Best Biography?

[James]

Another book thread! But Toon Zone lacks them, and I'm in the mood for them.

Biography recommendations?

Here's a starter: William Shatner. Yes, he covers ground that many of his cohorts have commented on, on and off screen, but with the help of his "co-writer", all his biography books are very funny, with some wonderful anecdotes. Regardless of who did the hard graft, it's clearly his voice.

Dirk Benedict: His "Confessions of a Kamikaze Cowboy" is an interesting read, with some challenging takes on food, medicine and cancer. Yes, you might find yourself swearing at the guy for some of the leaps of logic he takes, but his advice remains on the whole, sensible: the West eats poorly. Too much sugar and fats, not enough wholesome foods in our diets. Really worth a read.

Clive James - Australian Journalist. Any of his biography work is a hoot. Really fine writer. His tales of a an old New South Wales English migrant swatting away funnel web spiders in her back garden oblivious to their poison had me in tears. He really paints a picture.

[Ruffian]

Walt Disney - Walt Disney: An American Original by Bob Thomas
One of the most creative and innovative individuals who ever lived.

Abraham Lincoln - Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
I still have to finish this book, but this biography also includes those of his political rivals for the presidency who would become his greatest allies.

Mao Ze Dong - The Private Life of Chairman Mao by Dr. Li Zhi-Sui
This is my favorite book from out of my East Asian History studies in college. It's a personal look into Mao's life through the eyes of his personal physician.

Bruce Campbell - If Chins Could Kill by Bruce Campbell
I got this for Christmas last year from my sisters and it's a good read, especially for Bruce Campbell fans. He talks about his childhood, how he got into acting, meeting Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert, making the Evil Dead movies, Brisco, Hercules, Xena.

[James]

Bruce Campbell - If Chins Could Kill by Bruce Campbell
I got this for Christmas last year from my sisters and it's a good read, especially for Bruce Campbell fans. He talks about his childhood, how he got into acting, meeting Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert, making the Evil Dead movies, Brisco, Hercules, Xena.

I've always meant to read that. I recall missing a Campbell signing in which I hoped a) to meet Bruce Campbell and b) get his book. I didn't make the signing but my friend for my birthday got me a signed photo from him asking "where the hell was I?" Honestly, I don't remember.

Nimoy's "I Am Spock" is a fun read, though expect similar tales as found in other Trek biographies. His writing has a gentle, honest flow. Not as cheeky and amusingly arrogant as Shatner's, both worth a read.

Starting to read on of Michael Palin's travel books (his Hemingway Journey). Not a biography, but Palin is a wonderful writer and worth a mention.