Five Must-Read Biographies

Think of a list of people who helped shape the twentieth century. Now imagine that you thought about it all day. Your list would include very famous names: from entertainment and Hollywood, to education and discovery, odds are the names you would have chosen are people you would like to know more about. Reading biographies is a fantastic way to gain forthright and unbiased knowledge about those people. To help jump-start your foray into learning about your favorite twentieth century heroes, I have five recommendations for must-read biographies.

First is the most recent biography of the greatest thinker of last century, Albert Einstein. In "Einstein: His Life and Universe," author Walter Isaacson digs deep to give page-turning descriptions of Albert's earliest days and jobs. As well, this is the first biography to be written since all of Einstein's papers and works have been released to the public, making the chapters discussing the man's genius ideas and theories as up-to-date as possible. Albert Einstein was a true hero, and "Einstein: His Life and Universe" is a very accessible and descriptive chronicling of a great man's life.

In lieu of researchers, Dale Peterson's work "Jane Goodall: The Woman Who Redefined Man," presents an equally compelling read of a twentieth century icon. Jane's research and personal life are both expressed, often in intricate details. Coming away after reading this biography, one has a bigger appreciation for what Ms. Goodall struggled through and sacrificed to continue the work that she loved. For any curious readers, or aficionados of her legacy, "Jane Goodall: The Woman Who Redefined Man" is a quintessential read and a thrilling biography.

The world of entertainment and the creators behind famous shows and characters should not be off the list of influential individuals of the past one hundred years. One man who deserves his spot on the list is Walt Disney, and in "Walt Disney: An American Original," author Bob Thomas gives new life and perceptions of the great cartoonist. The reader learns all about his child life, how he built an empire, and how his inner-personal battles fueled his desires to forge new technical wonders to film and animation. One also learns of his modesty, and how as his reach extended past films and into theme parks, the thought of his legacy was always on his mind. Most everyone has been touched by a Disney film or memory; learning about the man behind the mouse in "Walt Disney: An American Original" will leave an equally strong impression on you, as well.

For real history buffs, the recent passing of Rosa Parks was an American tragedy and the loss of a strong, influential woman. Luckily her memory and life are preserved on the page in a fantastic biography written by Douglas C. Brinkley. "Rosa Parks" touches on her many accomplishments as a civil rights activist, from her refusal to surrender her seat and years beyond. The book describes her many friendships and inspirations during the Civil Rights Movement, as well as how her own stories influenced other famous leaders and abolitionists years later. Her family struggles and rewards are also revealed, and for its sheer volume of content, "Rosa Parks" is a fantastic biography for history lovers and others who wish to learn more about the woman's life.

This last recommendation is a little different - it is more of a group autobiography than a biography, but for its content, in both words and pictures, "The Beatles Anthology" written by the four living Beatles members themselves, is a read most anyone can appreciate. The band members delve into chapters that feel more like candid interviews, and each discusses the roots of their early days and the mania of their heyday as British invasion rockers. Coupling the members are other interviews and opinions by producers and close friends, as well as hundreds of pictures to help get messages across. For Beatles fans and casual listeners alike, "The Beatles Anthology" is an entertaining look at the band sensation by the band sensations themselves.

There you have it: five wonderful biographies of twentieth century legends. Remember to keep your own list of influential people updated and close, because once you start reading biographies it is quite hard to stop. Cheers and happy reading!