If the lives of famous people fascinate you, then you can find here you may find some of the most famous autobiography books to read and get inspired from. An autobiography can give you first-hand experience of the author’s life written by himself. It helps the readers to explore some lesser-known yet interesting facts about the author’s life. However, famous autobiography books are written by famous people with milestone achievements in their lives. These autobiographies also show the struggles of a famous person and become the source of inspiration for many. Check the below-given list of famous autobiographies.
List Of The Most Famous Autobiographies Ever Written
Below are some famous autobiography books everyone must read:
1: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin
This book chronicles the life of one of America’s founding fathers and was written between 1771 and 1790.Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography will tell you how he rose from a lower-middle-class upbringing to become one of the world’s most respected men.
It will also tell you about Mr. Franklin’s belief in the American Dream and his predictions about life in the New World. He proved that hard work paid off and that undistinguished persons could become of great importance in America.
Historical factors are another explanation why this is a classic. It depicts life in the eighteenth century, with idealism, intellectualism, and positive values well articulated. This autobiography has four sections and is well worth reading!
2: Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela’s autobiography contains every element of knowledge you want to know about this legendary leader. Starting from his childhood, growing up into a freedom fighter, this book has it all. Besides, you may also see his twenty-seven years in prison, and his significant role in molding up a new, democratic South Africa. It also includes an in-depth examination of Mandela’s perspective on South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle. In a nutshell, this book is Mandela’s long journey to freedom!
3: The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography is a candid and modest account of an outstanding leader’s moral and spiritual side. This book elaborates on the historical context of his forty-year stay in India. It contains every aspect of Gandhi’s life, including historical and political events as well as his personal life philosophy. It’s a famous autobiography you should not miss reading.
4: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
This diary isn’t your typical autobiography. Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who went into hiding during World War II with her family and a few relatives. This lovely piece captures all a thirteen-year-old girl goes through, including traditional girlhood consciousness, friendships with other children, boy crushes, and academic achievements.
It also describes her life in hiding, including her emotional ups and downs, her thoughts on other people’s actions, and her isolation. Her diary comes to an end soon after she turns fifteen.
5: Chronicles, Vol 1 by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan does not need an introduction. There are three chapters in this first volume of his autobiography. He discusses his life in New York in 1961, his experiences making his first album, and his dedication to two of his lesser-known albums in this interview. This is something that all music fans, particularly those who adore him, will enjoy. Because of the enormous success of his first book, he intends to write two more chronicles.
6: I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
This is the first of Maya’s seven autobiographies, but it is the one that has brought her attention. This book chronicles the wonderful and emotional journey of a young Black American woman who faced adversity during her first seventeen years.
It begins with how her life changed after her parents’ divorce, how she was raped by her mother’s live-in boyfriend, how she recovered from her abuse, and all the incidents that occurred in between. This famous autobiography tells us about the difficulties of life and the profound prejudice that Black Americans once faced.
7: The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X
This book is a great example of the dark side of American life in the twentieth century. Malcolm X detailed every aspect of his life. The range covers from his childhood poverty to his criminal adolescence to his ascension as a national figure and world leader. The readers are never allowed to forget that Malcolm X’s conversion to Islam was a watershed moment in his life. This is considered a spiritual classic.
8: Agatha Christie: An Autobiography by Agatha Christie
This autobiography can be thought of as the solution to one of the greatest mysteries of all time, Agatha Christie herself. She speaks of the delight of her happy childhood, her affectionate acquaintance with her mother, the tragic episodes that touched her, her mother’s death and her first husband’s adultery, her marrying her second husband, and most importantly, about her works.
9: Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi
During the early 1990s and mid-2000s, this dashing man had dominated the tennis court by not only his charm and fashion but also by his talent in the game. This former world number one sportsman wrote about his life, including scandals, love affairs, and his “hate” for the sport. This famous autobiography is darkly humorous and was one of the National Bestsellers at the time!
10: On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
This memoir is really beautiful and contains no hint of horror (unlike King’s other works!). You may leearn about King’s personal life, memories, pre-fame and post-fame struggles. Besides, you can get an idea of what makes him such a successful horror novelist after reading this. The writing style is lighthearted and dexterous. Each part is equally informative and enthralling.
11: Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler
This autobiography can help you understand the thought process of Hitler. You will be able to comprehend the “other hand” of this dictator and mass murderer if you begin reading this novel. Mein Kampf is a German term that means “My Struggle.” This book chronicles his upbringing, early ambitions, dispute with his father, political rise, and anti-Semitism. The book has a frank elaboration of his life incidents.
12: Dreams from my Father by Barack Obama
This is a depiction of the challenges, family relationships, bigotry, and the love affair of the world’s current most influential man. When he focuses on his own encounters with racial relationships in the United States, Obama’s writing style demonstrates class and exclusivity.
Takeaway
The knowledge gained from reading one autobiography is greater than that gained from a few novels. Readers will immerse themselves in the characters’ lives and witness history firsthand. Besides, learning about the ups and downs of successful people before their success can guide you to become one among them. If you liked this post on the famous autobiography books of the great personalities, then you may visit our blog section to find more awe-inspiring posts.