10 Best-Selling Millionaire Biography Books Millions Love

Featuring recommendations from Eric Schmidt, Tom Hanks, and Ryan Holiday, these best-selling Millionaire Biography books offer proven insights from top experts

Eric Schmidt
Tom Hanks
Ryan Holiday
Joel Gascoigne
Charlie Munger
Norman Ornstein
Klaus Schwab
Updated on July 1, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page
10 of 10 books have Kindle versions

There's something special when millions of readers and top experts converge on a select group of books. Millionaire Biography books, in particular, offer a window into the lives and mindsets of those who've navigated the complex journey to great wealth. These books don't just tell stories; they reveal proven strategies and personal philosophies that resonate with readers hungry for real-world lessons.

Experts like Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, and Tom Hanks, an acclaimed actor and filmmaker, have shared their endorsements for some of these titles. Schmidt, for example, praises Stephen Schwarzman's 'What It Takes' for its insights into leadership and vision in finance, while Hanks has highlighted the book's appeal beyond traditional business circles. Meanwhile, media strategist Ryan Holiday points to Ron Chernow's 'Titan' as a compelling exploration of American capitalism's origins.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Millionaire Biography needs might consider creating a personalized Millionaire Biography book that combines these validated approaches. This way, you can focus on what matters most for your unique journey toward financial success.

Best for investment philosophy insights
Kindle version available
Joel Gascoigne, founder and CEO of Buffer, brings a seasoned perspective to millionaire biographies, making his endorsement of this work especially meaningful. His background in scaling a tech company aligns with the book's detailed look at Warren Buffett’s disciplined investment approach and leadership style. This recommendation resonates strongly with many readers who value both business insight and personal narrative. Additionally, Eytan Levit, founder of Mixtiles, supports this choice, reinforcing its relevance for entrepreneurs seeking lessons from proven success stories.
CJ

Recommended by Chude Jideonwo

CEO focused on African transformation

It's been so long, and I've been so busy that I haven't been able to recommend a book. I am sorry! I have read so many fantastic ones though, no matter how busy I have been. And I am soooooo excited to recommend this one. I love Warren Buffett ... (from X)

Alice Schroeder's decades of experience as a top-ranked financial analyst uniquely position her to unveil Warren Buffett’s life beyond his public image. Through extensive interviews and unprecedented access, she reveals Buffett’s personal philosophy, business acumen, and the paradoxes that shaped his success. You’ll gain insights into his investment principles, ethical approach, and how his life story intertwines with his business strategies, especially evident in chapters detailing his early ventures and Berkshire Hathaway’s growth. This book suits anyone intrigued by the complexities behind legendary wealth and the human side of a celebrated investor, rather than a mere recounting of financial achievements.

Number One International Bestseller
Read on Kindle
Best for industrial era wealth history
Kindle version available
Ryan Holiday, a media strategist known for his deep understanding of cultural influence and marketing, endorses this biography of John D. Rockefeller Sr., underscoring its value for those fascinated by the origins of American capitalism. His recommendation aligns with widespread acclaim from leading publications, reflecting why this book resonates with readers who want to grasp the complexities behind immense wealth and power. Alongside him, Charlie Munger, vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, also recommends the book, lending further weight given his expertise in investing and business strategy. Their endorsements highlight the biography’s relevance for anyone seeking a thorough look at one of history’s most influential industrial figures.

A triumph of the art of biography. Unflaggingly interesting, it brings John D. Rockefeller Sr. to life through sustained narrative portraiture of the large-scale, nineteenth-century kind. (from Amazon)

Ron Chernow’s decades of meticulous research and narrative skill bring John D. Rockefeller Sr.'s complex character into sharp relief, uncovering both his ruthless business tactics and deep philanthropic commitments. You’ll gain insight into the forces shaping American capitalism, including Rockefeller’s strategic dominance of the oil industry and his paradoxical generosity, especially in education and medicine. The book’s detailed chapters reveal his religious motivations and family dynamics, enriching your understanding of the man behind the myth. If you want to explore the interplay of wealth, power, and legacy through a nuanced portrait, this biography delivers without glamorizing or demonizing its subject.

National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist
Pulitzer Prize for Biography (author)
Read on Kindle
Best for custom growth plans
Can send to Kindle
This AI-created book on millionaire growth is written based on your unique biography, interests, and financial goals. It focuses on the aspects of wealth-building that matter most to you, blending established knowledge with your personal journey. By crafting a book tailored to your background and aspirations, it helps you learn efficiently without wading through unrelated material. Customization here means engaging with content that speaks directly to your path and ambitions.
2025·50-300 pages·Millionaire Biography, Wealth Building, Millionaire Mindset, Financial Habits, Investment Choices

This tailored book explores the journey toward millionaire success by combining widely validated insights with your unique biography and ambitions. It covers the principles behind wealth accumulation, the personal traits and decisions that shape millionaire stories, and the cultural and financial contexts that inform these journeys. By focusing on your specific background and objectives, the book reveals how proven knowledge aligns with your individual experience, offering a richer understanding of financial growth and mindset development. This personalized approach enables you to engage deeply with concepts that matter most to your path, making the learning both relevant and actionable.

Tailored Blueprint
Wealth Acceleration
1,000+ Happy Readers
View on TailoredRead
Best for innovation and tech leadership
Kindle version available
Walter Isaacson, renowned for bestselling biographies of historical and contemporary innovators, brings his extensive expertise to this revealing portrait of Elon Musk. As a professor of history and former chair of CNN, Isaacson draws from years of in-depth research and interviews to present an intimate look at Musk's ambitions and contradictions. His background in profiling influential figures lends unique depth to this account, offering you a chance to understand the forces shaping one of the most impactful entrepreneurs of our time.
Elon Musk book cover

Walter Isaacson·

Walter Isaacson's decades of experience chronicling transformative figures culminate in this in-depth exploration of Elon Musk's complex personality and groundbreaking ventures. Through detailed accounts of Musk's early life challenges, volatile temperament, and relentless drive, you gain insight into the interplay between his personal demons and his visionary achievements. The book delves into pivotal moments such as SpaceX's record-setting launches and Tesla's mass-market breakthrough, providing a nuanced perspective on innovation under pressure. This narrative suits those curious about the human side of technological disruption and leadership in high-stakes industries.

#1 New York Times Bestseller
Read on Kindle
Best for family legacy dynamics
Kindle version available
Anderson Cooper, a CNN anchor and CBS correspondent with twenty Emmy Awards, teams up with historian and novelist Katherine Howe to chronicle his family's legendary Vanderbilt dynasty. Their combined expertise in journalism and American history brings a unique insider's perspective to this vivid account of wealth, power, and social transformation. Driven by Cooper's personal connection and Howe's historical insight, the book offers a nuanced look at the family's rise from humble beginnings to Gilded Age prominence and eventual decline, making it a compelling read for those intrigued by the intersections of family, business, and American history.
Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty book cover

Anderson Cooper, Katherine Howe·

What started as Anderson Cooper's personal exploration of his family history became a vivid narrative tracing the rise and fall of the Vanderbilt dynasty. Collaborating with historian Katherine Howe, Cooper invites you into the world of ruthless ambition and lavish excess that defined America's Gilded Age, offering detailed accounts from Cornelius Vanderbilt's early ferry work to the sprawling Newport mansions. You'll gain insight into the complex dynamics of wealth accumulation, inheritance struggles, and societal influence, illuminated by chapters on the Commodore's empire-building and his descendants' extravagant lifestyles. This book suits anyone curious about the intersection of family legacy and American capitalism, though it may be less engaging for readers seeking a purely economic analysis.

New York Times Bestseller
One of Washington Post's Notable Works of Nonfiction 2021
Read on Kindle
Best for entrepreneurial wealth strategies
Kindle version available
John Crestani, entrepreneur and educator known for advocating passionate self-employment, highlights how "The Millionaire Fastlane" deeply explores unconventional economic models, like the pre-smartphone limousine business, offering insights that challenge typical wealth-building advice. His recommendation aligns with many who want to understand wealth beyond traditional means. Crestani's experience in entrepreneurship makes his endorsement particularly relevant for those seeking faster financial freedom. Toyin Omotoso, a lifestyle entrepreneur focused on building others, also endorses the book, underscoring its appeal to aspiring entrepreneurs aiming for a freedom-focused lifestyle.
JC

Recommended by John Crestani

Entrepreneur and educator, self-employment advocate

@evantindell The book 'The Millionaire Fastlane' by MJ Demarco went very indepth into the economics of the pre-smartphone limousine drivers business and was fascinating. (from X)

When MJ DeMarco challenges the conventional path to wealth, he dismantles the slow, hope-driven financial advice most accept without question. Drawing on his own experience as a start-up founder who built multiple multi-million dollar enterprises, DeMarco exposes why relying on jobs, 401(k)s, and frugal living rarely leads to early financial freedom. Instead, he introduces readers to a "Fastlane" mindset that emphasizes leverage, entrepreneurship, and smart wealth-building principles, such as the mathematical laws behind how the rich accelerate wealth growth. You’ll find over 250 insights here, including why popular advice like "follow your passion" can backfire, and how to change the odds in your favor by understanding what truly drives wealth creation. This book is best suited for those ready to break free from traditional financial scripts and pursue faster, self-directed wealth accumulation.

Read on Kindle
Best for personal action plans
Can send to Kindle
This AI-created book on millionaire success is tailored to your specific goals and background. By sharing what interests you most about millionaire biographies and your experience level, you receive a book focused entirely on the steps that matter to you. This personalized approach helps you learn faster and more deeply, avoiding overwhelm by concentrating on what truly aligns with your journey. It’s like having a guide designed just for your success story.
2025·50-300 pages·Millionaire Biography, Millionaire Success, Biography Insights, Personalized Goals, Mindset Development

This tailored book explores the journey to millionaire success through a personalized lens, focusing on rapid, actionable steps that resonate with your unique background and aspirations. It covers essential themes such as mindset development, decision-making patterns, and the habits that define millionaire biographies, all crafted to match your specific goals. The book reveals how to efficiently navigate common challenges and leverage proven reader-validated insights, making the learning relevant and engaging. By focusing on your interests, it offers a clear path to fast-track your progress in understanding the nuances of millionaire success stories. This personalized approach ensures you gain meaningful knowledge tailored to your journey, deepening your appreciation of this compelling subject.

Tailored Guide
Success Acceleration
1,000+ Happy Readers
View on TailoredRead
Best for classic industrial leadership
Kindle version available
Andrew Carnegie’s autobiography captures the life of a man who not only built a steel empire but also redefined philanthropy in America. This memoir reveals his reflections on business and personal values, written during his retirement in Scotland, offering readers a direct glimpse into his experiences and lessons. Its enduring appeal lies in the authentic voice of a pioneer who shaped industrial America, making it a significant read for those interested in the complexities of success and legacy within the millionaire biography genre.

Drawing from his firsthand experience as a titan of industry, Andrew Carnegie offers a vivid recounting of his journey from a modest Scottish immigrant to one of America's most influential businessmen. You learn not just about his business ventures but also about the personal values and decisions that shaped his success, including his approach to philanthropy and labor relations. Chapters detailing his steel empire's growth provide insights into the era's industrial strategies, while his reflections on wealth and responsibility invite you to consider the broader impact of success. This book suits anyone curious about the human side behind monumental business achievements and the complexities of building lasting legacy.

Read on Kindle
Best for practical wealth building
Kindle version available
Baby Steps Millionaires offers a distinctive take within the millionaire biography genre by focusing on how ordinary people, guided by Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps plan, can build extraordinary wealth through discipline and practical financial management. This book’s appeal lies in its evidence-backed, faith-informed methodology that has helped millions transform their financial lives without relying on inheritances or luck. It's a valuable contribution for anyone interested in personal finance and wealth accumulation stories that emphasize steady progress and real-life examples.
2022·224 pages·Wealth, Millionaire Biography, Personal Finance, Investing, Debt Management

Dave Ramsey's decades of personal experience with financial failure and success led to the development of the Baby Steps plan that this book explores in depth. You learn how to systematically pay off debt, build wealth through practical investing, and overcome common barriers that keep many from becoming millionaires. The book shares relatable stories of ordinary people who transformed their finances by following Ramsey's straightforward, faith-informed approach. If you're seeking a clear, disciplined path to financial independence without complex jargon, this book is designed for you, though it may be less appealing if you want quick fixes or flashy strategies.

Read on Kindle
Best for candid entrepreneurial lessons
Kindle version available
Mark Cuban is a billionaire entrepreneur, owner of the Mavericks, and a well-known figure in the business world. He shares his wealth of experience and business savvy in his first published book, 'How to Win at the Sport of Business.' This book distills his personal journey from humble beginnings to multi-billion dollar success, providing you with candid insights and lessons drawn from his popular blog Maverick. Cuban’s real-world experience offers a unique window into what it takes to succeed in entrepreneurship, making it a practical read for anyone eager to understand business from the inside out.

Mark Cuban's decades of entrepreneurial experience led to this concise guide drawn from his popular blog, Maverick, sharing candid lessons on building a business from the ground up. You’ll encounter his personal journey from modest beginnings to billionaire status, alongside practical insights like prioritizing customer focus and embracing risk in ventures. The book’s brevity belies its value, offering a no-frills look at what it takes to compete effectively in business, particularly highlighting chapters on resilience and innovation. If you’re an entrepreneur or aspiring business owner seeking straightforward, experience-tested perspectives, this book will resonate, though its informal tone may not suit those wanting detailed frameworks or academic analysis.

Read on Kindle
Best for finance leadership lessons
Kindle version available
Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google and Executive Chairman of Alphabet, highlights Stephen Schwarzman's remarkable journey from his family's linen store to becoming a pivotal figure in finance and global relations. Schmidt emphasizes how Schwarzman's long-term vision and investments, especially in AI, showcase a rare kind of influence across multiple fields. His review, "From his start as an entrepreneur working in his family’s linen store in 1950s Philadelphia, Steve Schwarzman has made towering contributions to finance, relations between the U.S. and China, and computing, including a seminal investment in AI research that will help establish the age of intelligence," captures why this book resonates with both experts and a broad audience. Alongside Schmidt, actor and filmmaker Tom Hanks also endorses the book, reflecting its wide appeal beyond traditional business circles.
ES

Recommended by Eric Schmidt

Executive Chairman of Alphabet, Former CEO of Google

From his start as an entrepreneur working in his family’s linen store in 1950s Philadelphia, Steve Schwarzman has made towering contributions to finance, relations between the U.S. and China, and computing, including a seminal investment in AI research that will help establish the age of intelligence. Steve always takes the long view and then helps move us in the direction that will pay the greatest dividends. This book reveals how he has achieved the rarest kind of leverage in multiple fields. (from Amazon)

Stephen A. Schwarzman's decades of experience as Blackstone's founder and CEO shape this book into a candid exploration of what it takes to excel in business and beyond. You gain insights into building resilient organizations, managing risk with discipline, and fostering a culture that drives performance—illustrated through episodes like his rise from folding handkerchiefs in his father's shop to leading a global investment powerhouse. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or student, the book offers a lens on ambition, leadership, and philanthropy grounded in real-world challenges and successes. Schwarzman's reflections challenge you to consider not just what success looks like, but how to sustain it with integrity and vision.

New York Times Bestseller
Read on Kindle
Best for personalized financial growth
Kindle version available
The Millionaire Master Plan stands out in the field of millionaire biographies by offering a personalized roadmap rather than a generic success story. Roger James Hamilton, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, designed a color-coded system that helps you pinpoint where you currently are financially and guides you step-by-step toward higher wealth levels. This approach has resonated widely, attracting readers looking for a clear, actionable framework to advance their financial journey. Its unique methodology makes it a valuable addition for anyone aiming to understand and improve their financial success within the broader context of millionaire biographies.
2014·288 pages·Wealth, Financial Success, Millionaire Biography, Strategy, Personal Finance

Roger James Hamilton brings his extensive entrepreneurial and investment experience to this distinctive guide that maps out a personalized journey toward financial growth. Rather than generic advice, Hamilton's method uses a nine-step color-coded system that helps you identify your current financial standing and offers tailored strategies to advance to the next level. For example, you begin with a simple test to locate your position from red, representing paycheck-to-paycheck survival, up to ultra-violet, where financial concerns fade. This approach benefits anyone serious about understanding their unique wealth-building path and eager to make measurable progress rather than chasing one-size-fits-all tips.

Read on Kindle

Conclusion

These 10 Millionaire Biography books collectively underscore the power of proven frameworks and have earned widespread validation from both experts and readers alike. If you prefer tested methods grounded in historical and contemporary examples, starting with 'The Snowball' and 'Titan' offers a deep dive into investment and industrial wealth. For those drawn to entrepreneurial strategies, 'The Millionaire Fastlane' and 'How to Win at the Sport of Business' provide candid, practical insights.

Combining the lessons from 'What It Takes' and 'The Millionaire Master Plan' can offer a balanced perspective on finance leadership and personalized growth. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Millionaire Biography book to blend these proven methods with your own unique goals and circumstances.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed, offering not just stories of wealth but actionable insights on building and sustaining it. Your next step could be immersing yourself in these expert-endorsed biographies or tailoring your own learning path for maximum impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with 'The Snowball' for timeless investment wisdom or 'The Millionaire Fastlane' for entrepreneurial strategies. Both offer foundational insights and have been widely recommended by experts like Joel Gascoigne and John Crestani.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Millionaire Biography?

Not at all. Books like 'Baby Steps Millionaires' offer practical, accessible advice suited for beginners, while others provide deeper dives as you progress. There's something for every experience level.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with biographies that focus on foundational wealth-building like 'The Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie,' then explore entrepreneurial perspectives such as 'How to Win at the Sport of Business' before tackling more complex strategies.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your interests. Each book stands on its own, but reading a mix offers a broader understanding of diverse paths to wealth and success.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

'The Millionaire Fastlane' and 'The Millionaire Master Plan' provide practical, step-by-step strategies that you can begin applying immediately to your financial journey.

Can I get personalized insights beyond these expert books?

Yes! While these books offer valuable expert guidance, you can create a personalized Millionaire Biography book tailored to your specific goals and situation, combining popular methods with your unique needs.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!