"‘Fascinating and authoritative’ The Daily Express
Sunday Times bestselling author Sean Smith tells the extraordinary story of a modern cultural icon: Harry Styles.
Harry Styles has grown up. The One Direction boy band member so loved by millions has become a truly global superstar – and he’s done it without shouting from the rooftops or displaying a mammoth ego.
In this captivating biography for fans from day one as well as a whole new generation, Sean Smith chronicles the development of a thoroughly modern man with boundless charisma who represents a better world devoid of prejudice.
Harry’s life changed forever when his mum Anne filled in a form requesting an audition to the X Factor. He left his home in rural Cheshire as a sixteen-year-old and never went back – setting out on a path to become a genuine icon of the age.
Harry Styles: the Making of a Modern Man follows his journey, painting a picture of a man who at times remains an enigma while embracing the world he cares about – his family, his friends and lovers, his music, acting and, of course, the world of fashion.
Harry is the only British male artist to have his first two albums debut at number one in the US; his movie career is flourishing with starring roles in Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman and he is the first man to appear solo on the cover of Vogue. A champion of gender fluid fashion he has proved himself to be an inspiring role model in a world where toxic masculinity has no place.
In troubling and uncertain times, Harry Styles lives to his own mantra that would benefit us all – ‘Treat People with Kindness.’"
"Meghan Misunderstood is a pioneering book that sets the record straight on the most talked about, unfairly vilified and misrepresented woman in the world.
Meghan Markle was eleven when she first advocated for women’s rights; a teenager when she worked in a soup kitchen feeding the homeless; a popular actress when she campaigned for clean water in Africa and passionately championed gender equality in a speech to a United Nations Women’s Conference. Even before she met Prince Harry, hers was an extraordinarily accomplished life.
Meghan’s wedding to Harry was a joyful occasion, marking happiness at last for the Queen’s grandson who had captured our hearts twenty years earlier when he bravely walked behind his mother Diana’s coffin. Theirs was a story that the screenwriters of Hollywood – where Meghan had made her name – could scarcely have imagined.
The rom-com fantasy, however, soon turned into disturbing drama: any expectation of a life happily-ever-after was cruelly dashed by bullying tabloid newspapers and their allies, both on social media and within the walls of the Palace itself.
Meghan was targeted for her gender, her race, her nationality and her profession. The abuse became so bad that seventy-two female MPs signed a letter of solidarity against the ‘often distasteful and misleading press’, calling out the ‘outdated colonial undertones’ of the stories.
Now, Sean Smith, the UK’s leading celebrity biographer, pulls no punches as he reveals the remarkable and powerful story of this self-made, intelligent American woman with a strong social conscience who has made such an impact on our lives."
"‘Get the inside scoop on all things Spice!’
OK! Magazine
'A compelling new book' Daily Express
From the moment they burst into our lives, the Spice Girls have inspired millions around the world.
Emma, Geri, Melanie C, Mel B and Victoria were adored and admired in equal measure. Their determination, fierce independence and Girl Power philosophy have motivated generation after generation of young women.
Sunday Times bestselling biographer Sean Smith reveals what life was really like for the fab five, before and after they found fame – the ups and downs, personal conflicts, break-ups and controversies, health issues and trials of parenthood. Baby, Ginger, Sporty, Scary and Posh have always been so much more than their iconic image.
They conquered a male dominated music industry, raised twelve children between them while, over the years, their reunion tours have led to renewed outpourings of affection and excitement: the story of five ordinary women achieving extraordinary things is as wonderfully resonant and powerful as ever."
"‘Compelling new biography’ Daily Express
‘Fascinating stories’
Daily Mirror
‘A well-researched, entertaining look at Ed Sheeran … Sheeran fans will relish this well-told biography.’ Publishers Weekly
Ed Sheeran is a true inspiration. His moving and uplifting songs forge a lasting connection with the millions of people around the world who love him and his music.
He was the thirteen-year-old guitarist in a school rock band when he decided to become a singer-songwriter, even though he could barely hold a tune and had never written a song. Within a year, he had recorded an album in his bedroom.
Bestselling biographer Sean Smith traces the astonishing journey of the shy little boy with a stammer who, avoiding flashy showmanship, grew up to be a global phenomenon.
Through compelling new research and interviews, he tells the story of Ed’s remarkable mum and dad who gave their son the courage to pursue his dream, the friends and mentors who encouraged him and the lovers who inspired his most famous songs.
Smith describes the setbacks Ed faced before his fortunes were transformed by Elton John’s management company, a record deal and a song that changed everything – with a little help from Taylor Swift.
Ed found it difficult to cope with the world at his feet, but a new relationship with a girl from his home town has brought him happiness and a fresh purpose in life.
Now he is the most successful solo star on the planet, earning £83 million last year. Yet in the middle of his record-breaking 2018 UK tour, he played for just 400 people at a charity night to raise money for the homeless.
As this captivating book reveals, there’s no one quite like Ed."
"AS SEEN ON TIKTOK: Discover 101 easy communication strategies for dealing with difficult people-at home, at work, and in your community!
Learn to calm the quills of difficult parents, children, colleagues, and even strangers.
Most of us know someone who always seems to cause problems or irritate others. The truth is these troublemakers haven't necessarily asked to be this way. Sometimes we need to learn new approaches for dealing with the difficult people who are harder to get along with or love.
This concise guide explains that making peace with others isn't as tough or as terrible as we think it is. In 101 useful tips, it shows you how to love and manage the "prickly" people in your life-whether you want to calm the quills of difficult parents, children, siblings, or even strangers.
Since going viral on TikTok, thousands of people have discovered the power of Dr. Debbie Joffe Ellis' practices. With a forwored by Ellis herself, How to Hug a Porcupine is a modern classic that will help you resolve conflicts, communicate effectively, and lead life with greater patience, empathy, and kindness!"
"Adele touches the hearts of millions of people who love her for her music and share the real and honest emotion she brings to each and every song. In Adele, bestselling biographer Sean Smith talks to those close to her as he follows her astonishing journey to fame that began on the gritty streets of Tottenham. Through compelling new research and interviews, he reveals that there is far more to Adele than the superstar we all think we know."
