Top 15 Best AI Books to Read

Nick Rockwell

Content Marketing Manager

October 28, 2024

12 min read

If you have no clue what AI is all about, reading a couple of good books on artificial intelligence can give you a clearer picture of this complex concept. Below you will find a curated list of 15 books on AI and machine learning to get you started, refine your knowledge, and become an expert in the field.

5 Good Books on AI for Absolute Beginners

For those unfamiliar with the ideas and technologies behind artificial intelligence, it is best to pick up these 5 best AI books for beginners. They are written with the goal of giving you a complete picture: definition, history, concepts, and real-world applications.

Artificial Intelligence For Dummies, 2nd Edition by John Paul Mueller and Luca Massaron

We’ve put this book at the top because it is simply the best for getting the hang of AI. Readers will begin by studying a basic definition and continue to explore topics of data use, algorithms, dedicated hardware, etc. By relying on simple language to explain difficult subjects, this book will help you to distinguish between the real and the hype.

Artificial Intelligence Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction by Tom Taulli

This is undoubtedly one of the best books on artificial intelligence. Written by a successful software entrepreneur, Tom Taulli, it presents explanations of fundamental concepts, including machine learning and deep learning, while also delving into the impact on society, the ethics of use and the future ahead for this new technology.

Artificial Intelligence – A Modern Approach, 4th Edition by Stuart J. Russell and Peter Norvig

Next on our list is the best textbook for artificial intelligence. Similar to the previous item, it is less technical, but provides a more comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of AI. The book covers a wide range of subjects such as game theory, natural language processing, search algorithms, and sometimes touches up more advanced topics without going into too much detail.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning by Vinod Chandra S. S.

Another artificial intelligence course book that is perfect for beginners. Its target audience is computer science and engineering students. The main topics include artificial intelligence and machine learning as stated in the title of the book. The concepts are demonstrated using worked-out examples and case studies. It is one of the best AI and ML books for people aspiring to start their career in the world of AI.

A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence: What It Is, Where We Are, and Where We Are Going by Michael Wooldridge

A list of artificial intelligence books for beginners has to include one about the history of this fascinating phenomenon. Michael Wooldridge begins by tracing the historical roots of AI from its origins in the 20th century, highlighting the contribution of Alan Turing (the Turing Test sets a benchmark for evaluating machine intelligence). He continues to examine the scientific ideas and breakthroughs that led to the emergence of AI as we know it today.

5 Advanced Books for AI Enthusiasts

Now that you have learned the basics it’s time to go deeper and read the five best books to understand AI at an intermediate level. This selection of books contains works that provide extensive information about what underlies artificial intelligence, such as machine learning algorithms. You’ll also be prompted to consider the impact of AI on how we do business now and the future at large.

Fundamentals of Machine Learning for Predictive Data Analytics – Algorithms, Worked Examples and Case Studies by Brian Mac Namee, John D. Kelleher, Aoife D’Arcy

We start by presenting to you one of the more advanced books on artificial intelligence and machine learning. It focuses on how the two aforementioned concepts are used for predictive data analytics. Theoretical aspects and the practical applications are illustrated with case studies and examples. Definitely counted among the best AI textbooks out there, this book serves as a great foothold for readers with some experience.

Deep Learning (Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning Series) by Yoshua Bengio, Ian Goodfellow, Aaron Courville

The next entry delves into a particular branch of machine learning focused on teaching computers to process information like humans do. Deep learning enables computers to learn naturally, from experience, and expand their knowledge. It provides the fundamentals of deep learning, and then explores common techniques and practices.

The Hundred-Page Machine Learning Book by Andriy Burkov

Regarded by many scientists and researchers as the finest example of books to understand AI and ML. This book is perfect for newcomers who look forward to hearing about the fundamentals of machine learning. As a professional, you may benefit from practical recommendations from the author’s extensive experience. It details all prominent approaches to machine learning, and is the best book to learn AI for beginners

Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark

In the same class as other top books on artificial intelligence, this book raises important questions: ‘How does the use of artificial intelligence change lives? Will machines become smarter than us and leave us without work?’ Max Tegmark has spent years researching and pondering AI-related problems, and now articulates his findings and thoughts in one of the best books to understand AI.

The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values by Brian Christian

Closing this section of top books on AI for intermediates, we have another publication that explores the relationship between artificial intelligence and human values. The author looks into possible dangers in the development of the AI industry, considers ethical dilemmas and urges to take a proactive approach to make it benefit society.

5 Great Books on AI for Experts

So, you’ve read the top 10 books on artificial intelligence, covering the introduction to this technology and its history, explored more advanced topics, even contemplated the possibly dangerous connection between artificial intelligence and human beings. Now that you have a strong scientific foundation, it’s time to dive into the best books to understand artificial intelligence at an advanced level.

Neural Networks and Deep Learning by Charu C. Aggarwal

What are neural networks? Essentially, they are a set of algorithms shaped after the human brain. Standing at the core of deep learning, neural systems allow artificial intelligence to learn and grow by itself. This is the best book about AI, particularly its relation to deep learning and neural networks. Please note, however, that this publication is aimed at researchers and graduate students who have a firm grasp of AI and deep learning.

Artificial Intelligence Engines: A Tutorial Introduction to the Mathematics of Deep Learning by James V. Stone

The author of this book examines the mathematical foundations behind autonomous deep learning. Readers are introduced to the important historical and modern neural network learning algorithms, and then presented with corresponding mathematical details. It is an engaging read for people who understand calculus and programming.

Python: Advanced Guide to Artificial Intelligence by Giuseppe Bonaccorso, Armando Fandango, Rajalingappaa Shanmugamani

It’s impossible to master AI without having some coding skills, and especially, a guide. This is why we suggest going for the best book to study artificial intelligence from the point of view of Python programming. Readers will gain a better understanding of algorithms used in machine learning, and how to train and evaluate AI models. The book includes explanations of generative adversarial networks and autoencoders.

Neural Networks from Scratch in Python by Harrison Kinsley and Daniel Kukieła

Programming is an essential skill for AI development and Python is the most efficient language for this endeavor. Our next book teaches readers how to build neural systems from the ground up, without the use of libraries. Its main goal is to imbue a comprehensive understanding of deep learning and neural networks. Readers will begin by being taught how to code their first neuron models and subsequently go on to create more complex projects.

Human Compatible: Artificial Intelligence and the Problem of Control by Stuart J. Russell

We want to close this section on the top 5 books on artificial intelligence for advanced readers by once again considering the risk to our world posed by AI. You will delve into the theoretical misuse of this technology as well as examine its benefits to our life. Stuart J. Russell speaks about the obligation of modern humans to rebuild AI, so that machines of the future will serve mankind and work to achieve its goals.

Wrap up

As has been shown above, there isn’t a best book to learn artificial intelligence. The concepts of AI cannot be compressed into one single publication. It’s imperative to study algorithms and know how to write code in programming languages, yet you shouldn’t forget about the history of AI and the dangers this industry holds for our future.

To get a solid grasp of the subject, it's necessary to compile an all-encompassing artificial intelligence book list and scrutinize each one, building a knowledge base and filling in the gaps. We hope that our artificial intelligence book recommendations will help you create a reading plan and kickstart your journey in the world of AI. Perhaps you will discover that you can implement AI applications in your own business.