Books Recommended by Paul Graham
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The Making of Europe
Conquest, Colonization and Cultural Change, 950-1350
Robert Bartlett
Source: "I know I've recommended this book already, but it's so good I have to do it again. [The author] brings history to life by explaining how and why the things happened that other books merely tell you happened." - Paul Graham
1 recommenderAlbert Einstein
Creator and Rebel
Banesh Hoffmann
Source: "The most exciting [biography of Einstein] I've read. The author is a physicist who is genuinely excited about Einstein's discoveries, and it moves fast instead of trying to leave no detail unpublished." - Paul Graham
1 recommenderThe Double Helix
A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA
James D. Watson Ph.D.
Source: "The most impressive feature of [this book] is how much [the author] admits he didn't know. He's constantly talking about papers he couldn't understand and important concepts he didn't grasp." - Paul Graham
3 recommendersSherlock Holmes (4 books)
Arthur Conan Doyle
Source: "Few thoughts happier than realizing it's been long enough since you last read the Sherlocks Holmes stories that you can read them again." - Paul Graham
2 recommendersStructure and Interpretation of Computer Programs
Harold Abelson
Source: "This is one of the great classics of computer science. I bought my first copy 15 years ago, and I still don't feel I have learned everything the book has to teach." - Paul Graham
3 recommendersThe Power Law
Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future
Sebastian Mallaby
Source: "If you want to understand how venture capital works and the effect it has had on the US economy, this is the book to read." - Paul Graham
4 recommendersThe Complete Calvin and Hobbes
Calvin and Hobbes, Book 18
Bill Watterson
Source: "Watterson is like Wodehouse. Because he works in an unpretentious medium, few realize how timelessly great he is." - Paul Graham
1 recommenderDog Man (10 books)
Dav Pilkey
Source: "Don't be so quick to add it to your reading list. Dog Man is aimed at 5-10 year olds." - Paul Graham
1 recommenderHow To Win Friends and Influence People
Dale Carnegie
Source: "The one book we encourage startup founders to read. [...] It's critically important for anyone in business." - Paul Graham
How to Be Topp
Ronald Searle
Source: "I read this during dinner and laughed so much that people must have wondered what was wrong with me." - Paul Graham
1 recommenderConcorde
The Inside Story
Geoffrey Knight
Source: "[The author] was in charge of BAC's Commercial Aircraft Division, and thus the British side of Concorde development." - Paul Graham
1 recommenderHarry Potter (8 books)
J.K. Rowling
Source: Paul Graham mentioned these books on Twitter.
Plagues and Peoples
William McNeill
Source: "I suspect if you'd read 'Guns, Sails, and Empires' and [this book], little in 'Guns, Germs, and Steel' would surprise you." - Paul Graham
3 recommendersBarbarian Days
A Surfing Life
William Finnegan
Source: "It's one of those rare books that divide your life into two parts: before you read it, and after." - Paul Graham
2 recommendersThe Copernican Revolution
Planetary Astronomy in the Development of Western Thought
Thomas S. Kuhn
Source: "Kuhn was surely most influenced by the Copernican Revolution. [This is an] excellent book incidentally." - Paul Graham
1 recommenderThe Lord of the Rings (4 books)
J. R. R. Tolkien
Source: Paul Graham's answer to "any book recommendations for young adults?"
The Old Way
A Story of the First People
Elizabeth Marshall Thomas
Source: "If you want to learn more about hunter gatherers I strongly recommend [this book]." - Paul Graham
3 recommendersThe Harmless People
Elizabeth Marshall Thomas
Source: "If you want to learn more about hunter gatherers I strongly recommend [this book]." - Paul Graham
1 recommenderSunset at Blandings
PG Wodehouse
Source: "The writing in the novel Wodehouse left unfinished when he died at 93 is crisp as ever." - Paul Graham
1 recommenderSea Flight
The Wartime Memoirs of a Fleet Air Arm Pilot
Hugh Popham
Source: "A wonderful book. I'm looking at the few pages left and wishing there were more." - Paul Graham
1 recommender
FAQ
Did Paul Graham recommend all these books?
While this list primarily comprises books enthusiastically recommended by Paul Graham, it also includes a variety of titles that Paul Graham has mentioned or suggested in various contexts. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive reading list that reflects Paul Graham's literary influences, interests, and recommendations, though not every book on the list may be an explicit endorsement.
How do you know Paul Graham mentioned these books?
Our team meticulously verifies each book mention attributed to Paul Graham. This involves extensive research, including reviewing interviews, articles, podcasts, social media posts, and other public statements where Paul Graham has discussed their reading preferences. The sources validating these mentions are linked next to each book for transparency and to provide our users with the context in which Paul Graham referred to the book.
Did Paul Graham actually create this list?
No, Paul Graham did not personally compile this list. Our editorial team curates these reading lists by consolidating all verified mentions and recommendations from Paul Graham. We ensure the authenticity of the list by providing sources for each recommendation. These lists are intended to reflect Paul Graham's reading tastes and influences as accurately as possible.
Are these books endorsed or sponsored by Paul Graham?
The books listed are not part of any endorsement or sponsorship agreement with Paul Graham. They are selected based on genuine mentions and recommendations made by Paul Graham in various public platforms. Our goal is to provide readers with an authentic insight into the reading preferences of influential individuals.
How often is the list updated?
We update these lists regularly to include new recommendations or mentions by Paul Graham. Our team keeps a close eye on Paul Graham's latest interviews, writings, and public statements to ensure the list remains current and comprehensive.
Can I suggest a book to add to the list?
While we primarily focus on books directly mentioned by Paul Graham, we welcome suggestions from our readers. If you know of a book that Paul Graham has talked about but is not featured on our list, feel free to contact us with the source of the mention, and our editorial team will review it for potential inclusion.
How can I find books recommended by other individuals?
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