Best Engineering Research Books of 2026

The Art of Doing Science and Engineering is a book about a style of thinking that enables great ideas to emerge. It is a treatise by one of the greatest mathematicians of our time, Richard Hamming, who inspires and spurs on a great idea. The book is filled with stories of great people performing mighty deeds, but they are not meant simply to be admired. Instead, they are to be aspired to, learned from, and surpassed. The book is a reminder that a capacity for learning and creativity are accessible to everyone. This edition includes an all-new foreword by Bret Victor, plus more than 70 redrawn graphs and charts.

My Inventions: The Autobiography of Nikola Tesla is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of modern science. This book offers a unique insight into the life and work of one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. Tesla's groundbreaking research laid the foundation for modern electrical and communication systems, and this book tells the story of how he overcame adversity to revolutionize the world. Written with wit and élan, this memoir is a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of science and technology.

The Beginner's Guide to DIY & Home Repair is a practical handbook that provides essential DIY techniques for first-timers. Written by experienced DIY experts, Jo Behari and Alison Winfield-Chislett, the book offers easy-to-follow instructions for basic home repairs and simple renovations, from painting and wallpapering to plumbing and using power tools. This guide is perfect for those who want to save money by doing their own home repairs and maintenance. The book is user-friendly and suitable for complete beginners. Overall, the Beginner's Guide to DIY & Home Repair is a must-have for anyone who wants to learn basic DIY skills and get expert guidance to get the job done.

Pieces of the Action is a collection of memoir-essays by Vannevar Bush, the man who was at the center of one of the most innovative R&D ecosystems of the 20th century. As the architect and administrator of an R&D pipeline that efficiently coordinated the work of civilian scientists and the military during World War II, he was central to catalyzing the development of radar and the proximity fuze, the mass production of penicillin, and the initiation of the Manhattan Project. The book offers hard-won lessons on how to operate and manage effectively within complex organizations, build bridges between people and disciplines, and drive ambitious programs to fruition.

The Watch Repairer's Manual: Second Edition is a classic book that provides helpful background material, complete directions for cleaning and overhauling a watch movement, and a section devoted to general repairs and troubleshooting. The book, written by Henry B. Fried, a renowned American watchmaker, is outstanding for its sequence of presentation and useful illustrations. The book assumes little previous knowledge on the part of the reader, making it a valuable reference for students, hobbyists, watch collectors, and instrument makers. The 2018 reprint of the 1961 Second Edition by Martino Fine Books is a must-have for anyone interested in watch repair.

Escaping Gravity: My Quest to Transform NASA and Launch a New Space Age by Lori Garver is a captivating firsthand account of how a group of individuals, known as “space pirates,” overcame the political patronage and bureaucracy that threatened NASA. Garver’s experience as the head of the NASA transition team for President-elect Barack Obama and second-in-command of the agency gave her a unique perspective on the fight against greed and corruption within the US space program. With insider conversations and insights, Garver offers a blueprint for driving meaningful change in the space industry. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and future of space exploration.

Abundance: The Future Is Better Than You Think (Exponential Technology Series) is a book that provides a contrarian view of the future, backed up by exhaustive research on how humanity can rise to meet the grand challenge of providing abundance for all. The authors document how four forces - exponential technologies, the DIY innovator, the Technophilanthropist, and the Rising Billion - are conspiring to solve our biggest problems. The book establishes hard targets for change and lays out a strategic roadmap for governments, industries, and entrepreneurs, giving us plenty of reason for optimism. Overall, this book is a reminder of the infinite possibilities for doing good when we tap into our own empathy and wisdom.

Scientific Freedom: The Elixir of Civilization is a thought-provoking book that presents a framework for discovering and supporting groundbreaking scientific research. The author, Donald W. Braben, draws attention to the decline of in-depth, boundary-pushing research and advocates for a return to the conditions that catalyzed scientific research in the early 20th century. He also shares his experience leading British Petroleum’s Venture Research initiative, which aimed to identify and aid researchers challenging current scientific thinking. This new edition includes redesigned charts and figures and a new foreword by the author. Overall, this book is an insightful read for anyone interested in the future of scientific discovery and innovation.

The Directory of Research Grants is a comprehensive guide for researchers looking for funding opportunities. This 45th edition contains over 3,500 funding programs from various sponsors, including foundations, corporations, and government agencies. The book covers grants for basic research, equipment acquisition, building construction/renovation, fellowships, and 23 other program types. With three indexes, researchers can easily find the right program for their needs. This book is a valuable resource for anyone looking for funding for their research projects.

Build Better Products is a practical guide for teams to develop successful user-centered products. The book emphasizes the importance of incorporating strategy, empathy, design, and analytics into the development process. With relevant frameworks, useful exercises, and expert advice, Laura Klein provides a step-by-step approach to building better products that can improve business and customer experience. This book is a must-read for anyone making product decisions and seeking to avoid product failure.