The Greatest American, British "Autobiography" Books From 1940 to 1949

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Autobiography

Autobiography is a literary genre that focuses on the life story of the author. It is a first-person account of the author's experiences, thoughts, and emotions, often including significant events and milestones that have shaped their life. Autobiographies can be written by anyone, from famous public figures to ordinary people, and can cover a wide range of topics, including personal growth, career achievements, struggles, and relationships. This genre provides readers with a unique insight into the author's life and perspective, making it a popular and engaging category of books.

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  1. 1. Black Boy by Richard Wright

    "Black Boy" is an autobiographical account of a young African-American boy growing up in the South during the early 20th century. The book explores his experiences with extreme poverty, racism, and his struggle to find his place in a society that marginalizes and devalues him. The protagonist's desire for self-expression and understanding leads him to a love of literature and writing, providing him with a means to challenge and critique the oppressive social structures around him.

    The 691st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton

    This book is an autobiography of a man who, after a youth filled with worldly experiences and ambitions, converts to Catholicism and chooses to live his life in a Trappist monastery. His journey from a secular life to a deeply spiritual one is filled with introspection and profound insights about the nature of faith and the quest for a meaningful life. His story is a powerful testament to the pull of spiritual enlightenment and the peace that comes from dedicating one's life to a higher purpose.

    The 797th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. West With the Night by Beryl Markham

    The book is a memoir of a British-born woman who grew up in Kenya during the early 20th century. She recounts her unconventional upbringing, her passion for horses, and her career as a bush pilot. The narrative is filled with vivid descriptions of the African landscape and wildlife, as well as her personal adventures and encounters. The book culminates with her historic solo flight across the Atlantic from east to west.

    The 866th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Berlin Stories by Christopher Isherwood

    "The Berlin Stories" is a collection of two novels that present a semi-autobiographical account of the author's time in 1930s Berlin during the rise of the Nazi Party. It vividly portrays the city's underground scene, capturing the lives of a variety of characters from different social classes and backgrounds. The narrative provides a stark and poignant exploration of the human condition against the backdrop of political upheaval and societal change, offering a unique perspective on a critical period in history.

    The 1930th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Dust Tracks on a Road: An Autobiography by Zora Neale Hurston

    "Dust Tracks on a Road" is an autobiography that delves into the life of a prominent African American woman who grew up in the rural South during the early 20th century. She discusses her struggles and triumphs as she navigates through racial discrimination, gender bias, and her rise to fame as a renowned writer and anthropologist. The book provides an insightful look into the author's perspective on race, gender, and identity, offering a unique and personal view of the African American experience during a time of significant social and cultural change.

    The 2152nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Man-Eaters of Kumaon by Jim Corbett

    The book is a collection of true stories about the author's hunting experiences in India, specifically his encounters with man-eating tigers and leopards in the Kumaon region. The author, a renowned hunter, was often called upon to kill these man-eaters when they became a threat to local villages. The book provides thrilling accounts of his hunts, as well as his observations on the behavior of these animals and his respect for their power and cunning.

    The 2327th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Really The Blues by Milton Mezz Mezzrow

    "Really The Blues" is a jazz memoir that takes the reader on a journey through the life of a clarinetist and saxophonist who immerses himself in the world of jazz and the African American experience during the early to mid-20th century. The book chronicles his transformation from a young Jewish boy in Chicago to a central figure in the Harlem jazz scene, his friendships with legendary musicians, and his experiences with racism, drug addiction, and imprisonment. It offers a candid and colorful perspective on the complexities of race, music, and counterculture, providing an insider's look at the evolution of jazz and its cultural impact.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Pack My Bag by Henry Green

    "Pack My Bag" is a reflective autobiography written on the eve of World War II, offering a poignant look into the author's life and mindset during a time of impending crisis. The narrative weaves personal memories with broader social observations, exploring the author's privileged upbringing, education, and early adulthood. It delves into the complexities of class and the human condition, with a particular focus on the author's experiences working in his family's factory and the insights gained from interacting with workers from different social strata. The book serves as both a personal testament and a historical document, capturing the anxieties of a generation on the brink of global conflict.

    The 3093rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Fifth Chinese Daughter by Jade Snow Wong

    This autobiographical account provides a vivid portrayal of Chinese-American life in the early 20th century through the eyes of a young girl growing up in San Francisco's Chinatown. The narrative follows her journey as she navigates the complexities of traditional Chinese family values and the American way of life, striving for educational and personal independence. The protagonist's struggle to reconcile her dual cultural heritage is compounded by her ambitions, as she seeks to assert her identity and pursue her dreams amidst the expectations of her family and community. Her story is one of resilience and self-discovery, offering insight into the immigrant experience and the challenges of cultural assimilation.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Big Sea by Langston Hughes

    "The Big Sea" is an autobiography that explores the life of a significant figure in the Harlem Renaissance. The narrative follows his early life in the Midwest, his travels around the world as a seaman, and his experiences in New York during the 1920s, where he was a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Throughout the book, the author offers his observations on racism, class, and the creative process, providing a vivid and insightful portrait of a complex era in American history.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Rosy Crucifixion by Henry Miller

    The book is a semi-autobiographical trilogy that explores the author's life in 1920s New York City. The protagonist, a struggling writer, navigates through his tumultuous relationship with his wife, his various extramarital affairs, and his quest for artistic freedom and personal identity. The narrative is characterized by its graphic depictions of sexuality, philosophical introspection, and critique of societal norms. The book is a testament to the author's rejection of conventional morality and his pursuit of a life driven by passion and creativity.

    The 3665th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Lanterns on the Levee by William Alexander Percy

    "Lanterns on the Levee" is a memoir that captures the author's life growing up in the Mississippi Delta during the early 20th century. It provides a vivid portrayal of the Southern aristocracy, their traditions, and their struggles with racial tensions and changing societal norms. The memoir also delves into the author's personal struggles with his identity and his search for meaning in life, offering a unique perspective on the American South during a time of significant change.

    The 3701st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Eastern Approaches by Fitzroy Maclean

    "Eastern Approaches" is a thrilling memoir that recounts the adventurous experiences of a British diplomat and soldier during the 1930s and World War II. The author vividly describes his time in the Soviet Union during the Stalinist purges, his daring travels in Central Asia, and his pivotal role in the British military missions in North Africa and Yugoslavia. The narrative combines espionage, combat, and diplomatic intrigue, providing a unique insight into some of the most critical events and figures of the 20th century, including his interactions with prominent leaders like Josip Broz Tito.

    The 4086th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Persons and Places by George Santayana

    "Persons and Places" is an autobiographical work that explores the author's early life, education, and experiences. The writer, a philosopher, poet, and critic, delves into his upbringing in Spain and his time in Boston, shedding light on his philosophical views and how his experiences shaped them. The book provides a deep and insightful look into his personal life and the influences that molded his intellectual journey.

    The 5738th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Under A Lucky Star by Roy Chapman Andrews

    "Under A Lucky Star" is the autobiography of a renowned naturalist and explorer, chronicling his thrilling adventures and groundbreaking expeditions across the globe. The narrative captures his early passion for the natural world, his rise to fame as a leader in the field of paleontology, and his most famous exploits in the Gobi Desert, where he made unprecedented dinosaur discoveries. His story is not only a testament to personal courage and determination but also a vivid account of the scientific spirit and curiosity that drove early 20th-century exploration, laying the foundations for our understanding of the prehistoric past.

    The 5882nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. I Married Adventure by Osa Johnson

    "I Married Adventure" is an autobiographical account of the author's life and travels with her husband, as they explored and documented wildlife and indigenous cultures in Africa, Borneo, and the South Seas during the early 20th century. The book is filled with thrilling adventures, dangerous encounters with wild animals, and fascinating insights into tribal cultures, all captured through the lens of their camera. The author's courage, resilience, and love for adventure shine through, making it an inspiring and captivating read.

    The 8717th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Berlin Diary by William L. Shirer

    "Berlin Diary" is a firsthand account of the rise of Nazi Germany and the early years of World War II as witnessed by an American journalist living in Berlin. The diary entries, spanning from 1934 to 1941, provide a detailed and personal observation of the events and atmosphere in Germany and across Europe during this tumultuous period. The author captures the impact of Nazi propaganda, the chilling transformation of society under totalitarian rule, and the international tensions leading up to and during the early stages of the war. His insights offer a crucial historical perspective on the inner workings and psyche of the Third Reich.

    The 8726th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Autobiography of William Allen White by William Allen White

    This memoir offers a detailed account of the life of a renowned American newspaper editor, author, and leader of the Progressive movement. It chronicles his experiences from his humble beginnings in Kansas, his rise to prominence in journalism, his political involvement, and his personal relationships. The book provides a unique insight into the author's views on significant historical events and figures, his dedication to the improvement of society, and his belief in the power of the press.

    The 11112th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Unfinished Business by Stephen Bonsal

    "Unfinished Business" is a historical account of the author's experiences and observations as a diplomat and journalist in the early 20th century. It provides an in-depth look at the political climate during that time, including the Spanish-American War, the Russo-Japanese War, and World War I. The author shares his personal insights and interactions with key figures of the era, offering readers a unique perspective on the events that shaped the world during this tumultuous time.

    The 11112th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download