> Zed Book Club / The Lives of Others: 11 New Biographies to Read This Spring
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in the New York Harbor, as she returns to the Big Apple from Staten Island, where she toured the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, July 30, 1976. Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images
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The Lives of Others: 11 New Biographies to Read This Spring
This season's crop of personal stories made public, take us into the lives of both fashion royalty and actual royalty, civil rights and anti-apartheid activists, acclaimed writers, a superstar athlete and unsung female trailblazers. / BY Nathalie Atkinson / April 6th, 2023
Who among us doesn’t love to peek behind the curtains and closed doors into the private lives of the rich, the famous, the bold and the brave? From James Ellroy’s demons to Jackie O’s triumphs, these biographies lift the veil off of what makes each of their subjects so memorable.
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1Empress of the Nile Olson, the American historian that Madeleine Albright called, “our era’s foremost chronicler of Second World War politics and diplomacy,” this time turns her attention to Frenchwoman Christiane Desroches Noblecourt, an unsung heroine of Egyptology. In 1938, Noblecourt was the first woman to direct an excavation; later as a curator at the Louvre, she helped protect the museum’s treasures from being looted during the Nazi occupation – while also working for the resistance. And in 1960, she spearheaded the effort to rescue Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple from flooding. The book leaves no doubt as to why the archeologist is often referred to as a real-life Indiana Jones.
Olson, the American historian that Madeleine Albright called, “our era’s foremost chronicler of Second World War politics and diplomacy,” this time turns her attention to Frenchwoman Christiane Desroches Noblecourt, an unsung heroine of Egyptology. In 1938, Noblecourt was the first woman to direct an excavation; later as a curator at the Louvre, she helped protect the museum’s treasures from being looted during the Nazi occupation – while also working for the resistance. And in 1960, she spearheaded the effort to rescue Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple from flooding. The book leaves no doubt as to why the archeologist is often referred to as a real-life Indiana Jones.
2Love Me Fierce In Danger At 75, historical crime writer James Ellroy (The Black Dahlia, L.A. Confidential) remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in American literature, both for his work on the page and his life off of it. The book is equal parts literary examination of Ellroy’s stylistic and thematic journey and a fulsome exploration of his personal struggles — including the shadow cast by the unsolved murder of his mother when he was 10. Powell has previously written and edited books on Ellroy and gamely plumbs the writer’s volatile reputation and addictive personality. It’s a rich and sprawling read that Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin says is, “As gripping and twisted as a James Ellroy novel.”
At 75, historical crime writer James Ellroy (The Black Dahlia, L.A. Confidential) remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in American literature, both for his work on the page and his life off of it. The book is equal parts literary examination of Ellroy’s stylistic and thematic journey and a fulsome exploration of his personal struggles — including the shadow cast by the unsolved murder of his mother when he was 10. Powell has previously written and edited books on Ellroy and gamely plumbs the writer’s volatile reputation and addictive personality. It’s a rich and sprawling read that Scottish crime writer Ian Rankin says is, “As gripping and twisted as a James Ellroy novel.”
3Paradise Now While there have been several biographies written about Karl Lagerfeld following the fashion designer’s death at the age of 85 four years ago, this latest one meticulously details the workaholic tendencies of the German eccentric who most famously revived and helmed Chanel for more than 35 years. Middleton – the former Paris Bureau Chief for Women’s Wear Daily – unpacks both Lagerfeld’s notorious affectations and generosity in relationships, but also the mercurial nature of his affection with close friends like André Leon Talley and Inès de la Fressange, both of whom he would later unceremoniously drop. Read it ahead of the duelling biopics: both a Disney+ mini-series starring Daniel Brühl and a feature film starring Jared Leto are in production now.
While there have been several biographies written about Karl Lagerfeld following the fashion designer’s death at the age of 85 four years ago, this latest one meticulously details the workaholic tendencies of the German eccentric who most famously revived and helmed Chanel for more than 35 years. Middleton – the former Paris Bureau Chief for Women’s Wear Daily – unpacks both Lagerfeld’s notorious affectations and generosity in relationships, but also the mercurial nature of his affection with close friends like André Leon Talley and Inès de la Fressange, both of whom he would later unceremoniously drop. Read it ahead of the duelling biopics: both a Disney+ mini-series starring Daniel Brühl and a feature film starring Jared Leto are in production now.
4George VI and ElizabethProlific biographer Bedell Smith who has chronicled various members of the British Royal Family, this time turns her attention to ‘The Marriage That Saved The Monarchy’, as the book’s subtitle suggests. Granted extensive access to the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, it profiles the remarkable bond between Prince Albert, Duke of York and Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyons (who would later become Queen), from courtship through their 28-year marriage. Stories include how her support helped George VI overcome a fear of public speaking, as dramatized by the Oscar-winning 2010 movie The King’s Speech, as well as their stoic partnership and courageous service during the Second World War. (Apr. 4)
Prolific biographer Bedell Smith who has chronicled various members of the British Royal Family, this time turns her attention to ‘The Marriage That Saved The Monarchy’, as the book’s subtitle suggests. Granted extensive access to the Royal Archives at Windsor Castle, it profiles the remarkable bond between Prince Albert, Duke of York and Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyons (who would later become Queen), from courtship through their 28-year marriage. Stories include how her support helped George VI overcome a fear of public speaking, as dramatized by the Oscar-winning 2010 movie The King’s Speech, as well as their stoic partnership and courageous service during the Second World War. (Apr. 4)
5True West From the New York Times bestselling biographer of Jerry Garcia, Burt Bacharach and Timothy Leary, this comprehensive bio of acclaimed actor, author and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Sam Shepard covers his upbringing as well as his career both as a writer and Oscar-nominated actor (for his portrayal of astronaut Chuck Yeager in The Right Stuff) while also exploring his collaborations and friendships with musicians Patti Smith, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, as well as the often volatile relationship with longtime partner and fellow actor Jessica Lange. (Apr. 11)
From the New York Times bestselling biographer of Jerry Garcia, Burt Bacharach and Timothy Leary, this comprehensive bio of acclaimed actor, author and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Sam Shepard covers his upbringing as well as his career both as a writer and Oscar-nominated actor (for his portrayal of astronaut Chuck Yeager in The Right Stuff) while also exploring his collaborations and friendships with musicians Patti Smith, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, as well as the often volatile relationship with longtime partner and fellow actor Jessica Lange. (Apr. 11)
6LeBron As he did with his No. 1 bestseller on Tiger Woods, sports biographer Benedict — a special features writer for Sports Illustrated — illuminates the life and times of superstar James, considered the greatest basketball talent of the 21st century and the first NBA player to become a billionaire. Five years of research, hundreds of interviews and countless hours of raw video footage beginning in James’ childhood, coalesced to provide the reader with rare insights into James’ life; from his Dickensian childhood in Akron, Ohio, his relationship to fame and power and his large social media presence. (Apr. 11)
As he did with his No. 1 bestseller on Tiger Woods, sports biographer Benedict — a special features writer for Sports Illustrated — illuminates the life and times of superstar James, considered the greatest basketball talent of the 21st century and the first NBA player to become a billionaire. Five years of research, hundreds of interviews and countless hours of raw video footage beginning in James’ childhood, coalesced to provide the reader with rare insights into James’ life; from his Dickensian childhood in Akron, Ohio, his relationship to fame and power and his large social media presence. (Apr. 11)
7The Exceptions This group biography of the sixteen female scientists (led by molecular biologist Nancy Hopkins) who challenged the academic culture of male dominance and fought for gender equality at MIT spans their careers from the 1960s through to the ’90s. It’s an inspiring and infuriating story of insidious sexism in science — by the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who originally covered the group’s battle when she was a reporter at the Boston Globe in 1999, and forced MIT to publicly admit it had been discriminating against female faculty for years. The ultimate #WomeninSTEM bio.
This group biography of the sixteen female scientists (led by molecular biologist Nancy Hopkins) who challenged the academic culture of male dominance and fought for gender equality at MIT spans their careers from the 1960s through to the ’90s. It’s an inspiring and infuriating story of insidious sexism in science — by the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who originally covered the group’s battle when she was a reporter at the Boston Globe in 1999, and forced MIT to publicly admit it had been discriminating against female faculty for years. The ultimate #WomeninSTEM bio.
8Magnificent RebelThe 95-year-old English social historian who so vividly conjured the lifestyles of the rich and beautiful in Chanel’s Riviera, offers a glittering portrait of Nancy Cunard’s years in jazz age Paris. Primarily set in her early life among the privileged bohemia of the lost generation — when Cunard partied with Ernest Hemingway, Aldous Huxley and surrealists — and details how the rebellious shipping heiress’s relationship with Black jazz pianist Henry Crowder inspired her subsequent dedication to civil rights activism, that would cost Cunard her inheritance: she died penniless and alone in 1965. (Apr. 11)
The 95-year-old English social historian who so vividly conjured the lifestyles of the rich and beautiful in Chanel’s Riviera, offers a glittering portrait of Nancy Cunard’s years in jazz age Paris. Primarily set in her early life among the privileged bohemia of the lost generation — when Cunard partied with Ernest Hemingway, Aldous Huxley and surrealists — and details how the rebellious shipping heiress’s relationship with Black jazz pianist Henry Crowder inspired her subsequent dedication to civil rights activism, that would cost Cunard her inheritance: she died penniless and alone in 1965. (Apr. 11)
9Winnie and Nelson One of South Africa’s foremost non-fiction writers draws on new material to probe the tumultuous union between Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in this dual biography. Publishers Weekly singles out the emotional complexity in how Steinberg recreates the political and private lives of the iconic anti-apartheid activists. Additionally, both Booker Prize-winning author Damon Galgut and Nobel winner J.M. Coetzee praise it as a political biography that offers insight on their country’s current crossroads. (May 2)
One of South Africa’s foremost non-fiction writers draws on new material to probe the tumultuous union between Nelson Mandela and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela in this dual biography. Publishers Weekly singles out the emotional complexity in how Steinberg recreates the political and private lives of the iconic anti-apartheid activists. Additionally, both Booker Prize-winning author Damon Galgut and Nobel winner J.M. Coetzee praise it as a political biography that offers insight on their country’s current crossroads. (May 2)
10Camera Girl Drawing on elements of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s never-before-seen archives, as well as his own interviews with her confidantes and colleagues, the American historian — who has written a dozen books about first ladies and presidential families — offers a new look at ‘Jackie before Jack.’ Camera Girl covers Bouvier’s college years — including her year-abroad adventures in Paris — as well as her burgeoning career as a writer and photographer for the Washington Times-Herald newspaper. (May 2)
Drawing on elements of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy’s never-before-seen archives, as well as his own interviews with her confidantes and colleagues, the American historian — who has written a dozen books about first ladies and presidential families — offers a new look at ‘Jackie before Jack.’ Camera Girl covers Bouvier’s college years — including her year-abroad adventures in Paris — as well as her burgeoning career as a writer and photographer for the Washington Times-Herald newspaper. (May 2)
11King It’s easily one of the most anticipated books of the year: a sweeping new landmark biography of Martin Luther King Jr. by the American author of bestseller Ali: A Life. Exhaustive new research informs everything from Eig’s fresh perspective on the radicalism of King’s approach to the well-known triumphs like the March on Washington and walk from Selma to Montgomery. Far from being a hagiography, however, Eig covers King’s flaws (like plagiarism and his appetite for women). The reappraisal of the preacher and activist is being hailed as a major achievement. (May 16)
It’s easily one of the most anticipated books of the year: a sweeping new landmark biography of Martin Luther King Jr. by the American author of bestseller Ali: A Life. Exhaustive new research informs everything from Eig’s fresh perspective on the radicalism of King’s approach to the well-known triumphs like the March on Washington and walk from Selma to Montgomery. Far from being a hagiography, however, Eig covers King’s flaws (like plagiarism and his appetite for women). The reappraisal of the preacher and activist is being hailed as a major achievement. (May 16)