Paul Graham is a computer scientist, entrepreneur, and investor best known for founding Y Combinator, the world's leading startup accelerator. He has written influential essays on startups, technology, and society that have shaped how entrepreneurs think. His investments and mentorship have helped launch companies including Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe.
82 Books Recommended by Paul Graham
Ranked by popularity across all reading lists on this site
How to Win Friends and Influence People
20 people recommendedrecommended 4xThe one book we encourage startup founders to read. [...] It's critically important for anyone in business.
The one book we encourage startup founders to read. [...] It's critically important for anyone in business.
The one book we encourage startup founders to read. [...] It's critically important for anyone in business.
The one book we encourage startup founders to read. [...] It's critically important for anyone in business.
Also recommended by: Robert Cialdini, Warren Buffett, Dustin Moskovitz, Tim Draper, Ben Greenfield, Alex Hormozi, Barbara Corcoran, Dave Ramsey, Patrick Bet David, Daymond John, Derek Sivers, Dj Vlad, Ken Block, Michael Hyatt, Sahil Lavingia, Scott Adams, Shay Carl, Strauss Zelnick, Rohan Bhargava
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
9 people recommendedrecommended 4xPaul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Also recommended by: Drew Houston, Ev Williams, Bryan Johnson, Austen Allred, Fred Wilson, Jordan Peterson, Josh Waitzkin, Phil Jackson
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
8 people recommendedrecommended 4xA great book, probably in my all time top 100.
A great book, probably in my all time top 100.
A great book, probably in my all time top 100.
A great book, probably in my all time top 100.
Also recommended by: Elon Musk, Jamie Dimon, Brandon Stanton, Charlie Munger, Cory Booker, Vince Vaughn, Walter Isaacson
Founders at Work
7 people recommendedrecommended 4xProbably the single most valuable book a startup founder could read.
Probably the single most valuable book a startup founder could read.
Probably the single most valuable book a startup founder could read.
Probably the single most valuable book a startup founder could read.
Also recommended by: Sam Ovens, Ev Williams, Ron Conway, Alexis Ohanian, Ryan Holiday, Derek Sivers
The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
6 people recommendedrecommended 4xMade me want to work on AI, which led to Lisp.
Made me want to work on AI, which led to Lisp.
Made me want to work on AI, which led to Lisp.
Made me want to work on AI, which led to Lisp.
Also recommended by: Elon Musk, Bill Gates, Christopher Sommer, John Carmack, Ryan Shea
The Structure of Scientific Revolutions
6 people recommendedrecommended 4xPaul Graham mentioned re-reading this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned re-reading this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned re-reading this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned re-reading this book on Twitter.
Also recommended by: Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs, Brad Delong, David Deutsch, Stanislav Grof
A Sense of Where You Are
4 people recommendedrecommended 4xPaul Graham's answer to "whatβs the most beautiful book youβve ever read?
Paul Graham's answer to "whatβs the most beautiful book youβve ever read?
Paul Graham's answer to "whatβs the most beautiful book youβve ever read?
Paul Graham's answer to "whatβs the most beautiful book youβve ever read?
Also recommended by: Daniel Pink, Jim Collins, Ryan Petersen
The Origin of Species
4 people recommendedrecommended 3xPaul Graham used this book as an example that one scientist's "take" can be very convincing.
Paul Graham used this book as an example that one scientist's "take" can be very convincing.
Paul Graham used this book as an example that one scientist's "take" can be very convincing.
Also recommended by: Darren Aronofsky, Matt Ridley, Neil Degrasse Tyson
The Iliad
4 people recommendedrecommended 3xPaul Graham's (funny) answer to "what are your favourite books with a politics very different to your own?
Paul Graham's (funny) answer to "what are your favourite books with a politics very different to your own?
Paul Graham's (funny) answer to "what are your favourite books with a politics very different to your own?
Also recommended by: Elon Musk, Jk Rowling, Stewart Brand
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.
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.
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.
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.
Also recommended by: Patrick Collison, Barry Ritholtz, Trung Phan
The most fabulous book.
The most fabulous book.
The most fabulous book.
The most fabulous book.
Also recommended by: Patrick Collison, Sam Altman
Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs
3 people recommendedrecommended 4xThis 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.
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.
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.
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.
Also recommended by: Patrick Collison, Max Levchin
The Collected Works of P. G. Wodehouse
3 people recommendedrecommended 4x[The author] is so good that I get distracted by his perfection. Not a word wrong.
[The author] is so good that I get distracted by his perfection. Not a word wrong.
[The author] is so good that I get distracted by his perfection. Not a word wrong.
[The author] is so good that I get distracted by his perfection. Not a word wrong.
Also recommended by: Jk Rowling, Christopher Hitchens
The Soul of A New Machine
3 people recommendedrecommended 4xOne of Paul Graham's answers to "do you know of any good books about startups?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "do you know of any good books about startups?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "do you know of any good books about startups?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "do you know of any good books about startups?
Also recommended by: Bill Gurley, Fred Wilson
I suspect if you'd read 'Guns, Sails, and Empires' and [this book], little in 'Guns, Germs, and Steel' would surprise you.
I suspect if you'd read 'Guns, Sails, and Empires' and [this book], little in 'Guns, Germs, and Steel' would surprise you.
I suspect if you'd read 'Guns, Sails, and Empires' and [this book], little in 'Guns, Germs, and Steel' would surprise you.
I suspect if you'd read 'Guns, Sails, and Empires' and [this book], little in 'Guns, Germs, and Steel' would surprise you.
Also recommended by: Patrick Collison, Brad Delong
The Old Way
3 people recommendedIf you want to learn more about hunter gatherers I strongly recommend [this book].
Also recommended by: Sam Altman, Patrick Collison
The Double Helix
3 people recommendedrecommended 4xThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
Also recommended by: Matt Ridley, Peter Attia
Hard Drive
3 people recommendedrecommended 3xGood.
Good.
Good.
Also recommended by: Carlos Slim, Charlie Munger
With the Old Breed
3 people recommendedrecommended 2xRead this book.
Read this book.
Also recommended by: Howard Stern, Jocko Willink
Barbarian Days
2 people recommendedrecommended 4xIt's one of those rare books that divide your life into two parts: before you read it, and after.
It's one of those rare books that divide your life into two parts: before you read it, and after.
It's one of those rare books that divide your life into two parts: before you read it, and after.
It's one of those rare books that divide your life into two parts: before you read it, and after.
Also recommended by: Barack Obama
[Amazing.] An indictment of publishing that it's out of print.
[Amazing.] An indictment of publishing that it's out of print.
[Amazing.] An indictment of publishing that it's out of print.
[Amazing.] An indictment of publishing that it's out of print.
Also recommended by: Sam Altman
My Family and Other Animals
2 people recommendedrecommended 4xA wonderful book, though only implicitly about 'parenting.'
A wonderful book, though only implicitly about 'parenting.'
A wonderful book, though only implicitly about 'parenting.'
A wonderful book, though only implicitly about 'parenting.'
Also recommended by: Matt Ridley
The Man Who Knew Infinity
2 people recommendedrecommended 4xGreat biography of Ramanujan.
Great biography of Ramanujan.
Great biography of Ramanujan.
Great biography of Ramanujan.
Also recommended by: Donald Knuth
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
Also recommended by: Sam Altman
On Bullshit
recommended 4xAccording to a Twitter thread, Paul Graham praised this book.
According to a Twitter thread, Paul Graham praised this book.
According to a Twitter thread, Paul Graham praised this book.
According to a Twitter thread, Paul Graham praised this book.
A Mathematician’s Apology
recommended 4xAmong the most inspiring books I know.
Among the most inspiring books I know.
Among the most inspiring books I know.
Among the most inspiring books I know.
The German Generals Talk
recommended 4xOne of Paul Graham's answers to "whatβs your favorite book that almost nobody else knows or talks about?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "whatβs your favorite book that almost nobody else knows or talks about?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "whatβs your favorite book that almost nobody else knows or talks about?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "whatβs your favorite book that almost nobody else knows or talks about?
How to Be Topp
recommended 4xI read this during dinner and laughed so much that people must have wondered what was wrong with me.
I read this during dinner and laughed so much that people must have wondered what was wrong with me.
I read this during dinner and laughed so much that people must have wondered what was wrong with me.
I read this during dinner and laughed so much that people must have wondered what was wrong with me.
Mathematician’s Delight
recommended 4x[One of ] the best [books] I can think of [to learn what math is really about].
[One of ] the best [books] I can think of [to learn what math is really about].
[One of ] the best [books] I can think of [to learn what math is really about].
[One of ] the best [books] I can think of [to learn what math is really about].
The Making of Europe
recommended 4xI 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.
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.
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.
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.
A History of Rome
recommended 4xOne of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
Civilisation
recommended 4xOne of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
Clocks and Culture
recommended 4xI also recommend [this book].
I also recommend [this book].
I also recommend [this book].
I also recommend [this book].
Albert Einstein
recommended 4xThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
Euclid’s Elements
recommended 4x[One of ] the best [books] I can think of [to learn what math is really about].
[One of ] the best [books] I can think of [to learn what math is really about].
[One of ] the best [books] I can think of [to learn what math is really about].
[One of ] the best [books] I can think of [to learn what math is really about].
The World We Have Lost
recommended 4xOne of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
Mohammed and Charlemagne
recommended 4xOne of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
No Easy Day
recommended 4xSimultaneously reading Rousseau's Confessions and [this book]. Triangulating...
Simultaneously reading Rousseau's Confessions and [this book]. Triangulating...
Simultaneously reading Rousseau's Confessions and [this book]. Triangulating...
Simultaneously reading Rousseau's Confessions and [this book]. Triangulating...
The Extension of Man
recommended 4xOne of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
Wing Leader
recommended 4xOne of Paul Graham's answers to "whatβs your favorite book that almost nobody else knows or talks about?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "whatβs your favorite book that almost nobody else knows or talks about?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "whatβs your favorite book that almost nobody else knows or talks about?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "whatβs your favorite book that almost nobody else knows or talks about?
History of the World
recommended 4xPaul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Kelly
recommended 4xHow did I not know about this book til now?
How did I not know about this book til now?
How did I not know about this book til now?
How did I not know about this book til now?
Sea Flight
recommended 4xA wonderful book. I'm looking at the few pages left and wishing there were more.
A wonderful book. I'm looking at the few pages left and wishing there were more.
A wonderful book. I'm looking at the few pages left and wishing there were more.
A wonderful book. I'm looking at the few pages left and wishing there were more.
The Lives of the Artists
recommended 4xOne of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
An Autobiography of Anthony Trollope
recommended 4x[This] Autobiography is a wonderfully candid and inspiring one.
[This] Autobiography is a wonderfully candid and inspiring one.
[This] Autobiography is a wonderfully candid and inspiring one.
[This] Autobiography is a wonderfully candid and inspiring one.
Fall of Constantinople
recommended 4xOne of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
The Complete Calvin and Hobbes
recommended 4xWatterson is like Wodehouse. Because he works in an unpretentious medium, few realize how timelessly great he is.
Watterson is like Wodehouse. Because he works in an unpretentious medium, few realize how timelessly great he is.
Watterson is like Wodehouse. Because he works in an unpretentious medium, few realize how timelessly great he is.
Watterson is like Wodehouse. Because he works in an unpretentious medium, few realize how timelessly great he is.
The Quest for El Cid
recommended 4xOne of Paul Graham's answers to "are there any books on medieval history you can recommend?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "are there any books on medieval history you can recommend?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "are there any books on medieval history you can recommend?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "are there any books on medieval history you can recommend?
Very Good, Jeeves!
recommended 4xWodehouse is so good that I get distracted by his perfection. Not a word wrong.
Wodehouse is so good that I get distracted by his perfection. Not a word wrong.
Wodehouse is so good that I get distracted by his perfection. Not a word wrong.
Wodehouse is so good that I get distracted by his perfection. Not a word wrong.
Concorde
recommended 4x[The author] was in charge of BAC's Commercial Aircraft Division, and thus the British side of Concorde development.
[The author] was in charge of BAC's Commercial Aircraft Division, and thus the British side of Concorde development.
[The author] was in charge of BAC's Commercial Aircraft Division, and thus the British side of Concorde development.
[The author] was in charge of BAC's Commercial Aircraft Division, and thus the British side of Concorde development.
Flying Start
recommended 4xA wonderful book.
A wonderful book.
A wonderful book.
A wonderful book.
The Ancient City
recommended 3xOne of the best books I've found for explaining history to kids.
One of the best books I've found for explaining history to kids.
One of the best books I've found for explaining history to kids.
Autobiographies
recommended 3xPaul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Life in the English Country House
One of Paul Graham's answers to "whatβs your favorite book that almost nobody else knows or talks about?
Memoirs or Chronicle of the Fourth Crusade and the Conquest of Constantinople
recommended 4xI've read [this book] at least two times, maybe three.
I've read [this book] at least two times, maybe three.
I've read [this book] at least two times, maybe three.
I've read [this book] at least two times, maybe three.
The Confessions
recommended 3xSimultaneously reading [this book] and No Easy Day. Triangulating...
Simultaneously reading [this book] and No Easy Day. Triangulating...
Simultaneously reading [this book] and No Easy Day. Triangulating...
The Harmless People
If you want to learn more about hunter gatherers I strongly recommend [this book].
The Complete Novels of Jane Austen
recommended 2xPaul Graham's answer to "examples of books that you reread years later, & found to be much better?
Paul Graham's answer to "examples of books that you reread years later, & found to be much better?
Maisy Mouse Collection
recommended 3xMy favorite books for bedtime reading to 2 year olds.
My favorite books for bedtime reading to 2 year olds.
My favorite books for bedtime reading to 2 year olds.
The Copernican Revolution
Kuhn was surely most influenced by the Copernican Revolution. [This is an] excellent book incidentally.
The Gallic Wars
recommended 3xOne of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
The Inimitable Jeeves
Paul Graham's answer to "which P. G. Wodehouse book do you recommend?
Born Red
recommended 3xBook recommendation.
Book recommendation.
Book recommendation.
Diocletian and the Roman Recovery
One of the best books about the late 3rd century.
Memoirs of My Life
recommended 3xPaul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Moab Is My Washpot
Paul Graham's answer to "which Stephen Fry book do you recommend?
Painting and Experience in Fifteenth-Century Italy
recommended 2xPaul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
The Golden Trade of the Moors
recommended 2xOne of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
The New Penguin Atlas of Ancient History
recommended 2xOne of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
One of Paul Graham's answers to "what should I read to learn more about history?
The Spectator
recommended 2xPaul Graham mentioned reading this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned reading this book on Twitter.
Good Night, Little Bear
recommended 2xPaul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
Paul Graham mentioned this book on Twitter.
My Forty Years with Ford
recommended 2xI particularly liked [this book].
I particularly liked [this book].
Sunset at Blandings
recommended 2xThe writing in the novel Wodehouse left unfinished when he died at 93 is crisp as ever.
The writing in the novel Wodehouse left unfinished when he died at 93 is crisp as ever.
From Galileo to Newton
recommended 2xParticularly good at getting into contemporaries' heads.
Particularly good at getting into contemporaries' heads.