It's here! Browse the 2024 Penguin Christmas gift guide

Biographies & memoirs

Real life stories have a power and depth like no other. We publish a rich collection of memoir and biographies that span everything from celebrity, sports and political memoirs to the very best in the royal biographies genre. From the long-awaited Spare by Prince Harry, to The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama, our list is full of change-makers and trailblazers alongside much-loved personalities in the entertainment world. These compellingly written and beautifully told human stories make great Christmas gifts to leave under the tree.

This week's bestsellers

Memoirs to gift this Christmas

Latest releases

Coming soon

President Barack Obama walks along the West Colonnade of the White House, January 8, 2011.

Read the first chapter of A Promised Land by Barack Obama

In this exclusive extract from A Promised Land, Barack Obama meditates on the daily rhythms and routine of working – and living – at the White House. 

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Staff picks

Inspirational voices

Life lessons

Film and TV star biographies

Into nature

Musical biographies

Sports biographies

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A royal story

Tan France

Queer Eye’s Tan France: There aren’t enough stories like mine being told

Since becoming one of Queer Eye’s ‘Fab Five’, Brit-born stylist Tan France has gone from relative unknown to TV star. In his memoir, he tells us about his struggles growing up and why we need more out and proud Asian men.

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