America 250 · #46 President · 2021–2025
Joe Biden
Half a century in public life — no definitive biography of the whole arc exists yet.
The biography
Joe Biden: The Life, the Run, and What Matters Now
Evan Osnos · 2020
The best modern Biden book; written during the 2020 campaign, pre-presidency.
Worth considering
The Last Politician: Inside Joe Biden's White House
Franklin Foer · 2023
The best account of the presidency itself, through 2023.
In his own words
Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose
Joe Biden · 2017
The year after Beau's death — the most personal of his three memoirs.
Common questions
What is the best biography of Joe Biden?
The most comprehensive account of his career is Joe Biden: The Life, the Run, and What Matters Now by Evan Osnos. While no single definitive biography covers his entire half-century in public life, this book provides the most thorough examination of his political arc and personal history.
Should I start with a biography or Joe Biden's own memoir?
If you want to understand Joe Biden in his own words, start with Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose. For a broader perspective on his political career and the context of his presidency, Evan Osnos's biography is the recommended starting point for new readers.
Are there other biographies of Joe Biden worth reading?
Beyond the work by Evan Osnos, there are alternative biographies available that offer different perspectives on his long tenure in public office. These books serve as useful trade-offs depending on whether you are looking for a focus on his legislative history or his presidential campaign.
Does a definitive biography of Joe Biden's entire career exist?
No definitive biography covering the full arc of Joe Biden's life currently exists. Because his career spans over fifty years of public service, most books focus on specific segments of his life, such as his time in the Senate, his vice presidency, or his 2020 campaign.
Keep exploring
Want recommendations matched to your taste — across every medium?
Try TangentFree, 30 seconds, no account.