15 AI Books to Demystify the World of Artificial Intelligence in 2024

Breakthroughs in natural language models, robotics, and autonomous systems are reshaping our world at a dizzying pace. To truly grasp what’s unfolding beyond the headlines and hot takes, books offer a chance to take a deep dive into AI’s complexities. The field of AI literature is as diverse as the technology itself. Foundational texts provide historical context and enduring principles, while newer books offer glimpses into the latest breakthroughs and emerging trends.

Engineers might want to dig into the technical nuts and bolts of neural networks and deep learning architectures. If you’re drawn to the bigger picture, you could explore the social and ethical implications of AI—from algorithms influencing criminal sentencing to AI-powered tools reshaping the job market. Some books present broad overviews, ideal for newcomers seeking to grasp the big picture. Others zoom in on niche topics like computer vision or reinforcement learning, catering to specialists and enthusiasts alike. Whether you prefer to read cover-to-cover or focus on a single chapter, we’ve curated a list of 15 essential AI books that offer diverse perspectives on all things AI.

15 AI Books to Read in 2024

While we’ve selected all non-fiction books, these works vary in both opinion and approach. Some are optimistic, while others advise more caution. Some authors believe that humans are threatened by AI, while others envision a beneficial human-machine collaboration. The selection ranges from technical manuals to first-person memoirs. However, all agree that AI will have a profound impact on the present and future.

1. The Little Book of Deep Learning by François Fleuret

Designed to be read on a phone screen and regularly updated like software, The Little Book of Deep Learning offers a concise introduction to deep learning for readers with a STEM background, and is available for free. François Fleuret, a Full Professor and head of the Machine Learning group at the University of Geneva, distills his extensive research experience into a comprehensive guide that covers the fundamentals needed to understand landmark AI models for image generation and language understanding. The book, which has been downloaded over 600,000 times as of July 2024, provides a blend of theoretical background and practical insights, making it an invaluable resource for those seeking to grasp the rapidly evolving field of deep learning.

2. The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century’s Greatest Dilemma by Mustafa Suleyman and Michael Bhaskar

The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind and Inflection AI, and Michael Bhaskar, a writer and publisher, explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on our world. Suleyman, drawing from his extensive experience in AI development at DeepMind and Google, introduces the concept of “the containment problem”—the challenge of maintaining control over increasingly powerful technologies.

The book provides a comprehensive look at the technological revolution unfolding around us, examining its potential to reshape society, economics, and politics. While acknowledging the risks, Suleyman offers a pragmatic and optimistic roadmap for navigating the profound changes AI will bring, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations and human-centered approaches in guiding this technological evolution.

3. The Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence by Kate Crawford

As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes political landscapes and power structures, The Atlas of AI offers a critical examination of its far-reaching impacts. Kate Crawford, a leading scholar in the social implications of AI and a Research Professor at USC Annenberg, unveils the hidden costs of AI technologies, from environmental damage to widening inequality and shifts in governance. Drawing on over a decade of research, the book takes readers on a journey through the physical infrastructure of AI - from mining sites to data centers - revealing how these systems often reinforce existing power dynamics and benefit the few at the expense of the many.

4. The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI by Ray Kurzweil

Ray Kurzweil, a renowned futurist and inventor inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, expands on his influential 2005 book The Singularity Is Near with his latest work, The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI. The concept of the Singularity, as Kurzweil defines it, refers to a future point when artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence, leading to a profound merger of human and machine.

In this new book, Kurzweil reaffirms his earlier predictions that AI will reach human-level intelligence by 2029 and that humans will merge with AI by 2045, while exploring the exponential growth of technology that will enable these transformations. He explores a wide range of topics, including nanotechnology, radical life extension, connecting human brains to the cloud, and the potential impacts of AI on employment and society, offering both an optimistic vision of the future and a consideration of potential perils associated with these advanced technologies.

5. How AI Ate the World: A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence – and Its Long Future by Chris Stokel-Walker

Chris Stokel-Walker, a seasoned tech journalist known for his books on TikTok and YouTube, offers a comprehensive exploration of artificial intelligence’s past, present, and future in How AI Ate the World. The book traces AI’s evolution from its Cold War origins to its current state, examining key developments like large language models and the creation of ChatGPT, while looking into AI’s societal impacts, including job displacement and potential existential risks. Stokel-Walker provides a balanced view of AI’s transformative power, discussing both its innovative potential and the darker implications, such as environmental impacts, biases, and the challenges of regulating this rapidly advancing technology.

6. Artificial General Intelligence by Julian Togelius

If you’re wondering what artificial general intelligence (AGI) might look like and how it could change our world, Julian Togelius’s book Artificial General Intelligence offers a thought-provoking exploration. Togelius, an Associate Professor of Computer Science and Engineering at New York University and co-founder of an AI gaming startup, draws on his expertise to explain the technical approaches for developing more versatile AI systems. He examines the contrast between today’s narrow AI and the potential of AGI, while also tackling big questions about consciousness, risks to humanity, and the societal impacts of truly intelligent machines.

7. Responsible Artificial Intelligence: How to Develop and Use AI in a Responsible Way by Virginia Dignum

Responsible Artificial Intelligence offers a comprehensive exploration of the ethical implications of AI systems as they become increasingly integrated into society. Virginia Dignum, a professor of Responsible Artificial Intelligence at Umeå University and director of the AI Policy Lab, examines crucial issues surrounding the development and use of AI, including the integrity of researchers and manufacturers, moral decision-making in autonomous systems, and design methodologies based on societal values. The book, suitable for both technical and non-technical readers, combines philosophical treatments of ethical issues with practical implications for modern algorithmic systems, providing a valuable resource for students, researchers, and policymakers grappling with the responsible development of AI.

8. A Brief History of Intelligence by Max Bennett

Arguing that understanding AI requires a deep comprehension of the brain’s evolution, A Brief History of Intelligence offers a unique perspective on the development of human cognition and its implications for artificial intelligence. Max Bennett, an accomplished AI entrepreneur and researcher, synthesizes billions of years of evolutionary neuroscience into five key breakthroughs, drawing parallels between these milestones and current AI capabilities. The book provides insights into why AI excels in certain areas while struggling in others, suggesting that replicating the brain’s evolutionary journey is crucial for achieving truly human-like artificial intelligence.

9. New Laws of Robotics by Frank Pasquale

Offering a more optimistic view of human-machine collaboration, New Laws of Robotics proposes a framework for harnessing AI technologies to enhance rather than replace human labor. Frank Pasquale, a Professor of Law at Cornell Law School and Cornell Tech, outlines four new rules for robotics, emphasizing the importance of complementing human professionals, maintaining authenticity in human interactions, avoiding destructive arms races, and ensuring transparency in AI ownership and control. The book argues for a balanced approach to technological advancement, advocating for wise regulation that promotes prosperity for all while maintaining meaningful work for humans in an increasingly automated world.

10. The Alignment Problem: Machine Learning and Human Values by Brian Christian

Drawing on his experience as a researcher in computational cognitive science and software developer, Brian Christian explores the critical challenge of aligning artificial intelligence systems with human values in The Alignment Problem. The book examines real-world cases where machine learning algorithms have exhibited concerning biases or made questionable decisions, from resume screening to criminal justice. Christian introduces readers to the community of researchers tackling these ethical and safety challenges, offering a blend of history, on-the-ground reporting, and thoughtful analysis of the potential risks and solutions as AI increasingly influences our lives.

11. The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI by Fei-Fei Li

This book offers a unique perspective on the development of AI through the memoir of Dr. Fei-Fei Li, a pioneering computer scientist known for creating ImageNet, a crucial catalyst in modern artificial intelligence. Dr. Li, a professor at Stanford University and founding director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI, shares her personal journey from an immigrant facing poverty in America to becoming a central figure in the global AI transformation. The Worlds I See not only provides an insider’s view of the AI revolution but also explores the ethical implications and potential dangers of this powerful technology, emphasizing the need for responsible development and use of AI.

12. Average Is Over: Powering America Beyond the Age of the Great Stagnation by Tyler Cowen

Published in 2013, Average Is Over is not a typical AI book, but rather an economist’s prescient look at how automation would reshape the labor market and society. Tyler Cowen, a renowned economist and bestselling author, offers a vision of a future where those who can work effectively with machines will thrive, while others may struggle. The book’s insights on the widening wealth gap and the importance of adapting to technological change are even more relevant in 2024 for professionals and entrepreneurs alike. Cowen’s work provides a sobering yet ultimately optimistic view of how individuals can navigate and succeed in this new economic landscape shaped by artificial intelligence and automation.

13. Hello World: How Algorithms Will Define Our Future and Why We Should Learn to Live with It by Hannah Fry

In Hello World, mathematician and lecturer Dr. Hannah Fry explores the pervasive influence of algorithms in our daily lives and the ethical dilemmas they present. Fry, known for her work in urban mathematics and public science communication, takes readers on a journey through various fields where algorithms are increasingly making critical decisions, from criminal justice to healthcare and transportation. The book offers a balanced view of algorithmic power, exposing both their potential benefits and limitations, while encouraging readers to critically examine the role of these digital decision-makers in shaping our future society.

14. Impromptu: Amplifying Our Humanity Through AI by Reid Hoffman

Impromptu: Amplifying Our Humanity Through AI offers a unique perspective on the future of AI, with an interesting twist—it’s co-authored by GPT-4 itself. Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and partner at Greylock, collaborates with AI to explore how large language models can enhance human potential across various domains, from education to business and creativity. The book, available for free download as a 247-page PDF, serves as a conversation between human and AI, revealing both the capabilities and limitations of the technology while painting an optimistic picture of a future where AI acts as a partner in human progress rather than a threat.

15. AI Engineering by Chip Huyen

Slated for release in January 2025, AI Engineering by Chip Huyen is already generating buzz as a comprehensive guide to building applications with foundation models. Huyen, a computer scientist who has worked at NVIDIA and taught at Stanford, draws on her extensive experience to explain how AI engineering differs from traditional machine learning and how to navigate the new AI landscape. The book promises to cover everything from model adaptation techniques to deployment strategies, making it a valuable resource for developers looking to harness the power of AI in their applications, regardless of their prior experience in the field.

For those eager to dive in, the first three chapters are available to read on the O’Reilly learning platform.

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