25 Sep

Engineering is more than just a profession — it’s a mindset, a passion for problem-solving, and a drive to innovate. To truly understand and conquer the depth of this dynamic field, we’ve curated a carefully selected list of books that will fuel your passion for engineering and help propel your career toward a fantastic future.

These books offer diverse perspectives, from the technical intricacies of engineering to the human side of the profession. Whether you are seeking to deepen your knowledge, explore new horizons, or simply find inspiration, this curated list is designed to enrich your professional journey. 

From understanding the intricacies of structural engineering to gaining insights into the minds of engineering pioneers, these books will inspire, educate, and challenge you. So, grab a cup of coffee, find a cozy corner, and embark on a literary journey through the fascinating engineering world.

Engineering Fundamentals and History: These books explore the development of engineering and its impact on society.

• Engineering and the Mind’s Eye by Eugene Ferguson
• The Perfectionists: How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World by Simon Winchester
• Power Speed and Form: Engineers in the Making of the Twentieth Century by David P Billington and David P Billington, Jr
• Engineering in the Ancient World by J. G. Landels
• Built: The Hidden Stories Behind Our Structures by Roma Agrawal

Engineering Design and Innovation:  These books focus on the design process, user-centered design, and innovation.

• The Design of Everyday Things by Donald Norman
• To Engineer Is Human: The Role of Failure in Successful Design by Henry Petroski
• Design for the Real World: Human Ecology and Social Change

Biomimicry and Nature-Inspired Design: These books explore how nature can inspire engineering solutions.

• The Gecko’s Foot: How Scientists are Taking a Leaf from Nature’s Book by Peter Forbes

Systems Thinking and Engineering Management: These books explore how to analyse and manage complex engineering systems.

• An Elegant Puzzle: Systems of Engineering Management by Will Larson
• Thinking in Systems: A Primer by Donella H. Meadows, Diana Wright
• In Pursuit of the Unknown: 17 Equations That Changed the World by Ian Stewart

Engineering Specialisations

• Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering: These books focus on the principles and applications of aerospace and mechanical engineering.
  • The Simple Science of Flight: From Insects to Jumbo Jets by Henk Tennekes
  • Engineer to Win by Carroll Smith
  • How to Build a Car -The Autobiography of the World’s Greatest Formula 1 Designer By Adrian Newey
  • Tune to Win: The Art and Science of Race Car Development and Tuning by Carroll Smith
• Electrical and Computer Engineering: These books explore the foundations of electrical and computer engineering.
  • Introduction to Sensors for Electrical and Mechanical Engineers by Martin Novák
  • Chip War – The Fight for the World’s Most Critical Technology by Chris Miller
• Structural Engineering: These books delve into the foundational concepts of engineering, such as structural mechanics, materials science, and engineering design.
  • Structures – or Why Things Don’t Fall Down by J.E. Gordon
  • Why Buildings Fall Down by Mario Salvadori & Matthys Levy
  • Why Buildings Stand Up Why Buildings Stand Up: The Strength of Architecture by Mario Salvadori
• Materials Science and Engineering: These books explore the properties and applications of different materials.
  • Stuff Matters: Exploring the Marvelous Materials That Shape Our Man-Made World by Mark Miodownik
  • Sustainable Materials – With Both Eyes Open by Julian Allwood and Jonathan Cullen

Engineering Management and Leadership

• Staff Engineer: Leadership Beyond the Management Track by Will Larson
• 97 Things Every Engineering Manager Should Know: Collective Wisdom from the Experts by Camille Fournier
• The Engineering Executive’s Primer – Impactful Technical Leadership by Will Larson
• The Art of Engineering Leadership: Compelling Concepts and Successful Practice by Michael Jantzer and Godehard Nentwig

Interdisciplinary and General Interest

• Philosophy and Ethics of Engineering: These books explore the philosophical and ethical dimensions of engineering.
  • The Existential Pleasures of Engineering by Samuel C. Florman
  • Engineering Ethics and Design for Product Safety by Kenneth L. d’Entremon
  • Engineering Ethics: An Industrial Perspective – Gail Baura
• History and Philosophy of Science: These books provide a broader context for understanding engineering.
  • Cosmos by Carl Sagan
  • The Idea Factory- Bell Labs and the Great Age of American Innovation by Jon Gertner
• General Interest and Biography: These books offer insights into the lives of engineers and the broader impact of engineering on society.
  • The Great Indian Obsession: The Untold Story of India’s Engineers by Adhitya Iyer:
  • Sir M. Visvesvaraya: An Incredible Engineer Paperback by Dr. R.P.Raj 
  • Vikram Sarabhai: A LIFE by Amrita Shah
  • An Astronaut’s Guide to Life by Chris Hadfield
  • The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande
  • Packing for Mars: The Curious Science of Life in the Void by Mary Roach
  • Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air by David JC MacKay
  • The Singularity is Near When Humans Transcend Biology by Ray Kurzweil
  • Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future by Ashlee Vance

Also read: Top 10 engineering challenges shaping the future: Careers in innovation and sustainability

Also read: From traditional to futuristic: How engineering careers are transforming

Also read: Technological advancement, need for sustainable solutions: Why core engineering careers are thriving

Also read: 12 great podcasts for the curious engineer