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

[ThomCat]

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?

'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.

from yonks ago - The Moons A Balloon - David Niven

(who? I hear you all ask!)

Oh yes Joolstoo that's great

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

Joolstoo

from yonks ago - The Moons A Balloon - David Niven

(who? I hear you all ask!)

Check out 10.04 post

Oops!

I actually fancy reading that CD!

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

me too!

publish and be damned!

Did you read this , CD?

(You won't have, JT!)

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!

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

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!

or the fay weldon one, Auto Da Fay?

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.

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!

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.

'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.

oh yeah! bring on the Empty Horses - that's wasn't as good I thought.

Derek Jarman's "Smiling in Slow Motion"

Rolf Harris - surprisingly good (but you might want to hide the cover on the tube).

Morningpaper - then if anyone tried to guess what you were reading you could say 'Do you know what it is yet?' in a Rolf voice. Sorry, had to get that in.

My brother was strangely riveted by the Rolf Harris one...

well, as sad as i am and i know im gonna get trod on for this but i have just finished reading Simon Cowells autobiography and am half way through Jordans! Both are very good and easy to read. (presents for mothers day!) Dh also bought me Micheal Jacksons but im not sure i want to read it!

Just heard Jane Tomlinson interviewed about her autobiography; Luxury of time, sounds excellent..
Enjoyed the Branson book, but to be honest I dont know how you all have time to read, be Mums and visit this site!
Would love to sit down and read these but when??
Oh, the Clinton book is very poor.