I have really been on a biography/auto-biography binge lately and am looking to expand my horizons. Just finished the two McCullough books, Truman and John Adams(which i absolutely loved), and have just started Alexander Hamilton by Chernow. As you can probably tell, i have been more into famous leaders/politicians (the poli sci/history major in me), but am open to great books all around. I figured this would be the best place to ask.

tia

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"You should never underestimate the predictability of stupidity."

Old Soldiers Never Die:

William Manchester

A Soldier's Story:

Omar Bradley

Old Soldiers Never Die:

William Manchester

A Soldier's Story:

Omar Bradley

Patton, A Genius For War

Carlos D'Este

I could recommend a ton of Bios. Most I recommend based on the person being written about, but some are on obscure people that are really well written.

One of the latter would be "Devil Soldier" by Caleb Carr.

There are a ton of good Teddy Roosevelt bios, but no good FDR bios. That's because while FDR may be more famous as a wartime president, FDR was boring and TR was amazing.

Bios of Churchill are always fun. I've read several good ones of Thomas Jefferson. Washington is a good topic, but not as interesting as TJ, in the same way that FDR is not as interesting as TR.

I don't read bios of most modern folks. They're usually boring.

J Edgar Hoover: The man and the secrets,
by Gentry


Lincoln, by David Donald

Alvin York's autobiography written about 1928 by himself with help. Absoultely my favorite book. I don't have it now as one of my sons is reading it. The man had courage, character, and honesty to a fault. It is written in his own words, mispelling and grammer mistakes abound, but no problem in understanding his life message.

Robertson's biography of Stonewall Jackson.

The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin by H.W. Brands

I've got to agree with Sefton on that one, except it can get a little long. Actually, I recommend anything by Brand.

American Sphinx by Ellis is also a very good one on Jefferson.

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Rule #76: No excuses, play like a champion!

Well, you started your biography reading off great... John Adams by McCullough is one of my all-time favorites..... I am just starting Truman..... the Chernow book about Alexander Hamilton is terrific too! You will definitely like it! I also read HW Brands The First American... very good... also try Brands' TR, the biography about Teddy Roosevelt......

Just finished Adams myself, just in time for the mini series that starts on HBO, March 16th Sunday night at 9, I believe. I happen to work with a lady that is a direct descendent of John Adams. I never really new much about him, but he was a pretty incredible man and very dedicated to his great country.

It is the 2nd DM book that i have read, first being 1776. I bought his TRoosevelt book 3 days ago and will start this week. I would recommend anything by Stephen Ambrose, and especially Undaunted Courage.

Another recommendation is His Excellency about George Washington.

Norman Schwartzkopf: It doesn't take a hero

I know it's not as historic as some others mentioned, but it was a great book.

Billy Waugh: The Hunt for the Jackal

About a legendary special forces member who did a ton of work for the CIA. It is a pretty quick read.

quote:

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Old Soldiers Never Die:

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They just smell that way <j/k>

You might try this one:

Lincoln the Man
by Edgar Lee Masters

[This message has been edited by terata (edited 3/16/2008 10:25p).]