12 of the Best Political Biographies Worth Reading (2025)

History comes alive through the stories of the people who shaped it. From founding fathers to presidents, revolutionaries to reformers, these figures faced impossible choices, made crucial mistakes, and changed the world in ways we’re still discovering.

The best political biographies don’t just tell you what happened—they reveal why it mattered and how it connects to today. Whether you’re drawn to Washington’s steady leadership, Lincoln’s moral struggles, or Churchill’s wartime decisions, these books offer fresh perspectives on familiar names. Read on to meet twelve of the real people behind the history lessons.

Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow

In this comprehensive political biography, journalist Ron Chernow describes the life and influence of Alexander Hamilton, arguing that Hamilton has been unfairly overlooked compared to other Founding Fathers. Though he never served as president, he had a profound impact on the structure of the American government and its economy. Hamilton’s life ended in scandal and a fatal duel, but Chernow believes that America today is the realization of Hamilton’s vision—far more so than that of his political rivals such as Thomas Jefferson.

The book considers Hamilton’s life and legacy, including his unlikely ascension from a poor student from the Caribbean to a trusted advisor of George Washington and leader of one of the US’s earliest political parties. In Shortform’s guide to the book, we discuss additional historical context for the 18th century, how the events of Hamilton’s life have influenced America today, historians’ responses to Chernow’s work, and the book’s adaptation into a hit 2015 musical.

And There Was Light by Jon Meacham (Biography of Abraham Lincoln)

A central figure in American history, Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States, the “Great Emancipator,” and the man who led America through the Civil War. In his book And There Was Light, historian and biographer Jon Meacham breaks down the myths and legends that have surrounded Abraham Lincoln, arguing that Lincoln had good intentions and accomplished great things—but was still as flawed and prone to mistakes as anyone else.

In Shortform’s guide to the book, we present Lincoln’s remarkable life in chronological order, from his birth in rural Kentucky to his assassination in Washington, D.C. We give particular attention to Lincoln’s political career, especially his actions as president during the Civil War. In our commentary, we add context for Lincoln’s life and the major events in it, especially the historical and economic motivations behind slavery and the Civil War. We also explore where Meacham’s account of Lincoln’s life differs from other accounts.

Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson

Benjamin Franklin was a true Renaissance man, excelling in everything from writing and publishing to scientific discovery and civic leadership. Walter Isaacson chronicles Franklin’s extraordinary life, illustrating how he embodied the spirit of industriousness, self-improvement, and community engagement that is at the core of American values.

The first section of the biography explores Franklin’s rise as a printer and writer as well as his quest for intellectual growth and scientific understanding. The rest of the book follows his transition into politics—when he championed colonial rights and fought for American independence, aided by his diplomatic talents. Throughout, Isaacson offers insights into Franklin’s personal life and complex relationships. Check out Shortform’s guide to Benjamin Franklin to get an overview of Isaacson’s book.

Churchill by Andrew Roberts

Andrew Roberts’s comprehensive biography Churchill chronicles the life and accomplishments of Winston Churchill. Roberts goes in depth to cover Churchill’s untraditional upbringing and education, his diverse careers in journalism and the military, and his pivotal role as a leader and strategist during World War II.

The book examines Churchill’s rise to power within the British political system, exploring his shifting allegiances and divergences from his Conservative party colleagues over key issues such as free trade and Indian independence. It discusses his relationships with allied leaders Roosevelt, Stalin, and de Gaulle during the war, as well as his strategic decisions and actions that impacted the war’s outcome in North Africa and Europe. The book’s balanced perspective considers both Churchill’s celebrated achievements and leadership qualities alongside the controversies and criticisms he faced during and after the war. To learn more, take a look at Shortform’s guide to the book.

Confidence Man by Maggie Haberman (Biography of Donald Trump)

In Confidence Man, New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman explores the remarkable public life and career of real estate developer, reality TV star, and United States President Donald Trump. Haberman’s biography explores the people, experiences, and environments that shaped the singular personality that define his presidency, focusing on his prowess as a consummate showman and salesman and his deep-seated desires for fame, attention, dominance, power, and leverage over others.

The book, published in 2022, explores:

• Trump’s career as a real estate developer and public symbol of capitalist success
• His second act as a populist firebrand and promoter of “conspiracy theories”
• His victory in the 2016 presidential election
• His first term and attempts to overturn his defeat in the 2020 presidential election

In Shortform’s guide to the book, we supplement Haberman’s account with commentary from outside sources to both support her critical portrayal of Trump’s life and career and to bring in perspectives that offer a more favorable view of the 45th and 47th president.

Grant by Ron Chernow

Best known as the general who led the Union to victory over the Confederacy in the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant has been widely misunderstood by mainstream historians, argues Ron Chernow. According to the biographer, the mainstream narrative characterizes Grant as an inept heavy drinker whose success in the Civil War stemmed primarily from a numbers advantage and whose Presidency was marred by corruption and the failure of Reconstruction. But, in his comprehensive 2018 biography, Chernow seeks to correct this caricature by shedding light on Grant’s achievements as General of the Union, President of the United States, and a person fighting valiantly against an alcohol addiction.

In Shortform’s guide to the book, we discuss Chernow’s assessment of Grant’s role in the Civil War, his accomplishments as President, and his struggles against unhealthy alcohol use. We also dig deeper into the historical context of Grant’s life and examine accounts from other historians that complement Chernow’s biography.

His Very Best by Jonathan Alter (Biography of Jimmy Carter)

Jimmy Carter came to be revered for his work as a humanitarian, but he isn’t remembered as a great president. In His Very Best, biographer Jonathan Alter presents a fresh perspective on the groundbreaking work Carter did in Washington. Instead of focusing on the hardships America suffered during Carter’s time in office, Alter draws attention to the long-term effects of what Carter accomplished while president. Alter paints Carter as deeply principled yet politically short-sighted in a way that let him achieve great things while undermining his legacy.

Alter shows how Carter’s early life shaped his political career and his journey to the presidency and looks at the various roles he played—politician, reformer, diplomat, and global humanitarian. In Shortform’s guide to the book, we explore the political context that shaped Carter’s years in the White House as well as the conflict between Carter’s values and the compromises required of anyone in high office.

The Last King of America by Andrew Roberts (Biography of George III)

George III’s reign as king of Great Britain is often overshadowed by the American Revolution’s success and Britain’s loss of its American colonies. However, Andrew Roberts’s biography offers a nuanced portrait of this monarchical figure whose actions significantly shaped the course of history.

Roberts explains the profound effects of George’s upbringing on his character and governing philosophy—detailing his relationships with mentors such as John Stuart and his inherent mistrust of the Whig oligarchy. The book examines the complexities of George’s statecraft, from his influence in forming colonial policies and American taxation measures, to his efforts to rein in the Whigs’ power by elevating the conservative Tory faction. Roberts also provides in-depth analysis of George’s mental health struggles toward the latter part of his reign, including the turbulent Regency crisis of the late 1780s and his eventual descent into secluded obscurity. To learn more about this remarkable life, check out Shortform’s guide to this book.

The Revolutionary by Stacy Schiff (Biography of Samuel Adams)

In The Revolutionary, biographer Stacy Schiff illuminates the pivotal but often underappreciated role of Samuel Adams in catalyzing the American colonies’ quest for independence. Despite humble beginnings and a series of failed business ventures, Adams transformed into an influential leader. He skillfully navigated local politics, effectively mobilizing public sentiment against the crown through shrewd media tactics and strategic acts of resistance.

Schiff provides an intimate look at Adams’s rise and evolution, highlighting his adept handling of key events such as the Boston Tea Party protes and his tireless efforts in forging critical alliances among the colonies. The book examines how his early struggles with authority and shifting philosophies laid the foundation for undermining British imperial rule. Schiff offers a fresh perspective on this seminal figure in the nation’s founding and his lasting impact on American ideals. To learn more, take a look at Shortform’s guide to this biography.

Teddy and Booker T. by Brian Kilmeade

Teddy and Booker T. chronicles the intertwined journeys of Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington, two influential figures who overcame vastly different backgrounds to forge an unexpected partnership in the pursuit of racial equality and progress for African Americans. Brian Kilmeade explores the two men’s shared determination and vision, along with the challenges and controversies that shaped their collaboration.

Despite hailing from opposite ends of the American experience, Roosevelt and Washington were united in their commitment to education, self-improvement, and creating a more just society. Kilmeade details their daring efforts, including the groundbreaking dinner at the White House that sparked national outrage, while highlighting the limitations they faced in bringing lasting change. Learn more about the remarkable relationship between these two men in Shortform’s guide to the book.

Three Days in Moscow by Bret Baier (Biography of Ronald Reagan)

During the tumultuous Cold War era, President Ronald Reagan played a pivotal role in reshaping global politics and bringing an end to the decades-long conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. From his early opposition to communism in Hollywood to his diplomatic negotiations with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, Reagan remained steadfast in his belief in American ideals and freedom.

Bret Baier explores Reagan’s influence in dismantling the Iron Curtain through strategic maneuvering, rhetoric that resonated worldwide, and a burgeoning relationship with Gorbachev that was fueled by mutual understanding. This account underscores how Reagan’s leadership—along with Gorbachev’s reforms—laid the foundation for the collapse of the Soviet empire and heralded a new era of democracy. Check out Shortform’s guide to this book.

Washington by Ron Chernow (Biography of George Washington)

Biographer Ron Chernow provides an in-depth look at the life and legacy of George Washington, from his formative years in colonial Virginia to his pivotal role as commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. The book explores how Washington’s experiences shaped his leadership abilities and his vision for a strong central government.

Chernow traces Washington’s evolution from a young land surveyor to a key figure in the Revolutionary War, detailing his military leadership and the challenges he faced in unifying the Continental Army. He also examines Washington’s vital contribution to the Constitutional Convention and his rise to the presidency, detailing his efforts to establish the foundations of the executive branch and navigate the nation through its early challenges. To learn more, take a look at Shortform’s guide to the book.

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