Name Your Favorite Biographies (song, quote)

[CAVA1990]

What are some really good biographies you've read recently? Why did you like these versus others? What were the elements that made good reading? Do you think an obscure historical figure can make a compelling subject or do you prefer only reading about "great men (or women)"?

[Mightyqueen801]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

What are some really good biographies you've read recently? Why did you like these versus others? What were the elements that made good reading? Do you think an obscure historical figure can make a compelling subject or do you prefer only reading about "great men (or women)"?

I read a biography of John Brown most recently.

One of the elements that I think makes good reading of biographies is some explanation by the author of the context of time and place in which the subject lived. It doesn't always have to be exhaustive, but enough that it helps to peer into the point of view of the subject and his or her contemporaries.

I would be more interested in the obscure historical figure. There are a lot of historical figures that are known only locally or regionally that the wider world often doesn't learn about. I am interested in learning about those people as well as the "greats".

[Bulldogdad]

John Adams by David McCullough.
I read 1776 by Mccullough right before John Adams.

These two should be required reading of all High School American history classes.

[Jessica88]

Read Lexicon Devil. It chronicles the life of the great LA punk legend, Darby Crash (of The Germs). Instead of being written in a 'normal' biography style, the tale is told through dialogue, which is extremely pleasant.

Fast read. Instead of reading about someone morally upright with great deeds, take the time to learn about one of the most wild, raw punk singer/songwriters in the history of music. Darby's story is brilliant in the same way that explosions look impressive before you realize how destructive the whole bit is.

[Praline]

This isn't recent but I read Sammy Davis Jr.'s autobiography and ended up respecting the man completely. I really didn't know that much about him personally, and I wasn't particularly a fan, but the book really did open my eyes and I'm glad I read it.