Favorite Biographies/Autobiographies?

[wnylib]

12. I don't know that "favorite" is the best term

for this biography, but it was certainly one of the most informative and significant biographies that I have read. I am referring to historian John Tolland's biography of Adolf Hitler. He wrote it at a time when there were still people alive who were supporters or opponents of Hitler for him to interview.

It gave me insights into Hitler's character - or lack of it - that helped me understand how an entire nation could succumb to a populist demagogue. A book with lessons relevant to today.

I am currently reading a biography of Segoyewatha (Red Jacket), a prominent Seneca leader and orator who lived from 1750 to 1830. The biography is written by Arthur C Parker, a New York state archeologist and ethnologist. Parker was the great-grandson of a leading Seneca couple, William and Elizabeth Parker. Parker's grandfather and great uncles had personally known Red Jacket so Arthur Parker's biography of him contains intimate knowledge of Red Jacket in addition to factual records.

Red Jacket lived when European-Americans were moving into Seneca territory, spreading their own religion and customs among the Seneca, and making land grabs for themselves. Red Jacket opposed the changes and spoke on behalf of preserving Native culture and beliefs.

Recognized by whites as well as Native people for his oratory, Red Jacket is buried in Buffalo's Forest Lawn cemetary, with a monument dedicated to him.