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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 World of Mr Selfridge: The Glamour and Romance
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Alison Maloney | Simon & Schuster Uk

The World of Mr Selfridge: The Glamour and Romance

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$8.90 $5.90 34% off

88% off est. retail
If you've ever been fascinated by the origins of successful department stores and how they shaped consumer culture, "The World of Mr Selfridge" is for you. It captures the life of Harry Gordon Selfridge and the pioneering methods he used to revolutionize shopping, imbued with a sense of glamour and romance that will transport you to another era. This book reflects not just a biography but an inspirational tale of innovation and persistence.
The Mask of Command
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John Keegan | Penguin Books

The Mask of Command

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.12

$8.90

63% off est. retail
If you're drawn to the intersection of military prowess and cultural influence, "The Mask of Command" is right up your alley. John Keegan expertly decodes the essence of what it means to be a general, not just on the battlefield, but also in the broader context of history and society. It wins points for depth and insightful analysis, stepping beyond mere biography to explore the very nature of leadership and command.
Shattered Hope: The Guatemalan Revolution and the United States, 1944-1954 - Thryft
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Piero Gleijeses | Princeton University Press

Shattered Hope: The Guatemalan Revolution and the United States, 1944-1954

$34.11 $12.90 62% off

Goodreads rating: 4.35

$34.11 $12.90 62% off

90% off est. retail
If you have an interest in Central American history or the dynamics of international intervention, "Shattered Hope" could provide you with a well-researched and impassioned account of a significant period in Guatemala's past. Piero Gleijeses's approach lends both an academic and a human perspective to the story of a promising government's fall, offering insights that are just as relevant now as they were poignant then. This book might not only educate you but also evoke a deeper understanding of the complexities behind political upheavals and the far-reaching impacts of foreign interference.
Down Range: Navy SEALs in the War on Terrorism - Thryft
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Dick Couch | Crown

Down Range: Navy SEALs in the War on Terrorism

$12.51 $3.90 69% off

Goodreads rating: 4.0

$12.51 $3.90 69% off

86% off est. retail
If high-stakes military operations intrigue you, 'Down Range' will satisfy that craving. Experience the Navy SEALs’ grit in the War on Terrorism through Dick Couch's piercing narrative. You'll be transported right alongside these elite warriors in their most pivotal moments, as real-world geopolitical landscapes unfold under the pressure of their covert operations. It's a read that bridges the gap of understanding the intensity and complexity behind modern warfare.
Siegfried Sassoon : A Biography - Thryft
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Max Egremont | Picador

Siegfried Sassoon : A Biography

$15.90 $3.90 75% off

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$15.90 $3.90 75% off

87% off est. retail
If the blend of heroism, dissent, and literary prowess fascinates you, this biography will enrich your understanding of a complex man who became an icon of World War I. Sassoon was a decorated soldier who turned into a vocal critic of the conflict, and his life story unfolds like a novel penned by history itself. This book is perfect if you admire wartime poetry or are intrigued by the personal tales behind historical figures.
Vengeance - The True Story of an Israeli Counter-Terrorist Team - Thryft
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George Jonas | Simon & Schuster

Vengeance - The True Story of an Israeli Counter-Terrorist Team

$8.41

Goodreads rating: 4.12

$8.41

73% off est. retail
Vengeance is a true story that reads like a novel. It is the account of five ordinary Israelis, selected to vanish into "the cold" of espionage secrecy -- their mission to hunt down and kill the PLO terrorists responsible for the massacre of eleven Israeli athletes at the Munich Olympics in 1972.This is the account of that secret mission, as related by the leader of the group -- the first Mossad agent to come out of "deep cover" and tell the story of a heroic endeavor that was shrouded in silence and speculation for years. He reveals the long and dangerous operation whose success was bought at a terrible cost to the idealistic volunteer agents themselves."Avner" was the leader of that team, handpicked by Golda Meir to avenge the monstrous crime of Munich. He and his young companions, cut off from any direct contact with Israel, set out systematically to find and kill the central figures of the PLO's Munich operation, tracking them down wherever they lived.The mechanics, the horror, the day-by-day suspense of what they did surpass by far anything John le Carré or Robert Ludlum could imagine, as they themselves were tracked in turn (and some killed) by PLO assassins, changing identities constantly, moving from country to country, devoting their young lives to the brutal task of vengeance.Vengeance is a profoundly human document, a real-life espionage classic that plunges the reader into the shadow world of terrorism and political murder. But it goes far beyond that, to explore firsthand the feelings of disgust and doubt that gradually came to torment each member of the Israeli team, and that in the end inexorably changed their view of the mission -- and themselves.Vengeance opens a window onto a secret world, a book that at the same time inspires and horrifies. For its subject is an act of revenge that goes to the very heart of the ancient biblical questions of good and evil.
Big Chief Elizabeth : How England's Adventurers Gambled and Won the New World - Thryft
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Giles Milton | John Murray

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

$6.80

Goodreads rating: 4.02

$6.80

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.
Reconciliation : Islam, Democracy, and the West - Thryft
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Benazir Bhutto | Harper

Reconciliation : Islam, Democracy, and the West

$9.52

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$9.52

78% off est. retail
Recommendation: - If you're interested in understanding the complex relationship between Islam, democracy, and the West, "Reconciliation" is a powerful and insightful book that offers a fresh perspective. Benazir Bhutto, a courageous woman tragically killed, provides a gripping account of her final months in Pakistan and presents a bold agenda for tackling Islamic radicalism. Her message of tolerance, justice, and the need for global unity is both thought-provoking and inspiring. By reading this book, you'll gain a deeper understanding of modern Islam and the urgent need for reconciliation in our world today.
Over the Edge of the World : Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe - Thryft
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Laurence Bergreen | Mariner Books

Over the Edge of the World : Magellan's Terrifying Circumnavigation of the Globe

$11.81

Goodreads rating: 4.17

$11.81

73% off est. retail
Recommended for history buffs and adventure-seekers, this book provides an in-depth account of Magellan's iconic journey, including his ambitions, conflicts, and discovery of the Spice Islands. The author's use of first-person accounts and vivid descriptions gives readers a personal insight into the dangers faced by Magellan and his crew.
From Saint Hildegard's Kitchen : Foods of Health, Foods of Joy - Thryft
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Jany Fournier-Rosset | Liguori Publications

From Saint Hildegard's Kitchen : Foods of Health, Foods of Joy

$8.57

Goodreads rating: 4.13

$8.57

73% off est. retail
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.
Fallen Astronauts : Heroes Who Died Reaching for the Moon, Revised Edition - Thryft
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Colin Burgess, Eugene A. Cernan, Kate Doolan  | University Of Nebraska Press

Fallen Astronauts : Heroes Who Died Reaching for the Moon, Revised Edition

$15.36

Goodreads rating: 4.24

$15.36

69% off est. retail
Fallen Astronauts could be a good read for those interested in space exploration and the human cost of scientific discovery. It tells the stories of the sixteen astronauts and cosmonauts who died in the quest to reach the moon between 1962 and 1972, including those whose stories are often obscured by rumors. The book offers intimate and compelling details of their extraordinary lives and accomplishments, reminding readers of the cost of fulfilling our dreams.
The Making of "Alexander" : The Official Guide to the Epic Alexander Film - Thryft
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Robin Lane Fox | R And L

The Making of "Alexander" : The Official Guide to the Epic Alexander Film

$7.59

Goodreads rating: 4.38

$7.59

70% off est. retail
This book provides exclusive, detailed behind-the-scenes information about the making of the epic Alexander film directed by Oliver Stone, including the development of the script, the actors, the locations and sets, and the filming. It gives a fascinating insight into the incredible effort and dedication that went into making this film, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the film industry or the historical figure of Alexander the Great.
Boxer Rebellion : The Dramatic Story of China's War on Foreigners that Shook the World in the Summ er of 1900 - Thryft
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Diana Preston | Berkley Books

Boxer Rebellion : The Dramatic Story of China's War on Foreigners that Shook the World in the Summ er of 1900

$7.54

Goodreads rating: 3.78

$7.54

81% off est. retail
This book provides a rich account of the Boxer Rebellion and its impact on the world, with a balanced take on the perspectives of both the Chinese and the foreigners involved. It is a great read for anyone interested in the clash between different cultures and ideologies, and how this clash can sometimes lead to violent extremism and tragic consequences. The author's extensive research and engaging writing style make this book a page-turner, despite its length and complexity.
Charles Dickens at Home - Thryft
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Graham Salter, Hilary Macaskill, Florian Schweizer  | Frances Lincoln

Charles Dickens at Home

$15.59 $10.91 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.27

$15.59 $10.91 30% off

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.
September 11, 2001 - Thryft
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Wilborn Hampton | Candlewick Press

September 11, 2001

$5.40

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$5.40

81% off est. retail
This book would be a good choice for those who want to gain a deeper understanding of the 9/11 attacks. Through the personal accounts of the people involved and powerful imagery, readers will be transported to the day that shook the world. This book will leave a lasting impact on readers and help them reflect on the importance of unity and empathy in times of crisis.
An Unexpected Journey: Path to the Presidency
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S.R. Nathan, Timothy Auger  | Didier Millet

An Unexpected Journey: Path to the Presidency

$12.90

Goodreads rating: 4.45

$12.90

80% off est. retail
If you're captivated by stories of personal triumph that illustrate the sheer resilience of the human spirit, "An Unexpected Journey: Path to the Presidency" could be a compelling read for you. S.R. Nathan's memoir offers a deeply personal view into the life of a man who overcame adversity to lead a nation, interwoven with the growth of Singapore itself. It's more than just history; it's an inspiration for anyone who believes in the power of determination and the possibility of change.

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.