Book List

Best Biographies of 2021

NONFICTION

TWELVE CAESARS

by Mary Beard

A lively treatise on Roman art and power, deliciously opinionated and beautifully illustrated. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE RISE AND FALL OF OSAMA BIN LADEN

by Peter Bergen

Essential for anyone concerned with geopolitics, national security, and the containment of further terrorist actions. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

KING OF THE BLUES

by Daniel de Visé

The thrill is here, as B.B. King finally gets his due in this first meticulous account of his historic life. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR

A BRAVE AND CUNNING PRINCE

by James Horn

Swift-moving prose along a twisting storyline lends this brilliant book the feel of a mystery. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

HISTORY

WALK WITH ME

by Kate Clifford Larson

A social justice pioneer gets her due in this inspiring story of toil and spirit. A must-stock for libraries. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

TOM STOPPARD

by Hermione Lee

Authoritative and exhaustive—another jewel in Lee’s literary crown. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

THE YOUNG H.G. WELLS

by Claire Tomalin

A vivid portrait of the early years of an author of astounding vision, who predicted many of the horrors of the 20th century. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

NONFICTION

PESSOA

by Richard Zenith

Impressive research and evident enthusiasm inform a definitive biography. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >

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