Books Recommended by Walter Isaacson
Destined for War
Can America and China Escape Thucydides's Trap?
Graham Allison
Source: "When a new power arises in the world, it results in a clash with the dominant power. This important and fascinating book extracts lessons for how we can avoid such a confrontation." - Walter Isaacson
Tools and Weapons
The Promise and the Peril of the Digital Age
Brad Smith
Source: "This is a colorful and insightful insiders’ view of how technology is both empowering and threatening us. From privacy to cyberattacks, this timely book is a useful guide for how to navigate the digital future." - Walter Isaacson
The Odyssey
Homer
Source: "There’s something beautiful about [this book] because Ulysses is on the boat and then he’ll have this incredible adventure. But then he gets to get back on the boat and move on." - Walter Isaacson
Future Forward
Leadership Lessons from Patrick McGovern, the Visionary Who Circled the Globe and Built a Technology Media Empire
Glenn Rifkin
Source: "Provides a dramatic, clear-eyed look at this visionary entrepreneur and the leadership lessons he used to build his global company." - Walter Isaacson
Holy Bible
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Source: "Everybody, of course, should be familiar with [this book], which is a way of being taught through both parables and tales of people and their values." - Walter Isaacson
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
Source: "Cast as a letter to his son. It’s not some deep ruminations and things. It’s about how you make your way through this world." - Walter Isaacson
Measure What Matters
How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs
John Doerr
Source: "The most important venture capitalist of our era reveals a key to business innovation and success." - Walter Isaacson
The End of Illness
David B. Agus
Source: "Both a useful guide on how to stay healthy and a fascinating analysis of the latest in medical science." - Walter Isaacson
Play Nice But Win
A CEO's Journey from Founder to Leader
Michael Dell
Source: "A fast-paced tale of launching a public company, taking it private, and then taking it public again." - Walter Isaacson
The Only Game in Town
Central Banks, Instability, and Avoiding the Next Collapse
Mohamed A. El-Erian
Source: "A must-read from one of the most astute financial analysts of our time." - Walter Isaacson
The 4-Hour Workweek
Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
Tim Ferriss
Source: "[The author has] a great curiosity and [...] a great love for things." - Walter Isaacson
A.J. JacobsBlake MycoskieCaterina FakeCharles PoliquinDaniel PinkDavid Heinemeier HanssonDerek SiversEric WeinsteinEv WilliamsGary KellerJason SilvaLaura R WalkerMarc AndreessenMarc GoodmanMark BellMaurice AshleyMike Maples, Jr.Mike ShinodaRolf PottsTim DraperTristan HarrisWalter IsaacsonLewis HowesJodie CookBrian DeanThe Founders
The Story of Paypal and the Entrepreneurs Who Shaped Silicon Valley
Jimmy Soni
Source: "An indispensable guide to modern innovation and entrepreneurship." - Walter Isaacson
Fantasyland
How America Went Haywire: A 500-Year History
Kurt Andersen
Source: "I think it helps you understand the wackiness happening in our country today." - Walter Isaacson
A Shot to Save the World
The Inside Story of the Life-or-Death Race for a COVID-19 Vaccine
Gregory Zuckerman
Source: "An inspiring and informative page-turner." - Walter Isaacson
The Moviegoer
Walker Percy
Source: Walter Isaacson mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
Poor Richard's Almanack
Benjamin Franklin
Source: Walter Isaacson mentioned this book on "The Tim Ferriss Show" podcast.
FAQ
Did Walter Isaacson recommend all these books?
Not necessarily. This book list has Walter Isaacson must-read recommendations, but it also has a mix of mentions and suggestions.
How do you know Walter Isaacson mentioned these books?
Every suggestion made by Walter Isaacson is validated by our editors. You can find the sources to the recommendations linked next to the books.
Did Walter Isaacson actually create this list?
No. This reading list was curated by our editors based on confirmed mentions from Walter Isaacson, the sources are made available under each recommendation.
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