10 Best-Selling Engineering Books Millions Trust
Bill Gates, Prasanna Viswanathan, and Charity Majors recommend these best-selling Engineering Books for proven insights and expert guidance.






There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love—especially in engineering, where practical knowledge meets innovation. Engineering continues to shape our world with breakthroughs in technology, infrastructure, and management, making trusted guidance more valuable than ever. Millions turn to proven resources as they build skills and solve real-world problems, highlighting the enduring relevance of these books.
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and energy philanthropist, champions The Grid for its deep dive into America's power infrastructure challenges. Meanwhile, Prasanna Viswanathan, CEO of Swarajyamag, praises Chip War for unpacking the strategic role of semiconductors in global power. Engineering leaders like Charity Majors, CTO at Honeycomb.io, have found An Elegant Puzzle invaluable for managing complex teams, illustrating how these books resonate across disciplines.
While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific engineering needs might consider creating a personalized Engineering book that combines these validated approaches into a focused guide just for you.
Recommended by Prasanna Viswanathan
CEO of Swarajyamag
“Chip War: The Best Economics Book Of 2022 And Lessons For India @Tushar15_ via @swarajyamag” (from X)
by Chris Miller··You?
by Chris Miller··You?
What started as an exploration of geopolitical shifts became a deep dive into the technology underpinning global power. Chris Miller, an expert in international history and economics, unpacks the microchip's rise from a technical marvel to a strategic asset shaping military and economic dominance. You’ll gain insight into the complex interplay between semiconductor technology and international relations, illustrated by case studies on U.S. innovation and China’s aggressive chip-building initiatives. This book suits anyone curious about how engineering feats intertwine with policy and global competition, especially those interested in the critical technologies defining today’s world order.
by Charles R. Miller··You?
by Charles R. Miller··You?
What happens when decades of hands-on electrical experience meets the latest industry updates? Charles R. Miller delivers a tightly focused reference packed with essential data electricians rely on daily. You'll find updated 2023 NEC code changes, conduit bending guides, wiring diagrams, and ampacity tables that help you navigate complex electrical systems with confidence. Chapters cover everything from transformer currents to grounding conductors, making it a practical asset whether you're in the field or training. If you need a compact, trustworthy electrical guide that aligns with current standards, this book is tailored for you, though those outside electrical trades might find it too specialized.
by TailoredRead AI·
This tailored engineering book explores battle-tested techniques and proven methods, combining widely respected knowledge with your unique challenges and interests. It covers key engineering principles, practical problem-solving approaches, and specialized insights that many readers have found valuable, all matched to your background and goals. By focusing on your specific needs, this book reveals pathways to deeper understanding and mastery in areas like systems design, project execution, and innovation management. The personalized content ensures you engage with material that directly supports your engineering ambitions, making learning more efficient and relevant.
Recommended by Charity Majors
CTO at Honeycomb.io, database reliability coauthor
“Holy fuckola. I got ~4 pages through @lethain's new book before realizing "this might be the best book I have ever read on engineering teams" and by page 42 I knew for sure. Every engineer should read this. Not just managers.” (from X)
by Will Larson··You?
by Will Larson··You?
Drawing from his leadership roles at Digg, Uber, and Stripe, Will Larson developed a human-centric approach to managing engineering teams that tackles challenges ranging from team sizing to technical debt management. You’ll find practical insights on succession planning and balancing structured management principles with empathy to create environments where engineers can thrive. For example, Larson discusses how to evaluate team growth phases and implement thoughtful delegation strategies that prevent burnout. Whether you're an engineering manager or aspiring leader, this book guides you through resolving the complex puzzles of engineering management with clarity and nuance.
by Paul Scherz, Simon Monk··You?
by Paul Scherz, Simon Monk··You?
Unlike most engineering books that focus solely on theory, this one dives straight into practical electronics with clear, detailed guidance. The authors, both seasoned engineers and lifelong hobbyists, offer you insights into selecting components, building circuits, and working with microcontrollers and programmable logic. For example, chapters on operational amplifiers and digital electronics provide hands-on schematics and explanations that help you move from concept to functioning gadget. If you're keen on developing tangible electronics skills rather than just understanding concepts, this book suits your ambitions well, though those looking for purely theoretical discussions might find it too applied.
Recommended by Bill Gates
Co-Founder & Former CEO of Microsoft
by Gretchen Bakke··You?
by Gretchen Bakke··You?
Gretchen Bakke combines her cultural anthropology expertise with a deep dive into America's electrical grid, revealing it as more than infrastructure—it's a reflection of national history and values. You learn why the grid, though once a marvel, now struggles under the weight of modern energy demands and how its transformation involves a complex interplay of technology, politics, and social change. Chapters detail the grid’s evolution and current challenges, such as integrating renewable energy sources and navigating regulatory hurdles. If you’re curious about the intersection of engineering, policy, and society or involved in energy sectors, this book offers insights into the urgent need to reimagine how power reaches us all.
by TailoredRead AI·
This tailored engineering book explores practical, step-by-step approaches to accelerate your engineering skills within 30 days. It covers essential techniques for rapid improvement, focusing on actions that align with your specific background and goals. By combining widely validated engineering knowledge with your personal interests, the book reveals how to make tangible progress quickly and effectively. Through a tailored lens, it examines core engineering principles alongside targeted techniques suited to your needs, ensuring the content remains relevant and engaging. This personalized resource encourages focused learning, helping you build competence and confidence in your engineering endeavors.
Recommended by Walt Jung
Author, IC Op-Amp Cookbook
“Horowitz and Hill's third edition, beautifully upgrades their earlier work, with substantial updates to detail, and without compromise to style, content, or technical quality. Like the second edition I've used for years, it is laser-focused on the working engineer. Delivered in folksy Horowitz and Hill style, it is rich with the kind of nitty-gritty information that's invaluable to circuit designers and manufacturers, much of which is absent (or difficult to find) elsewhere. This new book is a superb update, one which I'm sure will be treasured by those close to the art of analog circuitry.” (from Amazon)
by Paul Horowitz, Winfield Hill··You?
by Paul Horowitz, Winfield Hill··You?
Drawing from decades of experience as a Harvard physics professor and electronics innovator, Paul Horowitz, alongside Winfield Hill, developed this definitive guide to electronic circuit design. You’ll find not only theoretical explanations but also practical data like oscilloscope screenshots and measured component characteristics that rarely appear in datasheets. Chapters such as the detailed analysis of active components and circuit behavior equip you to make informed design choices. Whether you’re a student, researcher, or hobbyist, this book offers a deep dive into the nuances of analog and digital electronics that will sharpen your understanding and technical skills.
by Svein Linge, Hans Petter Langtangen··You?
by Svein Linge, Hans Petter Langtangen··You?
Svein Linge, a professor specializing in modeling and simulation, co-authored this book to bridge the gap between programming and engineering education. You get introduced to Python 3.6 through a methodical expansion from basics to applying numerical methods for mathematical problems, with chapters dedicated to clean program design and verification techniques. The book’s approach suits those new to programming who want to write functional code for engineering challenges, emphasizing generic algorithms and practical coding habits. If you’re aiming to integrate programming skills directly into science or engineering contexts, this book lays down a clear, focused path without unnecessary complexity.
by A J WHARTON·You?
by A J WHARTON·You?
A J Wharton's experience in marine engineering shines through in this focused examination of diesel engines used in maritime contexts. The book methodically explores diesel engine theory, technology, and operational practices tailored for those pursuing Department of Transport Certificates of Competency, Class One and Two. It doesn't just cover basics; it also introduces readers to the latest engine types and emerging operating systems, making it relevant for professionals staying current with industry developments. You will gain practical insights into engine maintenance and performance optimization, especially valuable if your work involves marine diesel engines or certification preparation.
by G T H FLANAGAN·You?
by G T H FLANAGAN·You?
G T H Flanagan's extensive experience in marine engineering informs this focused examination of feed water systems, a critical component in shipboard operations. The book offers detailed insights into the design, maintenance, and treatment techniques essential for ensuring efficiency and reliability in marine boilers. You explore practical aspects such as water chemistry control and system troubleshooting, skills vital for marine engineers and technical professionals in the maritime industry. While concise, the text delivers targeted knowledge beneficial for those responsible for maintaining vessel integrity and operational safety.
by Michael J Neale··You?
by Michael J Neale··You?
Unlike most engineering books that zero in on theory alone, Michael J Neale's The Tribology Handbook offers an in-depth practical guide to selecting and designing machine components with an emphasis on lubrication. Drawing on his leadership as a former President of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Neale revises this edition with insights from top experts, focusing on real-world application rather than abstract concepts. You’ll find detailed discussions on wear mechanisms, lubrication methods, and component materials that provide tangible skills for engineers working on machine reliability and maintenance. If your work involves mechanical design or upkeep, this book delivers clear technical frameworks and case studies that enhance your decision-making.
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Conclusion
This collection of ten best-selling engineering books highlights a few clear themes: the importance of practical, field-tested knowledge; the value of leadership and management insights tailored to technical teams; and the critical role of understanding infrastructure and systems in today’s engineering challenges. If you prefer proven methods with broad appeal, start with The Art of Electronics and Ugly’s Electrical References for solid technical foundations.
For validated approaches that bridge management and innovation, An Elegant Puzzle pairs well with Chip War’s strategic perspective on technology’s global impact. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Engineering book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in advancing their engineering expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with a book that aligns with your current focus. For hands-on circuit work, The Art of Electronics is a reliable foundation. If you're interested in management, An Elegant Puzzle offers practical guidance. Choosing based on your immediate goals helps you build confidence and see results quickly.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Engineering?
Not at all. While some books like Programming for Computations ease you into programming, others offer reference-level detail useful as you grow. You can pick books that match your experience and revisit others as your skills develop.
What’s the best order to read these books?
Consider starting with practical technical guides like Ugly’s Electrical References or Practical Electronics for Inventors. Then explore broader topics like Chip War or The Grid for context, and finish with leadership insights in An Elegant Puzzle.
Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?
You can definitely pick based on your needs. Each book stands strong on its own. For example, if marine engineering interests you, Diesel Engines or Feed Water Systems and Treatment are focused choices without needing the whole list.
Are any of these books outdated given how fast Engineering changes?
These books are updated or respected classics trusted by experts. For example, Ugly’s Electrical References is the 2023 edition, reflecting current codes. Still, pairing them with tailored, up-to-date resources can keep your knowledge fresh.
How can I get engineering knowledge tailored to my specific needs and goals?
Great question! While these expert-recommended books cover proven methods, personalized content can complement them perfectly. By creating a personalized Engineering book, you get targeted insights suited to your background, focus areas, and objectives, making learning efficient and relevant.
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