New non-fiction books for October 2023
by Brandon King
Take a look at our latest non-fiction titles for October 2023.
Looking for something new to read? Browse our recommendations.
Making It So: A Memoir, by Patrick Stewart
From his acclaimed stage triumphs to his legendary onscreen work in the 'Star Trek' and 'X-Men' franchises, Sir Patrick Stewart has captivated audiences around the world and across multiple generations with his indelible command of stage and screen. Now, he presents his long-awaited memoir, 'Making It So', a revealing portrait of an artist whose astonishing life - from his humble beginnings in Yorkshire, England to the heights of Hollywood and worldwide acclaim - proves a story as exuberant, definitive, and enduring as the author himself.
George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle, by Philip Norman
A revealing portrait of George Harrison, the most undervalued and mysterious Beatle. Despite being hailed as one of the best guitarists of his era, George Harrison, particularly in his early decades, battled feelings of inferiority. He was often the butt of jokes from his bandmates owing to his lower-class background and, typically, was allowed to contribute only one or two songs per Beatles album out of the dozens he wrote. Now, acclaimed Beatles biographer Philip Norman examines Harrison through the lens of his numerous self-contradictions.
Borrow George Harrison: The Reluctant Beatle →
Rambling Man: My Life on the Road, by Billy Connolly
When Billy set out from Glasgow as a young man he never looked back. He played his banjo on boats and trains, under trees, and on top of famous monuments. He danced naked in snow, wind and fire. He slept in bus stations, under bridges and on strangers' floors. He travelled by foot, bike, ship, plane, sleigh - even piggy-backed - to get to his next destination. Billy has wandered to every corner of the earth and believes that being a Rambling Man is about more than just travelling - it's a state of mind.
Rambling Men and Women are free spirits who live on their wits, are interested in people and endlessly curious about the world. They love to play music, make art or tell stories along the way but, above all, they have a longing in their heart for the open road. In his joyful book, Billy explores this philosophy and how it has shaped him, and he shares hilarious new stories from his lifetime on the road.
The Secret Life of John le Carré, by Adam Sisman
Secrecy came naturally to John le Carré, and there were some secrets that he fought fiercely to keep. Nowhere was this more so than in his private life. Apparently content in his marriage, the novelist conducted a string of love affairs over four decades. To keep these relationships secret, he made use of tradecraft that he had learned as a spy: code names and cover stories, cut outs, safe houses and dead letter boxes. Such affairs introduced both jeopardy and excitement into what was otherwise a quiet, ordered life. Adam Sisman's definitive biography, published in 2015, revealed much about the elusive spy-turned-novelist; yet le Carré was adamant that some subjects should remain hidden, at least during his lifetime. 'The Secret Life of John le Carré' is the story of what was left out, and offers reflections on the difficult relationship between biographer and subject.
Borrow The Secret Life of John le Carré →
Mary Makes it Easy: The New Ultimate Stress-Free Cookbook, by Mary Berry
Trust Mary to make home cooking stress-free, easy and delicious! In this collection of 120 recipes, Mary shares her tips and tricks from a lifetime of culinary knowledge. Divided into clear chapters, featuring one-pot recipes and five-ingredient meals, easy bakes and desserts, as well as prep-ahead and store cupboard favourites, this book contains foolproof food that the whole family will enjoy. Each recipe is beautifully photographed and accompanied by no-fuss tips and advice on preparing ahead and freezing. 'Mary Makes It Easy' brings Mary's years of experience straight into your kitchen.
Flavour, by Sabrina Ghayour
A collection of simple, delicious, crowd-pleasing recipes from the bestselling Middle-Eastern chef. Over 100 fabulously flavourful recipes with a Middle-Eastern twist.
Barry Cryer: Same Time Tomorrow?, by Bob Cryer
Revealing the story of the man behind the jokes, this book is an ode to both Barry's incredible life and to the lessons he so generously imparted on the art of comedy during his sixty-year career. Stretching from the music halls of the fifties, via working alongside everyone from Morecambe and Wise to John Cleese and David Frost, and into more recent times as a stalwart of Radio 4's long-running I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue, this book is a hugely entertaining insight into the life of a true comedy legend.
Bob, Barry's son, also shares a range of exclusive material unique to the Cryer family - including family photos, memorabilia, oral recordings, interviews with friends and colleagues (among them Sandi Toksvig, Rob Brydon and Judi Dench) - as well as Bob's own personal reflections on living and working with a comedy icon.
Big Beacon, by Alan Partridge
In 'Big Beacon', Norwich's favourite son and best broadcaster, Alan Partridge, triumphs against the odds. TWICE. Using an innovative 'dual narrative' structure you sometimes see in films, 'Big Beacon' tells the story of how Partridge heroically rebuilt his TV career, rising like a phoenix from the desolate wasteland of local radio to climb to the summit of Mount Primetime and regain the nationwide prominence his talent merits. But then something quite unexpected and moving, because 'Big Beacon' also tells the story of a selfless man, driven to restore an old lighthouse to its former glory, motivated by nothing more than respect for a quietly heroic old building that many take for granted, which some people think is a metaphor for Alan himself even though it's not really for them to say.
The Tourist: What Goes on Tour Has Always Stayed on Tour, by Phil Tufnell
As a cricketer, broadcaster and celebrity jungle-dweller, Phil Tufnell has travelled the world far and wide. From the great cricket tours of Australia and South Africa to his equally memorable jaunts to Benidorm and Blackpool, Phil has spent much of his life living out of a suitcase, meeting a host of colourful and memorable characters along the way. 'The Tourist' takes you out on the road, into the dressing room and behind the scenes of the commentary box to reveal just what really happens on Tour. Did Phil once push a baby grand piano down the stairs of a plush hotel? Did he accidentally eat a rat? Was he blamed for England being bowled out for 46 against the West Indies without even being in the team? There's only one way to find out. It's time to take a hilarious trip across the world with one of our most treasured sports personalities.
Unfinished Woman, by Robyn Davidson
In 1977, twenty-seven-year-old Robyn Davidson set off with a dog and four camels to cross 1,700 miles of Australian desert to the sea. A life of almost constant travelling followed. From the deserts of Australia, to Sydney's underworld; from Sixties street life, to the London literary scene; from migrating with nomads in Tibet, to 'marrying' an Indian prince, Davidson's quest was motivated by an unquenchable curiosity about other ways of seeing and understanding the world. Davidson threw bombs over her shoulder and seeds into her future on the assumption that something would be growing when she got there. The only terrain she had no interest in exploring was the past. In 'Unfinished Woman' Davidson turns at last to explore that long avoided country.
Different Aspects: A Memoir, by Michael Ball
In 'Different Aspects', Michael takes us backstage inside the making of a West End hit, while diving back into memories to explore that moment in his twenties when the world was at his feet and his life changed beyond recognition. Part exploration of the pitfalls and pratfalls of modern theatre and part exploration of his life, his career and his relationships, this book is the story of a life lived on the stage. There is laughter, there is tears, there is sweat and some blood, there is even some Roger Moore, although, famously, not quite enough. And through it all the show goes on. Take your seats ladies and gentlemen, the lights are dimming, the performance is about to start.
Lawrence of Arabia, by Ranulph Fiennes
A legend in his own lifetime, Lawrence's epic story has always been ripe for the retelling - but Ranulph Fiennes is no ordinary biographer. Leading Arab troops into battle on the Arabian peninsula in a war fought fifty years later, Fiennes too discovered the wonders of these far-flung lands and the people who live there, and is one of very few who can claim a true insight into the kind of life that Lawrence lived - bold and adventurous to the end.
With detailed access to records and an in-depth knowledge of the exploration routes and mindset of those who venture into the unknown, in Lawrence of Arabia, Fiennes brings us at last to a true and full account of this mysterious adventurer who captivated the world.