Top 10 Literary Biographies

This is one of the 743 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.

View: List Grid Table
  • Henry James by Leon Edel

    A Life

    This book is an in-depth biography of one of the most influential writers of the 19th century. The author meticulously details the life and work of the subject, from his early years in New York and his extensive travels in Europe, to his eventual settling in England and his career as a writer. The book delves into his relationships with family, friends, and fellow writers, as well as his own struggles with identity and sexuality. It also provides a comprehensive analysis of his novels, novellas, and short stories, highlighting his unique narrative style and his exploration of complex themes such as consciousness, morality, and social class.

    The 868th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  • James Joyce by Richard Ellmann

    This book is a comprehensive biography of a renowned Irish writer, delving into his life, work, and the intricate relationship between the two. It provides a detailed account of the writer's personal life, including his upbringing in Dublin, his self-imposed exile from Ireland, and his personal relationships. The book also offers a thorough analysis of his major works and the profound influence they have had on 20th-century literature. The biography is meticulously researched, drawing on a wealth of primary sources, and is written in an engaging and accessible style.

    The 4383rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  • Edith Wharton by R. W. B. Lewis

    A Biography

    This biography provides a detailed account of the life of renowned American author Edith Wharton. It explores her privileged upbringing in New York, her tumultuous marriage, her complex relationships, and her successful writing career. The narrative also delves into her experiences living abroad in France during World War I, her humanitarian efforts, and her eventual recognition as the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Literature. The book offers a comprehensive insight into Wharton's life, her works and the society she lived in, painting a vivid picture of a woman ahead of her time.

    The 9561st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  • The Life Of Langston Hughes by Arnold Rampersad

    This biography delves into the life of Langston Hughes, a pivotal figure in the Harlem Renaissance, exploring his journey as a poet, novelist, playwright, and social activist. It traces Hughes's evolution as a writer and his profound influence on American literature, highlighting his commitment to portraying the joys, struggles, and complexities of African American life. The book also examines Hughes's global travels, his political engagements, and the personal challenges he faced, including racial discrimination and accusations during the McCarthy era, providing a comprehensive view of his enduring legacy in both literature and the fight for civil rights.

    The 10424th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  • Shelley by Richard Holmes

    The Pursuit

    "Shelley: The Pursuit" is a comprehensive biography that delves into the tumultuous life and radical works of the Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. The book meticulously documents Shelley's passionate pursuits in both his personal life and literary career, exploring his relationships, ideological struggles, and the societal controversies he sparked. Through detailed research and engaging narrative, the biography captures the essence of Shelley's fervent spirit and his relentless quest for truth and justice, shedding light on his poetic genius and the circumstances that shaped his brief, yet impactful life.

    The 14901st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  • Dickens by Peter Ackroyd

    A Biography

    The book is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life and works of one of the most celebrated novelists of the Victorian era. It explores his complex personality, his rise from a difficult childhood to literary fame, and the social and personal influences that shaped his writing. The narrative provides insights into his creative process, his relationships, and the historical context of his time, painting a vivid portrait of a man whose stories continue to resonate with readers around the world. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, the biography captures the essence of a literary giant whose legacy endures.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  • Will In The World by Stephen Greenblatt

    How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare

    "Will In The World" is a biography of Shakespeare that explores how he became one of the greatest writers in history. Stephen Greenblatt delves into the political and cultural influences of Elizabethan England, as well as the personal experiences and relationships that shaped Shakespeare's life and work. Through a combination of historical research and literary analysis, Greenblatt paints a vivid portrait of Shakespeare's world and the man who transformed it with his words.

    The 10424th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  • Tolstoy by A. N. Wilson

    A Biography

    The book offers a comprehensive exploration of the life and works of the renowned Russian author, delving into his complex personality, philosophical beliefs, and the socio-political context of his time. It examines his literary masterpieces, personal struggles, and the evolution of his thoughts on religion, morality, and society. Through detailed analysis and biographical insights, the book paints a vivid portrait of a man whose ideas and writings continue to influence and provoke thought, highlighting his enduring legacy in the world of literature and beyond.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  • The Imperfect Life Of T. S. Eliot by Lyndall Gordon

    A Biography

    The book provides an insightful exploration into the complex life of T. S. Eliot, delving into the personal and professional experiences that shaped him as a poet and a person. It examines his struggles with identity, relationships, and the societal expectations of his time, revealing the imperfections and vulnerabilities behind his public persona. Through a detailed narrative, the book uncovers the influences and events that contributed to Eliot's literary genius, offering a nuanced portrait of a man whose life was as intricate and layered as his poetry.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  • The World Is What It Is by Patrick French

    The Authorized Biography of V.S. Naipaul

    "The World Is What It Is" is a comprehensive biography of the Nobel Prize-winning author V.S. Naipaul. Written by Patrick French, the authorized biography delves into Naipaul's complex personal life, including his troubled relationships with family members and his multiple affairs. The book also explores Naipaul's writing career, from his early days as a struggling writer to his later success as a literary icon. French provides a nuanced portrait of Naipaul, highlighting both his brilliance as a writer and his flaws as a human being.

    The 10424th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
About this list

Guardian, 10 Books

A list of works from the era after the second world war by Jay Parini, who has written seven books about authors including the delightfully titled Every Time a Friend Succeeds Something Inside Me Dies: The Life of Gore Vidal.

This list was originally published in 2015 and was added to this site over 1 year ago.

How Good is this List?

This list has a weight of 1%. To learn more about what this means please visit the Rankings page.

Here is a list of what is decreasing the importance of this list:

  • Voters: Voter Count
  • List: only covers 1 specific genre
  • List: only covers mostly "Western Canon" books

If you think this is incorrect please contact us.

List Information

Number of Voters:
1
Voter Count Unknown:
No
Voter Names Unknown:
No
High Quality Source:
No
Location Specific:
No
Category Specific:
Yes