We are used to reading biographies of our top businessmen, sportsmen and political figures. Our top 10 list of ‘slightly unconventional’ biographies extends this to our top comedians, chefs, astronauts, video game creators, hackers and more.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Authors: Stephen King,
His books went on to become record-breaking bestsellers. His name resonates in every library and bookstore. In this book, Stephen King shares the tale of his writing career. In it, you will find the inspiration to write even if you’re battling life and death, just as he did after his fatal accident in 1999.
Kingpin: How One Hacker Took Over the Billion-Dollar Cybercrime Underground
Authors: Kevin Poulsen,
Uncover the gripping story of Blackhat “Iceman” Max Butler, a programming expert who used his extraordinary talent and stole access to 1.8 million credit card accounts. All while the FBI and police agents from around the world were on the lookout. Enter the realm of the underworld through the eyes of one of the top investigative reporters of cybercrime — Kevin Poulson, where a silent battle between law enforcement and criminals persists.
Masters of Doom: How Two Guys Created an Empire and Transformed Pop Culture
Authors: David Kushner,
Violent video games are not an escape. With his gifted talent, Kushner illustrates the trauma that triggered two young, motivated and wild geniuses to create one of the most violent video game franchises as a means of expressing their frustration and fury. A game that changed the world, only to come back and tear its creators apart at the peak of their career.
An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth
Authors: Chris Hadfield,
4000 hours in space, killing a live snake while piloting a plane and breaking into a space station with a swiss army knife give Chris Hadfield enough credibility to say “Nothing is impossible”. His entertaining stories, challenges and insightful thoughts of life away from Earth will change your life forever from a perspective you have never imagined.
Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life
Authors: Steve Martin,
From Disneyland to stand up comedy, honing his crafts to quitting forever, losing himself and everyone he loved, to finding himself and his place in life, Emmy and Grammy award winner, Steve Martin takes the reader into the world of comedians. And it isn’t very funny. With the aid of photographs and his exceptional writing talent, Martin shares a story that will connect with every emotion of the reader.
Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly
Authors: Anthony Bourdain,
The culinary world isn’t always that delicious. But it’s a great ride nonetheless. Award-winning chef, Anthony Bourdain, shares his journey through drugs, sex and world-class food in a way that will keep you asking for more.
Here, There and Everywhere: My Life Recording the Music of the Beatles
Authors: Geoff Emerick,Howard Massey, Elvis Costello
“She loves you”, “I want to hold your hand” — that’s where it all started. Geoff Emerick was 15 when he witnessed The Beatles’ record-breaking hits. At nineteen, he became their group’s chief engineer and watched the team rise in fame and eventually fall apart. He shares with you the tale of the legendary Beatles, giving you an insider view like never before.
Schulz and Peanuts: A Biography
Authors: David Michaelis,
The man who gave you Peanuts — Charles M. Schulz is one of America’s most controversial figures. Renowned biographer, David Michaelis, sheds light on the story of this private man. A genius in his own way, Schulz reshaped the cartoon industry forever with his passion and love for drawing.
The Fish That Ate the Whale: The Life and Times of America’s Banana King
Authors: Rich Cohen,
Rich Cohen unravels one of the most untold stories of success — the story of a man who went from selling bananas on the street to becoming one of America’s wealthiest. Samuel Zemurray, or as he is often called “Bananaman” is the epitome of American enterprise. Cohen brilliantly illustrates Zemurray’s life — one that can be interpreted either as the best or the worst of American businessmen.
Other Blog Posts on Biographies
10 Business Biographies of the most Influential Consumer Brands
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Biographies of the Top Retail Business Leaders
Discover the stories behing the most iconic retail brands including Walmart, Amazon, Alibaba, Starbucks and Nike
Books that tell the stories of 10 American Business Legends
The stories behind some of the most influential historic American business leaders and the companies they built.