I would add also the Plutarch's Lives. It is a collection of greatest biographies of antiquity. Plutarch as a philosopher tried to paint each man through moral lense. Must read for everyone.
I am piqued that you write, "A civilization is carried by lives of great men." Your list does, in fact, include one woman. Dig deep and see if you can find 10 more women's biographies to recommend.
Of course they did but not many biographies were written about them until the last few hundred years. There are a number of them like Mary, Catherine, Teresa of Avila, Marie Currie, Harriet Tubman, Khadijah, Eleanor, etc… but their impact is still overshadowed by the men on this list.
The “50 famous women” biographies are, unfortunately, brief, perfunctory, lacking in any interesting details, dry as a bone, and wholly unsatisfactory. Much thought, effort and detail went into the writing of the biographies of the 11 men, and one woman (Joan of Arc), but the same can’t be said for the 50 female-only “biographies.” Makes me wonder if the women’s stories were written by AI. Another question I have is, how was the order of the women’s stories selected? The order in which they’re presented seems extremely random, at best. Nice try, but that article misses the mark.
I still think it is a good starting point to start selecting from but it still omits several that should be there such as Eleanor of Aquitaine, Mary, Khadijah, etc.
This list is heavily focused on last 200 years when biographies started to get written on women so not surprising.
I’ll admit it’s been awhile since I’ve read any autobiographies. So I’ll have to give these a read or find the audiobooks of them. Thanks for the recommendations
I would add as an alternative or substitute or even companion to your 9. Ron Chernow’s “Washington: A Life” H. B. Brands’s “American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington,” Doubleday, 2026.
A splendid list and well described entries for all listings! I would admonish those who see certain lacks to do just what you say, and make up their own special lists for perusal as well. Meanwhile the important thing is that biographies when well done, bring a measure of closeness to a figure that is almost indescribable and immensely satisfying. The biographies/ autobiograpies here within your list are some of the greatest. Biographers especially address complex work which brings us all immense introspection for the lives of those who had such an incredible impact on the world. Thank you for your time and wisdom in sharing these pearls….
I would add also the Plutarch's Lives. It is a collection of greatest biographies of antiquity. Plutarch as a philosopher tried to paint each man through moral lense. Must read for everyone.
Absolutely! In fact your list was the inspiration for me to create mine.
Thought that to be the case lol
You are right. I debated but then went with Burke instead. At least based on my beauty and tradition theme.
Understandable. So that's why I am adding something from my theme.
I am piqued that you write, "A civilization is carried by lives of great men." Your list does, in fact, include one woman. Dig deep and see if you can find 10 more women's biographies to recommend.
It would be another series. But this series was focused on culture, transition, and beauty.
And women had nothing to do with that?
Of course they did but not many biographies were written about them until the last few hundred years. There are a number of them like Mary, Catherine, Teresa of Avila, Marie Currie, Harriet Tubman, Khadijah, Eleanor, etc… but their impact is still overshadowed by the men on this list.
That is a sad feature of the list. 'Humanity' has a great distance to travel.
No, they didn’t.
Here’s a decent list…
https://www.historydefined.net/50-women-who-transformed-history/
The “50 famous women” biographies are, unfortunately, brief, perfunctory, lacking in any interesting details, dry as a bone, and wholly unsatisfactory. Much thought, effort and detail went into the writing of the biographies of the 11 men, and one woman (Joan of Arc), but the same can’t be said for the 50 female-only “biographies.” Makes me wonder if the women’s stories were written by AI. Another question I have is, how was the order of the women’s stories selected? The order in which they’re presented seems extremely random, at best. Nice try, but that article misses the mark.
I still think it is a good starting point to start selecting from but it still omits several that should be there such as Eleanor of Aquitaine, Mary, Khadijah, etc.
This list is heavily focused on last 200 years when biographies started to get written on women so not surprising.
My Life by Golda Meir
I listened to Chernow’s Washington and became so attached to him, I cried in bed, knowing the end of his life was near.
My husband: “You know he’s already dead.”
“He isn’t yet in the book! [sobs].”
And wil.have the next 3 years worth of reading. 😯😀
This is a great list. I would also add, again by Ross King, "Bruneleschi's Dome" King's ability to make his biographies seem like novels seems unique.
Oh yes! It was on my expanded list also… thank you for mentioning it.
Love it! Wisdom can be gained not just through books, but also through writings with shorter lengths!
Bradbury suggests Reading one essay, short story and poem daily for a 1000 days to fill your head with an abundance of ideas.
I post links to one essay, short story and poem on my page daily.
My goodness, what an incredible chore I have ahead of. What a list!
I’ll admit it’s been awhile since I’ve read any autobiographies. So I’ll have to give these a read or find the audiobooks of them. Thanks for the recommendations
I would add as an alternative or substitute or even companion to your 9. Ron Chernow’s “Washington: A Life” H. B. Brands’s “American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington,” Doubleday, 2026.
Thanks for the recommendation. Will add it to my list.
A splendid list and well described entries for all listings! I would admonish those who see certain lacks to do just what you say, and make up their own special lists for perusal as well. Meanwhile the important thing is that biographies when well done, bring a measure of closeness to a figure that is almost indescribable and immensely satisfying. The biographies/ autobiograpies here within your list are some of the greatest. Biographers especially address complex work which brings us all immense introspection for the lives of those who had such an incredible impact on the world. Thank you for your time and wisdom in sharing these pearls….
Oh my, what a good list! Many I have not read. Where to start??? Maybe Fredrick Douglas!
Outstanding CE!💎
🙏
🫶🏼✨
I thought I already had far too many books on my "to-read" list. Your post convinced me to add several more. Thank you for the recommendations.
May I also recommend David McCullough “John Adams” too?
Thank you. John Adams is definitely one of the greats.
As an alternative, I also liked Napoleon by Max Gallo.
Thanks. Will add this to the list.
Cool list--I've only read a couple of them, so I guess I have some work to do!