George M. Marsden is Professor of History, Emeritus, at the University of Notre Dame.
Among other books, he is the author of the award-winning, definitive biography on Jonathan Edwards: A Life (Yale University Press, 2003).
Here is his list of recommended biographies, in alphabetical order of subject:
1. Peter Brown, Augustine of Hippo.
A classic work and a great exposition of the man and of his era.
2. Robert Caro, Master of the Senate: The Years of Lyndon Johnson.
Wonderful example of the art of great story telling.
3. Walter Lowrie, A Short Life of Kierkegaard.
Probably dated by now, but a great brief introduction to a most complex figure
4. James D. Bratt, Abraham Kuyper: Modern Calvinist, Christian Democrat.
New biography. Wonderfully balanced account about a multifaceted thinker and leader still important for today.
5. Richard Westfall, Never at Rest: A Biography of Isaac Newton.
Excellent at presenting Newton’s thought in the context of its times.
