10 must-read AI books

From healthcare to gaming, here's your essential guide

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While AI has been a business buzzword since the mid 2010s, a look at data from Google trends shows what some have described as a "tsunami" of interest in AI happening between December 2022 through now.

Many of you may know that that time period coincides with the launch of AI tool ChatGPT, which brought machine learning and generative AI to the masses.

IDC research says that AI will add $19.9 trillion annually to the global economy by 2030, so it goes without saying that having an awareness of what Artificial Intelligence means to your industry or sector is necessary.

Whether you're a practitioner or just getting introduced to the topic, the amount of information out there can be overwhelming. Our curated collection is a great place for you to start!

AI, for everyone

Taylor & Francis is a leading publisher of AI-related content, with a diverse portfolio of over 300 journals that focus on AI or incorporate AI methods in various fields, and a growing list of more than 500 books that cover the latest developments, applications, and implications of AI across disciplines.

From our AI for Everything Series to our AI and Ethics Hub, and AI and Machine Learning Collection, our books are written by experts in their fields who are often called upon by some of the most important media outlets in the world – from Newsweek to The Times and The Guardian – to answer crucial questions about this fast-moving technology. While we are well known as an academic publisher, many of our books, such as those in the "AI for Everything" series, are written for a broad readership that includes interested professionals, students, and lay readers, as well as researchers.

In fact, Altmetric data shows that there have been over 65,000 mentions of Taylor & Francis outputs involving AI in policy documents and news articles!

A passion for knowledge

Our editorial experts commission, assess, and publish hundreds of books each year.

In light of that incredible knowledge and passion for our books, we approached 10 of our editorial experts, and asked them to recommend their must-read AI book. The list of their choices is as follows:

  1. Artificial Intelligence: A Driver of Inclusive Development and Shared Prosperity for the Global South
  2. Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Medicine
  3. Considerations on the AI Endgame: Ethics, Risks, and Computational Frameworks
  4. AI for Peace
  5. AI for the Sustainable Development Goals
  6. Artificial Intelligence in Wireless Sensors and Instruments: Networks and Applications
  7. Regulating Hate Speech Created by Generative AI
  8. Game AI Uncovered: Volume One
  9. Human-Centered AI: A Multidisiplinary Perspective for Policy Makers, Auditors, and Users
  10. Artificial Intelligence for Blockchain and Cybersecurity Powered IoT Operations

As you can see, their interests varied wildly, from ethics and the SDGs, to blockchain and cybersecurity. Read on to discover what they had to say about these 10 books written by some of the best and brightest authors in the world.

Interested in deeper learning on a specific topic? Each editor nominated a chapter, which we've made downloadable for free, so you can further explore the book (or books) of your choice.

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1. Artificial Intelligence: A Driver of Inclusive Development and Shared Prosperity for the Global South

By Arthur G.O. Mutambara

Nominated by: Dr. Gagandeep Singh, Senior Publisher (STEM)

"Written by Professor Arthur G.O. Mutambara, a world-renowned control systems specialist, roboticist, academic, author, and technology strategist who is a key African thought leader and presenter on the raging Artificial Intelligence revolution, this book explains how AI, as part of other broad interventions, can drive Global South economies to achieve inclusive development and shared prosperity.

"The book provides an overview of AI-related technologies and explains how to prepare emerging economies to unlock the benefits of AI while mitigating the risks. It also discusses specific AI applications in critical Global South sectors, and shares 10 country case studies of emergent AI experiences in the Global South."

Read the introduction: Introduction

Cover of the book "Artificial Intelligence: A Driver of Inclusive Development and Shared Prosperity for the Global South", colorful with a robot head designed with Africa in green and blue as part of the face.
Photo of Gagandeep Singh standing outside smiling, wearing a green and black jacket and white turban.
This book explains how AI, as part of other broad interventions, can drive Global South economies to achieve inclusive development and shared prosperity.

2. Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Medicine

Edited By Kayvan Najarian, Delaram Kahrobaei, Enrique Dominguez, and Reza Soroushmehr

Nominated by: Marc Guttierez, Senior Editor (Electrical and Biomedical Engineering)

"AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare and medicine. This book provides a detailed description of the advancements, challenges, and opportunities of using AI in medical and health applications.

"It includes case studies that cover topics related to biomedical image processing, machine learning for healthcare, clinical decision support systems, visualization of high dimensional data, data security and privacy, bioinformatics, and biometrics."

Read this recommended chapter: Machine Learning for Disease Classification: A Perspective

Book cover for "Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Medicine". Cover image shows a features a person in medical scrubs with a stethoscope round their neck with their hands in front of them as though they are about to clap or are gesticulating while speaking, with a text overlay reading "MACHINE LEARNING", surrounded by icons representing related technologies like AI, big data, and cloud computing.
Image of Marc Guttierez. He has short grey hair and wire rimmed glasses.
This book provides a detailed description of the advancements, challenges, and opportunities of using AI in medical and health applications.

3. Considerations on the AI Endgame: Ethics, Risks and Computational Frameworks

By Soenke Ziesche and Roman V. Yampolskiy

Nominated by: Randi Slack, Senior Publisher (Chemistry, Computer Science, and IT)

"I am nominating this book, as it covers the rapid technological advancements in AI and the ethical dilemmas that arise as a result.

"The topics explored include an in-depth look at AI welfare science and policy frameworks, a call to merge Western and non-Western approaches towards universal AI ethics, and unconventional yet crucial angles, such as Introducing the Concept of Ikigai to the Ethics of AI and of Human Enhancements.

"This book is an important resource for researchers, policymakers, and anyone interested in the future of AI and the extent of its impact on society."

Read this recommended chapter: Introducing the Concept of Ikigai to the Ethics of AI and Human Advancements

Image of the book cover for "Considerations on the AI Endgame Ethics, Risks and Computational Frameworks". It features a chessboard on a black background.
Image of Randi Slack. She has blonde medium length hair, is wearing a white sweater with colorful stripes, and standing in front of a lake with a tree behind her.
The topics include ... a call to merge Western and non-Western approaches towards universal AI ethics, and unconventional yet crucial angles, such as Introducing the Concept of Ikigai to the Ethics of AI and of Human Enhancements.

4. AI for Peace

By Branka Panic and Paige Arthur

Nominated by: Lucy McClune, Commissioning Editor (AI, ML, Robotics, HCI)

“AI for Peace offers a valuable perspective on how Artificial Intelligence can be leveraged to support peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and the protection of human rights.

"Rather than focusing solely on risks or technical innovation, this book explores practical, real-world applications of AI that prioritize ethical responsibility and global equity.

"It challenges conventional narratives by emphasizing collaboration, inclusion, and the transformative potential of AI when aligned with the needs of vulnerable communities and peace-focused institutions.”

Read this recommended chapter: AI, Peace, and Ethics: From Principles to Practice

Cover of "AI for Peace". It is light blue and green, the letters for the word "AI" are filled in with a stylized computer circuit board design.
Headshot of LucyMcClune wearing a very dark purple V-neck top. She has long auburn hair, blue eyes, and short bangs.

5. AI for the Sustainable Development Goals

By Henrik Skaug Sætra

Nominated by: Sunil Nair, Editorial Director, Science (Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Computer Science, IT, Life Sciences and Chemistry)

"We often hear about the threats of AI. While these are real, the positive aspects of the technology are usually glossed over. This book does an admirable job presenting a balanced view of AI for one of the most important projects of our times: the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"AI will have a strong influence on SDGs, and the author systematically evaluates its impact on all 17 of them in an elegant and simple way. The approach used is one we strongly advocate in our AI for Everything series, in which the book sits.

"This exciting series, which already has 21 published titles and is always expanding, aims to explore AI in contemporary life in a concise and accessible way for a broad readership of interested professionals, students, researchers, and lay readers. We hope to bring practical knowledge of this all-important technology and its use and impact across many sectors, and this book is a prime example of that mission."

Read this recommended chapter: AI and the SDGs in Context

Read about Sunil Nair's day-to-day work with AI at Taylor & Francis
"AI for the Sustainable Development Goals" book cover. It is white, with black and green letters. The word AI is done with stylized computer circuit board design.
Image of Sunil Nair. He has short hair, wire rimmed glasses, and a purple and blue plaid dress shirt.
AI will have a strong influence on the SDGs and the author systematically evaluates its impact on all seventeen of them in an elegant and simple way.

6. Artificial Intelligence in Wireless Sensors and Instruments: Networks and Applications

By Halit Eren

Nominated by: Nora Konopka, Editorial Director, Engineering & Environmental Sciences

"This book is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand how AI and wireless technologies are revolutionizing instrumentation and measurement systems.

"It bridges technical theory with real-world applications, explores future-forward networks like 5G/6G, and explains how intelligent systems are reshaping industries and daily life.

"Whether you're in engineering, research, or tech development, this book offers crucial insights into the integrated future of AI-driven, wireless-enabled smart systems."

Read this recommended chapter: Artificial Intelligence

"Artificial Intelligence in Wireless Sensors and Instruments Networks and Applications" book cover. It is a vivid blue, with illustrations of sensors and instruments.
Image of Nora Konopka. She has long wavy auburn hair and is wearing a Chanel scarf.
(The book) explains how intelligent systems are reshaping industries and daily life.

7. Regulating Hate Speech Created by Generative AI

Edited By Jay Liebowitz

Nominated by: John Wyzalek, Senior Acquisitions Editor (Project Management, Data Analytics, IT/IS Management and Technology, and Software Engineering)

"'Regulating Hate Speech Created by Generative AI' explores the new hybrid space of Human Machine Interaction (HMI) in which hate speech is represented and computed through algorithms and AI generative systems.

"The book is exploratory because there are still many problem-solving challenges to be faced. It is also innovative because it is not assuming that solutions lie only in technological advancements, but on a broader scale.

"It examines guidelines for regulating generative AI models so they do not contribute to online hate."

Read the recommended chapter: Generative AI and Social Engines of Hate

Check out the Data Analytics book series edited by Jay Liebowitz
"Regulating Hate Speech Created by Generative AI" book cover. It is black with a colorful, abstract design of the human face and brain.
Image of John Wyzalek. He has short light brown hair and dark rimmed glasses. He is wearing a blue sweater over a blue patterned dress shirt.
'Regulating Hate Speech Created by Generative AI' explores the new hybrid space of Human Machine Interaction (HMI) in which hate speech is represented and computed through algorithms and AI generative systems.

8. Game AI Uncovered: Volume One

Edited by Paul Roberts

Nominated by: Will Bateman, Commissioning Editor, Games & Animation Books

"AI is an integral part of video game development. In 'Game AI Uncovered,' Paul Roberts brings together 20 top game AI professionals and researchers to offer their expertise and wisdom on the subject.

"By sharing their game AI programming techniques for a variety of different game genres – from first-person shooters, to platformers, and racing games – the authors provide valuable insight into innovative game AI approaches that readers can apply in their own work.

"The book covers a wide range of topics that will appeal to beginners exploring game AI for the first time, as well as seasoned developers looking for new ways to elevate their own techniques."

Read this recommended chapter: The Changing Landscape of AI for Game Development

Cover of "Game AI Uncovered: Volume One". The book has a black background, with images of several gaming characters, all in dark blue tones.
Black and white photo of Will Bateman, it is very close up and mostly his face.

9. Human-Centered AI: A Multidisciplinary Perspective for Policy-Makers, Auditors, and Users

Edited By Catherine Régis, Jean-Louis Denis, Maria Luciana Axente, Atsuo Kishimoto

Nominated by: Elliott Morsia, PhD, Editor (Computer Science)

"This important book draws from a global research alliance whose mission is to encourage collaboration between academia and public institutions, firms, and civil society organizations to promote the creation and application of human-centered AI (HCAI).

"Across 29 captivating chapters, leading scholars and pioneering practitioners provide multidisciplinary perspectives on issues related to law, health, education, and other areas. The book includes interviews and commentaries, as well as a Foreword by Yoshua Bengio."

Read this recommended chapter: Defining Human Centered AI: An Interview with Shannon Valor

Read or download this Open Access book
Cover of "Human-Centered AI: A Multidisciplinary Perspective for Policy-Makers, Auditors, and Users". The book cover features an abstract design, of several faces in profile, all in earthy tones.
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10. Artificial Intelligence for Blockchain and Cybersecurity Powered IoT Operations

Edited By Mariya Ouaissa, Mariyam Ouaissa, Zakaria Boulouard, Abhishek Kumar, Vandana Sharma, Keshav Kaushik

Nominated by: Gabriella Williams, Commissioning Editor, IT (Information Security, Physical Security, Audit & Risk, Networks, Communication and Emerging Technologies)

"This timely and practical volume explores how Artificial Intelligence and blockchain technologies can be applied together to strengthen cybersecurity in IoT systems.

"From securing data integrity to detecting real-time threats, the book highlights concrete solutions to pressing security challenges.

"It brings together researchers and practitioners from across sectors, offering a multidisciplinary view of how these technologies intersect; it's an essential read for anyone interested in the future of secure, decentralised digital infrastructure."

Read this recommended chapter: The revolution and future of blockchain technology in cybersecurity

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