Best Business Infrastructure Books of 2026

Louis Vuitton: The Birth of Modern Luxury Updated Edition is a comprehensive book that delves into the history of the iconic luxury brand. With access to the company's archives, the book showcases the passion for fine design that Louis Vuitton is known for, featuring a stunning array of archival art, product designs, and advertising. The book covers the lives of the brand's first three leaders, and the updated edition includes new information on ready-to-wear clothing, shoes, jewelry, and even automobiles. Written by Paul-Grard Pasols and edited by Pierre Lonforte, this book is a must-read for fashion history enthusiasts.

"Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup" is a gripping account of the rise and fall of Elizabeth Holmes and her company, Theranos. Author John Carreyrou exposes the ambition and hubris that led to one of the biggest corporate frauds in history, as Holmes promised to revolutionize the medical industry with her breakthrough device that could perform laboratory tests from a single drop of blood. Carreyrou's rigorous reporting and storytelling style make this book read like a thriller. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the dark side of Silicon Valley and the dangers of unchecked ambition."

An Elegant Puzzle by Will Larson is a must-read for anyone in engineering management. Larson draws from his experience at Digg, Uber, and Stripe to provide a thoughtful approach to solving complex management challenges, including sizing teams, handling technical debt, and performing succession planning. The book balances structured principles and human-centric thinking to help any leader create more effective and rewarding organizations for engineers to thrive in. An Elegant Puzzle provides concrete strategies for modern organizations while capturing the timeless spirit of creative problem-solving that draws us to software engineering. Overall, it's a masterful study of the challenges and demands of engineering management viewed through the prism of systems thinking.

Power Failure: The Rise and Fall of an American Icon by William D. Cohan is a captivating read that chronicles the dramatic journey of General Electric (GE) from its inception to its downfall. The book provides a masterful re-appraisal of GE's management culture and pioneering doctrine of shareholder value that led to its success and eventual collapse. Cohan's meticulous research and access to major players in the company bear significant fruit, making this book a rich narrative that is both informative and insightful. Overall, Power Failure is a cautionary tale that offers valuable lessons on the perils of corporate hubris and the importance of avoiding avoidable mistakes.

Rocket Fuel by BenBella Books is a must-read for business leaders who want to take their companies to the next level. The book emphasizes the vital relationship between the Visionary and Integrator, which is the key to achieving success. The author explains how the combination of these two roles has led to the success of companies like Disney, McDonald's, and Ford. The book features assessments to help readers determine whether they are Visionaries or Integrators and offers advice on how to find the right partner. Without a doubt, Rocket Fuel is a valuable resource for anyone looking to grow and thrive in the business world.

The Little Book of Burberry: The Story of the Iconic Fashion House (Little Books of Fashion, 16) is a beautifully illustrated and informative reference book that delves into the history of the iconic British fashion brand. From its humble beginnings in 1856 to its current designs, the book showcases the brand's ability to blend tradition and innovation in its covetable designs. The author, Darla-Jane Gilroy, provides an invaluable insight into the brand's evolution and its impact on the fashion industry. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in fashion history and the brand's legacy.

Porsche 70 Years: There Is No Substitute by Randy Leffingwell is a must-have book for any Porsche enthusiast. The book offers a comprehensive overview of the company's entire history, from its first 356 to the advanced 918. Leffingwell's in-depth analyses of milestone cars and events, accompanied by beautiful contemporary photos and rare historical images, give readers a richly illustrated and detailed book. The author also sheds light on the engineering and design stories behind Stuttgart's most famous cars and key players. Overall, Porsche 70 Years is a worthy purchase for any Porsche enthusiast's bookshelf.

The Grid: The Fraying Wires Between Americans and Our Energy Future is an eye-opening book that sheds light on America's electrical grid, its history, current flaws, and how it needs to be transformed for our energy future. Author Gretchen Bakke, a cultural anthropologist, presents a compelling case for reimagining the grid according to twenty-first-century values to accommodate new energy sources such as solar, wind, and other alternatives. Bakke's engaging writing style, combined with her in-depth research, makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of America's energy infrastructure and its potential role in a cleaner, brighter future.

"Plain Talk: Lessons from a Business Maverick" by Ken Iverson is a must-read for business leaders who want to learn from a true American hero. Iverson's book offers practical insights on how to grow a super-competitive, world-class organization. His story of single-handedly rejuvenating the American steel industry is inspiring. The book is well-written, easy to follow, and full of solid conclusions. Iverson's character, values, and ethics merge seamlessly with the mission and values of a successful, innovative business. Overall, this book is a masterpiece and a major contribution to the business world.

Lights Out: Pride, Delusion, and the Fall of General Electric by Wall Street Journal reporters is a detailed and compelling account of the epic decline of one of America's most iconic corporations. The book examines how GE's culture of winning at all costs ultimately caused its decline on both a personal and organizational scale. This book is a cautionary tale for our times, and anyone in a leadership role can learn valuable lessons from it. The book is highly recommended for those interested in business history and leadership.