31 Best Biography Books of Influential Individuals

Biographies reveal the dreams, challenges, and small moments that shape leaders, thinkers, and changemakers — reminding us that even extraordinary lives often begin in very ordinary ways.

Headway's list of biography books tells the stories of outstanding leaders who stayed curious and courageous no matter the circumstances or times. You'll read about their early struggles and lasting legacies, proving that human potential has no limits once you've set your mind on a goal that matters to you.

Start from 'The Revolutionary' by Stacy Schiff, and see how the stories of these remarkable humans prove that we all face surprises and setbacks on the way to our dreams.

Inspirational biography books: Where heroes get real

The life stories of people you respect and admire can help you persevere as you pursue your dreams, finding the courage and resilience to keep smiling when things get tough.

Among the most outstanding stories are those of Swedish footballer Zlatan Ibrahimović ('I Am Zlatan') and Nelson Mandela, who rose to become South Africa's first democratically elected President ('Conversations with Myself'). Both faced extraordinary challenges — from humble beginnings to years of hardship — yet each found a way to rise above it all.

The journeys of Ibrahimović and Mandela remind us how strength, wit, and hope can carry a person far beyond the odds, touching millions along the way.

If leadership lessons catch your attention, 'Team of Rivals' by Doris Kearns Goodwin offers a unique look at strategy and unity through Abraham Lincoln's example. 

"In order to 'win a man to your cause…,' you must first reach his heart, [which is] 'the great high road' to his reason."

Or, read about the journey where ambition meets artistry with depth and wit in 'Jay-Z' by Michael Eric Dyson. The honest account of Dave Grohl in 'The Storyteller' can encourage you to believe that you, too, can rise above any challenge and reach your highest goals.

These books remind us that real achievement isn't about perfection; it's about persistence.

Top biographies of all time: The life stories that still inspire 

Some biographies are so much more than storytelling. Once published, they reshape how most of us understand history and human nature.

Books like 'Tiger Woods' by Jeff Benedict and Armen Keteyian turn the story of a sports legend into a deeply revealing study of talent, grit, and redemption.

Meanwhile, 'Diana, Her True Story ─ In Her Own Words' by Andrew Morton and 'The Palace Papers' by Tina Brown share the intrigue, secrecy, and human pain that even royals can't avoid.

To know more about the illusory world of quick money, explore the stories of the crypto pioneers in 'Bitcoin Billionaires' by Ben Mezrich, or become a witness to the family struggles revealed in 'Hidden Valley Road' by Robert Kolker:

"... We are more than just our genes. We are, in some way, a product of… people we're forced to grow up with, and the people we choose to be with later."

Reading about these remarkable and sometimes turbulent lives helps us see that every one of these leaders — of hearts, countries, and the global financial world — was just human, doing their best to make a difference based on what they believed in.