22/03/2019 30 Must Read Engineering Books

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30 Must Read Engineering Books

Whether for business or pleasure, we have compiled our recommendations of 30 of the greatest engineering books available.

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So, you want some recommendations for great engineering books? Then you've come to the right place. Following publications are
recognized as some of the most remarkable engineering books of all time and many of them are enduring classics.

The list is not exhaustive, but in our opinion, these are the 30 greatest engineering books to buy (or borrow).

1. To Engineer Is Human: The Role of Failure in Successful Design

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Written by Henry Petroski, this book emphasizes the importance of the study of design failures. It explores well-known engineering
failures such as the Hyatt Skywalk, The Mianus River Bridge collapse, and the problematic DC-10 engine servicing. 


2. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

Written by Robert Pirsig, this book is probably one of the most in uential engineering books of the 20th century. It was rst
published over forty years ago and it's still relevant today for any mechanical engineer. Pirsig explores the question "What is
quality?". It is said that the quest ultimately drove the author insane. Anthony J Marchese from Colorado State University describes
this book as representing a journey upon which all mechanical engineers should embark.
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3. The Design of Everyday Things

This is a classic engineering book and has been through several editions. Written by Donald Norman, this book isn't just about the
design process but also about people and the way they use things. The Design of Everyday Things can change the way we think
about the products we use, and about the part we play in creating new products.

4. Engineering Fundamentals - An Introduction To Engineering

Speci cally designed for people who are interested in studying engineering, this is an excellent introduction written by Saeed
Moaveni. It explains the fundamental principles of engineering. A worthy entry on the list of great engineering books.

5. Engineering - A Very Short Introduction

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Written by David Blockley, this engineering book is aimed at those who want to learn more about engineering but have limited time.
It explores the history and the nature of engineering.



6. Basic Machines And How They Work

This book is perfect for anyone interested in mechanical engineering. It covers a range of primary theories beginning with
basic machines.

7. Studying Engineering - A Road Map to A Rewarding Career

First released in 1995, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in a career in engineering. It has become the best-selling
x
introduction book to the engineering of all time. We highly recommend it.
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Written by Eugene S. Ferguson, this engineering book is actually an extension of Ferguson's essay on engineering in relation to
intuition and nonverbal thinking.

9. Engineering the ABC’s: How Engineers Shape Our World

This one is for children. In this book, Patty O'Brien Novak is simply explaining why engineering is important and how engineers
shape our world.

10. Basics of Mechanical Engineering

Here is another great book for anyone who wishes to know more about mechanical engineering. It intends to teach basic concepts
and principles.

11. 101 Things I Learned in Engineering School

This doozy contains real-life examples of fundamental physics and engineering principles.

12. The Existential Pleasures of Engineering (Thomas Dunne Book)

This interesting engineering book explores how engineers think and feel about their chosen profession.

13. Unwritten Laws of Engineering: Revised and Updated Edition.

This book is practically the canon of engineers. Since it was rst published in 1944, it has become a key study book for engineers.

14. The Mythical Man-Month (and Other Essays on Software Engineering)

First published in 1995, The Mythical Man-Month by Frederick P. Brooks Jr. is a well written and witty engineering book. It describes
the dif culties of engineering complex systems, as well as explores a perspective on the operation of organizations. This book
should not only be read by engineers, but by every manager of a technology organization.

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15. Design for the Real World: Human Ecology and Social Change
This is a seminal book on appropriate technology that incorporates a wider philosophy of the social role of design. Written by Victor
Papanek, this book is very much a manifesto imparted with urgency and feeling.

16. The Soul of a New Machine

This book is about Data General during the 1970's. The writer Tracy Kidder successfully captures the excitement and obsession
provoked by the act of creation. It focuses on the team as they design a new computer. So, expect lots of sideburns and beards. This
is an excellent book that deserves to be discovered.

17. Normal Accidents: Living with High-Risk Technologies

As the title suggests, this engineering book is about how a range of accidents happen. It is an exploration of systemic failure and its
implications. Written by Charles Perrow, this book is extraordinarily readable and full of compelling examples.
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18. Brunelleschi's Dome

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Brunelleschi's Dome is about one of the most impressive projects of the Renaissance, the Dome of Florence Cathedral. In this book,
writer Ross King tells both the biography of a genius and the history of an incredible piece of engineering.

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19. Homo Faber

This is actually a novel but still a worthy entry. The title Homo Faber refers to both 'man the maker' and the voice of the narrative x
Walter Faber. The book tears apart the world-view of engineering.
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Written by Mario Salvadori, this overview of building methods provides essential awareness of problem-solving in structural
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21. Why Buildings Fall Down: How Structures Fail

In this well-known book, the authors examine buildings of all kinds and time periods. Their subjects range from Parthenon's man-
caused destruction to damages of the earthquake of 1989 in Armenia and San Francisco.

22. The Making of an Expert Engineer

This book sets out the principles of engineering practice. It explores knowledge that has come to light through the research run on
engineers at work by the author James Trevelyan and his students for more than a decade.

23. Fundamentals of Thermodynamics 8th Edition

This book continues to offer a comprehensive and rigorous analysis of classical thermodynamics. Written by Claus Borgnakke,
Richard E. Sonntag, it's now on its eighth edition.

24. Engineering in the Ancient World, Revised Edition

In his classic book, J. G. Landels describes the technological advances of the Greeks and Romans with erudition and enthusiasm.

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25. The Pragmatic Programmer: From Journeyman to Master

Written by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas, this engineering book cuts through the increasing specialization and technicalities of
modern software development. It examines the core process, taking a requirement and producing maintainable code that delights
its users.

26. Design Paradigms: Case Histories of Error and Judgment in Engineering

Another classic from Henry Petrovski. This book takes you on a tour of various structures from classical temples to twentieth-
century towers. It explains how engineers have learned about design more from failure than from success.

27. The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge
Written by David McCullough, this book takes a look at the dramatic and enthralling story of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge. It
was the world’s longest suspension bridge at the time.

28. Machinery's Handbook, Pocket Companion

This book is designed for anyone in the machine trades for whom convenient access to just the most basic data is at a premium.

29. Engineering Legends: Great American Civil Engineers

This book by Richard Weingardt features a list of 32 engineering legends from the 1700s to the present

30. Theory of Machines

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Serving as a textbook for students of B Tech, this book by R.S. Khurmi includes color plates. It covers topics such as Kinematics of
Motion, Simple Harmonic Motion, Steam engine valves and much more.
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So there you go, our choice of some of the 30 best engineering books out there. Have we missed any other great titles? Why not let
us know your favorites.

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