10 Books that will Substitute A Computer Science Degree

Found this list of books online, copied it down because I thought it was interesting. Now I'll share it with you. I do not have a CS Degree...and I do not want one - My degree is in History. However, this might be of interest to those who don't have one and DO want one...Or those who have one they're not happy with. (Hence, why I don't have one.)


1. Godel Escher and Bach by Douglas Hofstadter
Godel, Escher and Bach, written by Douglas Hofstadter, while the title would suggest it is discussion of a mathematician, an artist, and a composer, is a complex examination of how human beings develop perception and meaning. More specifically, the book explores, through a series of dialogues and narrations, how symbols, thought and language are all intertwined and how reality is essentially a composition of overlapping meanings and perceptions. The book challenges the reader to observe the system of symbolic meanings around him or her objectively.
2. The Art of Programming by Donald Knuth
The Art of Programming, by Donald Knuth, is a comprehensive, multi-volume work discussing various programming algorithms and their analysis. The work was voted by American Scientist as one of the twelve best scientific monographs of the twentieth century. The author famously offered a reward of two dollars and fifty cents for anyone who found and reported an error in the text. The work features exercises of multiple difficulty levels, from basic warm up exercises to ongoing research problems, allowing the reader to work up his skill and familiarity with the material.
3. The Elements of Programming Style by Brian W. Kernighan and P. J. Plauger
The Elements of Programming Style, by Brian W. Kernighan and P. J. Plauger, is an influential book on the study of computer programming styles and languages. It endorses the strategy that computer programs should be written not only to satisfy the compiler, but also keep the human readers in mind. The book utilizes examples taken from actual, published programs. The book’s recommendations are made in the context of the examples which are realistic rather than an academic vacuum.
4. Theory of Parsing, Translation and Compiling, by Alfred V. Aho, and Jeffrey D. Ullman
The book, Theory of Parsing, Translation and Compiling, by Alfred V. Aho, and Jeffrey D. Ullman, is intended for a senior or graduate course in compiling theory. It is a theoretical treatment of a practical computer science subject. Since computer science is an ever changing area of study, this book emphasizes ideas, rather than specific application details. The algorithms and concepts presented in the book should survive to new generations of computer technology, programs and systems. Numerous examples are given, with specific context, rather than on the large complicated contexts normally found in implementations, even in cases where the theoretical ideas are difficult to understand in isolation.
5. The Computer and the Brain, by John von Neumann
The Computer and the Brain, by John von Neumann, is theoretical work which examines mathematics, logic’s, and statistics as the basic tools of information. The book explores how these subjects make up the entirety of the planning, usage and coding of computers. The author explores how mathematics and logic are related to the functions of the organic human brain in the same way they are applied to the artificial automated computer processor.
6. A Programming Language, by Kenneth E. Iverson
A Programming Language, by Kenneth E. Iverson, explores how programming language is a signifier for a whole host of mathematical algorithms and procedures. The book focuses on specific areas of application which serve as universal examples and are chosen to illustrate particular facets of the effort to design explicit and concise programming languages.
7. Writing Efficient Programs, by Jon Louis Bentley
Writing Efficient Programs, by Jon Louis Bentley, illustrates to the reader how the
primary task of a software designer is the development of programs that are not only useful, but easy and inexpensive to maintain. Moreover, the book explores how software must have specific application as well as versatility to me modified for unforeseen uses. Lastly, efficient programs must be efficient to write as the cost of writing will determine their competitiveness in the software market.
8. Computation: Finite and Infinite Machines, by Marvin L. Minsky
Computation: Finite and Infinite Machines, by Marvin L. Minsky, explores how the
introduction of the computer in the last half century has affected the fabric of human society. The book essays to describe the application and limitation of computer technology as it relates to human progress and potential.
9. Operating System Principles, by Per Brinch Hansen
Operating System Principles, by Per Brinch Hansen, gives computer science and professional programmers a general explanation and analysis of operating systems. The book explains how an OS works to allow sharing of information easy and efficient.
10. Artificial Intelligence, by Elaine Rich
Artificial Intelligence, by Elaine Rich, gives programmers an introduction to the techniques and problems associated with A.I. The book features references throughout that allow the reader to pursue the topics deeper than would be possible within the defined scope and space limitations of the book.

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