Top 20 Biographies of All-Time - CAT PDF Download

Biographies are a great way to learn about the incredible lives of people who have made an impact on the world. From current world leaders to historical figures, biographies provide a unique insight into not only a person’s life but also the events that occurred during that time. The top 20 biographies of all-time are a selection of stories that have been carefully chosen for their ability to captivate and engage readers. Each biography offers a unique perspective into the life of its subject, from the highs and lows to the lessons that can be learned. Whether you are looking for a story of inspiration or a historical account of an important figure, the top 20 biographies of all-time can provide you with the information you need.

1. Autobiography Of A Yogi

The Autobiography of a Yogi is a well-known spiritual book from the 20th century written by Paramahansa Yogananda. In this book, the author discusses his experiences and insights into the world of saints and yogis, and also touches on topics such as science, miracles, death, and rebirth. The writing is filled with wisdom and humor, and helps to reveal the joy, beauty, and spiritual potential that exists within all human beings. This edition of the book has been published by the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, an organization founded by Yogananda. It contains extensive information and high-quality images. It is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking spiritual understanding, and can be purchased on Amazon India. Yogananda, the author of the Autobiography of a Yogi, is widely regarded as a great Yogi and is well-known among both Indians and Westerners. Through this book, he teaches millions of people about meditation and Kriya Yoga.

2. Elon Musk (Ashlee Vance)

Elon Musk is a best-selling book that has been recognized as one of the best books of the year by various publications, including The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Audible, and Amazon. It has sold over 2 million copies. The book is an in-depth and authorized look at the life and work of Elon Musk, a highly successful and innovative entrepreneur known for his involvement in companies such as SpaceX, Tesla, and SolarCity. The author, Ashlee Vance, traces Musk's journey from his difficult childhood in South Africa to his rise to fame in the United States, and explores his various technical innovations and business ventures. The book also examines the role of Musk and other entrepreneurs in the current state of American innovation, and compares Musk to notable inventors and industrialists such as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Howard Hughes, and Steve Jobs. Overall, Elon Musk provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking examination of the rapidly changing technology industry through the lens of one of its most influential figures.

3. My Experiments with Truth

"The Story of My Experiments with Truth" is an autobiography that offers a unique look into the thoughts and feelings of Mahatma Gandhi, a leader who is widely known as the "father of a nation" (India). The book traces Gandhi's personal journey from childhood to adulthood, and covers significant events such as his arranged marriage, education in England, and legal work in South Africa. It also explores his philosophy of nonviolence (Satyagraha) and its role in the early stages of the Indian independence movement. Although Gandhi did not initially intend to write an autobiography, he wanted to share his experiences with truth and how he arrived at his understanding of Absolute Truth, which was the driving force behind his efforts to combat racism, violence, and colonialism.

4. Long walk to freedom

Nelson Mandela was a highly respected and influential political leader who dedicated his life to fighting racial injustice in South Africa. He was widely celebrated for his efforts, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and later became the president of South Africa. After being imprisoned for over 25 years, Mandela was released in 1990 and became a central figure in the political landscape of South Africa, working to bring about multiracial government and majority rule. He remains a revered figure in the struggle for human rights and racial equality.

"Long Walk to Freedom" is Mandela's autobiography, which details his inspiring life story and his journey towards triumph. It is expected to become one of the greatest memoirs ever written by a historical figure. This is the first time that Mandela has shared the full story of his life, including his struggles, setbacks, and renewed hope.

5. Losing My Virginity

Richard Branson is a well-known global icon who is renowned for his wealth and innovative business strategies. In his autobiography, "Losing My Virginity," Branson shares his personal story in a captivating narrative style. The book, which was published in 2009 by RHUK, follows Branson's journey as he creates unconventional businesses and becomes successful despite challenges and obstacles. Branson's unique philosophy and legendary vision have allowed him to excel in areas where others may not have seen potential. The book is divided into 28 chapters and explores how Branson became the successful person he is today. Branson's story is one of determination and the belief in living life to the fullest, even if it goes against societal conventions.

6. The Everything Store

"The Everything Store: Jeff Bezos and the Age of Amazon" is an award-winning book that offers an in-depth look at Amazon, the largest and most influential company in the world, and its founder, Jeff Bezos. The book, written by Brad Stone, is considered a definitive account of Amazon's history and Bezos' drive and determination to make the company a "everything store" that offers a vast selection of products at competitive prices. The book also explores Amazon's corporate culture of secrecy and ambition, and how Bezos has led the company into new ventures like the Kindle and cloud computing, disrupting the retail industry in the same way that Henry Ford revolutionised manufacturing. The book is based on extensive research and investigative journalism, and offers a compelling and revealing look at Amazon's rise to dominance.

7. Maverick

In Maverick!, Ricardo Semler tells the story of his journey as a businessman and the transformation of Semco, one of Brazil's largest conglomerates, into a successful multi-billion dollar company. Semler implemented unconventional management and labor policies, including allowing workers to set their own production quotas and implementing profit sharing at all levels of the company. He also focused on streamlining processes and avoiding complicated regulations. These strategies were outlined in the company's "Semco Lexicon" and "Survival Manual" for employees. The success of Semco and Semler's approach is reflected in the popularity of Maverick! as a best-selling book worldwide.

8.Odyssey: Pepsi to Apple

In his autobiography-business book, John Sculley, a highly successful American businessman and former CEO of Pepsi, shares his experiences at Apple, a company co-founded by Stephen Jobs. The book discusses the complex relationship between Sculley and Jobs and the eventual split over the direction of Apple. It also covers the transformation of Apple into a wildly successful business and offers an inside look at the personal and emotional aspects of leadership.

9. Hitler

Ian Kershaw's Hitler biography is widely considered the definitive work on the subject. Covering Hitler's entire life, from his days as a struggling artist in Vienna to his final days in a Berlin bunker, Kershaw's book is a comprehensive exploration of how Hitler rose to power, maintained it, and ultimately exercised it. Drawing on extensive research, including previously unused sources such as Goebbels's diaries, Kershaw aims to provide answers to key questions about the unique characteristics of Nazi ideology, the Holocaust, and the political climate in Europe that enabled Hitler's success. The book is richly illustrated and has been praised as "the Hitler biography of the twenty-first century" (Richard J. Evans).

10. Sam Walton: Made In America

Sam Walton, the founder of Wal-Mart, one of the largest retailers in the world, is a classic American folk hero hailing from the heartland of the country. Known for his down-to-earth personality and business acumen, Walton shares the story of how he turned a single dime store into a massive global enterprise. He offers insights into his approach to business and shares anecdotes and "rules of the road" for success on both Main Street and Wall Street. His candid, straightforward style and optimistic outlook are central to his story, which is a testament to his ability to achieve the American Dream.

11. Iacocca

Iacocca: An Autobiography is the story of Lee Iacocca. He is an American businessman in the car industry and is known worldwide as the famous man who engineered various famous Ford cars. He is also for his personal skills, determination and acumen in reviving Chrysler Corporation from the brink of bankruptcy, in such a way that the world was left astounded at the after effects.The book contains different phases of Lee Iacocca's life starting from his childhood to the various struggles and decisions he was faced with. Iacocca was from an Italian-immigrant family. His dreams of joining the army during the second World War was lost due to the rheumatic fever. Being a smart student, Iacocca joined the Lehigh University and finished the course in eight semesters. After getting a University degree, he was offered a job in the army. But soon after, he came into contact with the Ford company and began working there diligently, only to be kicked out on his 54th birthday. The book also tells you about the numerous challenges that Iacocca had to face when the Chrysler Corporation was on the brink of bankruptcy and how he managed to get a loan from the government under various conditions in order to save Chrysler and the way he turned around Chrysler on to the path of success. Iacocca: An Autobiography was published in 1986 as a Reissue Edition by RHUS and is available in paperback. Key Features: The success story of one of the most prominent automobile engineers of all time, Lee Iacocca. The book also talks about the necessary law policies that needs to be implemented for car users.

12. Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

The Autobiography Of Benjamin Franklin holds details of a prominent historical figure, Benjamin Franklin. Benjamin Franklin gives a striking documentary of his life in this book. This classic literature book was published after Benjamin Franklin had passed away. It has been divided into four parts. Each part covers a certain event in this world leader’s life. The first part includes letters to Franklin’s son William in the year 1771. It has detailed information about his lineage and his stay in England. The second part was written when he was in France and his relationship with William went bad after the Revolutionary War. The third part narrates his return to America, where he details the progress in his country. He also mentions good deeds done to his country and the world. This book will make readers realise that Franklin was kind in nature and always wanted to do good. The detailed account of the good deeds he did will sway readers. The fourth part is empty and incomplete. It holds certain events that had taken place during the last year of Franklin’s life. The Autobiography Of Benjamin Franklin was published by General Press in 2011. This unabridged edition is available in paperback. Key Features: This book is considered to be of historical value in literature and is the first to be taken seriously in European literature. It has had several reprints over time. It is also known under the French title Mémoires De La Vie Privée De Benjamin Franklin.

13. The Story of My Life

Emerging confidently from darkness and silence, she won over her blindness and deafness. Armed with curiosity and imagination, she was grateful for the senses and skills she possessed. Meet Helen Keller, whose life is a classic example of unfaltering determination. Detailing her experiences from childhood till the age of twenty-one and the beautiful relationship she shared with Anne Sullivan, her governess and companion, the Story of My Life is an engaging account of Helen Keller growing up years. a timeless chronicle, it continues to inspire its readers more than a century after its first publication. This version includes exclusive letters exchanged between Helen and Anne Sullivan Macy (Helen's teacher and lifelong companion) between 1897-1901.

14. Twelve Years a Slave

Why had I not died in my young years before God had given me children to love and live for? What unhappiness and suffering and sorrow it would have prevented. I sighed for liberty but the bondsman's chain was round me and could not be shaken off. 1841: Solomon Northup is a successful violinist when he is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Taken from his family in New York State with no hope of ever seeing them again and forced to work on the cotton plantations in the Deep South, he spends the next twelve years in captivity until his eventual escape in 1853. First published in 1853, this extraordinary true story proved to be a powerful voice in the debate over slavery in the years leading up to the Civil War. It is a true-life testament of one man's courage and conviction in the face of unfathomable injustice and brutality: its influence on the course of American history cannot be overstated.

15. The Diary of a Young Girl

In 1942, with the Nazis occupying Holland, a thirteen-year-old Jewish girl and her family fled their home in Amsterdam and went into hiding. For the next two years, until their whereabouts were betrayed to the Gestapo, the Franks and another family lived cloistered in the “Secret Annexe” of an old office building. Cut off from the outside world, they faced hunger, boredom, the constant cruelties of living in confined quarters, and the ever-present threat of discovery and death. In her diary Anne Frank recorded vivid impressions of her experiences during this period. By turns thoughtful, moving, and surprisingly humorous, her account offers a fascinating commentary on human courage and frailty and a compelling self-portrait of a sensitive and spirited young woman whose promise was tragically cut short.

16. Life on the Mississippi

Fashioned from the same experiences that would inspire the masterpiece Huckleberry Finn, Life on the Mississippi is Mark Twain’s most brilliant and most personal nonfiction work. It is at once an affectionate evocation of the vital river life in the steamboat era and a melancholy reminiscence of its passing after the Civil War, a priceless collection of humorous anecdotes and folktales, and a unique glimpse into Twain’s life before he began to write.

Written in a prose style that has been hailed as among the greatest in English literature, Life on the Mississippi established Twain as not only the most popular humorist of his time but also America’s most profound chronicler of human comedy.

17. Rizal's Own Story of His Life

Excerpt from Rizal's Own Story of His Life Santa Rosa Gate, on bifian-kalamba road Model of a Dapitan woman at work. Rizal's uncle. Rizal's uncle's home in Bifian. Guardia Civil soldier Rizal's mother. Rizal's father One of Rizal's teachers, Terracotta bust by Rizal. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books

18. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

Maya Angelou’s debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide. Her life story is told in the documentary film And Still I Rise, as seen on PBS’s American Masters.Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable, as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou’s debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide.   Sent by their mother to live with their devout, self-sufficient grandmother in a small Southern town, Maya and her brother, Bailey, endure the ache of abandonment and the prejudice of the local “powhitetrash.” At eight years old and back at her mother’s side in St. Louis, Maya is attacked by a man many times her age—and has to live with the consequences for a lifetime. Years later, in San Francisco, Maya learns that love for herself, the kindness of others, her own strong spirit, and the ideas of great authors (“I met and fell in love with William Shakespeare”) will allow her to be free instead of imprisoned.   Poetic and powerful, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read.

19. Every Second Counts

In 1999, Lance Armstrong made world headlines with the most stunning comeback in the history of sport after battling against life-threatening testicular cancer just eighteen months before returning to professional cycling. His first book, It's Not About the Bike, charted his journey back to life and went on to become an international bestseller.

Now, in his much-anticipated follow-up, Armstrong shares more details of his extraordinary life story, including the births of his twin daughters Grace and Isabel. Never shy of controversy, Armstrong offers, with typical frankness, his thoughts on training, competing, winning and failure. He also tells of the work he did for the foundation he created following his dramatic recovery, addresses the daunting challenge of living in the aftermath of cancer and treatment, and shares further inspirational tales of survival.

A fresh outlook on the spirit of survivors everywhere, Every Second Counts is an account of a man who strives every day to meet life's challenges - whether on his bike or off.

20. My Life and Work

This book is the original autobiographical work by Henry Ford, founder of the Ford Motor Company. In this book, Ford details how he got into business, the strategies that he used to become a wealthy and successful businessman, and what others can do by learning from the examples he has outlined. This book should be read by small business owners, business students and those interested in the history of the automobile. Henry Ford will take you through a journey of history, business and lessons to be learned from which he used to develop his financial empire.