing writerly energy and scholarly weight, Bodanis offers a primer in modern physics and cosmology, explaining that the universe today is an expression of mass that will, in some vastly distant future, one day slide back to the energy side of the equation, replacing the "dominion of matter" with "a great stillness"--a vision that is at once lovely and profoundly frightening. Without sliding into easy psychobiography, Bodanis explores other circumstances as namely, Einstein's background and character, which combined with a sterling intelligence to afford him an idiosyncratic view of the way things work--and a view that would change the world.-- Gregory McNamee
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James Gleick
Isaac Newton
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Isaac Newton was born in a stone farmhouse in 1642, fatherless and unwanted by his mother. When he died in London in 1727 he was so renowned he was given a state funeral—an unheard-of honor for a subject whose achievements were in the realm of the intellect. During the years he was an irascible presence at Trinity College, Cambridge, Newton imagined properties of nature and gave them names—mass, gravity, velocity—things our science now takes for granted. Inspired by Aristotle, spurred on by Galileo’s discoveries and the philosophy of Descartes, Newton grasped the intangible and dared to take its measure, a leap of the mind unparalleled in his generation.James Gleick, the author of Chaos and Genius, and one of the most acclaimed science writers of his generation, brings the reader into Newton’s reclusive life and provides startlingly clear explanations of the concepts that changed forever our perception of bodies, rest, and motion. Ideas so basic to the twenty-first century we literally take them for granted.
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Fritjof Capra
The Science Of Leonardo - Inside The Mind Of The Great Genius Of The Renaissance
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"The Science of Leonardo" is a great read for anyone interested in the intersection of science and art. Fritjof Capra provides a unique perspective into the scientific approach and ecological worldview of Leonardo da Vinci through his 6,000 pages of notebooks. Readers will appreciate the intricate details of his scientific explorations and the organic approach to observation employed by the genius of the Renaissance.
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David Bodanis
E=mc2 : A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation
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E=mc². Just about everyone has at least heard of Albert Einstein's formulation of 1905, which came into the world as something of an afterthought. But far fewer can explain his insightful linkage of energy to mass. David Bodanis offers an easily grasped gloss on the equation. Mass, he writes, "is simply the ultimate type of condensed or concentrated energy," whereas energy "is what billows out as an alternate form of mass under the right circumstances." Just what those circumstances are occupies much of Bodanis's book, which pays homage to Einstein and, just as important, to predecessors such as Maxwell, Faraday, and Lavoisier, who are not as well known as Einstein today. Balancing writerly energy and scholarly weight, Bodanis offers a primer in modern physics and cosmology, explaining that the universe today is an expression of mass that will, in some vastly distant future, one day slide back to the energy side of the equation, replacing the "dominion of matter" with "a great stillness"--a vision that is at once lovely and profoundly frightening. Without sliding into easy psychobiography, Bodanis explores other circumstances as well; namely, Einstein's background and character, which combined with a sterling intelligence to afford him an idiosyncratic view of the way things work--a view that would change the world. --Gregory McNamee
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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.
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.