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Original poster

What is the best biography, or autobiograpy, you've ever read?

93 replies

ThomCat · 18/03/2005 18:02

My book club meets in a few weeks and everyone has a choice of biography or autobiography, and then we vote and choose which one we'll read.

So what are the best ones you've read?

OP posts:
TinyGang · 19/03/2005 12:41

'Unreliable Memoirs' by Clive James is hilarious.

Agree about David Niven's both 'The Moon's A Balloon' and 'Bring on the Empty Horses'.

Just reading 'It's not about the Bike' by Lance Armstrong which is quite incredible.

Dahlia · 19/03/2005 12:31

Noel Coward's diaries - its hysterical, very witty, he led such a colourful life and knew so many famous people, its really good. Trowel and Error by Alan Titchmarsh is a really nice read too.

foxinsocks · 19/03/2005 11:53

One of the best I've read is Martin Kemp's True. I bought it at an airport when it came out and couldn't stop reading it. It's very funny reading about Spandau Ballet and there's loads about him that I didn't know (brain tumour).

It wasn't what I expected at all and although it's written a bit like a tabloid newspaper, it is a riveting read!

anorak · 19/03/2005 11:35

Agree about David Niven and My Life In Orange.

Alec Guinness - 2 volumes.

I'm reading Bob Dylan's new autobiography Chronicles at the moment - it's definitely the best biography I've ever read. Magical.

mummytosteven · 19/03/2005 11:26

or the fay weldon one, Auto Da Fay?

Papillon · 19/03/2005 11:09

has anyone ever read the Gabriel Garcia Marquez autobiography - his books are fabulous.
The man behind the Master

After reading that link I will have to get it.. only 430 pages!

Cam · 19/03/2005 10:23

phatcat yes to Martin Amis Experience which I finished only a few weeks ago, what's so interesting is that it is a biography of Kingsley Amis (the old devil) and inevitably an autobiography of Martin at the same time. But written almost as a novel.

Also Moons a Balloon - very funny IIRC - read that one several decades ago

JoolsToo · 18/03/2005 23:59

I have now - well part 1 anyway - good article too!

"All the war and aggression was a game. I never understood those who took it all personally. It's not personal, it's just a laugh. Half the world's starving. Get over it."

could be a motto for something

I still like him!

JanH · 18/03/2005 23:27

Did you read this , CD?

(You won't have, JT!)

JoolsToo · 18/03/2005 23:23

me too!

publish and be damned!

CountessDracula · 18/03/2005 23:21

Yes me too, I actually rather like him in a twisted way

JoolsToo · 18/03/2005 23:21

I actually fancy reading that CD!

JoolsToo · 18/03/2005 23:20

Oops!

LGJ · 18/03/2005 23:19

Joolstoo

from yonks ago - The Moons A Balloon - David Niven

(who? I hear you all ask!)

Check out 10.04 post

CountessDracula · 18/03/2005 23:19

How about the new Piers Moron one that Private Eye is frothing at the mouth about? Must be good for a larf!

CountessDracula · 18/03/2005 23:18

Oh yes Joolstoo that's great

JoolsToo · 18/03/2005 23:16

from yonks ago - The Moons A Balloon - David Niven

(who? I hear you all ask!)

expatinscotland · 18/03/2005 23:16

'Are You Somebody?: The Accidental Memoirs of a Dublin Woman' by Nuala O'Faolain. Brilliant. Just bloody brilliant, just as her novel 'My Dream of You' is.

CountessDracula · 18/03/2005 23:09

Hons & Rebels by Jessica Mitford is fab, as is The Mitford Girls by Mary S Lovell.

I love all that stuff so interesting about Moseley, Hitler etc the second one.

JanH · 18/03/2005 23:06

Oooooh, turquey, Daughter of Time is one of my top 10 all-time favourites

HUNKERMUNKER · 18/03/2005 22:52

I liked Frank Skinner's But that may be too highbrow, TC...

turquoise · 18/03/2005 22:47

Not exactly a biography, but 'The daughter of time' by Josephine Tey is an accurate delve into the mystery of Richard III and absolutely bloody brilliant.

polly28 · 18/03/2005 22:47

A million little pieces, by James Frey.

Our book club met last night and everyone thought it was a remarkable book,really almost life changing.

It is about a drug addicts rahabilitation and is beautifully written.I really really recommend it.

PuffTheMagicDragon · 18/03/2005 22:46

80sMum - Wild Swans was brilliant, you've just reminded me.

LGJ · 18/03/2005 22:42

Neither Biography or Auto,

But..........A Day in the Live of Ivan Denisovich, is a brilliant read.

Read it at 12, and several times since, I was too young at 12, but have enjoyed it since.

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