This series offers engaging biographies of iconic figures who have left an indelible mark on history. From artists and scientists to politicians and adventurers, each volume delves into the life stories of fascinating individuals. Readers will immerse themselves in their achievements, struggles, and legacies that have shaped the world. It's ideal reading for anyone interested in history and inspiring life journeys.
Garry Wills präsentiert in "Saint Augustine" eine eindrucksvolle Biografie des einflussreichen christlichen Philosophen. Er beleuchtet Augustines Werdegang von der Jugend im vierten Jahrhundert bis zu seiner Theologie und widerlegt gängige Missverständnisse über sein Leben. Wills verbindet klassische Philosophie mit der Verteidigung des Christentums.
Virginia Woolf was undoubtedly one of the literary giants of the twentieth century. She was a central figure in the Bloomsbury Group, and her writings were works of astonishing originality. Nigel Nicolson is the son of Vita Sackville-West, who was Virginia Woolf's most intimate friend, and for a short time her lover. He spent many days in her company and he has threaded his recollections of her throughout this unique narrative of her life.
Karen Armstrong has been acclaimed for her scholarship and vision, in works The New York Times Book Review calls "penetrating, readable and prescient". Her rich, timely, highly original portrait of the Buddha explores both the archetypal religious icon and Buddha the man. Armstrong follows the Buddha -- born Siddhama Gotama -- as he leaves his wife, his young child, and his prominent caste position for a life of spiritual enlightenment.Following his quest from renunciation to revelation to a wellspring of wisdom, Buddha expands the focus to meditate on its place in the spiritual history of humanity and its special relevance to our own society, as we again face a crisis of faith. It is a profound blend of biography, religion, history, and philosophy that will engage an audience that continues to be fascinated by Buddhism.
Mary Gordon gelingt es meisterhaft, die heldenhafte Geschichte der Jungfrau von Orléans auch nach über 500 Jahren in ihrer Widersprüchlichkeit spannend darzustellen. Jeanne d'Arc, Tochter eines reichen Bauern aus Lothringen, hört mit 13 Jahren plötzlich > Stimmen<, die ihr befehlen, den französischen König aufzusuchen und die Engländer aus Frankreich zu vertreiben. Es gelingt ihr tatsächlich, eine Audienz bei Karl VII. zu bekommen. Kurz darauf befreit sie mit der französischen Armee Orléans, das damals von den Engländern belagert wurde. Jeanne d'Arc wird jedoch gefangengenommen, der Ketzerei angeklagt, und schließlich bei lebendigem Leibe verbrannt. Mary Gordon betont in dieser Biographie den Aspekt Jeanne d'Arcs als weltweit positiver Identifikationsfigur. In der Auseinandersetzung mit dem jungen Mädchen, das für seinen Glauben und seine Überzeugung alles aufs Spiel setzt, zeichnet die Autorin ein ungewöhnlich differenziertes Bild.
One of the greatest historians writing today gives us a defining portrait of the incomparable Winston Churchill In his landmark biography of Winston Churchill, acclaimed historian John Keegan offers a very human portrait of one of the twentieth century's enduring symbols of heroic defiance. From Churchill's youth as a poor student to his leadership during World War II, Keegan reveals a man whose own idea of an English past—eloquently embodied in his speeches—allowed him to exhort a nation to unprecedented levels of sacrifice. The result is a uniquely discerning look at one of the most fascinating personalities in history. “The best military historian of our generation.” –Tom Clancy
Legends cloud the life of Crazy Horse, a seminal figure in American history but an enigma even to his own people in his own day. This superb biography looks back across more than 120 years at the life and death of this great Sioux warrior who became a reluctant leader at the Battle of Little Bighorn. With his uncanny gift for understanding the human psyche, Larry McMurtry animates the character of this remarkable figure, whose betrayal by white representatives of the U.S. government was a tragic turning point in the history of the West. A mythic figure puzzled over by generations of historians, Crazy Horse emerges from McMurtry’s sensitive portrait as the poignant hero of a long-since-vanished epoch.
The life story of the author of Moby-Dick furnishes an analysis of all of Melville's writings and depicts his days as a whaleship deckhand and his bitterness over the public's failure to embrace his master work, Moby-Dick. 25,000 first printing.
Painter, filmmaker, photographer, philosopher, all-round celebrity, Andy Warhol is an outstanding cultural icon. He revolutionised art by bringing to it images from popular culture - such as the Campbell's soup can and Marilyn Monroe's face - while his studio, the Factory, where his free-spirited cast of 'superstars' mingled with the rich and famous, became the place of origin for every groundswell shaping American culture.In many ways he can be seen as the precursor to today's 'celebrity artists' such as Tracey Emin and Damian Hurst. But what of the man behind the white wig and dark glasses?
One of Ireland's greatest contemporary writers turns her attention to one of the country's greatest novelists: James Joyce.
Bestselling, award-winning novelist writing about one of the most popular and enduring English novelists of all time. 'Splendid ... a gem' LITERARY REVIEW
Most people know little more about the US President Abraham Lincoln than how he met his end - assassinated in a theatre box by a gunman. But as Thomas Keneally, Booker prizewinning novelist for Schindler's Ark, shows in this short, but enthralling life that Lincoln's origins, his early life, his self-taught lawyer's career and how he became a politician and ultimately US president, is an epitome of the American dream. If Lincoln - without any benefits of class, wealth or contacts - could reach the pinnacle of US life then so might anyone else. Keneally has long been absorbed by Lincoln's life and letters, upon which he draws for his biography.
In this volume in the Lives series, Peter Gay, author of the bestselling Freud: A Life For Our Time, presents his appreciation of the life and work of Mozart, revealing truths more fascinating than the myths that have long shrouded the maestro's life.
Offers a profile of Dickens's life, interpretations of his major works, and a study of his narrative techniques, themes, characters, and style.
A short and vivid biography, which deconstructs the Napoleonic myth and reveals the reality of his rule. Written with great wit and panache, this biography also has a serious purpose: to make us face up to the moral bankruptcy of Napoleon�s dictatorship. Johnson tells the whole story: his astonishing gift for figures and calculation, his mastery of cannon; his audacious, hyperactive and aggressive generalship and his simple battle tactics; his complete control of propaganda and the success of the cultural presentation of the Empire; the Code Napoleon; his failure as an international statesman, as Europe grew to hate him; his marshals and ministers; his wives, mistresses, personal style and working methods; the British blockade and the Continental System; the mistakes in Spain and Russia. The escape from Elba, the events leading up to Waterloo and the battle itself, which gets a full treatment, is particularly riveting.
The biography explores the life and work of America's greatest architect, highlighting his innovative designs and lasting impact on architecture. Through detailed analysis and personal anecdotes, it reveals the architect's creative process, challenges, and triumphs. The narrative also delves into the cultural and historical context of his era, showcasing how his vision transformed urban landscapes and influenced future generations. Huxtable's insightful critique and appreciation provide a comprehensive portrait of a pivotal figure in American architecture.
The book offers an in-depth exploration of Mao Zedong, utilizing the author's extensive understanding of Chinese politics and culture. It presents a nuanced portrayal of Mao, highlighting his complexities and the impact of his leadership on China. The insightful analysis is praised for its clarity and depth, making it a valuable resource for those interested in Chinese history and political figures.
Edmund White crafts an intimate biography of Marcel Proust, illuminating the complexities of the reclusive genius behind Remembrance of Things Past. The narrative reveals Proust's dual existence as a prolific writer and a prominent figure in Parisian society, while also delving into his struggles with sexuality, an aspect previously unexplored. Balancing light-hearted gossip with profound emotional depth, this portrait offers a compelling introduction to Proust's life and legacy, making it a valuable read for fans of literary history.
An illuminating biography of Marlon Brando, a cultural icon and one of the most legendary American actors of all time In 1948 Marlon Brando stunned audiences and critics alike with his revolutionary, raw, and improvisational approach to acting. He became a symbol of a new, rebellious generation that was sick of conventions and committed to genuine emotion and unvarnished truth. From his breakout role as Stanley Kowalski in "A Streetcar Named Desire" to his mesmerizing portrayal of Don Corleone in "The Godfather," he created some of the most memorable characters in American cinematic history. Brando was a paradox--intensely private but using his fame to promote worthy causes, a womanizer who clung to his childhood friends and animals. He was one of the most fiercely independent stars ever. In this book, acclaimed biographer Patricia Bosworth peels away Brando's many layers, revealing the struggles, triumphs, and relentless ambition that transformed the irrepressible farm boy from Nebraska into a legend of American cinema.
