Lennon: The Definitive Biography by Ray Coleman is a great choice, even if you think you know all there is to know about the Beatles and John Lennon. Coleman takes an in-depth look at Lennon’s upbringing, explaining in detail how gifted he was even as a young child. We find out new information about his parents and family, and how each influenced him throughout his life. Coleman’s writing keeps us intrigued from beginning to end.

J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography by Humphrey Carpenter is another fascinating look into an incredibly famous man’s life and upbringing.
With the success of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, one might think that Tolkien was a charismatic individual. Yet he was a quiet, thoughtful man who greatly valued friendship and family. This biography will provide an excellent study of the genius of Tolkien and his legacy.

It’s Only a Movie: Alfred Hitchcock: A Personal Biography by Charlotte Chandler presents a personal side of Alfred Hitchcock rarely known to outsiders. Hitchcock was not one to talk much about himself, and Chandler does an excellent job of researching him through relatives and friendships that span the life of the famous movie producer. You’ll come away from this biography with an understanding of Hitchcock’s production genius, as well as his astounding creativity that changed the face of horror films for all time.

Leonardo da Vinci: Flights of the Mind: A Biography by Charles Nicholl puts facts and research to the many rumors circulating about Leonardo da Vinci since the release of The da Vinci Code. Nicholl’s award winning prose helps to create a book of unending interest into the real Leonardo da Vinci. Here, you will learn about da Vinci’s inspirations and influence, lifestyle, creative process and greatness rising from less than privileged beginnings. This biography takes us on a journey into one of the greatest minds of all time.

Picasso: A Biography by Patrick O’ Brian is an enjoyable telling of the life of the famous artist, Pablo Picasso. We learn of his early life in Malaga, and the culture surrounding him as a child. We also get a glimpse of Picasso’s suffering, and experience his feelings of isolation
and cruelty upon others. This Biography will leave you with a full sense of the genius and the tragedy of the world famous artist.

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin examines the life of this American President in light of his relationships with three men on his cabinet. All three were Republican rivals in the 1860 election. Lincoln’s understanding of human nature is evident in this skillful, though long, biography.
It reads almost as a multiple biography, telling the stories of the cabinet members alongside that of Abraham Lincoln.

Edith Wharton: An Extraordinary Life – An Illustrated Biography by Eleanor Dwight follows the talented author on her many travels and shows the effects of travel, architecture, and other influences on her writing. Themes in her books were greatly affected by her contact with other artistic styles, and Dwight explores the various theories she investigated. It is also full of illustrations that bring Wharton’s lavish life and adventures. You will never read Wharton’s books the same again.