My Personal Library

A collection of books I’ve read or am reading, focused on mathematics, cryptography, Monero, programming, and digital sovereignty.

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Mathematics

Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid

Author: Douglas Hofstadter
Published: 1979
Tags: Mathematics, Logic, Philosophy, Computation
Notes: An interdisciplinary exploration of self-reference and formal systems.

Concrete Mathematics

Authors: Ronald L. Graham, Donald E. Knuth, Oren Patashnik
Published: 1989
Tags: Discrete Math, Algorithms, Problem Solving
Notes: A deep dive into the concrete side of mathematics with real applications in programming.

How Not to Be Wrong: The Power of Mathematical Thinking

Author: Jordan Ellenberg
Published: 2014
Tags: Applied Mathematics, Logic, Critical Thinking
Notes: Engaging introduction to how mathematical thinking shapes decisions and society.

Introduction to the Theory of Computation

Author: Michael Sipser
Published: 1996
Tags: Computation Theory, Automata, Complexity
Notes: Standard academic text on computation and formal language theory.

The Art of Probability

Author: Richard W. Hamming
Published: 1991
Tags: Probability, Statistics, Theory
Notes: A practical and intuitive approach to understanding probability.

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Cryptography and Privacy

Applied Cryptography

Author: Bruce Schneier
Published: 1996
Tags: Cryptography, Security, Protocols
Notes: Classic reference on cryptographic algorithms and protocols.

Crypto: How the Code Rebels Beat the Government

Author: Steven Levy
Published: 2001
Tags: Cryptography, History, Cyberculture
Notes: Chronicles the rise of public-key cryptography and the cypherpunk movement.

Mastering Monero

Author: SerHack
Published: 2018
Tags: Monero, Privacy, Blockchain
Notes: Technical overview of Monero’s inner workings, from ring signatures to Kovri.

Zero Knowledge Proofs: A Gentle Introduction

Author: Matthew Green (online series)
Published: Ongoing
Tags: ZKPs, Cryptography, Theory
Notes: Beginner-friendly explanations from a leading cryptographer.

The Code Book

Author: Simon Singh
Published: 1999
Tags: Cryptography, History, Cryptanalysis
Notes: A historical account of codes and ciphers through the ages.

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Programming and Systems

The C Programming Language

Authors: Brian Kernighan, Dennis Ritchie
Published: 1978
Tags: Programming, C, Systems
Notes: The definitive book on C and foundational systems programming.

The Art of Computer Programming (Vols. 1–4A)

Author: Donald Knuth
Published: 1968–present
Tags: Algorithms, Computer Science, Theory
Notes: A monumental series on algorithms and computational theory.

Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs (SICP)

Authors: Harold Abelson, Gerald Jay Sussman
Published: 1985
Tags: Lisp, Programming, Computer Science
Notes: Fundamental concepts in computation, presented with clarity and depth.

Clean Code

Author: Robert C. Martin
Published: 2008
Tags: Software Engineering, Best Practices
Notes: A guide to writing readable, maintainable, and efficient code.

Programming Rust

Authors: Jim Blandy, Jason Orendorff
Published: 2017
Tags: Rust, Systems Programming, Memory Safety
Notes: Comprehensive and practical resource for learning Rust in depth.

Operating Systems: Three Easy Pieces

Authors: Remzi H. Arpaci-Dusseau, Andrea C. Arpaci-Dusseau
Published: 2018
Tags: Operating Systems, Systems Programming
Notes: Clear, concise, and free online. Covers core OS principles.

UNIX: A History and a Memoir

Author: Brian Kernighan
Published: 2019
Tags: UNIX, History, Programming Culture
Notes: Personal perspective on the development of UNIX by one of its creators.

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Monero, Bitcoin, and Digital Money

Mastering Bitcoin

Author: Andreas M. Antonopoulos
Published: 2014
Tags: Bitcoin, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency
Notes: In-depth technical manual for understanding Bitcoin and the blockchain.

Mastering Monero

Author: SerHack
Published: 2018
Tags: Monero, Privacy, Cryptocurrency
Notes: Listed again for good reason – essential Monero reading.

The Bitcoin Standard

Author: Saifedean Ammous
Published: 2018
Tags: Economics, Crypto, Monetary Theory
Notes: Argument for Bitcoin as hard money; often referenced in crypto circles.

Breaking Free of the Central Bank

Author: George Selgin (compilation)
Published: Various
Tags: Austrian Economics, Monetary Policy
Notes: A set of essays critiquing central banking and fiat money.

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Digital Sovereignty and Philosophy

The Sovereign Individual

Authors: James Dale Davidson, William Rees-Mogg
Published: 1997
Tags: Sovereignty, Economics, Future Tech
Notes: A prophetic book on the shift to individual digital autonomy.

Surveillance Capitalism

Author: Shoshana Zuboff
Published: 2019
Tags: Technology, Privacy, Society
Notes: Critical examination of how big tech monetizes personal data.

Permanent Record

Author: Edward Snowden
Published: 2019
Tags: Autobiography, Surveillance, Whistleblowing
Notes: Snowden’s account of life, leaks, and liberty.

The Network State

Author: Balaji Srinivasan
Published: 2022
Tags: Sovereignty, Digital Nations, Crypto
Notes: Proposes a radical new form of governance through online communities.

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Technology History and Theory

Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution

Author: Steven Levy
Published: 1984
Tags: Hacker Culture, Computing History
Notes: Chronicles the pioneers who shaped computing culture.

Code: The Hidden Language of Computer Hardware and Software

Author: Charles Petzold
Published: 2000
Tags: Computer Architecture, Software, Electronics
Notes: Beautifully explains how computers work from first principles.

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