Best biographries you've read?

[Lee909]

I have just bought a few audio books off audible for the long walks ill be doing as part of my training. One of them might interest some of you

 

Panzer Commander

 

Panzer Commander is one of the classic memoirs of the Second World War. A professional soldier, Hans von Luck joined the Panzerwaffe in its earliest days, where he served under Erwin Rommel, and went on to fight in the Blitzkrieg in Poland, France and the Soviet Union. He then served with the Afrika Korps in the Western Desert, and tells of the sometimes chivalrous relationship with the British 8th Army.

 

After the collapse in Africa, he returned to Europe and fought throughout the Normandy campaign, and was responsible for the failure of the British breakout attempt, Operation ‘Goodwood’. He then took part in the final desperate battles on the Eastern Front. Captured by the Soviets at the end of the war, he was held for five years in a prison camp in the Caucasus. After the war, he formed friendships with those who had been his opponents during it, including Major John Howard, who had led the capture of Pegasus Bridge in Normandy.

 

With a new preface by the author’s widow, this unique and valuable account of one man’s war and its aftermath is required reading for all those interested in the Second World War.

 

Review

'this unique account of one German mans war is required reading for all those interested in WWII' Military History Monthly

 

About the Author

Born in 1911 in Flensburg, Germany, HANS VON LUCK joined the Reichswehr as a cadet in 1929. He served in the Panzerwaffe from its earliest days until the very end of the Second World War. After five years in a Soviet prison camp, he returned to Germany in 1950, working first as a hotel receptionist and then in the coffee business. He died in 1997

[cochyn]

Mr Nice by Howard Marks is the tits: He was a proper raconteur, bon viveur and took the right royal piss out of every worldwide authority. An absolute hoot to read. Ione of the best biogs out there.

 

Head-On/ Reposessed. Julian Cope (Teardrop Explodes). Really great account of the late 70’s post-punk scouse music scene that spawned Teardrop, Bunnnymen, Pete Wylie et al. His life has been all over the shop and there’s some piss-yourself laughing stories in there.

 

All round Genius – The Life Story of Max Woosnam. Written by Mick Collins, it’s the brilliant, brilliant life story of the man who played the Wimbledon, the Davis Cup, Varsity Rugby finals, the Open (Golf) and played for Chelsea and Manchester City. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.

 

The Dirt – Motley Crue. All four of the Crue get the biography treatment. It’s so fucked-up it’s unreal. Four men stuck in a perpetual adolescent fantasy world of drugs, women, booze, extreme idiocy and more women. It’s brilliant.

[cloggypop]

Mr Nice by Howard Marks is the tits: He was a proper raconteur, bon viveur and took the right royal piss out of every worldwide authority. An absolute hoot to read. Ione of the best biogs out there.

 

Head-On/ Reposessed. Julian Cope (Teardrop Explodes). Really great account of the late 70’s post-punk scouse music scene that spawned Teardrop, Bunnnymen, Pete Wylie et al. His life has been all over the shop and there’s some piss-yourself laughing stories in there.

 

 

 

Both great reads. 

[VERBAL DIARRHEA]

Clark Gable. If half of what is written is true then Hollywood is 10 times more of a whorehouse than I imagined,

[Stouffer]

The Cynthia Lennon one is good; Noel Redding's and Shakey by Jimmy McDonough.

 

 

[AngryOfTuebrook]

Just about to start this

Borderline neggable f******l, but it's such a good book, I'll have to let it pass.

[Robbo29]

The Moons a Ballon - David Niven, very enjoyable and one of the best books i have ever read

[polymerpunkah]

A biography of Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow.

 

Loved it.

 

Least-remembered of the American founding fathers, but perhaps the most brilliant.

 

I wouldn't read it without a basic understanding of the revolution, but it's definitely a readable "non-scholarly" bio.

[Mook]

Dear Boy - Keith Moon.

[Elite]

Unbroken - The story of Louis Zamperini, is the best biography I have ever read. Truly brilliant story.

 

Great recommendation by Jennings.