Core reading recommendations - Revision history

Vipul: /* Economics */

2013-11-24T23:44:57Z

Economics

@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 ==Economics==
-These books use real-world examples and a minimum of mathematical formalism to explain key economic concepts.
+{{#lst:Economics reading recommendations|core}}
 While ''Freakonomics'' and its sequel ''Superfreakonomics'' are much better known than the above books, we would not recommend ''Freakonomics'' or ''Superfreakonomics'' if your goal is to obtain an understanding of the economic way of thinking, because they do not systematically cover the core economic concepts.

Vipul: /* Economics */

2013-11-24T23:38:59Z

Economics

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:38, 24 November 2013
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	These books use real-world examples and a minimum of mathematical formalism to explain key economic concepts.		These books use real-world examples and a minimum of mathematical formalism to explain key economic concepts.


	{\| class="sortable" border="1"		{\| class="sortable" border="1"

Vipul: /* Economics */

2013-11-24T23:38:41Z

Economics

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:38, 24 November 2013
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	==Economics==		==Economics==

	~~This book uses~~ real-world examples and a minimum of mathematical formalism to explain key economic concepts.		These books use real-world examples and a minimum of mathematical formalism to explain key economic concepts.


	{\| class="sortable" border="1"		{\| class="sortable" border="1"
	! Book !! Author !! ISBN and purchase links		! Book !! Author !! ISBN and purchase links
	\|-		\|-
	\| ''Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science'' \|\| Charles Wheelan \|\| ISBN 978-0393337648, [http://www.amazon.com/Naked-Economics-Undressing-Science-Revised/dp/0393337642 Amazon ~~link~~],		\| ''Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science'' \|\| Charles Wheelan \|\| ISBN 978-0393337648, [http://www.amazon.com/Naked-Economics-Undressing-Science-Revised/dp/0393337642 Amazon paperback]
	\|-		\|-
	\| ''The Undercover Economist'' \|\| Timothy Harford \|\| ISBN 978-0345494016, [http://www.amazon.com/The-Undercover-Economist-Tim-Harford/dp/0345494016/ Amazon paperback]		\| ''The Undercover Economist'' \|\| Timothy Harford \|\| ISBN 978-0345494016, [http://www.amazon.com/The-Undercover-Economist-Tim-Harford/dp/0345494016/ Amazon paperback]
			\|-
			\| ''Hidden Order: The Economics of Everyday Life'' \|\| David Friedman \|\| ISBN 978-0887308857, [http://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Order-Economics-Everyday-Life/dp/0887308856 Amazon paperback]
	\|-		\|-
	\| ''The Armchair Economist: Economics and Everyday Life'' \|\| Steven Landsburg \|\| ISBN 978-1451651737, [http://www.amazon.com/The-Armchair-Economist-Economics-Everyday/dp/1451651732/ Amazon paperback]		\| ''The Armchair Economist: Economics and Everyday Life'' \|\| Steven Landsburg \|\| ISBN 978-1451651737, [http://www.amazon.com/The-Armchair-Economist-Economics-Everyday/dp/1451651732/ Amazon paperback]

Jsinick at 23:13, 18 October 2013

2013-10-18T23:13:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:13, 18 October 2013
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			{{quotation\|'''KEEP IN MIND''': Over [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Books_published_per_country_per_year 2 million] books are published per year. Out of these, it's very unlikely that the books that you're assigned in school are the ones that cover the most important material, or are best to learn from. Doing the reading assigned in school won't necessarily make you well educated. You can educate yourself by reading select books on your own.}}

	Our recommendations below, categorized by subject, satisfy ''all'' these criteria:		Our recommendations below, categorized by subject, satisfy ''all'' these criteria:

Jsinick: /* Physics */

2013-10-17T19:31:45Z

Physics

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:31, 17 October 2013
Line 80:		Line 80:
	\| ''General Relativity from A to B'' \|\| Robert Geroch \|\| 978-0226288642 [http://www.amazon.com/General-Relativity-B-Robert-Geroch/dp/0226288641/ Amazon link] \|\| This book is an introduction to Einstein's theories of special relativity and general relativity, requiring no more mathematical background than first year high school algebra. It differs from most non-technical books about modern physics in that it's unusually precise and accurate. Its discussion of general relativity is vague, but openly so, and still conveys some understanding of the theory.		\| ''General Relativity from A to B'' \|\| Robert Geroch \|\| 978-0226288642 [http://www.amazon.com/General-Relativity-B-Robert-Geroch/dp/0226288641/ Amazon link] \|\| This book is an introduction to Einstein's theories of special relativity and general relativity, requiring no more mathematical background than first year high school algebra. It differs from most non-technical books about modern physics in that it's unusually precise and accurate. Its discussion of general relativity is vague, but openly so, and still conveys some understanding of the theory.
	\|-		\|-
	\| ''The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics'' \|\| R.I.G. Hughes \|\| ISBN 978-0674843929 [http://www.amazon.com/~~Golden~~-~~Ticket~~-~~Search~~-~~Impossible-ebook~~/dp/~~B00BKZYGUY~~/ Amazon link] \|\| This book introduces quantum mechanics, requiring no more math than precalculus. It's precise and rigorous, giving the reader an authentic understanding of the basics of the subject. It also discusses the philosophical question of interpretations of quantum mechanics. In contrast with the other books on this list, we recommend using paper and pencil when reading the mathematical sections.		\| ''The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics'' \|\| R.I.G. Hughes \|\| ISBN 978-0674843929 [http://www.amazon.com/Structure-Interpretation-Quantum-Mechanics/dp/0674843924/ Amazon link] \|\| This book introduces quantum mechanics, requiring no more math than precalculus. It's precise and rigorous, giving the reader an authentic understanding of the basics of the subject. It also discusses the philosophical question of interpretations of quantum mechanics. In contrast with the other books on this list, we recommend using paper and pencil when reading the mathematical sections.
	\|-		\|-
	\|}		\|}

Jsinick: /* Physics */

2013-10-17T19:30:58Z

Physics

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:30, 17 October 2013
Line 78:		Line 78:
	! Book !! Author !! ISBN and purchase links !! Why we're recommending it		! Book !! Author !! ISBN and purchase links !! Why we're recommending it
	\|-		\|-
	\| ''General Relativity from A to B'' \|\| Robert Geroch \|\| 978-0226288642 [http://www.amazon.com/General-Relativity-B-Robert-Geroch/dp/0226288641/ Amazon ~~paperback~~] \|\| This book is an introduction to Einstein's theories of special relativity and general relativity, requiring no more mathematical background than first year high school algebra. It differs from most non-technical books about modern physics in that it's unusually precise and accurate. Its discussion of general relativity is vague, but openly so, and still conveys some understanding of the theory.		\| ''General Relativity from A to B'' \|\| Robert Geroch \|\| 978-0226288642 [http://www.amazon.com/General-Relativity-B-Robert-Geroch/dp/0226288641/ Amazon link] \|\| This book is an introduction to Einstein's theories of special relativity and general relativity, requiring no more mathematical background than first year high school algebra. It differs from most non-technical books about modern physics in that it's unusually precise and accurate. Its discussion of general relativity is vague, but openly so, and still conveys some understanding of the theory.
	\|-		\|-
	\| ''The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics'' \|\| R.I.G. Hughes \|\| ISBN 978-0674843929 [http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Ticket-Search-Impossible-ebook/dp/~~ISBN~~ B00BKZYGUY/ Amazon link] \|\| This book introduces quantum mechanics, requiring no more math than precalculus. It's precise and rigorous, giving the reader an authentic understanding of the basics of the subject. It also discusses the philosophical question of interpretations of quantum mechanics. In contrast with the other books on this list, we recommend using paper and pencil when reading the mathematical sections.		\| ''The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics'' \|\| R.I.G. Hughes \|\| ISBN 978-0674843929 [http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Ticket-Search-Impossible-ebook/dp/B00BKZYGUY/ Amazon link] \|\| This book introduces quantum mechanics, requiring no more math than precalculus. It's precise and rigorous, giving the reader an authentic understanding of the basics of the subject. It also discusses the philosophical question of interpretations of quantum mechanics. In contrast with the other books on this list, we recommend using paper and pencil when reading the mathematical sections.
	\|-		\|-
	\|}		\|}

Jsinick: /* Physics */

2013-10-17T19:30:36Z

Physics

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:30, 17 October 2013
Line 78:		Line 78:
	! Book !! Author !! ISBN and purchase links !! Why we're recommending it		! Book !! Author !! ISBN and purchase links !! Why we're recommending it
	\|-		\|-
	\| ''General Relativity from A to B'' \|\| Robert Geroch \|\| [978-0226288642 http://www.amazon.com/General-Relativity-B-Robert-Geroch/dp/0226288641/ Amazon paperback] \|\| This book is an introduction to Einstein's theories of special relativity and general relativity, requiring no more mathematical background than first year high school algebra. It differs from most non-technical books about modern physics in that it's unusually precise and accurate. Its discussion of general relativity is vague, but openly so, and still conveys some understanding of the theory.		\| ''General Relativity from A to B'' \|\| Robert Geroch \|\| 978-0226288642 [http://www.amazon.com/General-Relativity-B-Robert-Geroch/dp/0226288641/ Amazon paperback] \|\| This book is an introduction to Einstein's theories of special relativity and general relativity, requiring no more mathematical background than first year high school algebra. It differs from most non-technical books about modern physics in that it's unusually precise and accurate. Its discussion of general relativity is vague, but openly so, and still conveys some understanding of the theory.
	\|-		\|-
	\| ''The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics'' \|\| R.I.G. Hughes \|\| ISBN 978-0674843929 [http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Ticket-Search-Impossible-ebook/dp/ISBN B00BKZYGUY/ Amazon ~~paperback~~] \|\| This book introduces quantum mechanics, requiring no more math than precalculus. It's precise and rigorous, giving the reader an authentic understanding of the basics of the subject. It also discusses the philosophical question of interpretations of quantum mechanics. In contrast with the other books on this list, we recommend using paper and pencil when reading the mathematical sections.		\| ''The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics'' \|\| R.I.G. Hughes \|\| ISBN 978-0674843929 [http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Ticket-Search-Impossible-ebook/dp/ISBN B00BKZYGUY/ Amazon link] \|\| This book introduces quantum mechanics, requiring no more math than precalculus. It's precise and rigorous, giving the reader an authentic understanding of the basics of the subject. It also discusses the philosophical question of interpretations of quantum mechanics. In contrast with the other books on this list, we recommend using paper and pencil when reading the mathematical sections.
	\|-		\|-
	\|}		\|}

Jsinick: /* Physics */

2013-10-17T19:30:07Z

Physics

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:30, 17 October 2013
Line 78:		Line 78:
	! Book !! Author !! ISBN and purchase links !! Why we're recommending it		! Book !! Author !! ISBN and purchase links !! Why we're recommending it
	\|-		\|-
	\| ''General Relativity from A to B'' \|\| Robert Geroch \|\| [978-0226288642 http://www.amazon.com/General-Relativity-B-Robert-Geroch/dp/0226288641/ Amazon paperback] \|\| This book is an introduction to Einstein's theories of special relativity and general relativity, requiring no more mathematical background than first year high school algebra. It differs from most non-technical books about modern physics in that it's unusually precise and accurate. Its discussion of general relativity is vague, but openly so, and still ~~gives~~ conveys some understanding of the theory.		\| ''General Relativity from A to B'' \|\| Robert Geroch \|\| [978-0226288642 http://www.amazon.com/General-Relativity-B-Robert-Geroch/dp/0226288641/ Amazon paperback] \|\| This book is an introduction to Einstein's theories of special relativity and general relativity, requiring no more mathematical background than first year high school algebra. It differs from most non-technical books about modern physics in that it's unusually precise and accurate. Its discussion of general relativity is vague, but openly so, and still conveys some understanding of the theory.
	\|-		\|-
	\| ''The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics'' \|\| R.I.G. Hughes \|\| [ISBN 978-0674843929 http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Ticket-Search-Impossible-ebook/dp/ISBN B00BKZYGUY/ Amazon paperback] \|\| This book introduces quantum mechanics, requiring no more math than precalculus. It's precise and rigorous, giving the reader an authentic understanding of the basics of the subject. It also discusses the philosophical question of interpretations of quantum mechanics. We recommend using paper and pencil when reading the mathematical sections.		\| ''The Structure and Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics'' \|\| R.I.G. Hughes \|\| ISBN 978-0674843929 [http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Ticket-Search-Impossible-ebook/dp/ISBN B00BKZYGUY/ Amazon paperback] \|\| This book introduces quantum mechanics, requiring no more math than precalculus. It's precise and rigorous, giving the reader an authentic understanding of the basics of the subject. It also discusses the philosophical question of interpretations of quantum mechanics. In contrast with the other books on this list, we recommend using paper and pencil when reading the mathematical sections.
	\|-		\|-
	\|}		\|}

Jsinick: /* Theoretical computer science */

2013-10-17T19:29:21Z

Theoretical computer science

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:29, 17 October 2013
Line 67:		Line 67:
	! Book !! Author !! ISBN and purchase links !! Why we're recommending it		! Book !! Author !! ISBN and purchase links !! Why we're recommending it
	\|-		\|-
	\| ''The Golden Ticket: P, NP, and the Search for the Impossible'' \|\| Lance Fortnow \|\| [ISBN 0691156492 http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Ticket-Search-Impossible-ebook/dp/B00BKZYGUY/ Amazon ~~Kindle~~] \|\| This is a nontechnical introduction to P vs. NP, which is one of the central questions of theoretical computer science. The book places the problem in the context of society.		\| ''The Golden Ticket: P, NP, and the Search for the Impossible'' \|\| Lance Fortnow \|\| ISBN 0691156492 [http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Ticket-Search-Impossible-ebook/dp/B00BKZYGUY/ Amazon link] \|\| This is a nontechnical introduction to P vs. NP, which is one of the central questions of theoretical computer science. The book places the problem in the context of society.
	\|-		\|-
	\| ''Quantum Computing since Democritus'' \|\| Scott Aaronson \|\| [ISBN 0521199565 http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Ticket-Search-Impossible-ebook/dp/B00BKZYGUY/ Amazon ~~Kindle~~] \|\| This book discusses the math and physics of computation, including quantum computation.		\| ''Quantum Computing since Democritus'' \|\| Scott Aaronson \|\| ISBN 0521199565 [http://www.amazon.com/Golden-Ticket-Search-Impossible-ebook/dp/B00BKZYGUY/ Amazon link] \|\| This book discusses the math and physics of computation, including quantum computation.
	\|-		\|-
	\|}		\|}

Jsinick: /* Biology */

2013-10-17T19:28:45Z

Biology

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:28, 17 October 2013
Line 58:		Line 58:
	! Book !! Author !! ISBN and purchase links !! Why we're recommending it		! Book !! Author !! ISBN and purchase links !! Why we're recommending it
	\|-		\|-
	\| ''Microbe Hunters'' \|\| Paul de Kruif \|\| [0156027771 http://www.amazon.com/Microbe-Hunters-ebook/dp/B004KZOWFA/ Amazon link] \|\| This is an inspirational history of early discoveries in microbiology.		\| ''Microbe Hunters'' \|\| Paul de Kruif \|\| 0156027771 [http://www.amazon.com/Microbe-Hunters-ebook/dp/B004KZOWFA/ Amazon link] \|\| This is an inspirational history of early discoveries in microbiology.
	\|-		\|-
	\|}		\|}