100 books like Introduction to Linear Algebra

By Gilbert Strang,

Here are 100 books that Introduction to Linear Algebra fans have personally recommended if you like Introduction to Linear Algebra. Shepherd is a community of 10,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Linear Algebra: Theory, Intuition, Code

Ivan Savov Author Of No Bullshit Guide to Linear Algebra

From my list on textbooks for learning linear algebra.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been teaching math and physics for more than 20 years as a private tutor. During this time, I experimented with different ways to explain concepts to make them easy to understand. I'm a big fan of using concept maps to show the connections between concepts and teaching topics in an integrated manner, including prerequisites and applications. While researching the material for my book, I read dozens of linear algebra textbooks and watched hundreds of videos, looking for the best ways to explain complicated concepts intuitively. I've tried to distill the essential ideas of linear algebra in my book and prepared this list to highlight the books I learned from.

Ivan's book list on textbooks for learning linear algebra

Ivan Savov Why did Ivan love this book?

I like Prof. Cohen's book because it includes computational examples based on Python and NumPy to illustrate each concept. This is the way I like to think about linear algebra concepts.

Yes, it's important to understand the formulas and theoretical ideas, but applying linear algebra operations in the real world will always involve some computational platform and not pen and paper. This is the only book I know that shows readers the practical computational linear algebra in parallel with the theory.

The author provides computational notebooks for each chapter on GitHub, which makes it easy to explore all the material from a code-first computational perspective.

By Mike X Cohen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Linear Algebra as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Linear algebra is perhaps the most important branch of mathematics for computational sciences, including machine learning, AI, data science, statistics, simulations, computer graphics, multivariate analyses, matrix decompositions, signal processing, and so on.
The way linear algebra is presented in traditional textbooks is different from how professionals use linear algebra in computers to solve real-world applications in machine learning, data science, statistics, and signal processing. For example, the "determinant" of a matrix is important for linear algebra theory, but should you actually use the determinant in practical applications? The answer may surprise you!
If you are interested in learning the mathematical…


Book cover of Linear Algebra Done Right

Ivan Savov Author Of No Bullshit Guide to Linear Algebra

From my list on textbooks for learning linear algebra.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been teaching math and physics for more than 20 years as a private tutor. During this time, I experimented with different ways to explain concepts to make them easy to understand. I'm a big fan of using concept maps to show the connections between concepts and teaching topics in an integrated manner, including prerequisites and applications. While researching the material for my book, I read dozens of linear algebra textbooks and watched hundreds of videos, looking for the best ways to explain complicated concepts intuitively. I've tried to distill the essential ideas of linear algebra in my book and prepared this list to highlight the books I learned from.

Ivan's book list on textbooks for learning linear algebra

Ivan Savov Why did Ivan love this book?

In my opinion, Prof. Axler's book is the best way to learn the formal proofs of linear algebra theorems.

My undergraduate studies were in engineering, so I never learned the proofs. This is why I chose this book to solidify my understanding of the material; it didn't disappoint! Already, in the first few chapters, I learned new things about concepts that I thought I understood.

The book contains numerous exercises which were essential for the learning process. I went through the exercises with a group of friends, which helped me stay motivated. It wasn't easy, but all the time I invested in the proofs was rewarded by a solid understanding of the material.

I highly recommend this book as a second book on linear algebra.

By Sheldon Axler,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Linear Algebra Done Right as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This best-selling textbook for a second course in linear algebra is aimed at undergrad math majors and graduate students. The novel approach taken here banishes determinants to the end of the book. The text focuses on the central goal of linear algebra: understanding the structure of linear operators on finite-dimensional vector spaces. The author has taken unusual care to motivate concepts and to simplify proofs. A variety of interesting exercises in each chapter helps students understand and manipulate the objects of linear algebra.

The third edition contains major improvements and revisions throughout the book. More than 300 new exercises have…


Book cover of Linear Algebra

Ivan Savov Author Of No Bullshit Guide to Linear Algebra

From my list on textbooks for learning linear algebra.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been teaching math and physics for more than 20 years as a private tutor. During this time, I experimented with different ways to explain concepts to make them easy to understand. I'm a big fan of using concept maps to show the connections between concepts and teaching topics in an integrated manner, including prerequisites and applications. While researching the material for my book, I read dozens of linear algebra textbooks and watched hundreds of videos, looking for the best ways to explain complicated concepts intuitively. I've tried to distill the essential ideas of linear algebra in my book and prepared this list to highlight the books I learned from.

Ivan's book list on textbooks for learning linear algebra

Ivan Savov Why did Ivan love this book?

This book has been a bit of an inspiration for me, and I use it regularly as a reference.

First of all, the content is complete and covers all the standard topics, including complete proofs. I like Heffron's book particularly because of the comprehensive exercises with complete worked solutions. It's hard to over-emphasize the importance of solving problems when learning, and this book has A LOT of them, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone learning on their own.

The author also provides lots of bonus material through his website, including slides, homework assignments, and a video lecture series. Last but not least, the entire book is released under an open license, allowing instructors to adapt and customize the material.

By Jim Hefferon,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Linear Algebra as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The approach is developmental. Although it covers the requisite material by proving things, it does not assume that students are already able at abstract work. Instead, it proceeds with a great deal of motivation, many computational examples, and exercises that range from routine verifications to (a few) challenges. The goal is, in the context of developing the usual material of an undergraduate linear algebra course, to help raise each student's level of mathematical maturity.


Book cover of Introduction to Classical and Quantum Computing

Ivan Savov Author Of No Bullshit Guide to Linear Algebra

From my list on textbooks for learning linear algebra.

Why am I passionate about this?

I've been teaching math and physics for more than 20 years as a private tutor. During this time, I experimented with different ways to explain concepts to make them easy to understand. I'm a big fan of using concept maps to show the connections between concepts and teaching topics in an integrated manner, including prerequisites and applications. While researching the material for my book, I read dozens of linear algebra textbooks and watched hundreds of videos, looking for the best ways to explain complicated concepts intuitively. I've tried to distill the essential ideas of linear algebra in my book and prepared this list to highlight the books I learned from.

Ivan's book list on textbooks for learning linear algebra

Ivan Savov Why did Ivan love this book?

This is a good example of a book that makes a complicated topic accessible and easy to understand. Strictly speaking, this is not a linear algebra book, but quantum computing is so closely linked to linear algebra that I'm including this gem.

Prof. Wong covers all quantum computing topics in a straightforward and intuitive manner. He goes out of his way to prepare hundreds of examples of quantum circuits that made my life easy as a reader. What I like particularly about this book is that it explains all the derivations and all the details without skipping any steps.

I can recognize the work of a true master teacher: whenever I ran into a confusing concept, it was explained a few lines later, as if reading my mind.

Book cover of Teaching and Learning Algebra

David Acheson Author Of The Wonder Book of Geometry: A Mathematical Story

From my list on mathematics for the general reader.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am an applied mathematician at Oxford University, and author of the bestseller 1089 and All That, which has now been translated into 13 languages. In 1992 I discovered a strange mathematical theorem – loosely related to the Indian Rope Trick - which eventually featured on BBC television. My books and public lectures are now aimed at bringing mainstream mathematics to the general public in new and exciting ways.

David's book list on mathematics for the general reader

David Acheson Why did David love this book?

This may seem an odd choice, but as a maths popularizer I need to know all that I can about why some people find the main elements of the subject so difficult. I found Doug French's book exceptionally helpful in this respect, even though it is aimed principally at high school teachers. This is partly because he focuses throughout on the most important mathematical ideas and difficulties. Moreover, the scope is wider than the title suggests, for he also ventures imaginatively into both geometry and calculus.

By Doug French,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Teaching and Learning Algebra as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Continuum has repackaged some of its key academic backlist titles to make them available at a more affordable price. These reissues will have new ISBNs, distinctive jackets and strong branding. They cover a range of subject areas that have a continuing student sale and make great supplementary reading more accessible. A comprehensive, authoritative and constructive guide to teaching algebra.


Book cover of A Mind For Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science (Even If You Flunked Algebra)

Scott Young Author Of Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career

From my list on becoming a more effective learner.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a writer, programmer, traveler and avid reader of interesting things. For the last ten years I've been experimenting to find out how to learn and think better. I don't promise I have all the answers, just a place to start. 

Scott's book list on becoming a more effective learner

Scott Young Why did Scott love this book?

Oakley is best known for her co-instruction of Learning How to Learn, one of the most popular Coursera courses that has had millions of students. This book offers a science-driven perspective for how to get good at math. Oakley walks her talk too, specializing in linguistics she only became a professor of engineering later, despite some difficulties with math.

By Barbara Oakley,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Mind For Numbers as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The companion book to COURSERA®'s wildly popular massive open online course "Learning How to Learn"

Whether you are a student struggling to fulfill a math or science requirement, or you are embarking on a career change that requires a new skill set, A Mind for Numbers offers the tools you need to get a better grasp of that intimidating material. Engineering professor Barbara Oakley knows firsthand how it feels to struggle with math. She flunked her way through high school math and science courses, before enlisting in the army immediately after graduation. When she saw how her lack of mathematical…


Book cover of Python for Everyone

Daniel Zingaro Author Of Learn to Code by Solving Problems: A Python Programming Primer

From my list on for a rock solid python programming foundation.

Why am I passionate about this?

Some programmers learn through online articles, videos, and blog posts. Not me. I need a throughline—a consistent, expert distillation of the material to take me from where I am to where I want to be. I am not good at patching together information from disparate sources. I need a great book. I have a PhD in computer science education, and I want to know what helps people learn. More importantly, I want to know how we can use such discoveries to write more effective books. The books I appreciate most are those that demonstrate not only mastery of the subject matter but also mastery of teaching.

Daniel's book list on for a rock solid python programming foundation

Daniel Zingaro Why did Daniel love this book?

I used this book for several years starting in 2013 when the first edition came out. It absolutely holds up today. Learning the Python language (the syntax) is one thing. Learning how to design programs using this syntax is another. We need both but, unfortunately, many books forgo the latter for the former. Not this book! I like the Problem Solving and Worked Example sections: they help learners apply a disciplined, step-by-step strategy to programming projects. There are multiple, varied contexts here as well, which helps capture a broader base of learners. Bonus feature: the Computing & Society boxes.

By Cay S. Horstmann, Rance D. Necaise,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Python for Everyone as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Python for Everyone, 3rd Edition is an introduction to programming designed to serve a wide range of student interests and abilities, focused on the essentials, and on effective learning. It is suitable for a first course in programming for computer scientists, engineers, and students in other disciplines. This text requires no prior programming experience and only a modest amount of high school algebra. Objects are used where appropriate in early chapters and students start designing and implementing their own classes in Chapter 9. New to this edition are examples and exercises that focus on various aspects of data science.


Book cover of The Algebraist

Jason Jowett Author Of Alchemy Series Compendium

From my list on inspiring sci-fi that reforges your worldview.

Why am I passionate about this?

As an avid explorer having thrice traveled around the world, living and working in over 40 countries, my inspirations as so originally science fiction have found grounding. I looked to level my imagination in the real world and filtered out the impossible from the unnecessary on a path to utopia. Sharing our ideas, exposing misgivings too, all contribute to a shared realization of human potential. This is much of the reason for who I am as a founder of business platforms I designed to achieve things that I envisage as helpful, necessary, and constructive contributions to our world. Those software endeavours underway in 2022, and a longtime coming still, are Horoscorpio and De Democracy.

Jason's book list on inspiring sci-fi that reforges your worldview

Jason Jowett Why did Jason love this book?

The biggest challenge to setting out a worldview within a universe is describing the detail about entities that imbues the feelings associated with living as those entities within it. Banks manages the sensation of living beings masterfully, where they are so alien and so abstract your pure imagination is put to the test. What would life be like for you as a jelly blob that flies around a gas giant? Pretty damn good thanks to Iain, and it's something I tackled in my book too with not nearly as much success it seems, at least yet.

By Iain M. Banks,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Algebraist as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

It is 4034 AD. Humanity has made it to the stars. Fassin Taak, a Slow Seer at the Court of the Nasqueron Dwellers, will be fortunate if he makes it to the end of the year.

The Nasqueron Dwellers inhabit a gas giant on the outskirts of the galaxy, in a system awaiting its wormhole connection to the rest of civilisation. In the meantime, they are dismissed as decadents living in a state of highly developed barbarism, hoarding data without order, hunting their own young and fighting pointless formal wars.

Seconded to a military-religious order he's barely heard of -…


Book cover of Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences

Martin Sternstein Author Of Barron's AP Statistics

From my list on statistical insights into social issues.

Why am I passionate about this?

I taught for 45 years at Ithaca College broken by two years as Fulbright Professor in West Africa at the University of Liberia. During my years in academia, I developed several new courses including a popular “Math in Africa” class and the first U.S. course for college credit in chess theory. I’ve always had a passion for and continue to have strong interests in (1) national educational and social issues concerning equal access to math education for all and (2) teaching others about the power of mathematics and statistics to help one more deeply understand social issues.

Martin's book list on statistical insights into social issues

Martin Sternstein Why did Martin love this book?

The author shows how our inability to deal rationally with data results in misinformed governmental policies, muddled personal decisions, and a heightened vulnerability to accepting baseless conclusions.

With examples from drug testing and sex discrimination to law and relative risk, and everything in between, the reader is shown how understanding numbers can improve society as a whole as well as better individual lives. I’ve handed out copies of this book to my students, friends, and academic associates.

By John Allen Paulos,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Innumeracy as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Why do even well-educated people often understand so little about maths - or take a perverse pride in not being a 'numbers person'?

In his now-classic book Innumeracy, John Allen Paulos answers questions such as: Why is following the stock market exactly like flipping a coin? How big is a trillion? How fast does human hair grow in mph? Can you calculate the chances that a party includes two people who have the same birthday? Paulos shows us that by arming yourself with some simple maths, you don't have to let numbers get the better of you.


Book cover of How to Think Like a Mathematician

Lara Alcock Author Of How to Study as a Mathematics Major

From my list on studying undergraduate mathematics.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a Reader in the Mathematics Education Centre at Loughborough University in the UK. I have always loved mathematics and, when I became a PhD student and started teaching, I realized that how people think about mathematics is fascinating too. I am particularly interested in demystifying the transition to proof-based undergraduate mathematics. I believe that much of effective learning is not about inherent genius but about understanding how theoretical mathematics works and what research tells us about good study strategies. That is what these books, collectively, are about.

Lara's book list on studying undergraduate mathematics

Lara Alcock Why did Lara love this book?

Many undergraduate mathematics books – even those aimed at new students – are dense, technical, and difficult to read at any sort of speed. This is a natural feature of books in a deductive science, but it can be very discouraging, even for dedicated students. Houston’s book covers many ideas useful at the transition to proof-based mathematics, and he has worked extensively and attentively with students at that stage. Consequently, his book maintains high mathematical integrity and has lots of useful exercises while also being an unusually friendly read.

By Kevin Houston,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked How to Think Like a Mathematician as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Looking for a head start in your undergraduate degree in mathematics? Maybe you've already started your degree and feel bewildered by the subject you previously loved? Don't panic! This friendly companion will ease your transition to real mathematical thinking. Working through the book you will develop an arsenal of techniques to help you unlock the meaning of definitions, theorems and proofs, solve problems, and write mathematics effectively. All the major methods of proof - direct method, cases, induction, contradiction and contrapositive - are featured. Concrete examples are used throughout, and you'll get plenty of practice on topics common to many…


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