‘A well-written Life is almost as rare as a well-spent one,’ wrote Thomas Carlyle in 1838. Had he lived to read the superb biographies in Exisle’s list, he might have thought differently.
The Life of Jean-François de La Pérouse
The mystery of the disappearance of Jean François de La Pérouse in 1788 during his long voyage of discovery in the Pacific was solved almost 40 years later, yet it still fascinates people and expeditions continue to search for his body and the remains of his ships. What was it about this man that has exerted such an influence over so many generations?
Great Love Affairs … Great Stories
‘How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.’ Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s famous words perfectly describe this book. All for Love includes the story of her devoted relationship with Robert Browning, along with 37 other remarkable real-life romances from ancient times to the present day.
The Greatest Love Stories of all Time
All the world loves a lover, so the saying goes. An Affair to Remember is a warm and intimate account of many of the world's greatest love stories; captivating tales of grand passions, charismatic personalities and extraordinary exploits. Some of these affairs shocked the world, others altered the course of history.
The Story of Legendary Gold Prospector William James O'Leary
Arawata Bill (1865–1947) was a pioneering New Zealand folk hero. He spent decades in the unforgiving mountain country of North-west Otago and South Westland, prospecting for gold and other minerals and making new tracks in unexplored areas.