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.

121 Results

Switch between grid and list views for a better book browsing experience!

121 Results

No results

In the Empire of Genghis Khan: An Amazing Odyssey Through the Lands of the Most Feared Conquerors in History
Just Arrived

$8.90

Unit price
per

64% off est. retail
If you enjoy merging humor with history, "In the Empire of Genghis Khan" is more than just a travel memoir; it's a time machine with a dose of laughter. Stanley Stewart's knack for comic storytelling will whisk you through the ancient lands of the Mongols, all from the comfort of your reading nook. Imagine journeying across rugged landscapes and meeting eclectic characters, all while unraveling history's rich tapestry. This book doesn't just recount an adventure; it invites you into one.
Acquired Tastes
Peter Mayle | Bantam

Acquired Tastes

$12.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.71

$12.90

Unit price
per

47% off est. retail
If the allure of fine living fascinates you, Peter Mayle's lively prose in "Acquired Tastes" is your next must-read. Imagine a friendly guide taking you through the world's most opulent pleasures, from the finest caviar to tailor-made shoes. It's a window into a life of elegance, served with a side of wit, just the escape you might fancy. It's not just about affluence; it's a celebration of taste and the art of living well.
The Search for the Pink-Headed Duck

$10.90

Unit price
per

If you're drawn to tales that blend adventure with a sense of the quixotic, 'The Search for the Pink-Headed Duck' could be a delightful escape for you. Rory Nugent's narrative transforms a wild goose chase into a richly described odyssey through India, illustrating that sometimes the hunt is more rewarding than the find. It's a vivid reminder of how the pursuit of a seemingly unreachable goal can lead to unexpected discoveries and poignant insights into the human condition.
Here Is New York

$6.90

Unit price
per

64% off est. retail
Dive into "Here Is New York" if you’ve ever daydreamed about the bustling streets, the towering skyscrapers, and the vibrant life of Manhattan. E.B. White's sharp observations wrapped in warm nostalgia will make you feel like you’re wandering the city with a wise friend. It's perfect for urban dreamers and lovers of the Big Apple.
Dream Birds
Rob Nixon | Doubleday

Dream Birds

Regular price $10.90 $7.90 28% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.63

Regular price $10.90 $7.90 28% off

Unit price
per

"Dream Birds" is not just for ostrich enthusiasts; it's a lyrical journey through a landscape that’s both physical and dreamlike. Rob Nixon weaves the biographical tales of the Karoo's past settlers with modern ambitions, capturing the essence of hope and the realities of pursuing fortune. If you enjoy a blend of natural history, personal memoir, and social observation, this book could resonate with you, drawing parallels between the ostrich’s enigmatic life and human endeavors.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: A Savannah Story
John Berendt | Random House

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: A Savannah Story

Regular price $16.90 $10.90 36% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.92

Regular price $16.90 $10.90 36% off

Unit price
per

75% off est. retail
If you're drawn to stories where a city's character is as vibrant as its inhabitants, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" could be just what you're looking for. John Berendt's masterful weave of true crime and the portrait of Savannah's elite society is not only enchanting but will make you feel as though you're walking through the historic squares and moss-draped oaks yourself. You'll be seduced by the intrigue and the colorful cast of real-life characters.
Mad Dogs and Englishmen - Thryft
Ranulph Fiennes | Hodder & Stoughton

Mad Dogs and Englishmen

Regular price $21.90 $4.90 78% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.82

Regular price $21.90 $4.90 78% off

Unit price
per

If you're drawn to the allure of aristocratic histories peppered with scandal and bravery, "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" could be your next treasured find. Sir Ranulph Fiennes doesn’t just walk you through a family history; he escorts you through a tumultuous line of adventurers and rebels, intimately sharing how his lineage shaped his own legendary exploits. This isn't your average ancestral recount—it's a lineage laden with drama, at once personal and grand, a real treat for anyone fascinated by the complexities of heritage and the impact of forebears on present-day icons.
Clarkson on Cars - Thryft
Jeremy Clarkson | Penguin

Clarkson on Cars

Regular price $4.90 $3.90 20% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.64

Regular price $4.90 $3.90 20% off

Unit price
per

82% off est. retail
Recommendation: Clarkson on Cars is a must-read for any car enthusiast who appreciates irreverent humor and insightful commentary on a diverse range of car-related topics. Jeremy Clarkson's writing is both entertaining and informative, blending his passion for cars with his acerbic wit. Whether you're a fan of his work on Top Gear or not, this collection of classic Clarkson is sure to have you in stitches.
Don't Stop Me Now
Jeremy Clarkson | Penguin

Don't Stop Me Now

Regular price $9.90 $6.90 30% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.69

Regular price $9.90 $6.90 30% off

Unit price
per

68% off est. retail
If you fancy a good laugh alongside a dose of unfiltered opinion, Jeremy Clarkson's "Don't Stop Me Now" should be right up your alley. It's not just about the cars; it's Clarkson's take on the world, delivered with the wit and irreverence you'd expect. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a blend of humor with their automotive passion or just wanted a glimpse into the mind of one of the most distinctive voices in motoring journalism.
Roadkill for Beginners
Just Arrived

$9.90

Unit price
per

Roadkill for Beginners could be a good read for poetry lovers who enjoy unconventional themes and styles. Chan's poetry collection is a mix of love letters to places, field guides, and adventures, exploring various complex themes such as desire, moving, and belonging with a unique lyrical style. The poems feel like a celebration of life and its quirks, and readers could enjoy the vivid imagery and the raw emotions conveyed in the collection.
Great-Uncle Harry: A Tale of War and Empire
Sold out

$8.90

Unit price
per

58% off est. retail
If you're drawn to narratives that blend personal discovery with historical intrigue, "Great-Uncle Harry" might resonate with you. Michael Palin leads us on a quest that is as much about family and memory as it is about the echoes of war. The book connects the past with the present through painstaking research that reveals not just a family member's life, but also a slice of world history. His storytelling could offer you both an emotional connection and a richer understanding of the Great War's personal impact.
If you've ever wondered about the daring spirit of adventurers, "The Greatest Adventure" offers an intimate look into the trials and victories of circumnavigating the globe in a balloon. Piccard and Jones's tale is both exhilarating and harrowing, revealing the courage it takes to forge through the unknown. The authenticity of their experience, facing unimaginable challenges in the stratosphere, is sure to inspire and capture the imagination of anyone who dreams of great exploits.
The Boat Who Wouldn't Float
Sold out
Farley Mowat | Starfire

The Boat Who Wouldn't Float

Regular price $5.90 $3.90 34% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.11

Regular price $5.90 $3.90 34% off

Unit price
per

64% off est. retail
If the sea calls to you, but life's kept it just out of reach, "The Boat Who Wouldn't Float" can serve as both a cautionary tale and a source of riotous fun. Mowat's knack for storytelling brings to life the boisterous journey of a man and his leaky boat. With each page, you'll feel the salty breeze and the exasperated love for a ship with a mind of its own. It's an adventure you wouldn't want to have, but would never want to end.
Left for Dead: My Journey Home from Everest - Thryft
Sold out
Stephen G. Michaud, Beck Weathers  | Dell

Left for Dead: My Journey Home from Everest

Regular price $6.90 $4.90 29% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.62

Regular price $6.90 $4.90 29% off

Unit price
per

64% off est. retail
If you've ever faced a mountain, literally or metaphorically, Beck Weathers' story in "Left for Dead" will resonate with you. This isn't just a tale of surviving against nature's harshest elements; it's a profound journey of personal redemption and the power of human spirit. The raw honesty with which Weathers confronts his relationship with climbing and its impact on his family life adds a layer of depth that extends beyond the thrill of survival. It reminds us of the strength we can summon in our darkest hours and the second chances life can offer.
A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains
Sold out
Isabella Lucy Bird | John Beaufoy Publishing

A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains

Regular price $9.90 $7.90 20% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.96

Regular price $9.90 $7.90 20% off

Unit price
per

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.
Big Chief Elizabeth : How England's Adventurers Gambled and Won the New World - Thryft
Sold out

$6.80

Unit price
per

68% off est. retail
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.
Looptail : How One Company Changed the World by Reinventing Business - Thryft
Sold out
Bruce Poon Tip | Business Plus

Looptail How One Company Changed the World by Reinventing Business

Regular price $9.90 $3.90 61% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.98

Regular price $9.90 $3.90 61% off

Unit price
per

85% off est. retail
This book would be a great read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and business innovation. Bruce Poon Tip's first-person account of starting and developing G Adventures will captivate you from the beginning. The most distinctive feature of "Looptail" is the author's unconventional management secrets that not only keep employees engaged but also keep customers extremely happy. It's a refreshing take on business and will inspire you to think outside the box and revolutionize your own venture.
Medallion Status - True Stories From Secret Rooms - Thryft
Sold out
John Hodgman | Viking

Medallion Status - True Stories From Secret Rooms

Regular price $8.90 $3.90 56% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.15

Regular price $8.90 $3.90 56% off

Unit price
per

91% off est. retail
Medallion Status by John Hodgman is a witty memoir that explores the author's experiences with fame, success, and, ultimately, losing that status. Hodgman's humorous tone makes this an enjoyable read, while his honest reflections on issues of identity and self-worth will resonate with anyone who has experienced a sudden change in their social status.
Life in the Skies - Thryft
Sold out
Tony Fernandes, Lim Khoy Hing  | Marshall Cavendish

Life in the Skies

$6.83

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.96

$6.83

Unit price
per

74% off est. retail
Life in the Skies offers a unique perspective on air travel and airplane safety from the perspective of a lifelong pilot. Captain Lim shares his personal experiences and provides valuable insights for air travelers and aspiring pilots alike. The book is complemented with over 40 full-color illustrations, making it an engaging read from start to finish. Readers will enjoy the entertaining anecdotes and stories, while also learning about the intricacies of becoming a pilot and the safety regulations that govern air travel. Overall, Life in the Skies is a must-read for anyone interested in aviation or air travel.
Red Dust - Thryft
Sold out
Ma Jian | Vintage Books

Red Dust

$8.90

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 3.85

$8.90

Unit price
per

68% off est. retail
Red Dust is a must-read for those interested in China's recent history and culture. Through Ma Jian's insightful journey, readers can gain a unique perspective on China's societal challenges. The book is a compelling mix of beautiful descriptions of the country's natural beauty and commentary on the repressive nature of China's government in the 1980s.
Charles Dickens at Home - Thryft
Sold out
Graham Salter, Hilary Macaskill, Florian Schweizer  | Frances Lincoln

Charles Dickens at Home

Regular price $15.59 $10.91 30% off

Unit price
per

Goodreads rating: 4.27

Regular price $15.59 $10.91 30% off

Unit price
per

84% off est. retail
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.

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.