Best Engineering Patents & Inventions Books of 2025

The Book of Unusual Knowledge by Publications International, Ltd. is a 704-page hardcover book filled with intriguing information on a wide range of topics, including the animal kingdom, art, sports, technology, history, politics, and the universe. From plastic bags killing sacred cows in India to Ronald Reagan's alleged UFO sightings, this book is sure to captivate anyone with a curious mind. While some of the information may not be useful, it is all fascinating. This trivia and fun facts book is perfect for those who enjoy expanding their knowledge. Overall, it is a unique and engaging read that is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

Nobody expected ChatGPT, an AI capable of writing convincingly like a human, to be so successful. But how does it work? In this short book, Stephen Wolfram, a prominent scientist, and computation pioneer explain how ChatGPT brings together the latest neural net technology with foundational questions about language and human thought posed by Aristotle more than two thousand years ago. The book is an engaging explanation of ChatGPT's inner workings that draws on the author's decades-long experience at the frontiers of science and technology. Overall, this book provides an excellent overview of ChatGPT's capabilities and is a must-read for anyone interested in natural language processing and AI technology.

Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Max Tegmark is a thought-provoking book that explores the recent advances in AI and how it will impact society, jobs, and our very sense of humanity. Tegmark, an MIT professor, provides a comprehensive and scientific approach to the subject, offering a baseline of knowledge on AI. He raises important questions about the future of AI and how we can ensure it remains beneficial to humanity. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of technology and its impact on our lives.

Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words by Randall Munroe is a fantastic book that uses only the thousand most common words to explain some of the most interesting and complicated things in the world. From microwaves to the International Space Station, Munroe provides simple yet entertaining explanations that anyone can understand. The book is not only informative but also beautifully designed, with witty and playful diagrams that make learning about complex topics fun and engaging. Overall, Thing Explainer is a must-read for anyone who is curious about how things work and wants to learn in a fun and accessible way.

Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the Quest for a Fantastic Future is a New York Times and International Bestseller that explores the life and work of one of Silicon Valley's most exciting and ambitious entrepreneurs. Author Ashlee Vance takes readers on a journey from Musk's tumultuous upbringing in South Africa to his dramatic technical innovations and entrepreneurial pursuits. Vance uses Musk's story to examine the pressing question of whether America can still compete in an age of fierce global competition. Through this thorough and insightful book, Vance brings to life a rapidly and dramatically changing technology industry. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of technology and innovation.

In his latest book, Invention and Innovation, Vaclav Smil offers a clear-eyed view of the history of human invention, reminding readers of the difference between invention and innovation. Smil looks at three types of inventions: those that failed to dominate as promised, those that turned disastrous, and those we have long been promised. With engaging examples, this book is a sobering account of the folly that often attends human ingenuity and how we can better align our expectations with reality. Recommended for those interested in the history of engineering and technology.

The Wright Brothers by David McCullough is a gripping account of the two brothers from Dayton, Ohio, who went on to change the course of history by teaching the world how to fly. The book offers a fascinating insight into the exceptional courage, determination, and intellectual interests of Wilbur and Orville Wright, who risked their lives to take to the air. McCullough's masterful storytelling and extensive research make this book essential reading for anyone interested in the history of flight or the lives of two remarkable individuals. Overall, The Wright Brothers is an enjoyable, fast-paced tale that soars with the marvel of what the Wrights accomplished.

The Things We Make: The Unknown History of Invention from Cathedrals to Soda Cans by Bill Hammack is a captivating examination of the method that keeps pushing humanity forward. Hammack takes readers on a journey through history, from the grand stone arches of medieval cathedrals to the modern soda can, to reveal the hidden "engineering method" behind every invention. Written in an accessible and engaging style, this book is perfect for anyone interested in the history of engineering and inventions. Overall, The Things We Make is a fascinating and enjoyable read that celebrates the potential of our future.

The book "Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time" by Dava Sobel is a fascinating account of John Harrison's forty-year obsession to solve the thorniest scientific dilemma of the 18th century - the longitude problem. The book tells the dramatic human story of an epic scientific quest, full of heroism and chicanery. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, geography, astronomy, navigation, clockmaking, and human ambition and greed. Overall, this book is a gem and a wonderful story brilliantly told.

The Flight Paths book is an engaging and little-known true story of a group of scientists who developed methods and technology to uncover the secrets of avian migration. It traces the development of each technique used for tracking migratory birds and reveals almost-forgotten stories of the scientists who harnessed these inventions in service of furthering our understanding of nature. The book is a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes moments of groundbreaking discovery that solved the great mystery of bird migration. The author's storytelling ability makes the book unique and captivating, and it is a must-read for bird enthusiasts and science lovers alike.