Historical biographies that captivate and entertain!

Cleopatra

A Life

by Schiff, Stacy

Book - 2010

Schiff does a remarkable job analyzing the myth of Cleopatra and the scant evidence we have about the real woman. This highly readable and engaging biogra...Show more Schiff does a remarkable job analyzing the myth of Cleopatra and the scant evidence we have about the real woman. This highly readable and engaging biography delves into dramatic Egyptian and Roman history with a feminist perspective about one of the world’s most famous and scandalous queens. Show less

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Constance Fenimore Woolson

Portrait of A Lady Novelist

by Rioux, Anne Boyd

Book - 2016

Woolson is primarily known for inspiring Henry James’ Isabel Archer character in Portrait of a Lady, she was an accomplished novelist in her own right (in...Show more Woolson is primarily known for inspiring Henry James’ Isabel Archer character in Portrait of a Lady, she was an accomplished novelist in her own right (in fact, she was more successful than James at the time). Rioux describes the fascinating story of Woolson’s life as an ambitious, well-traveled, and prolific 19th century woman writer. Show less

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The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks

by Skloot, Rebecca

eBook - 2010

This book is often classified as science due to its focus on cancer research and medical ethics, but it also explores the short life of Henrietta Lacks (o...Show more This book is often classified as science due to its focus on cancer research and medical ethics, but it also explores the short life of Henrietta Lacks (of the famous HeLa cells) and the long history of racism at Baltimore’s famous Johns Hopkins Hospital. Skloot explains how she uncovered this story and is honest about her complex relationship with Lacks’ family, which made this book a huge hit and an example of narrative nonfiction at its best. Show less

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Looking for Lorraine

A Life of Lorraine Hansberry

by Perry, Imani

Book - 2018

Surprisingly, Perry’s biography is the first ever written of Lorraine Hansberry, who wrote the famous play A Raisin in the Sun. The author delves into lit...Show more Surprisingly, Perry’s biography is the first ever written of Lorraine Hansberry, who wrote the famous play A Raisin in the Sun. The author delves into little known aspects of Hansberry’s brief life and argues that she should be known for her other accomplishments, including her work as a radical black thinker. Show less

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Personal History

by Graham, Katharine

Book - 1998

In this memoir, Graham is brutally honest about her family struggles and her doubts that she could take charge of the Washington Post after she inherited ...Show more In this memoir, Graham is brutally honest about her family struggles and her doubts that she could take charge of the Washington Post after she inherited it when her husband committed suicide. It covers some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories in Washington, all told by a woman who finally found her voice and displayed extraordinary leadership. Show less

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Sharp

The Women Who Made An Art of Having An Opinion

by Dean, Michelle

Book - 2018

Dean traces the intertwining lives and careers of ten American women writers, including Dorothy Parker, Hannah Arendt, Mary McCarthy, Susan Sontag, Joan D...Show more Dean traces the intertwining lives and careers of ten American women writers, including Dorothy Parker, Hannah Arendt, Mary McCarthy, Susan Sontag, Joan Didion, and Nora Ephron. What these writers all have in common was their ability to cut through the sexism in their daily lives and the literary world, and above all, to write with a brutal honesty and a cutting sense humor. Show less

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Shirley Jackson

A Rather Haunted Life

by Franklin, Ruth

Book - 2016

Jackson is primarily known for her infamous short story, “The Lottery,” but she was also a prolific writer of suspense novels, memoirs, humorous columns i...Show more Jackson is primarily known for her infamous short story, “The Lottery,” but she was also a prolific writer of suspense novels, memoirs, humorous columns in women’s magazines, and hundreds of other short stories. Franklin examines Jackson’s dual life as both a critically acclaimed writer and a housewife who struggled with addiction, her weight, and the pressures to financially support the family with her writing while her own husband’s own career as a writer stalled. Show less

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Betty Ford

First Lady, Women's Advocate, Survivor, Trailblazer

by McCubbin, Lisa

Book - 2018

This fast-paced book begins with Betty Ford's early life as a dancer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and follows her to Washington, where she was a young wife ...Show more This fast-paced book begins with Betty Ford's early life as a dancer in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and follows her to Washington, where she was a young wife to Congressman Gerald Ford, and eventually, the First Lady. McCubbin deftly explores American politics in the 70s, Betty's bout with breast cancer, and her addiction treatment, showing how her humor and honesty through these troubling times made her one of the most popular first ladies. Show less

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Dietrich & Riefenstahl

Hollywood, Berlin, and A Century in Two Lives

by Wieland, Karin

Book - 2015

Marlene Dietrich and Leni Riefenstahl led parallel lives-- both were born and raised in Berlin, and both had a huge impact on the film industry. In this l...Show more Marlene Dietrich and Leni Riefenstahl led parallel lives-- both were born and raised in Berlin, and both had a huge impact on the film industry. In this lengthy dual biography, Wieland explores how these two very similar women took different paths in that Dietrich chose to fight against fascism and left for the U.S, while Riefenstahl chose to collaborate with Hitler and made some of the most notorious propaganda films of all time. Show less

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Young Radicals

In the War for American Ideals

by McCarter, Jeremy

Book - 2017

Five American radicals from the World War I era are profiled in this group biography: Max Eastman, Randolph Bourne, Walter Lippmann, John Reed, and Alice ...Show more Five American radicals from the World War I era are profiled in this group biography: Max Eastman, Randolph Bourne, Walter Lippmann, John Reed, and Alice Paul, who all made valiant attempts at changing the world. McCarter’s narrative tackles their involvement in movements for socialism, women suffrage, pacifism, and freedom of speech, and provides a compelling history for today’s young radicals. Show less

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