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Biographies & Memoirs

Explore the stories of remarkable lives in our Biographies & Memoirs section at Thryft. Discover firsthand accounts of influential figures and captivating memoirs that'll inspire and educate. Our collection is carefully curated to ensure you find the perfect narrative to delve into.
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The Colossus of New York: A City in 13 Parts
Colson Whitehead | Doubleday

The Colossus of New York: A City in 13 Parts

$11.90 $6.90 42% off

Goodreads rating: 3.72

$11.90 $6.90 42% off

78% off est. retail
If you've ever felt the rush of New York City, Colson Whitehead's "The Colossus of New York" will resonate with you. It's not just a book; it's an immersion into the city's vibrant heart through deftly painted vignettes. Whitehead's fluid prose, changing perspectives, and intimate tales capture the soul of NYC for both the dreamers and the hardened, offering a connection as tangible as the city's own streets. Whether you're a local or a stranger, this book offers a piece of New York's ceaseless energy to keep for yourself.
Pirate Hunters: Treasure, Obsession, and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship
Robert Kurson | Random House Trade Paperbacks

Pirate Hunters: Treasure, Obsession, and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship

$10.90 $5.90 46% off

Goodreads rating: 4.03

$10.90 $5.90 46% off

78% off est. retail
Imagine yourself immersed in a tale where modern exploration meets historical intrigue. "Pirate Hunters" isn't just for those who fancy maritime lore or the lure of hidden treasures—it's a real-life adventure that thrusts you alongside two relentless treasure hunters driven to uncover a pirate's legacy beneath the waves. It's about the thrill of the chase and the romance of discovery, marrying the zeal of a historian with the courage of an explorer.
Underground: A Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet
Will Hunt | Random House Trade Paperbacks

Underground: A Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

81% off est. retail
Will Hunt's "Underground" is an enchanting invitation to delve into the heart of our planet. Through Hunt's eyes, you'll gain a deep appreciation for the shadowy, unseen world that lies beneath our feet. It's a rare narrative that combines rich mythology, rigorous science, and personal adventure to illuminate the underpinnings of human fascination with the subterranean. If you're drawn to the enigmatic and unseen, this book will lead you through a profound journey into the literal and metaphorical depths of Earth.
The Times of Their Lives - Thryft
Patricia Scott Deetz, James Deetz  | W. H. Freeman

The Times of Their Lives

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 3.74

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

90% off est. retail
"The Times of Their Lives" brings an unexpected vibrancy to the Pilgrims of Plymouth Colony, shattering the monochrome myth we've all been taught. It delves deeply into the daily lives, struggles, and even scandals of these early settlers through tangible artifacts and personal narratives. If you've ever been curious about the authentic human stories behind the Thanksgiving legends, this meticulously researched book promises to enrich your understanding with its fresh and lively perspective.
Life in Renaissance France - Thryft
Lucien Febvre | Harvard University Press

Life in Renaissance France

$28.90 $6.90 76% off

Goodreads rating: 4.1

$28.90 $6.90 76% off

90% off est. retail
For anyone with a taste for history, particularly the rich tapestry of Renaissance France, Febvre's "Life in Renaissance France" will transport you back in time. With a focus on the transformation of human thought and daily existence, it's as if you're walking alongside the French of the sixteenth century, witnessing firsthand their leaps toward modern civilization. Febvre's vivid storytelling, combined with Rothstein's sensitive translation, makes this a compelling read for those looking to delve deep into the past's intimate details.
Lights Out for the Territory: 9 Excursions in the Secret History of London
Iain Sinclair | Penguin Books

Lights Out for the Territory: 9 Excursions in the Secret History of London

$12.90 $4.90 62% off

Goodreads rating: 3.92

$12.90 $4.90 62% off

Imagine a London you've never seen before, one with veiled histories and intriguing mysteries. "Lights Out for the Territory" is more than a walk through the city; it's an invitation to unearth the layers of time and space that form London's unique character. If you have a keen interest in urban exploration or psychogeography, Sinclair's vivid narrative will transform your understanding of the streets beneath your feet.
MI6 British Secret Intelligence Service Operations, 1909-45 - Thryft
Nigel West | Random House Inc

MI6 British Secret Intelligence Service Operations, 1909-45

$12.32 $3.90 68% off

Goodreads rating: 3.63

$12.32 $3.90 68% off

85% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the silent maneuvers of history's clandestine operations, "MI6" is a treasure trove. It's a captivating dive into the shadowy world of intelligence, revealing operations that have shaped world events profoundly. Perfect for those interested in espionage, history, or tales of wartime strategy.
Big Chief Elizabeth: How England's Adventurers Gambled and Won the New World
Giles Milton | London: Hodder & Stoughton, 20

Big Chief Elizabeth: How England's Adventurers Gambled and Won the New World

$12.90 $8.90 31% off

Goodreads rating: 4.03

$12.90 $8.90 31% off

If history, especially tales of triumph and adventure, captivates you, "Big Chief Elizabeth" would be an engrossing read. It chronicles the audacious English quests to claim and conquer the New World. It's not just about the facts; it's about the palpable risk and daring that shaped America. This book might spice up your perception of history with its focused narrative on an era of high stakes and bold ventures.
Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea - Thryft
Gary Kinder | Atlantic Monthly Pr

Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea

$9.90 $4.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 4.29

$9.90 $4.90 51% off

88% off est. retail
If the fusion of history and deep-sea adventure tickles your fancy, "Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea" might just be the treasure you're looking to unearth on your reading shelf. It's a compelling narrative that binds the tragic past with the thrill of modern discovery, telling a human tale through the lens of technological triumph. The juxtaposition of 19th-century gold rush fervor with 20th-century ingenuity creates a riveting account that transcends time—you're sure to be anchored to each page.
Child Life in Colonial Times - Thryft
Alice Morse Earle | Dover Publications

Child Life in Colonial Times

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

Goodreads rating: 3.71

$10.90 $3.90 64% off

86% off est. retail
If you’re enthralled by the intricacies of history and often wonder about the texture of daily life in the past, "Child Life in Colonial prosaic Times" offers that rare glimpse. Its meticulous research and rich, illustrative details could transport you to the colonial era, revealing the lived experiences of children with a clarity that's both educational and fascinating. Alice Morse Earle's visionary work invites you to time-travel and understand a pivotal time in American history from a fresh, personal perspective.
The Publisher: Henry Luce and His American Century - Thryft
Alan Brinkley | Knopf

The Publisher: Henry Luce and His American Century

$10.90 $5.90 46% off

Goodreads rating: 3.71

$10.90 $5.90 46% off

89% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the colossal figures who have shaped the media landscape, "The Publisher: Henry Luce and His American Century" is a title you can't pass up. Alan Brinkley's biography isn't just a tale of a man; it's the story of an era. Luce’s influence on journalism and the global narrative is both a captivating success and a poignant reflection on power's personal toll. You'll walk away with a richer understanding of how media giants are woven into the fabric of history.
The Unredeemed Captive: A Family Story from Early America - Thryft
John Putnam Demos | Knopf

The Unredeemed Captive: A Family Story from Early America

$16.90 $5.90 65% off

Goodreads rating: 3.66

$16.90 $5.90 65% off

86% off est. retail
"The Unredeemed Captive" isn't just a historical account; it's an insightful exploration of cultural identity and transformation. If you're intrigued by Colonial American history and the personal stories that highlight the complexities of cultural assimilation and the human spirit, you'll find it a compelling read. It also sheds light on the resilience of individuals amidst the tumult of history, making it deeply human and relatable.
The Ocean Railway : Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Samuel Cunard and the Revolutionary World of the Great Atlantic Steamships - Thryft
Stephen Fox | Harpercollins Publishers Ltd

The Ocean Railway : Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Samuel Cunard and the Revolutionary World of the Great Atlantic Steamships

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

Goodreads rating: 4.25

$7.90 $3.90 51% off

If you're fascinated by human triumphs in engineering, "The Ocean Railway" is a tantalizing voyage through time. Stephen Fox has intricately woven the technological marvels of steamships with societal shifts, allowing readers to not only marvel at the grandeur of these titanic vessels but also to immerse in the personal experiences of those who journeyed across the Atlantic. It's perfect for anyone drawn to how grand visions and reality collide, especially within the pioneering spirit of the Victorian era.
Gandhi - Thryft
David Arnold | Routledge

Gandhi

$10.71 $6.90 36% off

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$10.71 $6.90 36% off

90% off est. retail
Embarking on this read, you'll find yourself immersed in a rich historical tapestry woven around Gandhi's life, pivotal in leading India to independence. It's not just a biography but a lens into how his philosophy impacted British political scene and triggered the unravelling of an empire. This isn't just a book; it's a journey through a transformative era in world history.
Italo Calvino : Letters, 1941-1985 - Updated Edition - Thryft
Italo Calvino, Martin McLaughlin, Michael Wood  | Princeton University Press

Italo Calvino : Letters, 1941-1985 - Updated Edition

$23.90 $5.90 75% off

Goodreads rating: 4.16

$23.90 $5.90 75% off

90% off est. retail
Diving into Italo Calvino's letters offers a unique backstage pass to the thoughts and influences of a literary maestro. You're not just reading correspondence; you're peering into the intellectual dialogues that shaped his and other luminaries' works. It's like witnessing the creative process unfold, a narrative in itself that enriches your understanding of his novels and the literary landscape of his time.
My East End: Memories of Life in Cockney London
Gilda O'Neill | Penguin Uk

My East End: Memories of Life in Cockney London

$9.90 $6.90 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.87

$9.90 $6.90 30% off

75% off est. retail
"My East End" is like a time machine to a lively, tight-knit community that many people have only glimpsed in movies or heard about in songs. Gilda O’Neill doesn’t just recount facts; she shares living memories that make you feel like you’re wandering through East London, hearing stories from old friends. If you're fascinated by the rich tapestry of urban life and appreciate the value of storytelling, this book is a portal to another world – one of warmth, resilience, and the unmistakable charm of the Cockney spirit.
Edison & The Electric Chair: A Story of Light and Death - Thryft
Mark Essig | Walker Books

Edison & The Electric Chair: A Story of Light and Death

$11.61 $3.90 66% off

Goodreads rating: 3.82

$11.61 $3.90 66% off

83% off est. retail
Exploring the dichotomy of innovation and ethics, this book delves into a tale of how one of history's greatest inventors, Thomas Edison, became entwined with the development of the electric chair. Beyond the intriguing story of invention, it sheds light on the social, and political intricacies of the time, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in the impacts of technology on society and the moral dilemmas innovators often face.
Pox : Genius, Madness, And The Mysteries Of Syphilis - Thryft
Deborah Hayden | Basic Books

Pox : Genius, Madness, And The Mysteries Of Syphilis

$13.90 $5.90 58% off

Goodreads rating: 3.75

$13.90 $5.90 58% off

88% off est. retail
Imagine looking at history's luminaries through a new lens – that's "Pox" for you. Hayden intricately weaves the untold impacts of syphilis on brilliant minds. Not only does it offer fresh biographical insights, but it also challenges how we interpret their legacies. The mix of scandal, health, and genius might just redefine your view of the past.
Impossible Dream The Marcoses, the Aquinos, and the Unfinished Revolution - Thryft
Sandra Burton | Grand Central Pub

Impossible Dream The Marcoses, the Aquinos, and the Unfinished Revolution

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

Goodreads rating: 4.11

$8.90 $3.90 56% off

90% off est. retail
If you have a keen interest in the political tapestry that shapes a nation, this book takes you right into the heart of the Philippines' most tumultuous times. Sandra Burton not only gives you an eyewitness account but also delves into the complex and destructive relationship between two powerful families. It's a compelling read for anyone fascinated by history coming alive through intense personal and political dramas.
I Know You Got Soul - Thryft
Jeremy Clarkson | Penguin

I Know You Got Soul

$12.90 $3.90 70% off

Goodreads rating: 3.72

$12.90 $3.90 70% off

80% off est. retail
If you're someone who delights in both the mechanical wonders of the world and the charismatic storytelling of Jeremy Clarkson, "I Know You Got Soul" could be an excellent pick for you. Clarkson's passion for soulful machines is infectious, and his journeys and encounters add an adventurous flair to this read. It's a book where humor, history, and machinery love merge, making it a charming read for any gearhead or fan of Clarkson's unique wit.
For the President's Eyes Only: Secret Intelligence and the American Presidency from Washington to Bush - Thryft
Christopher Andrew | Harper Collins

For the President's Eyes Only: Secret Intelligence and the American Presidency from Washington to Bush

$8.68 $3.90 55% off

Goodreads rating: 3.93

$8.68 $3.90 55% off

If you're intrigued by the interplay between U.S. Presidents and top-secret intelligence, this book is a treasure trove. It's like stepping into a classified world, uncovering how critical decisions were shaped by secret information. It's especially compelling for anyone fascinated by political history or the shadowy dynamics of power.
Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from Bronze Age to Silver Screen
Sold out
Greg Jenner | Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from Bronze Age to Silver Screen

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

Goodreads rating: 3.8

$8.90 $6.90 22% off

64% off est. retail
"Dead Famous" offers an unexpected journey, taking you well beyond the present-day glitz of social media influencers back to the intriguing origins of celebrity culture. Greg Jenner masterfully uncovers the earliest stars and their stories, providing an absorbing narrative that's not only about how people became icons but also how their fame shaped society. It's a must-read if you enjoy peeling back the layers of history to understand how past celebrity culture informs our current obsession with fame.

Dive Into Real-Life Stories

Biographies and memoirs offer unparalleled insights into the lives and minds of individuals who've shaped our world. Be it political icons, celebrities, or unsung heroes, Thryft brings you a rich assortment of stories that reveal extraordinary experiences and life lessons. Embark on a journey through time as you explore the personal tales that have influenced history and culture.