2012-2013 Top Ten Biographies According to Booklist!

Check out some highlights of recently published biographies from famed writers to women’s rights advocates.

And Bid Him Sing: A Biography of Countée Cullen by Charles Molesworth

Unlike his good friend and fellow famed poet, Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen’s short life as an up and coming poet during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s who later falls into obscurity is explored.

The Black Russian by Vladimir Alexandrov

The son of freed slaves from Mississippi, Frederick Bruce Thomas, travels throughout Europe and finally establishes himself as a wealthy restaurateur in Russia only to flee to Turkey during the Russian Revolution to meet his demise.

Bolivár: American Liberator by Marie Arana

This is an authoritative portrayal about the famed Latin American Revolutionary, Símon Bolivár.

Champion of Choice: The Life and Legacy of Women’s Advocate Nafis Sadik

This discusses the life of the world's foremost advocate for women's health and reproductive rights who became the first female director of a United Nations agency.

Eslanda: The large and Unconventional Life of Mrs. Paul Robeson by Barbara Ransby

This chronicles the eventful life of the anthropologist, journalist, and women's rights advocate, exploring her world travels, friendships with world leaders, and defiant McCarthy committee testimony.

I’m Your Man: The Life of Leonard Cohen by Sylvie Simmons

Through personal interviews and Cohen’s personal archives, this biography explores the influential life of singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen.

James Joyce by Gordon Bowker

A new biography of the writer discussing topics including his voluntary European exile, long relationship with Nora Barnacle, struggles with financial dependency, and battles against critics and censors.

Margaret Fuller: A New American Life by Megan Marshall

An account of Thoreau's editor and Emerson's friend, who was also a daring war correspondent and a crusader for women's rights, which was eclipsed by tragedy and scandal after her untimely death.

On a Farther Shore: the Life and Legacy of Rachel Carson

The book examines the life of the biologist and environmental conservationist, Rachel Carson.

Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis by Timothy Egan

An account of photographer Edward Curtis’ life-risking documentation of the disappearing North American Indians during the turn of the century.