History remembers those that make an indelible mark in the period in which they lived and after they are dead and gone. If we are lucky, they write autobiographies about their lives, so we can have a record of their accomplishments and exploits. In this article, I want to highlight 15 autobiographies that you should read before you die.
- The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin
Contains the life story of one of America’s founding fathers.
- Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
Has everything you want to know about this legendary leader.
- The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi
This autobiography is a frank and humble account highlighting an extraordinary leader’s moral and spiritual side.
- The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
Unlike your usual autobiography.
- Chronicles, Vol 1 by Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan needs no introduction. This is something all music lovers will enjoy, especially those who adore him.
- I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
The first of Maya’s 7 autobiographies, but one made her famous.
- The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X
A solid example of the underbelly of 20th Century American life.
- Agatha Christie: An Autobiography by Agatha Christie
Considered to be a story of one of the best mysteries, Agatha Christie herself.
- Open: An Autobiography by Andre Agassi
This dashing man dominated the tennis court not only with his charm and fashion but also with his talent.
- On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
Autobiography of the king of horror movies.
- A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway
A riveting story of innocence lost.
- Autobiography of Mark Twain by Mark Twain
Colorful autobiography of this author’s long life.
- I Am Ozzy by Ozzy Osbourne
The vocal of Black Sabbath may not have a good reputation, but he is a human being at the end of the day.
- Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler
You must read this autobiography to understand why he becomes a monster.
- Dreams from my Father by Barack Obama
Captivating autobiography of the world’s first African American president.
