Best History of Technology Books of 2025

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Hands of Time: A Watchmaker's History is an intriguing journey through the history of watchmaking, exploring the technological advancements and social implications of these timepieces. The author, Rebecca Struthers, is an award-winning watchmaker who uses her expertise to tell the story of the watch's evolution, from its earliest attempts at time-keeping to its current cultural and historical significance. The book is a fusion of art, science, history, and social commentary, with custom line drawings by Struthers' husband and fellow watchmaker, Craig. Overall, this book is a joy to read and a must-read for anyone interested in the history of timekeeping and the evolution of technology.

The Path Between the Seas by David McCullough is a remarkable account of the creation of the Panama Canal. The book tells the story of the men and women who worked against all odds to achieve a 400-year-old dream of constructing an aquatic passageway between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It is a tale of incredible engineering feats, political power plays, medical accomplishments, heroic successes, and tragic failures. McCullough's writing is captivating, weaving together the many strands of this momentous event into a comprehensive and engaging narrative. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, technology, international intrigue, and human drama.

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.

The book "Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity" by Acemoglu and Johnson is a fascinating exploration of how technology shapes our society and economy. The authors argue that progress depends on how we choose to use technology, and that it can either lead to widespread prosperity or serve the interests of a privileged few. They show how technology has been used to benefit elites throughout history, but also provide a vision for how it can be harnessed for the greater good. Overall, this book offers a thought-provoking analysis of the intersection of technology and economics that is both insightful and inspiring.

Midnight in Chernobyl: The Untold Story of the World's Greatest Nuclear Disaster by Adam Higginbotham is a New York Times bestseller and winner of the Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence. The book provides a powerful investigation into the Chernobyl disaster, exploring how propaganda, secrecy, and myth have obscured the true story of one of the history’s worst nuclear disasters. Higginbotham brings the disaster to life through the eyes of the men and women who witnessed it firsthand, drawing on hundreds of hours of interviews, unpublished memoirs, and documents from recently-declassified archives. This book is a riveting, deeply reported reconstruction of a complex, human, and terrifying event that changed history.