Best History of Engineering & Technology Books of 2026

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race is a phenomenal true story of black female mathematicians at NASA whose calculations helped fuel some of America's greatest achievements in space. The book is a powerful, revelatory history essential to our understanding of race, discrimination, and achievement in modern America. The author chronicles the careers of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, four African American women who participated in some of NASA's greatest successes. This book is an inspiring tribute to the remarkable women whose contributions to science and technology were overlooked for far too long.

This book is a comprehensive history of data and its impact on our society, from the census enshrined in the US Constitution to the development of Google search. The authors, Chris Wiggins and Matthew L. Jones, explore how data has been used as a tool and weapon in shaping people, ideas, society, military operations, and economies. They also discuss new mathematical and computational techniques developed to contend with data. The book highlights the importance of understanding the trajectory of data to bend it to ends that we collectively choose. It's a must-read for those interested in the history of engineering and technology.

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.

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.

The book "Web3 Marketing: A Handbook for the Next Internet Revolution" by Amanda Cassatt is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the next era of the internet. The author provides a clear and nontechnical guide to the history, key concepts, and still-evolving landscape of Web3. This book is accessible to students and professionals regardless of their level of experience in Web3. It is a great resource for anyone who wants to understand the next internet revolution and how it changes their own lives. The book also offers a unique perspective from the former CMO of ConsenSys and the Founder and CEO of top web3 marketing firm Serotonin, making it a valuable resource for professionals and entrepreneurs exploring what Web3 means for their business.

How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler by Ryan North is a must-read book for anyone fascinated by time travel. This book provides a comprehensive guide on how to survive and thrive in any period of Earth's history, even if you were stranded there. North covers all the science, engineering, art, philosophy, facts, and figures required for even the most clueless time traveler to build a civilization from scratch. This book is deeply researched, irreverent, and significantly more fun than being eaten by a saber-toothed tiger. Overall, it's a hilarious, informative, and entertaining read that is perfect for trivia book lovers.

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.

Aircraft: The Definitive Visual History is an action-packed journey through the history of aviation, showcasing the most important military and commercial aircraft from all over the world. The book covers the development of flight, the stories of the engineers and manufacturers behind the famous aircraft brands, and present-day marvels such as the Gypsy Moth and Supermarine Spitfire. This book is a comprehensive catalog of more than 800 aircraft models, including their specifications and unique features, and is perfect for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in the development of modern flight.

The Story Behind: The Extraordinary History Behind Ordinary Objects by Emily Prokop is a fascinating coffee table book that explores the history and science behind everyday objects we use without a second thought. This #1 Best Seller in Trivia & Fun Facts, Art History, Design History & Criticism, Reference, Decorative Arts & Design, and History of Technology is an excellent addition to anyone's collection who loves trivia, history, and learning about the world around them. The book provides obscure history and fun facts that will change the way readers see the world. Overall, The Story Behind is an entertaining and educational book that is sure to delight readers of all ages.

Wizard: The Life and Times of Nikola Tesla: Biography of a Genius by Marc Seifer is a fascinating and informative read that brings to light the life of one of the most important inventors of modern times. The book is based on original material and previously unavailable documents, making it the definitive biography of the man who is credited with the inspiration for radio, robots, and radar. The book covers Tesla's life, from his early days as an inventor to his later years as a recluse. This essential biography is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of electrical technology.