8 Best-Selling Artificial Intelligence Research Books Millions Trust

Recommended by Erik Brynjolfsson, Spratt, and other AI research experts for trusted, best-selling Artificial Intelligence Research insights

Erik Brynjolfsson
Spratt
Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in a field as dynamic as Artificial Intelligence Research. The landscape of AI evolves rapidly, yet these best-selling titles have stood out for their proven insights and enduring relevance. Whether you're a researcher, policymaker, or enthusiast, these works help you navigate AI's complexities with clarity and credibility.

Erik Brynjolfsson, a professor and noted authority in AI economics, has endorsed titles like "The Economics of Artificial Intelligence," highlighting their depth and practical value. Meanwhile, Spratt, a seasoned tech executive and investor, champions books such as "Rebooting AI," which cuts through hype to reveal the real challenges and opportunities in developing trustworthy AI.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks and broad perspectives, you might also consider creating a personalized Artificial Intelligence Research book tailored to your specific interests and goals. This approach combines validated methods with your unique context for a more focused learning journey.

Best for realistic AI progress insights
Spratt, a seasoned tech executive and angel investor with deep roots in computing since 1987, recommends this book as a definitive guide to genuine AI progress. Their endorsement highlights the book’s ability to cut through the hype surrounding AI advancements, especially during times when distinguishing real breakthroughs from inflated claims is crucial. As Spratt notes, "if you’re interested in real AI progress, go no further than Gary," underscoring how the authors’ expertise provides clarity and practical insight into AI's future. This makes the book a compelling read for anyone serious about understanding trustworthy AI development.
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Recommended by Spratt

BD at Uber, angel investor, tech incubator co-founder

@EstherNaylor @GaryMarcus @brucebusiness if you’re interested in *real* AI progress, go no further than Gary. has a great book too. (from X)

2019·288 pages·Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence Research, Research, Commonsense Reasoning, Machine Learning

Gary Marcus and Ernest Davis challenge the hype around AI by highlighting the gulf between narrow AI successes, like winning Jeopardy!, and the broader, messier challenges of real-world intelligence. Drawing on decades of research, they argue that genuine AI must incorporate common sense and deep understanding rather than just statistical pattern matching. You’ll gain insight into why current AI approaches fall short and what a trustworthy AI might look like in your daily life—from autonomous cars to healthcare. If you're curious about the realistic future of AI and want to understand its limitations and potential, this book offers a thoughtful, grounded perspective without overselling.

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Best for AI economic impact analysis
Erik Brynjolfsson, a professor and leading voice in artificial intelligence research, highlights this book as a key resource filled with valuable insights. He shared, "I just got my copy of @nberpubs book 'The Economics of Artificial Intelligence: An Agenda', edited by Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, and Avi Goldfarb. So much great material in there!" Brynjolfsson's endorsement reflects the book’s relevance for understanding AI's economic dimensions, making it a compelling choice if you’re looking to deepen your grasp of AI's evolving role in society and markets.
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Recommended by Erik Brynjolfsson

Professor and AI authority

I just got my copy of @nberpubs book "The Economics of Artificial Intelligence: An Agenda", edited by @professor_ajay, @joshgans and @avicgoldfarb. So much great material in there! (from X)

The Economics of Artificial Intelligence: An Agenda (National Bureau of Economic Research Conference Report) book cover

by Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, Avi Goldfarb··You?

2019·648 pages·Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence Research, Economics, Strategy, Machine Learning

Ajay Agrawal, a strategic management professor at the University of Toronto, brings deep expertise in the economics of AI to this extensive volume. You explore how AI acts as a general purpose technology influencing productivity, growth, and labor markets, with detailed chapters examining machine learning's economic impact, regulatory challenges, and the future of automation. The book suits economists, policymakers, and business leaders aiming to understand AI’s broad economic implications and the open questions shaping research agendas. Its blend of rigorous analysis and varied contributions makes it a substantial resource for grasping AI’s role in economic transformation.

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Best for custom research roadmaps
This AI-created book on AI research is written based on your background, skill level, and specific interests in the field. You share which aspects of AI research you want to focus on and your goals, and the book is crafted to cover exactly what you need. Personalizing the content helps you avoid generic overviews and dives into the topics that matter most to your learning journey. This approach ensures you get a tailored and efficient exploration of AI research, matching your unique path and ambitions.
2025·50-300 pages·Artificial Intelligence Research, Artificial Intelligence, Research Methods, Machine Learning, Neural Networks

This personalized AI research book explores proven techniques and popular knowledge curated to match your background and interests. It covers key concepts in artificial intelligence research, examining current advances and foundational theories tailored to your specific goals. By focusing on reader-validated insights, the book reveals how to navigate complex AI topics with clarity and depth, making intricate subjects accessible and relevant to your unique context. This tailored content encourages a deeper understanding of AI research challenges and opportunities, helping you engage with emerging ideas and established knowledge alike. It’s a focused journey through AI research designed just for you, blending collective expertise with your individual learning path.

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Best for foundational AI research perspectives
John McCarthy’s Defending AI Research offers a unique window into the foundational debates and defenses surrounding artificial intelligence. With a legacy that includes inventing LISP and establishing Stanford’s AI lab, McCarthy compiles his critical reviews of books that question AI’s trajectory, tackling topics from the nature of intelligence to the politics influencing research. This collection speaks directly to those invested in understanding and supporting AI research, providing a seasoned perspective on why the field remains vital despite criticism.
1996·130 pages·Artificial Intelligence Research, Intelligence Theory, Knowledge Acquisition, AI Ethics, Computer Science

John McCarthy, a pioneer in computer science and the inventor of LISP, developed this collection of essays to firmly defend Artificial Intelligence research during a period of intense skepticism. Through his reviews of critical books on AI's future, you gain insight into the foundational debates about intelligence, knowledge acquisition, and the political challenges facing AI development. You will explore McCarthy’s perspective on why AI matters, grounded in decades of firsthand experience shaping the field at Stanford and beyond. This book is particularly suited for those wanting an informed defense of AI research, rather than speculative hype or simplistic forecasts.

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Best for exploring general intelligence concepts
Dr. Ben Goertzel, a veteran AI researcher with a background in mathematics, computer science, and psychology, leads teams developing Artificial General Intelligence technology. His extensive publication record includes multiple research treatises and a biography of Linus Pauling, underlining his broad intellectual scope. This book reflects his commitment to pushing AI beyond narrow specialties toward truly general intelligence, offering readers a chance to engage with pioneering ideas in the field.
Artificial General Intelligence (Cognitive Technologies) book cover

by Ben Goertzel, Cassio Pennachin··You?

Drawing from decades of research in AI, cognitive science, and systems theory, Ben Goertzel and Cassio Pennachin assembled this volume to address a critical gap in understanding general intelligence beyond narrow applications. You’ll explore foundational concepts and current approaches to engineering truly general intelligence, distinguishing it from specialized AI systems. The book offers a detailed survey of contemporary AGI research, including perspectives from multiple experts that reveal the field’s complexity and challenges. If your interest lies in the theoretical and practical efforts to build machines with broad cognitive abilities, this text provides valuable insights, although it demands some technical commitment.

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Best for AI historical context seekers
Michael Wooldridge is a professor and Head of Computer Science at the University of Oxford with over 350 AI publications and leadership in international AI associations. His extensive experience shapes this book, providing an informed tour through AI's history and future. Wooldridge’s cautious yet optimistic perspective offers readers a reliable guide to one of science's most intriguing fields.
2021·272 pages·Artificial Intelligence, Artificial Intelligence Research, Technology, History, Machine Learning

Michael Wooldridge brings decades of experience as a leading AI researcher to explore the evolution and current state of artificial intelligence. You gain a clear-eyed understanding of AI's milestones, from early ambitions of conscious machines to today's practical applications like driverless cars and automated translation. The book demystifies AI's complex history and future without hype, grounded in Wooldridge's cautious optimism and firsthand knowledge. It’s particularly suited if you want to grasp both the scientific breakthroughs and the realistic expectations surrounding AI's potential impact.

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Best for rapid AI comprehension
This AI-created book on AI research is crafted specifically based on your background and goals. It uses your interests and current skill level to focus on the aspects of AI research you want to understand most. By tailoring the content to your needs, it offers a learning path that’s efficient and engaging, helping you absorb complex AI research fundamentals without unnecessary detours.
2025·50-300 pages·Artificial Intelligence Research, Artificial Intelligence, Research Methods, Machine Learning, AI Fundamentals

This AI-created book offers a tailored 30-day plan to accelerate your grasp of AI research fundamentals. It combines widely valued knowledge with your personal interests to create a learning experience that matches your background and specific goals. The book explores core AI concepts, research methods, and emerging developments, focusing on rapid comprehension and practical understanding. By emphasizing personalized content, it ensures you engage deeply with topics that matter most to you, from foundational theories to current AI challenges. This approach reveals how to navigate the complex AI research landscape efficiently and meaningfully, making complex ideas accessible and relevant to your learning journey.

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1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for current Nordic AI research trends
Evi Zouganeli is an accomplished editor and researcher in artificial intelligence who has played a key role in advancing AI methodologies through collaboration with experts like Anis Yazidi, Gustavo Mello, and Pedro Lind. Her work compiling critical research from the Norwegian AI Society’s symposiums reflects deep expertise and offers readers access to the latest developments in AI research, particularly within the Nordic region. This book provides a valuable perspective on emerging AI topics, driven by Zouganeli’s commitment to fostering knowledge sharing in the field.
2023·152 pages·Artificial Intelligence Research, Artificial Intelligence, Research, Robotics, Intelligent Systems

Evi Zouganeli and her co-editors bring together a focused collection of research from the 4th Symposium of the Norwegian AI Society, offering a snapshot of current advancements in AI across robotics, cyber systems, and medical applications. This book distills 11 rigorously reviewed papers that dive into specialized topics like intelligent systems and emerging AI methodologies, providing you with a clear view of cutting-edge developments in the Nordic AI research community. If you’re involved in AI research or development, particularly in academic or applied tech settings, this volume offers insights into evolving techniques and interdisciplinary applications that could inform your own work.

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Best for cognitive science AI frameworks
Artificial Intelligence: Research Directions In Cognitive Science - European perspectives offers a distinct look inside the foundational subareas of AI, reflecting breadth across knowledge acquisition, logic programming, and machine learning, among others. Its inclusion of medical applications highlights AI’s practical impact on healthcare, making it a valuable resource for those interested in cognitive science’s role within AI. This book’s European perspective and methodical review of AI programming environments bring clarity to complex topics, enabling those engaged in AI research or study to deepen their understanding of core AI disciplines and their interrelations.
1992·276 pages·Artificial Intelligence Research, Machine Learning, Knowledge Acquisition, Logic Programming, Natural Language

What happens when expertise in cognitive science meets artificial intelligence research? N.O Bernsen and D. Sleeman explore seven critical subfields, including knowledge acquisition, logic programming, machine learning, and natural language processing. Their examination extends to vision systems and the design of AI programming environments, with a focused chapter on medical applications showcasing AI's real-world relevance. You’ll gain a grounded understanding of these areas, seeing how foundational theories connect to practical implementations, especially in healthcare. This book suits you if you're delving into AI from a cognitive science perspective or seeking a structured overview of diverse AI domains with European insights.

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Best for AGI engineering methodologies
Engineering General Intelligence, Part 1 offers a distinctive perspective within artificial intelligence research by presenting a novel theoretical framework aimed at realizing human-level AGI. This book has attracted attention for its methodical approach to bridging abstract concepts with practical development pathways, making it a valuable reference for those invested in pushing the boundaries of machine cognition. Its detailed roadmap addresses the pressing need for scalable, adaptable AI systems that aspire to human-like understanding, benefiting researchers and developers focused on the future of intelligent machines.
2014·432 pages·Artificial Intelligence Research, Strong AI, Artificial General Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cognitive Architecture

What happens when decades of dedicated research in artificial intelligence meets the challenge of building human-level machine cognition? Goertzel lays out a conceptual and theoretical framework that goes beyond typical AI approaches, offering a practical roadmap for developing Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) capable of matching and exceeding human intelligence. You’ll find detailed discussions on the architecture and methodologies aimed at creating systems that understand, learn, and adapt like people do. This book suits those deeply invested in the technical and philosophical underpinnings of AGI, especially researchers and advanced practitioners looking to grasp the complexities behind engineering truly general intelligence.

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Proven AI Research Methods, Personalized

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Conclusion

This curated collection of Artificial Intelligence Research books highlights several key themes: foundational knowledge defending the field's legitimacy, realistic assessments of AI capabilities, deep dives into general intelligence, and economic perspectives shaping policy and business. If you prefer proven methods, start with "Defending AI Research" or "A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence." For validated approaches to current challenges, combine "Rebooting AI" and "The Economics of Artificial Intelligence."

For those seeking the latest in AI engineering and theoretical frameworks, "Engineering General Intelligence, Part 1" and "Artificial General Intelligence" offer in-depth roadmaps. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Artificial Intelligence Research book to blend these proven strategies with your unique needs.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in understanding and advancing Artificial Intelligence Research, making this selection a valuable starting point for your exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence" for a clear overview of AI’s evolution, providing context before diving into more specialized topics.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Artificial Intelligence Research?

Not at all. Several books, like "Rebooting AI," explain complex ideas accessibly, while others offer more technical depth for advanced readers.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with historical and foundational texts, then move to economic and engineering-focused books to build layered understanding.

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

You can pick based on your interests, but combining a few—such as economic and technical perspectives—gives a more rounded picture.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"Artificial General Intelligence" and "Engineering General Intelligence, Part 1" emphasize theory, while "Rebooting AI" and "The Economics of Artificial Intelligence" focus on practical implications.

How can I get the most relevant AI research insights tailored to my needs?

Expert books provide solid foundations, but you can also create a personalized Artificial Intelligence Research book that combines proven methods with your specific goals for targeted learning.

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