Winner of the 2024 Audie Award for Best Nonfiction Narrator!Plutarch Awards Nominee, 2024Long-listed, Time Magazine Best Books of the Year, 2023Long-listed, NPR Best Book of the Year, 2023Long-listed, BookPage Best Books of the Year, 2023Long-listed, Amazon.com Best Books of the Year, 2023Long-listed, Barnes and Noble Best New Books of the Year, 2023Long-listed, Washington Post Best Books of the Year, 2023Long-listed, Audible.com Best of the Year, 2023Long-listed, Library Journal Best Books of the Year, 2023National Book Critics Circle Award—Nominee, 2023Long-listed, CPL: Chicago Public Library Best of the Best, 2023Long-listed, New Yorker Best Books of the Year, 2023Long-listed, Wall Street Journal Best Books of the Year, 2023Long-listed, Financial Times Books of the Year, 2023Long-listed, New York Times Book Review Notable Books of the Year, 2023This program is narrated by Dion Graham, narrator of over 300 audiobooks and an AudioFile Golden Voice. Dion has won multiple Earphones and Audie Awards."Dion Graham superbly narrates this riveting audiobook, emulating the majestic cadence of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s, speeches. He captures the Civil Rights leader's deep, resonant tone; deliberate ministerial intonation; and, during offstage moments, his world-weariness... The result is a monumental biography performed exquisitely by a Golden Voice narrator."—AudioFile Magazine (Earphones Award WInner)"This gripping biography of a revolutionary leader flies by. Listeners interested in a new perspective of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life will be captivated."—Library Journal"King is a major achievement. With eloquence, compassion, and grace, Jonathan Eig offers a stirringly contemporary and complex portrait of a fully human—and humane—King . . . A resounding triumph."—Peniel E. Joseph, author of The Sword and the Shield"Eig has pulled off a kind of miracle. Here is the King we know, think we know and ought to know. Here is the leader, the preacher, the orator, the husband, the father, the martyr, the human being—not with melodramatic halo in place, but in all his heroic, tragic Glory. Hallelujah!"—Ken BurnsNamed a most anticipated book of 2023 by The Washington Post, The Millions, and Literary HubThe first full biography in decades, King mixes revelatory and exhaustive new research with brisk and accessible storytelling to forge the definitive life for our times.Vividly written and exhaustively researched, Jonathan Eig’s King: A Life is the first major biography in decades of the civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.—and the first to include recently declassified FBI files. In this revelatory new portrait of the preacher and activist who shook the world, the bestselling biographer gives us an intimate view of the courageous and often emotionally troubled human being who demanded peaceful protest for his movement but was rarely at peace with himself. He casts fresh light on the King family’s origins as well as MLK’s complex relationships with his wife, father, and fellow activists. King reveals a minister wrestling with his own human frailties and dark moods, a citizen hunted by his own government, and a man determined to fight for justice even if it proved to be a fight to the death. As he follows MLK from the classroom to the pulpit to the streets of Birmingham, Selma, and Memphis, Eig dramatically re-creates the journey of a man who recast American race relations and became our only modern-day founding father—as well as the nation’s most mourned martyr.In this landmark biography, Eig gives us an MLK for our times: a deep thinker, a brilliant strategist, and a committed radical who led one of history’s greatest movements, and whose demands for racial and economic justice remain as urgent today as they were in his lifetime.A Macmillan Audio production from Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Read more

From the author of Alexander Hamilton, the New York Times bestselling biography that inspired the musical, comes a gripping portrait of the first president of the United States.Winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Biography“Truly magnificent . . . [a] well-researched, well-written and absolutely definitive biography” —Andrew Roberts, The Wall Street Journal“Until recently, I’d never believed that there could be such a thing as a truly gripping biography of George Washington . . . Well, I was wrong. I can’t recommend it highly enough—as history, as epic, and, not least, as entertainment.” —Hendrik Hertzberg, The New YorkerCelebrated biographer Ron Chernow provides a richly nuanced portrait of the father of our nation and the first president of the United States. With a breadth and depth matched by no other one volume biography of George Washington, this crisply paced narrative carries the reader through his adventurous early years, his heroic exploits with the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, his presiding over the Constitutional Convention, and his magnificent performance as America's first president. In this groundbreaking work, based on massive research, Chernow shatters forever the stereotype of George Washington as a stolid, unemotional figure and brings to vivid life a dashing, passionate man of fiery opinions and many moods.Lin-Manuel Miranda’s smash Broadway musical Hamilton has sparked new interest in the Revolutionary War and the Founding Fathers. In addition to Alexander Hamilton, the production also features George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Aaron Burr, Lafayette, and many more. Read more

A gripping, unflinching biography of SS Overseer Maria Mandl, one of the most notorious and contradictory figures at the heart of the Nazi regime, and her transformation from harmless small-town girl to hardened killer. With new details and previously unpublished photographs, this gripping, unflinching examination charts her transformation from engaging country girl to “The Beast” of Auschwitz. By the time of her execution at thirty-six, Maria Mandl had achieved the highest rank possible for a woman in the Third Reich. As Head Overseer of the women’s camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau, she was personally responsible for the murders of thousands, and for the torture and suffering of countless more. In this riveting biography, Susan J. Eischeid explores how Maria Mandl, regarded locally as “a nice girl from a good family,” came to embody the very worst of humanity. Born in 1912 in the scenic Austrian village of Münzkirchen, Maria enjoyed a happy childhood with loving parents—who later watched in anguish as their grown daughter rose through the Nazi system. Mandl’s life mirrors the period in which she lived: turbulent, violent, and suffused with paradoxes. At Auschwitz-Birkenau, she founded the notable women’s orchestra and “adopted” several children from the transports—only to lead them to the gas chambers when her interest waned. After the war, Maria was arrested for crimes against humanity. Following a public trial attended by the international press, she was hanged in 1948.  For two decades, Eischeid has excavated the details of Mandl’s life story, drawing on archival testimonies, speaking to dozens of witnesses, and spending time with Mandl’s community of friends and neighbors who shared their memories as well as those handed down in their families. The result is a chilling and complex exploration of how easily an ordinary citizen chose the path of evil in a climate of hate and fear. Read more

An enlightening biography and gripping sports narrative that takes us behind the scenes into the lives of some of the world’s most elite runners in Kenya and their coach, Patrick Sang. "I highly recommend this book." —Meb KeflezighiAt a secluded training camp in Kaptagat, Kenya, a small town nearly 8,000 feet above sea level in the Great Rift Valley, three-dozen world-class runners, including Olympic champions, world record holders and the fastest marathoner of all-time, share simple dormitory-style rooms and endure grueling workouts six days a week. These determined, devoted, and selfless runners are who they are because of a man named Patrick Sang. One of the greatest—and least-heralded coaches in the sport—Sang is described by his athletes as a “life coach.” In We Share the Sun, Sarah Gearhart takes us inside this high-octane world of elites of which few are even aware of and even fewer have ever seen. We are immersed in Sang’s remarkable story, from his college days in the US to winning an Olympic medal in the steeplechase, and his journey to become a man who redefines what coaching means. There is no singular secret to athletic success, but, as readers will learn, Sang’s holistic philosophy is like no other approach in the world. It is rooted in developing athletes who can navigate the pressures of elite competition—and life itself. In these pages, we explore Sang’s influence on his athletes — including his unique and longstanding relationship with marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge — as they prepared for the delayed Tokyo Olympics and other competitions. We witness the remarkable recovery of two-time New York City Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor after a freak accident as he strove to earn his first Olympic medal. And we follow one of the world’s most dominant mid-distance runners, Faith Kipyegon, as she attempted a historic repeat title in the 1,500 meters three years after the birth of her first child. We Share the Sunbrings forth the remarkable lives and stories of East African runners, whose stories are seldom shared. Through Gearhart's vivid prose, we experience the richness that exists in Kenya as we come as close as we possibly can to running alongside a current and future generation of elites—and the man who molds them into champions. Read more

A gripping biography of Nazi commando Otto Skorzeny and the crucial role he played in the Second World War!Perfect for fans of Stuart Smith, Charles Foley, Glen B. Infield, and Greg Annussek.Otto Skorzeny’s incredible war record immortalised his name in history and reads like a fictionalised adventure story. During his two and a half years in covert operations, Skorzeny is credited with developing a technique of clandestine warfare unmatched by any other secret service of the time. His exploits undoubtedly changed the course of the war. These included the 1944 kidnapping of Miklós Horthy Jr., the son of Hungary’s Regent, who was secretly negotiating a surrender to the advancing Red Army, and the daring 1943 rescue of deposed Italian dictator Benito Mussolini.A trained engineer from Austria, instantly recognizable due to his imposing stature and the sabre scars on his face from university duelling days, Skorzeny began his war training as part of Hitler’s bodyguard. After fighting on the Eastern Front, an injury led to a staff position in Berlin. It was there he began developing his ideas on commando warfare. His belief in taking bold risks to achieve political as well as military objectives soon brought him to the attention of the Führer and the Nazi High Command—and the rest is history.Charles Whiting writes with personal insight, having seen active service during the Battle of the Bulge — a successful Skorzeny sabotage operation — and having met and interviewed Skorzeny on several occasions. Whiting also interviewed a number of Skorzeny’s fellow SS members and drew on numerous other sources and accounts to produce this authoritative work.This book is a must-read for those interested in uncovering more about ‘the most dangerous man in Europe,’ beyond his most famous exploits. Whiting sheds light on Skorzeny’s early life, the rest of his remarkable war career, and his escape and life after the war, right up to his death from illness in 1975 at the age of 67. Read more

“Choi's true-crime biography adds much-needed detail and perspective to Noguchi's unusual and compelling story.”—BooklistL.A. Coroner is a gripping true crime biography of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the controversial “Coroner to the Stars,” who performed the autopsies of Marilyn Monroe, Robert F. Kennedy, Natalie Wood, and hundreds of other notable personalities. Choi, an award-winning historian and professor, deftly blends Los Angeles history, death investigation and forensic science, and Asian American history in a feat of exquisite storytelling.L.A. Coroner is the first-ever biography of Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the Chief Medical Examiner–Coroner of Los Angeles County from 1967 to 1982. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Noguchi conducted the official autopsies of some of the most high-profile figures of his time. His elaborate press conferences, which often generated more controversy than they did answers, catapulted him into the public eye.Noguchi was also the inspiration for the popular 1970s–80s television drama Quincy, M.E., starring Jack Klugman. Featuring never-before-published details about Noguchi’s most controversial cases, L.A. Coroner is a meticulously researched biography of a complex man, set against the backdrop of the social and racial politics of the 1960s and 1970s and Hollywood celebrity culture. Read more

This Whitbread Award–winning biography and basis for the film Mary Queen of Scots starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie “reads like Shakespearean drama” (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution).   “A triumph . . . A masterpiece full of fire and tragedy.” —Amanda Foreman, author of Georgiana   In the first full-scale biography of Mary Stuart in more than thirty years, John Guy creates an intimate and absorbing portrait of one of history’s greatest women, depicting her world and her place in the sweep of history with stunning immediacy. Bringing together all surviving documents and uncovering a trove of new sources for the first time, Guy dispels the popular image of Mary Queen of Scots as a romantic leading lady—achieving her ends through feminine wiles—and establishes her as the intellectual and political equal of Elizabeth I.   Through Guy’s pioneering research and superbly readable prose, we come to see Mary as a skillful diplomat, maneuvering ingeniously among a dizzying array of factions that sought to control or dethrone her. Queen of Scots is an enthralling, myth-shattering look at a complex woman and ruler and her time.   “The definitive biography . . . Gripping . . . A pure pleasure to read.” —The Washington Post Book World   “Reads like Shakespearean drama, with all the delicious plotting and fresh writing to go with it.” —The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Read more

NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie. A biography "as enthralling as a detective story," of the woman who reigned over sixteenth-century Scotland (New York Times Book Review).In Mary Queen of Scots, John Guy creates an intimate and absorbing portrait of one of history’s most famous women, depicting her world and her place in the sweep of history with stunning immediacy. Bringing together all surviving documents and uncovering a trove of new sources for the first time, Guy dispels the popular image of Mary Stuart as a romantic leading lady—achieving her ends through feminine wiles—and establishes her as the intellectual and political equal of Elizabeth I. Through Guy’s pioneering research and superbly readable prose, we come to see Mary as a skillful diplomat, maneuvering ingeniously among a dizzying array of factions that sought to control or dethrone her. It is an enthralling, myth-shattering look at a complex woman and ruler and her time. “The definitive biography . . . gripping . . . a pure pleasure to read.”—Washington Post Book WorldFirst published in 2004 as Queen of Scots Read more

Discover the captivating life story of Lloyd Devereux Richard, a trailblazing visionary who defied all odds to make an indelible mark on the world. In this compelling biography, delve into the inspiring journey of an ordinary individual who achieved extraordinary feats.From humble beginnings to meteoric success, Lloyd Devereux Richard's life is an emblem of resilience and determination. Uncover his relentless pursuit of excellence, as he overcame countless obstacles and shattered societal norms. This gripping biography offers an intimate glimpse into the mind of a true maverick, showcasing the triumphs and tribulations that shaped Lloyd Devereux Richard's unparalleled legacy. Filled with fascinating anecdotes and rare insights, it unveils the complex persona of a man who defied expectations, leaving an enduring legacy that still resonates today.Don't miss the chance to embark on this remarkable journey through the life of Lloyd Devereux Richard. Get ready to be inspired, uplifted, and motivated by his extraordinary tale of perseverance. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking an enthralling read, this biography is a must-have addition to your library.Take a step into greatness and seize the opportunity to delve into the life of Lloyd Devereux Richard today. Unleash your own potential and discover the power of persistence.Order your copy now and join the ranks of those inspired by a true legend. Read more

Joy Womack: The Untold Story of an American Ballet Dancer is a gripping biography of one of the most determined and groundbreaking ballerinas of our time. From her humble beginnings in Texas to becoming the first American woman to graduate from the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy and perform with the Bolshoi Ballet, Joy Womack’s journey is one of resilience, passion, and defying the odds.In a world where discipline meets artistry, Womack's rise to prominence was not without challenges. She faced grueling training, cultural barriers, and the harsh realities of the ballet industry, including allegations of corruption and limited opportunities for foreign dancers. Refusing to be defined by setbacks, she made the bold decision to leave the Bolshoi and forge her own path, dancing with the Kremlin Ballet and beyond, ultimately becoming a global ballet icon.This book offers an intimate look into Womack’s struggles and triumphs, her relentless pursuit of excellence, and the sacrifices required to succeed at the highest level. An inspiring read for aspiring dancers, art lovers, and anyone chasing an impossible dream, Joy Womack: The Untold Story of an American Ballet Dancer is a testament to the power of perseverance. Read more

A gripping biography of one of the seventeenth century’s greatest sea captains.

Courage, ambition and treachery on the high seas… Perfect for fans of Andrew Lambert, Kevin Jackson, N. A. M. Rodger, and Eric Jay Dolin.

In June 1611, Henry Hudson, captain of the Discovery, his young son, and seven other crew members were forced into a small gig and set adrift amongst the ice floes of Hudson Bay. They were never seen again.

Shy and aloof, yet courageous and sometimes recklessly daring, English explorer and navigator Hudson made four momentous voyages in 1607, 1608, 1609, and 1610, journeys that greatly expanded geographical knowledge of the New World. Yet it was his obsessive search for the elusive northwest passage – a sea route that would open the way to the riches of the Orient – combined with his poor judge of character and inept leadership that would ultimately result in one of the most notorious events in maritime history.

Drawing on a wealth of contemporary material, including Hudson’s official ships’ logs and the private journal he kept during his voyages, Noel B. Gerson vividly brings to life the dramatic events that led to the enactment of the greatest crime on the high seas, mutiny, and the tragic fate of one of England’s foremost discoverer-adventurers.

The Magnificent Adventures of Henry Hudson masterfully combines the triumphant spirit of early seventeenth-century maritime adventure with the perilous nature of life at sea.
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A fearless young Swede whose efforts saved countless Hungarian Jews from certain death at the hands of Adolf Eichmann, Raoul Wallenberg was one of the true heroes to emerge during the Nazi occupation of Eu-rope. He left a life of privilege and, against staggering odds, brought hope to those who had been abandoned by the rest of the world. Here is the gripping, passionately written biography of the courageous man who displayed extraordinary humanity during one of history’s darkest periods. Read more

THE DOORS: Uncovering The Shadows Of The Lizard King's Empire is a gripping and revelatory biography that explores deep into the enigmatic life of Jim Morrison, the iconic frontman of The Doors, and the dark undercurrents of his meteoric rise to fame. This meticulously researched book peels back the layers of Morrison's mythos, exposing the contradictions of a man who was both a poetic visionary and a self-destructive rebel. Through rare interviews, untold stories, and a fresh examination of his artistry, the book paints an intimate portrait of the "Lizard King" and the empire he built one fueled by genius, excess, and an insatiable hunger for transcendence. Beyond Morrison’s tumultuous personal life, the book explores the hidden machinery behind The Doors' success, revealing the band's struggles with fame, Morrison's battles with authority, and the shadowy figures who sought to control or exploit his legacy. From the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles to the chaotic whirl of the 1960s counterculture, the book uncovers the betrayals, power plays, and occult fascinations that shaped Morrison’s world. The book also examines his enduring influence on music, literature, and pop culture, questioning whether his early death was an accident, a surrender, or something far more sinister. THE DOORS is more than just a biography it’s a journey into the heart of a legend, blending investigative journalism with lyrical storytelling to reveal the man behind the myth. For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this book offers a haunting, unflinching look at the price of genius and the shadows that linger long after the music fades. With unprecedented access to key figures and newly uncovered evidence, this definitive account challenges everything you thought you knew about Jim Morrison and the empire he left behind. Read more

In 1940, Hans and Margret Rey fled their Paris home as the German army advanced. They began their harrowing journey on bicycles, pedaling to Southern France with children’s book manuscripts, including what would become the international sensation Curious George, among their few possessions.Louise Borden combed primary resources, including Hans Rey’s pocket diaries, to tell this dramatic true story. Her collection of archival materials introduce readers to the world of Hans and Margret Rey while Allan Drummond's dramatic and colorful artwork illustrates their wartime trek to a new home.Now elementary school readers can follow the Rey’s amazing journey in this Young Reader's Edtion. Part travel journal, part gripping biography this volume includes full-color illustrations, original photos, ticket stubs, entries from Hans Rey's diaries, activities, an new afterword, and an interview with the author. The perfect selection for book reports, biography units, and Curious George fans of all ages. Read more

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the life of Norman Jewison, a cinematic virtuoso whose legacy reverberates in every frame. This gripping biography is your ticket to:Behind-the-Scenes Brilliance: Uncover the untold stories and challenges that molded Jewison into the groundbreaking filmmaker celebrated today.Cinematic Masterpieces: Immerse yourself in the creation of iconic films like "In the Heat of the Night" and "Moonstruck," understanding the genius that shaped these classics.Social Impact Unveiled: Explore the narratives where Jewison fearlessly tackled social issues, leaving an indelible mark on both cinema and society.Versatility & Creativity: Witness Jewison's artistic versatility as he seamlessly navigates genres, bringing to life dramas, musicals, and everything in between.Educational Legacy: Discover the visionary's commitment to nurturing future talents, shaping the landscape of film education through the Canadian Film Centre.Personal Triumphs: Peek into the personal triumphs and setbacks that fueled Jewison's resilience, offering a profound understanding of the man who revolutionized cinema.This biography is not just a book; it's a front-row seat to the epic tale of a cinematic giant. Don't miss your chance to own a piece of Hollywood history and unravel the legacy of Norman Jewison—a must-read for film enthusiasts, dreamers, and anyone captivated by the magic of storytelling. Purchase your copy now and dive into the captivating world of a true cinematic visionary! Read more