A very short list of influential books from my extensive library. Work in progress like everything else on this website.
Most of my learning happens through books (printed and digital). I literally have hundreds of titles
in my library. I find it much more satisfying then going to school as most of the teachers are (statistically) mediocre at best. On the other hand it is easy to find great books on any subject written by masters of the field.
You can think of my library as an alternative to the official resume. As a matter of fact it is much better
because it defines well where I am now and where I want to go in the future while my resume is all about
the past. (Which is one of the reasons resumes are the wrong way to hire people).
Unflattening
Nick Sousanis
A PhD thesis (published by Harvard Univeristy Press) in the form of a comic book!
Absolutely fascinating discussion of how images can convey knowledge and ideas
and why we should be using more of them to communicate what we think and imagine.
Meada@Media
John Maeda
The early monograph from the master whose work originally inspired my interest
in the generative arts and design. John Maeda wrote number of interesting books
worth of your attention, Laws of Simplicity
is my other favourite title.
The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood
James Gleick
If you want to understand the Internet it helps to know the history of information.
There were many ideas that led us to how we communicate online in the 21st century.
They are worth knowing.
Ultralearning
Scott H Young
A surprisingly fresh and comprehensive look at how we learn and how we could do it even better.
It's for you if your life evolves around absorbing new knowledge, skills and ideas.
Scott's blog is worth following.
Datamatics
Ryoji Ikeda
Book documenting work of Japanese electronic music composer and visual artist Ryoji Ikeda.
Ikeda's visual and sonic performances and installations are probably the most important works of contemporary art. He is one of a few artists who moved comfortably into the 21st century and whose work reflects the time we live in. See his performance or exhibition, but if you cannot at least get the book.
Learn more about his work on Ryoji Ikeda website.
Autonomous
Annalee Newitz
If you ever wondered what is going on in a head of an AI robot it might be just the right book for you. We are talking about a science-fiction robot here, not a Roomba cleaning your floors. Canadians might find this futuristic story particularly interesting as it is connected to the Great North or whatever it becomes in the future. Lastly if you work with technology and think about the future of it, Autonomous will pleasantly tickle your brain.
Keys to Great Writing
Stephen Wilbers
If you write and care about it, you are always on a quest to do it better. The challenge is magnified for those of us who write in a language we did not grow up with. Keys to Great Writing has been my personal tutor for some time now. We hang out together often and I am hoping one day my readers will notice the difference.
Make It So
Nathan Shedroff and Christopher Noessel
Finally somebody took seriously interfaces that appear in science-fiction movies. The book is a serious review of the subject that is not always taken seriously. It is a pleasure to read and there are many interesting lessons to learn in the process.