All articles tagged with #biography
A forthcoming biography cites Stephen Hawking’s father, in 1961 diaries, describing him as a lazy, unmotivated boy who hung around the house and didn’t study much—an image that contrasts with the later genius who defied ALS and authored "A Brief History of Time." The diary excerpts, referenced by The Guardian, appear in the book Stephen Hawking: His Life and Work and trace Hawking’s rise to world‑renowned physics.
Peter Hujar is drawing renewed attention as Andrew Durbin’s dual biography, The Wonderful World That Almost Was, pairs the photographer with artist Paul Thek. The excerpt underscores Hujar’s early, provocative entry into New York’s cruising culture (recounting a 16-year-old encounter) and frames the book’s thesis that AIDS cut short careers that might have defined a generation, spotlighting the potential trajectories of both Hujar and Thek through the lens of their relationship and art.
A Hong Kong independent bookstore staff member was reportedly arrested for selling a biography of Jimmy Lai, with a notice seen outside Book Punch about taking a day off.
An essay on how legendary artists funded their early work through a spectrum of side gigs—ranging from illicit book theft and film pilfering to mushroom collecting and simulated sex performances—arguing that making art often requires practical means and life experience as much as talent.
Miriam Pawel, Chavez’s biographer, argues that his legacy is far more complex than the heroic myth, acknowledging new sexual-abuse allegations while noting his human flaws and the movement he built; the interview traces Chavez’s California-focused influence, discusses how the movement’s ethos sometimes muted red flags, and considers how farmworker memory should shift toward Dolores Huerta and other leaders rather than centering a single icon.
Gayle Feldman's biography of Bennett Cerf explores his influential role in 20th-century publishing, his flamboyant personality, and his relationships with major literary and entertainment figures, painting a vivid picture of a glamorous yet complex era in New York's literary scene.
The article examines the controversial legacy of 16th-century explorer Magellan, highlighting both his role in global exploration and the brutal treatment of indigenous peoples during his voyages, while also acknowledging his contributions to introducing Christianity to the Philippines.
The article provides a comprehensive look back at Elvis Presley's life, highlighting key moments such as his military service, performances, personal life, and legacy, accompanied by numerous photographs and historical details.
The article reviews notable books from 2025, including a history of the 1929 Wall Street crash, a biography of Joan Crawford, and a memoir by Cameron Crowe, highlighting the year's significant literary works.
Kenner Elias Jones, once a choirboy who led Prince Charles's investiture procession, became a notorious global conman involved in multiple frauds across several countries, despite his charming and virtuous persona, ultimately revealing a compulsive lying disorder.
Morten Høi Jensen's book offers an accessible overview of Thomas Mann's The Magic Mountain, highlighting Mann's contradictions and the novel's significance in modernist literature, while also exploring how the author's personal and political shifts influenced the work.
The article explores the story of Marty Reisman, a legendary table tennis player and hustler, whose adventurous life and career inspired the film 'Marty Supreme' by Josh Safdie, highlighting his daring exploits, competitive spirit, and complex personality.
The article reviews the film 'The Six Billion Dollar Man,' which explores the trials faced by Julian Assange and the high costs associated with his story, highlighting its dramatic portrayal of his life and legal battles.
Andrew Lownie's unauthorized biography of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson reveals extensive details about their scandals, close ties to Jeffrey Epstein, and reckless behavior, predicting more damaging revelations as the royal family faces ongoing scrutiny and upheaval, including Andrew's loss of titles and status.
The Apple TV+ docuseries 'Mr. Scorsese' offers a deep and moving exploration of Martin Scorsese's life and work, highlighting his significance as a defining American filmmaker, but its 287-minute length feels insufficient given the richness of his career and influence.