5 of the top biographies of all time

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Biographies can transport us into the lives of some of the most influential, notable people in history. Some of the top biographies of all time cover political leaders, artists, scientists and entrepreneurs.

Biographies offer a glimpse into the minds and experiences of those who have made a significant impact on the world.

But with so many biographies to choose from, it can be difficult to know which ones are worth reading.

Our list of 5 of the top biographies of all time, includes these subjects; Steve Jobs, Alexander Hamilton, Pablo Picasso, Albert Einstein, and Nelson Mandela. Each of the biographers has brought their subjects to life in a vivid way, exploring them with precision and depth.

Contents

Steve Jobs: by Walter Isaacson

An artwork portrait commemorating Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple.
"Steve Jobs" by echoln

First on our list is Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs. This biography offers an in-depth look at the life and career of the co-founder of Apple. It delves into his complex personality and the massive impact he had on the technology industry. Isaacson’s writing is both engaging and informative, making this one of the most widely read biographies.

Jobs was Controversial

Steve Jobs was a controversial figure, revered by many and loathed by others. Credited with the invention of the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, and other revolutionary Apple devices, he changed the world of communication.

People’s feelings about him seem to be determined by their feelings about Apple as a company. Jobs was a blunt, demanding individual as a boss, but he got incredible results. In recent years, there has been a pushback against the concept that genius excuses rude, abusive behaviour.

Is the Biography Unbiased?

Isaacson’s biography doesn’t flinch from exposing Jobs as unlikeable and demanding. It’s a major reason why it is one of the top biographies of all time.

As The Verge’s review points out, Jobs commissioned Isaacson to write the book while he was dying.

It is filtered by how Jobs wanted to be perceived, and it is a fascinating, in-depth portrayal of a genius. But perhaps it is a biography that doesn’t challenge the subject’s behaviour towards others.

With that said, the book is still one of the most extensive, incisive looks at a world-changing figure that has been written. It was Amazon’s top-selling book in 2011, and a New York Times bestseller.

Alexander Hamilton: by Ron Chernow

Another must-read biography is Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow. This book provides a detailed and well-researched look at one of the most important figures in American history. Chernow’s writing is both engaging and informative. This biography is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the founding of the United States.

Hamilton was a Lesser-Known and Lesser-Liked Founding Father

Before Chernow’s book, the only fact most people knew about Hamilton is that he was killed in a duel. Those that did know more than that tended to dislike him or discount his contributions. This may be due to him being a Thomas Jefferson rival, who was one of America’s favourite heroes.

Hamilton has been blamed for setting the stage for Wall Street and the military-industrial complex, as The Guardian explains,.

Chernow gives reasons to appreciate Hamilton

The statue of Alexander Hamilton in Washington, D.C.
"Alexander Hamilton" by dbking

Chernow’s remarkable accomplishment is painting such a three-dimensional portrait of the man. He fleshes out his character and story with such complexity, it is like reading a novel.

He also makes a strong argument for Hamilton as a different sort of American hero. In his words,

If Jefferson provided the essential poetry of American political discourse, Hamilton established the prose of American statecraft.
Ron Chernow

Chernow’s Hamilton is a passionate, gifted man who lifted himself from poverty through the power of his writing. His major flaw is his reckless frankness which often got him into trouble.

How Hamilton became a Musical Superstar

What really cemented its status as one of the top biographies of all time is its most surprising legacy. It became Lin-Manuel Miranda’s source material in the writing of the musical Hamilton. The Broadway musical became an instant and historic smash hit. It went on to win every major theatre award, including 11 Tonys and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

A Life of Picasso: by John Richardson

Pablo Picasso’s “Girl Reading at a Table”, hanging in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
"NYC - Metropolitan Museum of Art: Pablo Picasso's Girl Reading at a Table" by wallyg — Girl Reading at a Table

For a biography that delves into the world of Art, don’t miss A Life of Picasso by John Richardson. What initially stands out is the scope of Richardson’s work. This monumental biography is divided into four books, the first three of which are over 500 pages. The fourth is just over 300.

Richardson’s books offer a comprehensive look at the life and work of one of 20^th century’s most influential artists. His writing is both engaging and informative, making the biography a must-read for anyone interested in Art. The sheer size would make them amongst the top biographies of all time.

Richardson’s Volumes

The first book in Richardson’s biographical series is The Prodigy, 1881-1906. It covers the artist’s first 25 years after his birth in Spain, to when he lived in Paris. It details the beginnings of his life and career as an artist.
The second is called The Cubist Rebel, 1907-1916, from the age of 26 to 35. It focuses on his revolutionary work creating Cubism and his romantic life during the period.
The third is The Triumphant Years, 1917-1932, from age 36 to 51. It chronicles the most successful era of his life, in terms of his art and personal life.
It finishes with The Minotaur Years, 1933-1943, which covers another very prolific period of his life. This was when he contributed both artwork and poetry to a magazine called Minotaur. It also delves into his friendships with several other influential artists, painting a complete picture of the man and artist.

Einstein: His Life and Universe: by Walter Isaacson

An artwork celebrating the mind and genius of Albert Einstein.
"Albert Einstein Design" by morgantj

Another must-read biography is Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson. This book is a detailed and well-researched look at the life and work of one of the 20^th century’s most brilliant minds. Isaacson’s writing is both engaging and informative, making his biography essential for anyone interested in Einstein’s life and work.

The Writer Paints a Full Portrait

What really stands out about Isaacson’s biography is how full a portrait of Einstein it is. Of course, it gives a full account of his life and delves into his scientific achievements. But, it also demonstrates his sense of humour. As The New York Times review explains, it includes numerous letters that show how witty Einstein was.

As important a figure as he was, Einstein could also be silly as well as obstinate. Including these sorts of humanising traits is one of the reasons it is one of the top biographies of all time.

A Most Unusual Patent Clerk

Isaacson also argues that part of the reason Einstein became such a great scientist was due to his circumstances. Einstein worked as a patent clerk while coming up with some of his great innovations. Isaacson’s theory is that if he had instead had an academic role, “he might have felt compelled to be overly cautious in challenging accepted notions”

Mandela: The Authorised Biography: by Anthony Sampson

For a wonderful biography of a political leader, don’t miss Mandela: The Authorised Biography by Anthony Sampson. It is a comprehensive look at the life and work of Nelson Mandela, one of the 20^th century’s most influential political leaders. Sampson’s writing is both engaging and informative, making his biography a must-read for anyone interested in Mandela’s life and impact.

A 20^th Century Martyr

Racial segregation, sanctioned by law, was widely practiced in South Africa before 1948. But when the National Party, led by Daniel F. Malan, gained office that year, it extended the policy and gave it the name apartheid.
Britannica.com

The statue of Nelson Mandela located in Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, South Africa.
"Statue of Nelson Mandela 1" by Paul Jacobson — Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton, Johannesburg

Nelson Mandela was the first person to become president of South Africa after being in prison. He spent 27 years of imprisonment under the apartheid regime. And many consider him to have been the practical equivalent of a modern-day saint.

He spent most of those 27 years in a small cell on Robben Island under a corrupt regime for a noble cause. Every day he looked across Table Bay at the stunning prosperous City of Cape Town which nestled below the wooded base of Table Mountain.

He never lost faith in humanity, basic goodness, nor his commitment to freeing the people.

Mandela portrayed in Depth

Mandela: The Authorised Biography is one of the top biographies of all time due to how comprehensive it is. Sampson, the author, a journalist, was a personal acquaintance of Mandela’s since the 1950s. Due to this connection, Mandela offered him a great deal of unprecedented access and information.

Sampson used this to weave a searing, in-depth portrait of the man. For many subjects, this sort of three-dimensional study might complicate their legacy as a hero. According to Kirkus, however, there are “very few places where Mandela emerges as anything other than a secular saint”.

This speaks to how admirable a person Mandela was. It also speaks to Sampson’s skill in managing to make him so compelling on paper.

Final Thoughts

These are just 5 of the top biographies of all time. Each offers a unique perspective and in-depth look into some of the most notable and influential people in history.

Whether you’re interested in understanding the life of a technological pioneer, a political leader, an artist, or a scientist, these biographies have something exceptional to offer.