More Diaries and Memoirs

Diaries, Letters and Memoirs

I’ve taken to adding memoirs, diaries and letters whenever I come across them and can download them to the file I last accessed a year ago. Here, therefore, is the new 54 page version Diaries, Letters and Memoirs and a selection of some of the more interesting -

• The Burden of German History – a transatlantic life Konrad Jarausch (2023) a fascinating read from a German emigre

• Economics in America – an immigrant economist explores the land of inequality Angus Deaton (2023) a Scot exposes the harsh realities of his new homeland

• Myself and other More Important Matters; Charles Handy (2008) a famous 

UK management guru reflects on his life (see also LETTERS)

• A Life Looking Forward – memoirs of an independent Marxist Samir Amin 

(2006) An Egyptian by birth, he became a Professor of Political Economy and active in the World Social Forum and in discussions about the African future. This is a nice tribute

• There is Nothing for You Here - finding opportunity in the 21st Century 

Fiona Hill (2021) A miner’s daughter from NE England recounts how she found 
the missing opportunity in the USA where, as a Russian expert, she testifyied at Trump’s impeachment but argues that opportunity is no longer available.

• Through the Looking Glass – writers’ memoirs at the turn of the 21st Century 

(Robert Kusek 2017) The go-to text for its summary of memoirs in the English language. Produced by and with the financial assistance of the Jagiellonian University in Krakow

• Escape to Life Erika and Klaus Mann (1939) Both famous, not least for their familial link to their father, Thomas, with the entire family forced to leave Germany because of the Nazis. This is a brilliant evocation of others who followed a similar route.

• The Noodle-maker of Kalimpong Gyalo Thondup (2015) The Dalai Lama’s brother tells the story of his life serving the DL.

• Familiar Stranger – a life between two islands Stuart Hall (2017) The New 

Left’s British guru first describes his life in the West Indies and then in the UK

• You Can’t Please All – a memoir Tariq Ali (2024) Another New Leftist 

describes his eventful life.