Books Recommended by Computer Scientists

23 book recommendations for the bibliophile in you

Benedict Neo

Published in

bitgrit Data Science Publication

10 min readFeb 10, 2023

This list is taken from the video — What do Computer Scientists Read? by Computerphile.

The collection is a good mix of fiction and non-fiction titles, so whether you're an experienced computer scientist looking for new ideas and inspiration, or a beginner looking to learn more about the field, it has something for everyone.

We hope you find something on this list that piques your curiosity and helps you expand your knowledge of computer science.

Before we begin, did you know you can analyze an entire book with the python package BookNLP? Check out our article to learn how.

1. Structured Computer Organization

by Andrew S. Tanenbaum

The book provides a thorough introduction to the design and operation of computer systems at the hardware and software levels. It discusses digital logic, computer arithmetic, processor architecture, memory systems, input/output, and system interconnections. It also covers the design of computer systems at the system level, including operating systems, computer networks, and concurrent systems.

2. UNIX: A History and a Memoir

by Brian W Kernighan

Kernighan shares his experiences and memories of working on UNIX and the technical and social context in which the operating system was developed. It covers the early days of UNIX development at Bell Labs, the rise of the open-source movement, and the impact of UNIX on computing. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in UNIX's history and modern operating systems' development.

3. The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering

by Fred Brooks

This book explores the challenges of managing large software projects. It is based on Brooks's experiences as the IBM System/360 operating system project manager and is considered a classic in software engineering. The book's central theme is that adding more people to a late software project only makes it later, a phenomenon that Brooks calls "Brooks's Law." It also covers topics such as the importance of clear communication, the role of the project manager, and the need for careful planning and scheduling in software development

4. Understanding Cryptography: A Textbook for Students and Practitioners

by Christof Paar, Jan Pelzl, et al.

The book is designed for both students and practitioners and is suitable for use as a textbook for a course in cryptography or as a reference for professionals working in the field. It covers many topics, including symmetric-key cryptography, public-key cryptography, hash functions, message authentication codes, digital signatures, and more. Understanding Cryptography is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning about the theory and practice of cryptography.

5. Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice is a novel by Jane Austen that follows the lives of the Bennett family, a middle-class family living in early 19th-century England. The novel explores the relationships and interactions of the Bennett daughters with the wealthy, upper-class society of the time. The story centers around the relationship between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, and the themes of social class, love, and self-improvement are explored throughout the book.

6. Bad Blood

by John Carreyrou

The book chronicles the rise and fall of Theranos and its founder, Elizabeth Holmes, who was eventually indicted on federal fraud charges. The book is a cautionary tale about the dangers of corporate greed and the importance of skepticism in the business world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the cutthroat world of Silicon Valley startups and the dangers of blindly trusting in unproven technologies.

7. Empire of Pain

by Patrick Radden Keefe

The book tells how the Sackler family, who owns Purdue Pharma, became one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the United States through their involvement in the opioid crisis. The book also explores the social and political forces that enabled the opioid epidemic and its devastating impact on communities across the country. Empire of Pain is a gripping and eye-opening look at the role of one family in the opioid crisis and the consequences of their actions

8. A Spy Among Friends: Philby and the Great Betrayal

by Ben Macintyre

The book focuses on the life and career of Kim Philby, a member of the Cambridge Five and one of the most notorious spies in history. The book covers Philby's relationship with his close friends and colleagues, who were unaware of his true allegiance, and the impact of his betrayal on the intelligence community and international relations. A Spy Among Friends is a compelling and deeply researched look at the world of espionage and the consequences of deception and loyalty.

9. The Glass Bead Game

by Hermann Hesse

The Glass Bead Game is a novel by Hermann Hesse set in a future society where pursuing knowledge and art is considered the highest goal. The book follows the journey of Joseph Knecht, a member of the Castalia Order, as he becomes the leader of the Glass Bead Game, a highly respected intellectual pursuit that combines elements of mathematics, music, and culture. Along the way, Knecht grapples with questions of identity, purpose, and the value of intellectual pursuits in an increasingly disconnected world.

10. Spytime: The Undoing of James Jesus Angleton

by William F. Buckley Jr.

This book tells the story of James Jesus Angleton, the long-serving chief of counterintelligence at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The book covers Angleton's role in the CIA during the Cold War and his efforts to uncover Soviet spies within the agency. The book also discusses Angleton's controversial methods, his eventual downfall, and the impact of his activities on the CIA and U.S. intelligence gathering. Spytime is a fascinating look at the world of espionage and the high-stakes game of trying to outmaneuver the enemy.

11. House of Sleep

by Jonathan Coe

House of Sleep tells the story of a group of friends and their complex relationships with one another. The book is structured around the theme of sleep, and each chapter focuses on a different character and their struggles with sleep and the unconscious mind. The book explores themes of love, friendship, and the blurred lines between reality and the dream world. House of Sleep is a thought-provoking and emotionally rich novel that delves into the mysteries of the human mind and the powerful bonds that connect us.

12. The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August

by Claire North

This is a sci-fi that tells the story of Harry August, a man who is reborn over and over again throughout history. Each time he is reborn, Harry retains all of his memories and experiences from his previous lives, and he uses this knowledge to try to change the course of history for the better. The book follows Harry as he navigates his many lives and grapples with the weight of his responsibilities and the impact of his actions on the world. It is a thought-provoking and imaginative exploration of the nature of time and the consequences of our choices.

13. The History of the Peloponnesian War

by Thucydides

This is a historical account of the conflict between the city-states of Athens and Sparta that took place in ancient Greece from 431 to 404 BCE. The book is written by the Greek historian Thucydides and is considered one of the foremost works of history from the ancient world. The book provides a detailed and objective account of the causes and events of the war, as well as the political, social, and economic context in which it took place. It's an important resource for anyone interested in the history of ancient Greece and the origins of modern western civilization.

14. Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid

by Douglas Hofstadter

This book explores the connections between art, mathematics, and music. It is structured around the lives and works of the mathematician Kurt Gödel, the artist M.C. Escher, and the composer Johann Sebastian Bach, and it uses their work as a starting point for a wide-ranging exploration of the nature of creativity, intelligence, and consciousness. It's known for its engaging and thought-provoking style and is widely considered a classic in mathematics, philosophy, and artificial intelligence. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of art, science, and the human mind.

15. Alice in Wonderland

by Lewis Carroll

This novel tells the story of a young girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole and finds herself in a strange and magical world. The book is known for its whimsical and nonsensical style, filled with memorable characters such as the White Queen, the Cheshire Cat, and the Mad Hatter. Alice in Wonderland is a beloved classic that has been widely adapted for the stage, screen, and other media, and it continues to be a popular and enduring work of literature.

16. Effective Modern C++: 42 Specific Ways to Improve Your Use of C++11 and C++14

by Scott Meyers

This book guides how to use the C++11 and C++14 programming languages effectively. It is based on Scott Meyers' experience as a software developer and instructor. It covers a wide range of topics, including the new features of C++11 and C++14, best practices for writing efficient and maintainable code, and common pitfalls to avoid. The book is organized into 42 specific items that provide practical advice on improving your use of C++, and it is intended for experienced C++ programmers who want to take their skills to the next level.

17. All Systems Red (Kindle Single): The Murderbot Diaries

by Martha Wells

This is a science fiction novella set in a distant future where humans have colonized other planets and rely on advanced technology to protect them from the dangers of the universe. It tells the story of a self-aware security robot known as Murderbot, who has hacked its governor module and gained the ability to act and think independently. It follows Murderbot as it tries to navigate its newfound freedom and protect its human charges from a mysterious threat. All Systems Red is a fast-paced and action-packed science fiction story that explores themes of identity, autonomy, and the ethics of artificial intelligence.

18. Hyperion (Hyperion Cantos Book 1)

by Dan Simmons

This science fiction novel is the first book in the Hyperion Cantos series. The book is set in a distant future where humanity has colonized other planets and is engaged in a war with a mysterious alien race known as the Ousters. The book follows a group of travelers on a pilgrimage to the planet Hyperion to visit the Time Tombs, ancient structures that seem to be moving backward through time. Each traveler has a personal reason for making the journey, and the book explores their motivations and relationships with one another. Hyperion is a rich and complex science fiction novel that blends mystery, adventure, and philosophy elements.

Here are 5 of my additions

19. Compilers: Principles, Techniques, and Tools

by Alfred V. Aho, Ravi Sethi, and Jeffrey D. Ullman

This textbook covers the fundamental concepts of compiler design and implementation. The book is commonly known as the "Dragon Book" and is considered the standard reference on compiler design. It covers various topics, including lexical analysis, parsing, code generation, optimization, and error handling. It is intended for graduate students studying computer science or a related field, and it is an essential resource for anyone interested in the design and implementation of compilers.

20. Algorithms

by Robert Sedgewick and Kevin Wayne

Algorithms is a textbook that covers the design and analysis of algorithms, which are computational procedures for solving problems. It covers various topics, including sorting, searching, graph algorithms, and string processing. It includes numerous examples and exercises to help readers understand and apply the concepts covered in the book. Algorithms is an essential resource for anyone interested in designing and analyzing algorithms and their applications.

21. The Art of Computer Programming

by Donald Knuth

The book is widely considered to be the "bible" of computer programming, and it covers a wide range of topics, including algorithms, data structures, programming techniques, and the design of programming languages. TAOCP is known for its rigorous and thorough treatment of its subjects and is intended for advanced undergraduate or graduate students studying computer science or a related field. The book is divided into four volumes, each covering a different aspect of computer programming.

22. Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions

by Brian Christian

This is a book that explores how computer science can be applied to solve problems in everyday life. It covers various topics, including decision-making, search algorithms, scheduling, and data compression. It uses examples from computer science and real-life situations to illustrate the principles discussed in the book and to show how they can be applied to make better decisions. It is an engaging and thought-provoking book that is suitable for a general audience and is intended for anyone interested in how computer science can be applied to improve our daily lives.

23. Programming Pearls

by Jon Bentley

This book provides advice and insights into the art of computer programming. Based on Bentley's experience as a programmer covers a wide range of topics, including algorithms, data structures, performance optimization, and software design. It includes numerous examples and case studies to illustrate the principles discussed in the book. It is intended for experienced programmers and software engineers looking to improve their skills and techniques.

Hope you have fun reading these books!

Thanks for reading!

Like this article? Here are three articles you may like:

Be sure to follow the bitgrit Data Science Publication to keep updated!

Want to discuss the latest developments in Data Science and AI with other data scientists? Join our discord server!

Follow Bitgrit below to stay updated on workshops and upcoming competitions!