We all want to know about our favorite writers, musicians, politicians, and public personalities. The only way to gain an intimate look at these famous figures is to read a written account of their life, and who better to write it than them? Some autobiographies may inspire you, while others will bring tears to your eyes.
Here is the 10 famous Autobiography Books of All Time
A Long Walk to Freedom
Nelson Mandela wrote his autobiography “A Long Walk to Freedom”. This man is without a doubt the most well-known African leader of the twentieth century. His book tells the narrative of his life, including the years he spent in prison for his country, South Africa. If you’re a follower of this wonderful man, you won’t want to miss reading this book.
He shares the tale, which is motivational, amusing, and tragic in equal measure. Mandela told about his upbringing and early schooling in apartheid-era South Africa. He spoke about his time in prison for 27 years as an anti-apartheid campaigner and leader of the disreputable ANC.
It then goes on to discuss his freedom and victory as South Africa’s first black president. It is one of the most well-known autobiographies ever written.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Maya Angelou wrote “I know Why the Caged Bird Sings” in 1969, and people still can’t get enough of it. If you appreciate Maya Angelou’s poetry, you will enjoy her writing in “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”
The book has seven sections, each of which focuses on a distinct aspect of the poet’s early upbringing. Despite the fact that the book’s topics are extremely gloomy (racism and sexual abuse of a minor). Maya’s love for literature and amazing strength help her overcome the gloom in her life. Maya writes of her early upbringing in Arkansas, when she was three years old and moved in with her grandmother.
The Diary of a Young Girl
Anne Frank wrote about her experience through her autobiography book “The Diary of a Young Girl”. She spoke about her experience before to the Nazi takeover. Anne took birth in Germany. This autobiography is different from the others on our list, it evokes strong emotions in the reader. It’s impossible not to feel sad for this 13-year-old girl.
This book is about a girl who is hiding with her family in the middle of death and devastation, yet she remains unmoved by the terrible. Her journal is so full of joyful events, crushes, sleepovers, and positive recollections that it’s easy to believe. But she’s living through a war that killed over 16 million of her fellow Jews.
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin wrote his book “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin” that contains 4 sections. Each of these parts focuses on a different period of his life. Benjamin Franklin is without a doubt one of history’s most well-known figures.
Franklin’s tale is an important part of American history that should not be overlooked. The first portion of the book is a letter to his kid in which he describes his childhood and how he found his writing skills. The next two parts are mostly concerned with his journey to popularity in the United States of America. He composed the final piece soon before his death, and it is the shortest.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King’s On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft is a must-read book for any aspiring writer or enthusiastic reader. Stephen is a horror king and a great storyteller. This man is without a doubt one of the most fascinating figures in the world of literature.
King not only talks to readers about his different experiences as a writer, but he also offers advice to aspiring authors. The book contains five sections. Each of them focuses on a different facet of King’s personality. He also discussed how the accident that nearly took his life had impacted his life. For young authors, this collection of work is beneficial.
Angela’s Ashes
Frank McCourt wrote his autobiography book “Angela’s Ashes” and it won the Pulitzer Prize for Autobiography in 1997.
It tells the tale of Frank McCourt’s life, from his upbringing in the United States through his latter years in Ireland. The plots of Angela’s Ashes are quite dark. It centres on McCourt’s poor background, his brothers’ deaths, and his father’s alcoholism.
This is a heartbreaking stories about survival. While reading this book, you may shed a few tears, but it will be well worth it.
Dreams From My Father
The “Dreams From My Father” is the autobiography book of Obama written by Barack Obama.
The book spoke about race and racial relations, and they were told from his perspective as a young African-American. This book tells about his birth, early schooling, his parents’ divorce, and his struggle.
You’ll also get a glimpse of his college education and, after his father’s death, his emotional return to his father’s homeland.
The autobiography of Malcolm X
Malcolm X is the author of his autobiography book “The Autobiography of Malcolm X”. Malcolm X’s autobiography begins with his upbringing and continues until the year of his death.
The book begins with his mother’s pregnancy and ends with his spirituality. Malcolm X had strong beliefs and values, which are all reflected in his book. So, in a way, this book is a spiritual work in the sense that it shows Malcolm X’s transformation after converting.
Black Boy
Richard Wright is the author of his autobiography “Black Boy”. When you first read Black Boy, it doesn’t feel like you’re reading an autobiography. Instead, it seems like you’re reading a novel. The book focuses on poverty, religion, racism, and discrimination. The book contains two sections, one describing his boyhood in the South and the other discussing his life in Chicago.
Mein Kampf
While spending time in jail for political offences, Adolf Hitler composed “Mein Kampf”. He authored it as a manifesto at first, but he eventually finally published a second book. The book contained many of his ambitions for Germany, as well as his ideas and viewpoints on Jews. You’ll also learn about his early years and how he grew to be the man he is now.
Conclusion
Autobiographies allow you to follow the rise of numerous famous persons across the world. They generally include the writers’ real emotions and sentiments that allow you to experience the world through their eyes.