Top Biographies of Historical Figures in France

The best Historical France Biographies includes A Woman of No Importance (Audiobook Edition), Catherine de Medici: A Renaissance Queen Audiobook, A Woman of No Importance: Untold Spy Story (eBook) and many others as mentioned below.

1

A Woman of No Importance (Audiobook Edition)

  • Captivating biography of spy Virginia Hall.
  • Reveals untold stories of World War II.
  • Critically acclaimed and award-winning narrative.
  • Highlights courage and resilience in espionage.
  • Based on extensive, new research.
  • Reads like a thriller, hard to put down.
  • Inspires with tales of personal triumph.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.72
2

Catherine de Medici: A Renaissance Queen Audiobook

  • Unveils Catherine de Medici's true legacy.
  • Explores her tumultuous childhood in Florence.
  • Highlights her marriage to Henry of France.
  • Examines her influence on French culture.
  • Details her political struggles and triumphs.
  • Based on thousands of private letters.
  • Reveals the power of a maligned queen.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $33.85
  • Color: 4 positive
3

A Woman of No Importance: Untold Spy Story (eBook)

  • Uncover Virginia Hall's extraordinary spy story.
  • A thrilling account of World War II resistance.
  • Based on extensive new research and revelations.
  • A biography that reads like a gripping thriller.
  • Highlights the power of courage and resilience.
  • Winner of the Plutarch Award for Best Biography.
  • A must-read for history and spy enthusiasts.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.99
4

Napoleon: A Life (Paperback) by Andrew Roberts

  • Definitive biography of Napoleon Bonaparte.
  • Written by acclaimed historian Andrew Roberts.
  • Utilizes Napoleon's thirty-three thousand letters.
  • Explores his military and political genius.
  • Award-winning book, multiple prize winner.
  • Insightful, beautifully written narrative.
  • Travelled to fifty-three battle sites.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $13.53
5

Hero of Two Worlds: Lafayette's Revolution

  • Inspiring story of Marquis de Lafayette's life.
  • Fought for liberty across both sides of the Atlantic.
  • Teenage journey to join the American Revolution.
  • Key figure in launching the French Revolution.
  • Imprisoned for five years in dungeons.
  • Fought against Napoleon and supported revolutionary causes.
  • An enduring symbol of freedom and equality.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.99
6

Montmartre: Picasso, Matisse, and Modern Art Audiobook

  • Explores bohemian Paris’s art scene in the 1900s.
  • Focuses on iconic artists like Picasso and Matisse.
  • Highlights the birth of Modernist art movements.
  • Engaging narrative blending scholarship and storytelling.
  • Uncovers complex relationships among influential artists.
  • Captivating account of artistic revolution and experimentation.
  • Illuminates significant moments in art history.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.75
7

V13: Chronicle of a Trial (eBook)

  • Gripping account of the Paris attacks trial.
  • Chronicles ten months of courtroom proceedings.
  • Features twenty defendants involved in the attacks.
  • Introduces survivors, lawyers, and family members.
  • Explores themes of good, evil, and forgiveness.
  • Notable recognition from major literary publications.
  • Philosophical insights into human nature and justice.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $3.99
8

In Montparnasse: Surrealism's Rise in Paris (Audiobook)

  • Explores Surrealism's birth in Montparnasse, Paris.
  • Highlights key artists from Duchamp to Dalí.
  • Describes innovative artistic expressions and subconscious exploration.
  • Reveals vibrant café and salon culture of the era.
  • Engaging narrative by art historian Sue Roe.
  • Examines landmark works, including Dalí's Lobster Telephone.
  • Illustrates how art transformed perceptions of reality.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.72
9

Nine Women Who Survived Nazi Germany (eBook)

  • True story of resistance during World War II.
  • Nine brave women defied Nazi oppression together.
  • Written by Gwen Strauss, a descendant of Hélène.
  • Incredible journey from a forced labor camp.
  • Highlights resilience, friendship, and survival under duress.
  • Intense narrative supported by extensive research.
  • A tribute to courage in darkest times.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.99
10

The Years (Paperback) by Annie Ernaux

  • 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature winner.
  • One of New York Times' 100 Best Books.
  • Shortlisted for the 2019 Man Booker International Prize.
  • Personal narrative from 1941 to 2006.
  • Combines memory, impressions, and cultural references.
  • Explores collective experiences through intimate storytelling.
  • A defining work of French memoirist Annie Ernaux.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.69
11

Napoleon: A Life by Andrew Roberts (eBook)

  • Definitive biography of Napoleon Bonaparte.
  • Written by acclaimed historian Andrew Roberts.
  • Utilizes Napoleon's thirty-three thousand letters.
  • Explores his character and motivations deeply.
  • Highlights military genius and political acumen.
  • Award-winning author with extensive research.
  • Beautifully written and insightful narrative.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.99
12

Story of a Soul: St. Therese's Autobiography

  • Authentic autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux.
  • Translated by John Clarke, OCD, 3rd edition.
  • Includes biblical index and 8 pages of photos.
  • Highlights Thérèse's themes of confidence and love.
  • First published in 1898, a spiritual classic.
  • Facsimile edition of original manuscripts included.
  • New referencing system for modern studies.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $13.95
13

Rival Queens: Nancy Goldstone Audiobook

  • Engaging true story of rival queens.
  • Explore the tumultuous relationship of Catherine and Marguerite.
  • Set in the magnificent Renaissance France.
  • Uncover treacherous court politics and espionage.
  • Witness a tale of love and betrayal.
  • Experience vivid prose and rich historical detail.
  • A thrilling narrative of ambition and courage.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.99
14

The Black Count: Real Story of Betrayal

  • Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of General Alex Dumas.
  • Inspiration for classics like The Count of Monte Cristo.
  • Explores themes of love, courage, and betrayal.
  • Details Dumas's rise from slavery to military command.
  • Rich portrayal of 18th-century France and revolution.
  • Highlights the first multi-racial society in modern history.
  • Captivating adventure story intertwined with personal history.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $11.49
15

The Black Count Audiobook [1 CD]

  • Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of General Alex Dumas.
  • Inspiration for classics like The Count of Monte Cristo.
  • Reveals hidden history of a remarkable Black hero.
  • Adventure story set in 18th-century France.
  • Explores themes of love between father and son.
  • Highlights a multi-racial society's evolution.
  • A gripping tale of courage and betrayal.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.72
16

A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle (Audiobook)

  • Personal account of life in Provence
  • Charming stories of rural French culture
  • Adventures with locals and unique traditions
  • Insight into moving from England to France
  • Humorous take on everyday challenges
  • Vivid descriptions of stunning landscapes
  • Perfect for fans of travel literature
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $7.21
17

Nancy Wake: WWII's Most Daring Spy

  • Incredible true story of Nancy Wake's bravery.
  • Formidable spy during World War Two in France.
  • Faced Gestapo as one of their 'most wanted'.
  • Led 7,000 Resistance fighters against the Nazis.
  • Mixes high living with armed combat tactics.
  • Editorial revisions enhance the captivating biography.
  • Experience Nancy's life through Russell Braddon's narrative.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $3.99
18

Josephine: Life of the Empress (eBook)

  • Explore Josephine's captivating life story.
  • Discover her rise from obscurity to empress.
  • Uncover the complexities of her marriage to Napoleon.
  • Learn about her survival during France's Revolution.
  • Experience the glamour and tragedy of her era.
  • Gain insights from acclaimed biographer Carolly Erickson.
  • Delve into Josephine's psychological and emotional struggles.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $2.99
19

Lafayette in the Quirky United States

  • Insightful account of Marquis de Lafayette's journey.
  • Explores ideals vs. reality of the American Revolution.
  • Follows Lafayette in Washington’s army during key battles.
  • Highlights friendships between key historical figures.
  • Humorous and original narrative style by Sarah Vowell.
  • Discusses Lafayette's sentimental return to America in 1824.
  • Reflects on America's revolutionary past and unity.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.59
20

Marie Antoinette: The Journey by Antonia Fraser

  • Captivating biography of Marie Antoinette's life.
  • Explores her misunderstood legacy and public perception.
  • Richly detailed depiction of 18th-century France.
  • Insightful analysis of royal duties and personal struggles.
  • Engaging narrative that combines history with storytelling.
  • Sympathetic portrayal of a complex historical figure.
  • Perfect for fans of historical biographies and royalty.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $14.99
  • Color: The Wall Street Journal
21

Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and America's Origins

  • Explores Benjamin Franklin's pivotal role in America.
  • Highlights Franklin's diplomatic mission to France.
  • Details the Franco-American alliance of 1778.
  • Uncovers Franklin's challenges and triumphs in diplomacy.
  • Reveals little-known sources about Franklin's life.
  • Captivating narrative of America's quest for independence.
  • Written by a Pulitzer Prize-winning author.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $12.99
22

Return to University: Witness Diary 1933-1941

  • Extraordinary diaries from Nazi Germany, 1933-1941.
  • Written by Victor Klemperer, a Jewish historian.
  • Vivid accounts of daily life under Hitler's regime.
  • Insightful observations of ordinary Germans' experiences.
  • Documents the tightening grip of the Nazi party.
  • Highlights struggles and indignities faced by Jews.
  • A compelling witness to everyday tyranny and oppression.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $13.99
23

Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen eBook

  • Inspiration for STARZ’s The Serpent Queen series.
  • Critically acclaimed biography of Catherine de Medici.
  • Explores her ruthless pursuit of power.
  • Based on extensive research and letters.
  • Reveals her troubled childhood in Florence.
  • Details her marriage to Henry II of France.
  • Paints a human portrait of a complex queen.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $15.99
  • Color: 4 positive
24

Charlemagne: The New Life of a King and Emperor

  • Explores Charlemagne’s extraordinary life and legacy.
  • Combines detective work with historical narrative.
  • Reveals insights from various historical evidence types.
  • Presents a vivid portrait of Charlemagne's character.
  • Analyzes the impact of his reign on Europe.
  • Written by renowned historian Janet Nelson.
  • Engaging for both history enthusiasts and casual readers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $20.49
25

Will Bear Witness: Diary 1942-1945 eBook

  • Powerful diary from Nazi Germany's darkest years.
  • Chronicles life from 1942 to 1945 vividly.
  • Captures the emotional weight of Holocaust experiences.
  • Essential reading for understanding human resilience.
  • Critical companion to Anne Frank's diary.
  • Reflects on the horrors of war and persecution.
  • A timeless testament to courage and survival.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $4.99
26

The Years: Annie Ernaux Audiobook [1 CD]

  • Personal narrative spanning 1941 to 2006.
  • Explores memory and impressions of past and present.
  • Incorporates photos, songs, and advertising from decades.
  • Voice of the author evolves throughout the narrative.
  • Combines subjective and collective storytelling styles.
  • Surprising departure from Ernaux's previous works.
  • Captures the essence of generational experiences.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $17.38
27

Herald of a Restless World: Bergson's Impact

  • First English-language biography of Henri Bergson.
  • Explores Bergson's transformative impact on philosophy.
  • Highlights individual creativity and consciousness in thought.
  • Features debates with Einstein and Bertrand Russell.
  • Celebrates uniqueness of individual experience.
  • Presents urgent insights on memory and time.
  • Named a Best Book of 2024 by New Statesman.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $20.60
28

All Blood Runs Red: Eugene Bullard's Life

  • Award-winning memoir of Eugene Bullard's life.
  • First African American military pilot in history.
  • Inspiring tale of resilience and determination.
  • Celebrated boxer and Paris nightclub impresario.
  • Spy in the French Resistance during WWII.
  • Chronicles the struggles of racial inequality.
  • Engaging narrative praised by notable reviewers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $18.55
29

Dreyfus: Politics and Emotion Explained

  • Definitive history of the Dreyfus Affair.
  • Award-winning narrative by historian Ruth Harris.
  • Explores themes of justice and nationalism.
  • Analyzes both sides of the scandal.
  • Utilizes private letters and rare sources.
  • Engaging and sweeping account of history.
  • Highlights impact on French society and culture.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $9.99
30

Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway [ebook]

  • Memoir capturing Hemingway's Parisian experiences.
  • Vivid portraits of 1920s literary figures.
  • Explores themes of love, loss, and creativity.
  • Evocative prose reflecting on fleeting moments.
  • Structured as interconnected vignettes.
  • Timeless insights into an artist's life.
  • Essential reading for Hemingway fans and newcomers.
  • Average Rating out of 5:
  • Price Range: $0.99