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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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The Bootleggers: The Story of Chicago's Prohibition Era - Thryft
Kenneth Allsop | True Crime Library

The Bootleggers: The Story of Chicago's Prohibition Era

$8.68 $3.90 55% off

Goodreads rating: 3.45

$8.68 $3.90 55% off

68% off est. retail
Delving into "The Bootleggers" gives you a front-row seat to the city's tumultuous era when illicit booze fueled both crime and commerce. If you're intrigued by the jazz age, the lore of gangsters like Al Capone, and the complex socio-political landscape of 1920s America, then this time capsule is the perfect pick for a nuanced historical understanding.
Lights Out for the Territory: 9 Excursions in the Secret History of London
Iain Sinclair | Penguin Books

Lights Out for the Territory: 9 Excursions in the Secret History of London

$12.90 $4.90 62% off

Goodreads rating: 3.92

$12.90 $4.90 62% off

Imagine a London you've never seen before, one with veiled histories and intriguing mysteries. "Lights Out for the Territory" is more than a walk through the city; it's an invitation to unearth the layers of time and space that form London's unique character. If you have a keen interest in urban exploration or psychogeography, Sinclair's vivid narrative will transform your understanding of the streets beneath your feet.
Americans of 1776: Daily Life in Revolutionary America - Thryft
James Schouler | Heritage Books, Inc

Americans of 1776: Daily Life in Revolutionary America

$20.90 $6.90 67% off

Goodreads rating: 2.6

$20.90 $6.90 67% off

85% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the vivid tapestry of history, "Americans of 1776" is a must-read. James Schouler’s detailed account brings the era to life, far beyond the battlefields—right into the homes and daily rituals of early Americans. It's like a time machine that gives you a front-row seat to the birth of a nation, outfitting you not just with facts, but with the feel of the period.
Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea - Thryft
Gary Kinder | Atlantic Monthly Pr

Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea

$9.90 $4.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 4.29

$9.90 $4.90 51% off

88% off est. retail
If the fusion of history and deep-sea adventure tickles your fancy, "Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea" might just be the treasure you're looking to unearth on your reading shelf. It's a compelling narrative that binds the tragic past with the thrill of modern discovery, telling a human tale through the lens of technological triumph. The juxtaposition of 19th-century gold rush fervor with 20th-century ingenuity creates a riveting account that transcends time—you're sure to be anchored to each page.
Ralph Tailor's Summer: A Scrivener, His City and the Plague - Thryft
Keith Wrightson | Yale University Press

Ralph Tailor's Summer: A Scrivener, His City and the Plague

$18.90 $7.90 58% off

Goodreads rating: 3.43

$18.90 $7.90 58% off

90% off est. retail
This book invites you into the heart of a city besieged by the plague, offering a poignant glimpse of human resilience and the shifting sands of social order through Ralph Tailor's intimate records. If you're fascinated by the interplay between disease and humanity, or if you appreciate historical accounts brimming with authenticity and emotional depth, this meticulously researched tale by Keith Wrightson will captivate and enlighten you. It's a somber yet engaging journey back to a time where the scribbles of a scrivener were the final testaments of many lives.
Life in Renaissance France - Thryft
Lucien Febvre | Harvard University Press

Life in Renaissance France

$28.90 $6.90 76% off

Goodreads rating: 4.1

$28.90 $6.90 76% off

90% off est. retail
For anyone with a taste for history, particularly the rich tapestry of Renaissance France, Febvre's "Life in Renaissance France" will transport you back in time. With a focus on the transformation of human thought and daily existence, it's as if you're walking alongside the French of the sixteenth century, witnessing firsthand their leaps toward modern civilization. Febvre's vivid storytelling, combined with Rothstein's sensitive translation, makes this a compelling read for those looking to delve deep into the past's intimate details.
Big Chief Elizabeth: How England's Adventurers Gambled and Won the New World
Giles Milton | London: Hodder & Stoughton, 20

Big Chief Elizabeth: How England's Adventurers Gambled and Won the New World

$12.90 $8.90 31% off

Goodreads rating: 4.03

$12.90 $8.90 31% off

If history, especially tales of triumph and adventure, captivates you, "Big Chief Elizabeth" would be an engrossing read. It chronicles the audacious English quests to claim and conquer the New World. It's not just about the facts; it's about the palpable risk and daring that shaped America. This book might spice up your perception of history with its focused narrative on an era of high stakes and bold ventures.
The Times of Their Lives - Thryft
Patricia Scott Deetz, James Deetz  | W. H. Freeman

The Times of Their Lives

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 3.74

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

90% off est. retail
"The Times of Their Lives" brings an unexpected vibrancy to the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony, shattering the monochrome myth we've all been taught. It delves deeply into the daily lives, struggles, and even scandals of these early settlers through tangible artifacts and personal narratives. If you've ever been curious about the authentic human stories behind the Thanksgiving legends, this meticulously researched book promises to enrich your understanding with its fresh and lively perspective.
Pox : Genius, Madness, And The Mysteries Of Syphilis - Thryft
Deborah Hayden | Basic Books

Pox : Genius, Madness, And The Mysteries Of Syphilis

$12.53

Goodreads rating: 3.75

$12.53

Was Beethoven experiencing syphilitic euphoria when he composed "Ode to Joy"? Did van Gogh paint "Crows Over the Wheatfield" in a fit of diseased madness right before he shot himself? Was syphilis a stowaway on Columbus's return voyage to Europe? The answers to these provocative questions are likely "yes," claims Deborah Hayden in this riveting investigation of the effects of the "Pox" on the lives and works of world figures from the fifteenth through the twentieth centuries. Writing with remarkable insight and narrative flair, Hayden argues that biographers and historians have vastly underestimated the influence of what Thomas Mann called "this exhilarating yet wasting disease." Shrouded in secrecy, syphilis was accompanied by wild euphoria and suicidal depression, megalomania and paranoia, profoundly affecting sufferers' worldview, their sexual behavior and personality, and, of course, their art. Deeply informed and courageously argued, Pox has already been heralded as a major contribution to our understanding of genius, madness, and creativity.
The World's Greatest Blunders - Thryft
Sue Blackhall | Hamlyn

The World's Greatest Blunders

$5.90 $3.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 3.34

$5.90 $3.90 34% off

This book could be a good read for you if you enjoy delving into the intriguing and often unbelievable stories of notable mistakes and failures throughout history. The World's Greatest Blunders offers a fascinating insight into the mishaps that have captivated newspaper headlines globally. From colossal errors in judgment to catastrophic blunders, this book presents a collection of cautionary tales that will leave you both entertained and astounded. Prepare to be amazed at the amazing capacity for human error in our world.
The Unredeemed Captive: A Family Story from Early America - Thryft
John Putnam Demos | Knopf

The Unredeemed Captive: A Family Story from Early America

$16.90 $5.90 65% off

Goodreads rating: 3.66

$16.90 $5.90 65% off

86% off est. retail
"The Unredeemed Captive" isn't just a historical account; it's an insightful exploration of cultural identity and transformation. If you're intrigued by Colonial American history and the personal stories that highlight the complexities of cultural assimilation and the human spirit, you'll find it a compelling read. It also sheds light on the resilience of individuals amidst the tumult of history, making it deeply human and relatable.
Better to Have Gone: Love, Death, and the Quest for Utopia - Thryft

Better to Have Gone: Love, Death, and the Quest for Utopia

$11.90 $3.90 67% off

$11.90 $3.90 67% off

85% off est. retail
"Better to Have Gone" could be a meaningful exploration for you if you're intrigued by the intersection of human idealism and its consequences. Akash Kapur presents a deeply personal narrative that doesn't just recount the formation and struggles of a utopian society but examines the poignant and deeply human tales intertwined with it. It provides a narrative that is as much an ode to human aspiration as it is a cautionary tale of extreme idealism, all woven into the fabric of real, lived history.
The Ocean Railway : Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Samuel Cunard and the Revolutionary World of the Great Atlantic Steamships - Thryft
Stephen Fox | Harpercollins Publishers Ltd

The Ocean Railway : Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Samuel Cunard and the Revolutionary World of the Great Atlantic Steamships

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 4.25

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

If you're fascinated by human triumphs in engineering, "The Ocean Railway" is a tantalizing voyage through time. Stephen Fox has intricately woven the technological marvels of steamships with societal shifts, allowing readers to not only marvel at the grandeur of these titanic vessels but also to immerse in the personal experiences of those who journeyed across the Atlantic. It's perfect for anyone drawn to how grand visions and reality collide, especially within the pioneering spirit of the Victorian era.
Edison & The Electric Chair: A Story of Light and Death - Thryft
Mark Essig | Walker Books

Edison & The Electric Chair: A Story of Light and Death

$11.61 $3.90 66% off

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$11.61 $3.90 66% off

83% off est. retail
Exploring the dichotomy of innovation and ethics, this book delves into a tale of how one of history's greatest inventors, Thomas Edison, became entwined with the development of the electric chair. Beyond the intriguing story of invention, it sheds light on the social, and political intricacies of the time, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the impacts of technology on society and the moral dilemmas innovators often face.
Child Life in Colonial Times - Thryft
Alice Morse Earle | Dover Publications

Child Life in Colonial Times

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 3.71

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

86% off est. retail
If you’re enthralled by the intricacies of history and often wonder about the texture of daily life in the past, "Child Life in Colonial prosaic Times" offers that rare glimpse. Its meticulous research and rich, illustrative details could transport you to the colonial era, revealing the lived experiences of children with a clarity that's both educational and fascinating. Alice Morse Earle's visionary work invites you to time-travel and understand a pivotal time in American history from a fresh, personal perspective.
The Infiltrator - Undercover in the World of Drug Barons and Dirty Banks - Thryft

The Infiltrator - Undercover in the World of Drug Barons and Dirty Banks

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

82% off est. retail
Imagine delving deep into a treacherous underworld, where every moment is a calculated risk. 'The Infiltrator' offers a rare, real-life espionage adventure that beats any fictional thriller. You get to walk in the shoes of an undercover agent, Robert Mazur, as he takes you through a high-stakes game of deception involving drug lords and dirty banks. It's a gripping journey into the heart of darkness, one that offers more than just a story—it provides a window into the complex machine of global crime.
Wartime: Understanding and Behavior in the Second World War - Thryft

Wartime: Understanding and Behavior in the Second World War

$11.90 $3.90 67% off

$11.90 $3.90 67% off

87% off est. retail
If you've ever wondered how the ordinary soldier or civilian experienced World War II beyond the battle tactics and political strategies, "Wartime" is an illuminating read. Paul Fussell's personal engagement in the war provides a narrative filled with depth, exploring the changes in social psyche, language, and literature caused by the conflict. This book isn't just about what happened, but how it felt and altered the inner lives and cultural expression of those who lived through it.
Dr. Benjamin Church, Spy: A Case of Espionage on the Eve of the American Revolution - Thryft
John A. Nagy | Westholme Publishing

Dr. Benjamin Church, Spy: A Case of Espionage on the Eve of the American Revolution

$12.90 $4.90 62% off

Goodreads rating: 3.47

$12.90 $4.90 62% off

87% off est. retail
If you're drawn to the shadowy corners of American history, the tale of Dr. Benjamin Church might just captivate you. John A. Nagy's meticulous research brings to light the murky allegiances and espionage at the dawn of the American Revolution. It's a deep dive into the life of a man who might be the new most notorious traitor in your history lexicon, perfect for anyone who loves unraveling the complex, hidden layers of the past.
Gandhi - Thryft
David Arnold | Routledge

Gandhi

$10.71 $6.90 36% off

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$10.71 $6.90 36% off

90% off est. retail
Embarking on this read, you'll find yourself immersed in a rich historical tapestry woven around Gandhi's life, pivotal in leading India to independence. It's not just a biography but a lens into how his philosophy impacted British political scene and triggered the unravelling of an empire. This isn't just a book; it's a journey through a transformative era in world history.
Blood in the Hills: The Story of Khe Sanh, the Most Savage Fight of the Vietnam War
Charles W. Sasser, Robert Maras  | Lyons Press

Blood in the Hills: The Story of Khe Sanh, the Most Savage Fight of the Vietnam War

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 4.27

$13.90

If you're drawn to raw, unfiltered military history, "Blood in the Hills" is a visceral dive into the Vietnam War's ferocity. It's not just a recount; it’s an immersion into intense hand-to-hand combat from someone who lived through it. Bobby Maras's perspective bridges the personal struggles with the overarching narrative of the war, making it compelling for those seeking to understand the human aspects of historical battles.
Do Not Pass Go - Thryft
Tim Moore | Vintage Books

Do Not Pass Go

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 3.53

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

80% off est. retail
Recommended for history buffs and Monopoly fans alike, Do Not Pass Go provides a unique perspective on London's history and development through the lens of one of the world's most iconic board games. Moore's storytelling is engaging, entertaining, and informative, making for a great read that will both surprise and delight readers with unexpected discoveries and connections.
The Cult of We: Wework and the Great Start-Up Delusion - Thryft

The Cult of We: Wework and the Great Start-Up Delusion

$12.90 $3.90 70% off

$12.90 $3.90 70% off

85% off est. retail
If you enjoy gripping corporate sagas, "The Cult of We" is a wild ride through ambition and illusion. The authors give a front-row seat to WeWork's tumultuous journey, providing insights not just into the company, but also into the culture of speculative finance that can create such spectacular flameouts. It's a cautionary tale that reads like a thriller, perfect if you're fascinated by the intersection of entrepreneurship, excess, and the tech bubble.
142-Strand - Thryft
ashton-rosemary | Fisicalbook

142-Strand

$11.90 $3.90 67% off

Goodreads rating: 3.44

$11.90 $3.90 67% off

89% off est. retail
Diving into "142 Strand," you'll be transported to Victorian London's hive of progressivism and intellectual discourse. Imagine a place that attracted legends like Dickens and radicals like Mazzini, all convened by the enigmatic John Chapman. It's not just a historical account; it's a portal to an era where the cultural fabric was being woven with threads of reform, debate, and literary genius. If you're drawn to the confluence of culture, politics, and history, this book will be your time machine to the heart of Victorian innovation.
My East End: Memories of Life in Cockney London
Gilda O'Neill | Penguin Uk

My East End: Memories of Life in Cockney London

$9.90 $6.90 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.87

$9.90 $6.90 30% off

75% off est. retail
"My East End" is like a time machine to a lively, tight-knit community that many people have only glimpsed in movies or heard about in songs. Gilda O’Neill doesn’t just recount facts; she shares living memories that make you feel like you’re wandering through East London, hearing stories from old friends. If you're fascinated by the rich tapestry of urban life and appreciate the value of storytelling, this book is a portal to another world – one of warmth, resilience, and the unmistakable charm of the Cockney spirit.
Gangster Women and Criminals They Loved - Thryft
Susan McNicoll | Arcturus Publishing

Gangster Women and Criminals They Loved

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 3.54

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

76% off est. retail
If you've got a thing for true crime and the allure of love mingled with danger, "Gangster Women and Criminals They Loved" could be your next fixation. Imagine delving into the lives of women who defied societal norms for heart-racing romances with notorious criminals. Their stories teeter on the romantic and the chaotic edge of history's most famed outlaws. It's not just about the gangsters, but the fearless women who stood with them, often with a love so intense it overshadowed the looming threat of their lifestyle.
Crooks and Conmen - Thryft
Brian Innes | Blitz

Crooks and Conmen

$3.90

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$3.90

CROOKS AND CONMEN tells the rue stories of the great confidence tricksters who stand out in the history of crime. Sometimes their 'cons' had tragic consequences, such as the great financial fraud in Paris in the 1890's which led to the suicide of ten bankers. More often, they result in embarrassment—and sometimes they cause hilarity. From Count Victor Lustig who sold the Eiffel Tower—twice!—to the forged Hitler Diaries and from Clifford Irving, who produced a fake autobiography of Howard Hughes, to Elmyr de Hory, who was the great art faker of modern times, these stories describe the fantastic lengths some people will go to pull off swindles and subterfuges that are simply breathtaking in their audacity.
Impossible Dream The Marcoses, the Aquinos, and the Unfinished Revolution - Thryft
Sandra Burton | Grand Central Pub

Impossible Dream The Marcoses, the Aquinos, and the Unfinished Revolution

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

Goodreads rating: 4.11

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

90% off est. retail
If you have a keen interest in the political tapestry that shapes a nation, this book takes you right into the heart of the Philippines' most tumultuous times. Sandra Burton not only gives you an eyewitness account but also delves into the complex and destructive relationship between two powerful families. It's a compelling read for anyone fascinated by history coming alive through intense personal and political dramas.
Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from Bronze Age to Silver Screen
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Greg Jenner | Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from Bronze Age to Silver Screen

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

64% off est. retail
"Dead Famous" offers an unexpected journey, taking you well beyond the present-day glitz of social media influencers back to the intriguing origins of celebrity culture. Greg Jenner masterfully uncovers the earliest stars and their stories, providing an absorbing narrative that's not only about how people became icons but also how their fame shaped society. It's a must-read if you enjoy peeling back the layers of history to understand how past celebrity culture informs our current obsession with fame.
Italo Calvino : Letters, 1941-1985 - Updated Edition - Thryft
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Italo Calvino, Martin McLaughlin, Michael Wood  | Princeton University Press

Italo Calvino : Letters, 1941-1985 - Updated Edition

$23.90 $5.90 75% off

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$23.90 $5.90 75% off

90% off est. retail
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.
JOURNEYS: TAMILS IN SINGAPORE - Thryft
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Murugaian Nirmala | Straits Times Press

JOURNEYS: TAMILS IN SINGAPORE

$6.34

Goodreads rating: 0.0

$6.34

79% off est. retail
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.

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.