The thread on the McCullough John Adams biography got me thinking...what are the all-time favorite biographies of Americans here on the GQ? The ones that spring to mind immediately for me at the moment are as follows:
American Caesar - Amazing biography of Douglas MacArthur by William Manchester. Very balanced, objective, in-depth look at a fascinating personality and one of the most important figures for America in the 20th Century.
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt; Theodore Rex; and Colonel Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. Goes into exhaustive--almost atomistic--detail about the lesser-regarded Roosevelt president. (I mean, it's THREE VOLUMES, for pity's sake!) But for all its intense scrutiny, it's an incredibly lively read. Managed the whole series in just under a couple of months (and it would've been sooner if work, etc., hadn't gotten in the way). Will definitely re-read as well.
Jonathan Edwards: A Life by George Marsden. Fascinating read about the most important philosopher and theologian ever born on the North American continent. Also a very gripping read--finished in 3-4 days, if memory serves. Simply couldn't put it down.
...what are some other suggestions out there?
American Caesar - Amazing biography of Douglas MacArthur by William Manchester. Very balanced, objective, in-depth look at a fascinating personality and one of the most important figures for America in the 20th Century.
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt; Theodore Rex; and Colonel Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. Goes into exhaustive--almost atomistic--detail about the lesser-regarded Roosevelt president. (I mean, it's THREE VOLUMES, for pity's sake!) But for all its intense scrutiny, it's an incredibly lively read. Managed the whole series in just under a couple of months (and it would've been sooner if work, etc., hadn't gotten in the way). Will definitely re-read as well.
Jonathan Edwards: A Life by George Marsden. Fascinating read about the most important philosopher and theologian ever born on the North American continent. Also a very gripping read--finished in 3-4 days, if memory serves. Simply couldn't put it down.
...what are some other suggestions out there?
