One of the best ways to grow, both as a person and as a Christian, is to learn from the lives of other men and women. What follows is a list of some of the best biographies out there. Some of the biographies are about Christians, others are not. God’s common grace sparkles throughout the entire world, and we would be wise to learn from Christians and non-Christians alike.

The biographies on this list are either ones that I have read personally or have been highly recommended by people I trust. Get reading!

John Adams –  by David McCullough – A brilliant look into one of America’s Founding Father. Pretty long, but well worth the read.

Washington: A Life – by Ron Chernow – Few men shaped American history like George Washington. This is the go-to biography on the man.

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy  – by Eric Metaxas – Bonhoeffer was an influential pastor during Hitler’s reign of terror. He even was involved in a plan to assassinate Hitler!

Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther – by Roland Bainton – What can be said about Martin Luther? He was a Reformer, a fugitive, a writer, a preacher, a Bible translator, and a beer lover. You really should familiarize yourself with Martin Luther.

C.S. Lewis – A Life: Eccentric Genius, Reluctant Prophet – by Alistair McGrath – I know that some people would recommend Lewis’ autobiography or one of the older biographies, but I enjoyed this one the most.

John G. Paton – The Autobiography of the Pioneer Missionary To The New Hebrides – by John Paton – He was told he would be eaten by cannibals. He went anyway. Enough said.

Jonathan Edwards: A Life – by George Marsden – Jonathan Edwards was the greatest theologian produced by North America, and his influence

Steve Jobs – by Walter Isaacson – Few men have influenced the tech world like Steve Jobs. He was a fascinating man. Driven, obsessive, eccentric, abrasive. This biography is worth the read.

Churchill – by Paul Johnson – You could read a three volume, massive biography on Churchill, or you could read this concise, yet well written bio.

Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption – by Laura Hillenbrand – Not a biography in the traditional sense, but an incredible story nonetheless. This is absolutely one of my favorite books.

This article first appeared on Stephen Altrogge’s website, The Blazing Center, and is used with his permission.