Book Rec - in depth studies of famous men

[Punchie]

DH is reading Ben Franklin's autobiography at the moment, and he's asked me to track down other books that discuss in depth famous men throughout history. Specifically the path they took that made them who they became. I know he doesn't want sound bites a la a one-hour history channel show, as he wants to plumb the depths.

 

Thanks!

[momee]

I've been reading this book about George Washington off and on this summer and fall (it's a biggie).

I'm finding it very interesting.

http://www.amazon.com/George-Washingtons-Sacred-Peter-Lillback/dp/0978605268

 

Also, my husband has read a few of David McCullough's books and likes them.

HTH.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_McCullough

 

The John Adams stuff looks very interesting. I couldn't follow the movie as closely as I wanted to because I was trying to remember so much of the history. One day when I'm not schooling and running a house, I'll read and read and read :)

[LNC]

Ron Chernow:

I love his bios and Washington is coming out soon! I highly recommend Alexander Hamilton and Titan (John D. Rockefeller).

http://www.amazon.com/Ron-Chernow/e/B000AQ735Y

[linders]

Truman, both by David McCullough. Brilliant writing, and incredible insight into their lives. Of course, Adams' huge number of letters helped!

[Stacia]

Also, my husband has read a few of David McCullough's books and likes them.

HTH.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_McCullough

 

I enjoyed 1776 by David McCullough (which has quite a bit about George Washington in it).

 

Galileo's Daughter

The Professor and the Madman (about James Murray & his work to create the Oxford English Dictionary)

Into Africa: The Epic Adventures of Stanley and Livingstone

[Punchie]

Thanks!! I'll pass these on to him!

 

Any suggestions for persons from ancient/medieval times?

[StephanieZ]

Team of Rivals is awesome.

 

Founding Brothers was also a great read (and is shorter & easier read than Team of Rivals, although both are very readable).

[OrganicAnn]

William Manchester The Last Lion - biography of Winston Churchill is the best biography I've ever read. It is thick volumes and it only goes up to the beginning of WWII.