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Illustrated Biographies - Famous People - Christchurch City Libraries

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

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A glimpse into the lives of celebrities, world leaders, political figures, sports stars, and other (in)famous people as you've never seen them before! Evocative illustrations bring a new dimension to these biographies, showing that underneath it all, many of these famous people are just like the rest of us. A Christchurch City Libraries list.

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

22 items

22 items

Amazing Fantastic Incredible

Amazing Fantastic Incredible

A Marvelous Memoir

by Lee, Stan, 1922-2018

Book - 2015

Stan Lee is a legend in the realm of comic books and the creative force behind so many of your favourite superheroes. Lee dramatically changed the form an...Show more Stan Lee is a legend in the realm of comic books and the creative force behind so many of your favourite superheroes. Lee dramatically changed the form and fleshed out his heroes and villains into recognisable and relatable characters with personal hang ups and complex psychological landscapes, changing comics forever. Lee tells his own story through this beautifully illustrated graphic memoir, where a reader can recognise at once the energy, wit and drive that has cemented his place in history. A moving and candid memoir for fans of comics and graphic novels. Show less

Stan Lee is a legend in the realm of comic books and the creative force behind so many of your favourite superheroes. Lee dramatically changed the form an...Show more Stan Lee is a legend in the realm of comic books and the creative force behind so many of your favourite superheroes. Lee dramatically changed the form and fleshed out his heroes and villains into recognisable and relatable characters with personal hang ups and complex psychological landscapes, changing comics forever. Lee tells his own story through this beautifully illustrated graphic memoir, where a reader can recognise at once the energy, wit and drive that has cemented his place in history. A moving and candid memoir for fans of comics and graphic novels. Show less

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Andre the Giant

Andre the Giant

Life and Legend

by Brown, Box

Book - 2014

A charmingly illustrated look into the life and career of Andre the Giant, the professional wrestler many of us fondly remember as the gentle giant Fezzik...Show more A charmingly illustrated look into the life and career of Andre the Giant, the professional wrestler many of us fondly remember as the gentle giant Fezzik in the much-loved film, 'The Princess Bride'. Filled with plenty of anecdotes from friends and colleagues in the wrestling and acting worlds, this is a close look into the life of a gentleman and a giant. Show less

A charmingly illustrated look into the life and career of Andre the Giant, the professional wrestler many of us fondly remember as the gentle giant Fezzik...Show more A charmingly illustrated look into the life and career of Andre the Giant, the professional wrestler many of us fondly remember as the gentle giant Fezzik in the much-loved film, 'The Princess Bride'. Filled with plenty of anecdotes from friends and colleagues in the wrestling and acting worlds, this is a close look into the life of a gentleman and a giant. Show less

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Beyoncégraphica

Beyoncégraphica

A Graphic Biography of Beyoncé

by Roberts, Chris, 1959-

Book - 2017

Beyonce is a truly iconic woman in the entertainment world, and this biography is chock full of life stories and interesting infographics showcasing her m...Show more Beyonce is a truly iconic woman in the entertainment world, and this biography is chock full of life stories and interesting infographics showcasing her many talents and larger than life behaviour. Drawing on her 26-year career, 'Beyoncegraphica' tells the story of the woman who pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a superstar. Show less

Beyonce is a truly iconic woman in the entertainment world, and this biography is chock full of life stories and interesting infographics showcasing her m...Show more Beyonce is a truly iconic woman in the entertainment world, and this biography is chock full of life stories and interesting infographics showcasing her many talents and larger than life behaviour. Drawing on her 26-year career, 'Beyoncegraphica' tells the story of the woman who pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a superstar. Show less

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Brazen

Brazen

Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World

by Bagieu, Pénélope, 1982-

Graphic Novel - 2018

A loving and feminist look into the lives of a lot of feisty and influential women through history (herstory?); every woman featured here is connected thr...Show more A loving and feminist look into the lives of a lot of feisty and influential women through history (herstory?); every woman featured here is connected through one characteristic: her indomitable spirit. Some world-famous names, some less well-known ones, but all fantastic role models that will inspire generations of women to come. Show less

A loving and feminist look into the lives of a lot of feisty and influential women through history (herstory?); every woman featured here is connected thr...Show more A loving and feminist look into the lives of a lot of feisty and influential women through history (herstory?); every woman featured here is connected through one characteristic: her indomitable spirit. Some world-famous names, some less well-known ones, but all fantastic role models that will inspire generations of women to come. Show less

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Che

Che

A Graphic Biography

by Spain (Cartoonist)

Book - 2017

The story of the man behind the iconic face plastered on countless T-shirts and dorm room posters. Portrayed through the medium of underground political c...Show more The story of the man behind the iconic face plastered on countless T-shirts and dorm room posters. Portrayed through the medium of underground political comics - one of the most prominent counter-cultural art forms since the 1960s - Che's story is told and his legacy explored. An entertaining yet informative deep-dive. Show less

The story of the man behind the iconic face plastered on countless T-shirts and dorm room posters. Portrayed through the medium of underground political c...Show more The story of the man behind the iconic face plastered on countless T-shirts and dorm room posters. Portrayed through the medium of underground political comics - one of the most prominent counter-cultural art forms since the 1960s - Che's story is told and his legacy explored. An entertaining yet informative deep-dive. Show less

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Churchill

Churchill

A Graphic Biography

by Delmas, Vincent

Book - 2020

A cross between a history textbook and graphic novel, this is the story of the famous wartime Prime Minister's political life. It doesn't contain much abo...Show more A cross between a history textbook and graphic novel, this is the story of the famous wartime Prime Minister's political life. It doesn't contain much about Churchill's personal life, but it's perfect for anyone interested in seeing the geo-politics of WWII depicted through truly gorgeous art. Show less

A cross between a history textbook and graphic novel, this is the story of the famous wartime Prime Minister's political life. It doesn't contain much abo...Show more A cross between a history textbook and graphic novel, this is the story of the famous wartime Prime Minister's political life. It doesn't contain much about Churchill's personal life, but it's perfect for anyone interested in seeing the geo-politics of WWII depicted through truly gorgeous art. Show less

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Eugene V. Debs

Eugene V. Debs

A Graphic Biography

by Van Sciver, Noah

Book - 2019

Eugene Victor Debs was the leader of the Socialist Party in America in the early twentieth-century and a beloved figurehead of American Radicalism. A time...Show more Eugene Victor Debs was the leader of the Socialist Party in America in the early twentieth-century and a beloved figurehead of American Radicalism. A timely look back into the beginnings of Socialism in this era of Bernie Sanders, Occupy Wallstreet and Black Lives Matter. Dynamic illustrations are used with short and accessible framing essays to showcase an interesting man and a fascinating time in American political history. Show less

Eugene Victor Debs was the leader of the Socialist Party in America in the early twentieth-century and a beloved figurehead of American Radicalism. A time...Show more Eugene Victor Debs was the leader of the Socialist Party in America in the early twentieth-century and a beloved figurehead of American Radicalism. A timely look back into the beginnings of Socialism in this era of Bernie Sanders, Occupy Wallstreet and Black Lives Matter. Dynamic illustrations are used with short and accessible framing essays to showcase an interesting man and a fascinating time in American political history. Show less

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Fedegraphica

Fedegraphica

A Graphic Biography of the Genius of Roger Federer

by Hodgkinson, Mark

Book - 2016

Often touted as the greatest tennis player of all time, Roger Federer's story is a tale worth telling. Drawing on interviews with the man himself and thos...Show more Often touted as the greatest tennis player of all time, Roger Federer's story is a tale worth telling. Drawing on interviews with the man himself and those close to him, this book features biographical content as well as plenty of interesting infographics breaking down just how much of an astronomical career he has had, and the mind-boggling skills he possesses. Beautiful art and pictures throughout. Show less

Often touted as the greatest tennis player of all time, Roger Federer's story is a tale worth telling. Drawing on interviews with the man himself and thos...Show more Often touted as the greatest tennis player of all time, Roger Federer's story is a tale worth telling. Drawing on interviews with the man himself and those close to him, this book features biographical content as well as plenty of interesting infographics breaking down just how much of an astronomical career he has had, and the mind-boggling skills he possesses. Beautiful art and pictures throughout. Show less

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The 14th Dalai Lama

The 14th Dalai Lama

by Saiwai, Tetsu

Graphic Novel - 2008

Many have heard his name, but here is an in-depth look into the leader of the Tibetan Government-In-Exile. This book charts his life from the age of 2 whe...Show more Many have heard his name, but here is an in-depth look into the leader of the Tibetan Government-In-Exile. This book charts his life from the age of 2 when he was discovered as the reincarnation of the previous Lama, to when he assumed full political power of Tibet in 1950 after China invaded their sovereign nation. A look into the deeply troubling life of a man on a quest for peace. Show less

Many have heard his name, but here is an in-depth look into the leader of the Tibetan Government-In-Exile. This book charts his life from the age of 2 whe...Show more Many have heard his name, but here is an in-depth look into the leader of the Tibetan Government-In-Exile. This book charts his life from the age of 2 when he was discovered as the reincarnation of the previous Lama, to when he assumed full political power of Tibet in 1950 after China invaded their sovereign nation. A look into the deeply troubling life of a man on a quest for peace. Show less

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Girl in Dior

Girl in Dior

by Goetzinger, Annie, 1951-

Graphic Novel - 2015

A biography docudrama that marries fiction with the story of one of the greatest couturiers in history, this work is a breathless and stunning presentatio...Show more A biography docudrama that marries fiction with the story of one of the greatest couturiers in history, this work is a breathless and stunning presentation of Christian Dior’s greatest designs, beautifully rendered by bestselling artist Annie Goetzinger. Show less

A biography docudrama that marries fiction with the story of one of the greatest couturiers in history, this work is a breathless and stunning presentatio...Show more A biography docudrama that marries fiction with the story of one of the greatest couturiers in history, this work is a breathless and stunning presentation of Christian Dior’s greatest designs, beautifully rendered by bestselling artist Annie Goetzinger. Show less

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Mata Hari

Mata Hari

by Beeby, Emma

Book - 2019

A stunningly illustrated portrait of the (in)famous exotic dancer-turned WWI spy Mata Hari, the original Femme Fatale. This biography tells her story from...Show more A stunningly illustrated portrait of the (in)famous exotic dancer-turned WWI spy Mata Hari, the original Femme Fatale. This biography tells her story from her own perspective while in jail awaiting her execution. It features lavish artwork with research drawn from other biographies and released MI5 Files. Show less

A stunningly illustrated portrait of the (in)famous exotic dancer-turned WWI spy Mata Hari, the original Femme Fatale. This biography tells her story from...Show more A stunningly illustrated portrait of the (in)famous exotic dancer-turned WWI spy Mata Hari, the original Femme Fatale. This biography tells her story from her own perspective while in jail awaiting her execution. It features lavish artwork with research drawn from other biographies and released MI5 Files. Show less

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Messigraphica

Messigraphica

A Graphic Biography of the Genius of Lionel Messi

by Shetty, Sanjeev

Book - 2017

Considered one of the best footballers of all time, Lionel Messi is synonymous with modern day football and the rise of mega-celebrity sports stars. This ...Show more Considered one of the best footballers of all time, Lionel Messi is synonymous with modern day football and the rise of mega-celebrity sports stars. This is a well-researched biography, which displays the dizzying data and stats of Messi's career in the ‘beautiful game’, in the form of easy to understand infographics. Show less

Considered one of the best footballers of all time, Lionel Messi is synonymous with modern day football and the rise of mega-celebrity sports stars. This ...Show more Considered one of the best footballers of all time, Lionel Messi is synonymous with modern day football and the rise of mega-celebrity sports stars. This is a well-researched biography, which displays the dizzying data and stats of Messi's career in the ‘beautiful game’, in the form of easy to understand infographics. Show less

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Serena

Serena

A Graphic Biography of Serena Williams

by Hodgkinson, Mark

Book - 2019

An innovative illustrated biography of the 23-time Grand Slam winner, Serena Williams, which explores her tennis style like never before. Using stunning g...Show more An innovative illustrated biography of the 23-time Grand Slam winner, Serena Williams, which explores her tennis style like never before. Using stunning graphics, both her play style and astonishing records are on display. Drawing on exclusive interviews from her career of over twenty years, this features a trove of information for fans of both Serena and the sport itself. Show less

An innovative illustrated biography of the 23-time Grand Slam winner, Serena Williams, which explores her tennis style like never before. Using stunning g...Show more An innovative illustrated biography of the 23-time Grand Slam winner, Serena Williams, which explores her tennis style like never before. Using stunning graphics, both her play style and astonishing records are on display. Drawing on exclusive interviews from her career of over twenty years, this features a trove of information for fans of both Serena and the sport itself. Show less

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The Osamu Tezuka Story

The Osamu Tezuka Story

A Life in Manga and Anime

by Ban, Toshio, 1953-

Book - 2016

Many refer to Osamu Tezuka as Japan’s ‘God of Manga’, and this is a study of not only the man himself, but the world-famous industry he helped create in a...Show more Many refer to Osamu Tezuka as Japan’s ‘God of Manga’, and this is a study of not only the man himself, but the world-famous industry he helped create in a post-war Japan. This is a graphical deep-dive into the early years of pop culture anime and its heroes. At over 900 pages, it definitely delivers the goods on Japan’s version of Walt Disney in the medium that he helped bring to the world. Show less

Many refer to Osamu Tezuka as Japan’s ‘God of Manga’, and this is a study of not only the man himself, but the world-famous industry he helped create in a...Show more Many refer to Osamu Tezuka as Japan’s ‘God of Manga’, and this is a study of not only the man himself, but the world-famous industry he helped create in a post-war Japan. This is a graphical deep-dive into the early years of pop culture anime and its heroes. At over 900 pages, it definitely delivers the goods on Japan’s version of Walt Disney in the medium that he helped bring to the world. Show less

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Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela

The Authorized Comic Book

Book - 2009

A detailed but accessible account of the life of one of the world’s most inspirational political activists. This vibrantly illustrated biography takes the...Show more A detailed but accessible account of the life of one of the world’s most inspirational political activists. This vibrantly illustrated biography takes the reader on a journey from Mandela’s childhood in a small South African village through to his extraordinary adulthood which saw him working with the ANC, spending twenty-seven years in prison, and continuing his fight against apartheid as president of South Africa. Show less

A detailed but accessible account of the life of one of the world’s most inspirational political activists. This vibrantly illustrated biography takes the...Show more A detailed but accessible account of the life of one of the world’s most inspirational political activists. This vibrantly illustrated biography takes the reader on a journey from Mandela’s childhood in a small South African village through to his extraordinary adulthood which saw him working with the ANC, spending twenty-seven years in prison, and continuing his fight against apartheid as president of South Africa. Show less

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Primates

Primates

The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birut Galdikas

by Ottaviani, Jim

Book - 2013

A fascinating introduction to the careers of three ground-breaking women who devoted their scientific careers to the study of apes, chimpanzees, and other...Show more A fascinating introduction to the careers of three ground-breaking women who devoted their scientific careers to the study of apes, chimpanzees, and other primates. Entertaining and informative, and full of charming illustrations, this biography will also teach you a surprising amount about our own species. Perfect for teens and adults alike. Show less

A fascinating introduction to the careers of three ground-breaking women who devoted their scientific careers to the study of apes, chimpanzees, and other...Show more A fascinating introduction to the careers of three ground-breaking women who devoted their scientific careers to the study of apes, chimpanzees, and other primates. Entertaining and informative, and full of charming illustrations, this biography will also teach you a surprising amount about our own species. Perfect for teens and adults alike. Show less

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Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash

I See A Darkness : A Graphic Novel

by Kleist, Reinhard, 1970-

Book - 2009

With striking black-and-white drawings, this graphic biography looks at the troubled life of award-winning American musician, Johnny Cash, from his early ...Show more With striking black-and-white drawings, this graphic biography looks at the troubled life of award-winning American musician, Johnny Cash, from his early career in the 1950s, through to his death in 2003. Cash’s life makes for compelling reading, but the highlight is Kleist’s evocative illustrations of Cash’s songs. Show less

With striking black-and-white drawings, this graphic biography looks at the troubled life of award-winning American musician, Johnny Cash, from his early ...Show more With striking black-and-white drawings, this graphic biography looks at the troubled life of award-winning American musician, Johnny Cash, from his early career in the 1950s, through to his death in 2003. Cash’s life makes for compelling reading, but the highlight is Kleist’s evocative illustrations of Cash’s songs. Show less

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They Called Us Enemy

They Called Us Enemy

by Takei, George, 1937-

Book - 2019

George Takei is famous for being a Star Trek actor and an LGBTQ+ icon, but his breath-taking memoir focuses on his early childhood in an American concentr...Show more George Takei is famous for being a Star Trek actor and an LGBTQ+ icon, but his breath-taking memoir focuses on his early childhood in an American concentration camp for people of Japanese descent during WWII. This teen-friendly illustrated biography is a compelling portrayal of bravery, love, and the devastation of war. Show less

George Takei is famous for being a Star Trek actor and an LGBTQ+ icon, but his breath-taking memoir focuses on his early childhood in an American concentr...Show more George Takei is famous for being a Star Trek actor and an LGBTQ+ icon, but his breath-taking memoir focuses on his early childhood in an American concentration camp for people of Japanese descent during WWII. This teen-friendly illustrated biography is a compelling portrayal of bravery, love, and the devastation of war. Show less

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Rainbow Revolutionaries

Rainbow Revolutionaries

50 LGBTQ+ People Who Made History

by Prager, Sarah, 1986-

Book - 2020

Illustrated biographies of fifty influential LGBTQ+ icons from around the world, including Alan Turing, Frida Kahlo, Ellen DeGeneres, Ma Rainey, and Georg...Show more Illustrated biographies of fifty influential LGBTQ+ icons from around the world, including Alan Turing, Frida Kahlo, Ellen DeGeneres, Ma Rainey, and Georgina Beyer. Each page features a brief, engaging biography, and colourful, dynamic illustrations, making this the perfect inspirational read for teens. Show less

Illustrated biographies of fifty influential LGBTQ+ icons from around the world, including Alan Turing, Frida Kahlo, Ellen DeGeneres, Ma Rainey, and Georg...Show more Illustrated biographies of fifty influential LGBTQ+ icons from around the world, including Alan Turing, Frida Kahlo, Ellen DeGeneres, Ma Rainey, and Georgina Beyer. Each page features a brief, engaging biography, and colourful, dynamic illustrations, making this the perfect inspirational read for teens. Show less

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The Faithful Spy

The Faithful Spy

Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler

by Hendrix, John, 1976-

Book - 2018

Aimed at teens, this illustrated biography uses expressive drawings and accessible text to tell the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor who deci...Show more Aimed at teens, this illustrated biography uses expressive drawings and accessible text to tell the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor who decided to sacrifice everything in order to take a stand again Adolf Hitler and the Nazis during WWII. An inspiring story of bravery in the face of evil. Show less

Aimed at teens, this illustrated biography uses expressive drawings and accessible text to tell the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor who deci...Show more Aimed at teens, this illustrated biography uses expressive drawings and accessible text to tell the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor who decided to sacrifice everything in order to take a stand again Adolf Hitler and the Nazis during WWII. An inspiring story of bravery in the face of evil. Show less

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Becoming RBG

Becoming RBG

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's Journey to Justice

by Levy, Debbie

Book - 2019

This teen-friendly illustrated biography tells the inspirational story of Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RBG), from her childhood in New Yor through to her role as ...Show more This teen-friendly illustrated biography tells the inspirational story of Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RBG), from her childhood in New Yor through to her role as one of the few female Supreme Court justices. A modern feminist icon, RGB is tireless in her fight for the equal treatment of women. Show less

This teen-friendly illustrated biography tells the inspirational story of Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RBG), from her childhood in New Yor through to her role as ...Show more This teen-friendly illustrated biography tells the inspirational story of Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RBG), from her childhood in New Yor through to her role as one of the few female Supreme Court justices. A modern feminist icon, RGB is tireless in her fight for the equal treatment of women. Show less

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Darwin

Darwin

An Exceptional Voyage

by Grolleau, Fabien, 1972-

Graphic Novel - 2019

Follow Charles Darwin as he sets sail aboard HMS Beagle in search of adventure and discovery. This beautifully illustrated novel ditches the common image ...Show more Follow Charles Darwin as he sets sail aboard HMS Beagle in search of adventure and discovery. This beautifully illustrated novel ditches the common image of Darwin as a white bearded biologist, instead focusing on the years the young man spent travelling the globe and culminating in the creation of his most famous work 'On the Origin of Species'. Show less

Follow Charles Darwin as he sets sail aboard HMS Beagle in search of adventure and discovery. This beautifully illustrated novel ditches the common image ...Show more Follow Charles Darwin as he sets sail aboard HMS Beagle in search of adventure and discovery. This beautifully illustrated novel ditches the common image of Darwin as a white bearded biologist, instead focusing on the years the young man spent travelling the globe and culminating in the creation of his most famous work 'On the Origin of Species'. Show less

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