Civil Engineers are a unique bunch. We appreciate things like derived equations and how water behaves around a bridge pier. Even if you don't quite understand what we're talking about, don't worry. Sometimes we get lost in our own thoughts! One present I can guarantee any Civil Engineer will appreciate is a good book. So I've compiled a list of the five best books to buy a civil engineer so that you can rest assured knowing that your present will be both appreciated and used.

Humble Pi by Matt Parker

Humble Pi is a book written by mathematician and comedian Matt Parker. The book chronicles some of the most famous mathematical errors in history and explores how they led to disastrous consequences (don't worry - not all of them are that disastrous). Although it is full of dense mathematical concepts, the book is also amusing and enjoyable to read. Parker does a great job of explaining the underlying math concepts in a way that is easy to understand, and he includes plenty of real-life examples to illustrate his points. It is an easy book to pick up and put down, and provides a great deal of entertainment and education. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Maths or Engineering, especially those who like to learn about the history of math mistakes.

The Shard: The Vision of Irvine Sellar by Howard Watson

Howard Watson's book The Shard: The Vision of Irvine Sellar is an informative and exciting book about the development of and the driving force behind one of London's most iconic skyscrapers. The book chronicles the journey of Irvine Sellar, the man behind the project, from its conception to its completion. Sellar is a fascinating character, and Watson does a great job of documenting his journey from being a struggling businessman to becoming one of the most successful property developers in the world. Along the way, Watson provides readers with a wealth of information about the planning and construction of the building, as well as insights into Sellar's motivations and vision for the project. The book is a fascinating read for anyone interested in learning more about the process of creating one of London's most distinctive landmarks.

Concretopia: A Journey Around the Rebuilding of Postwar Britain by John Grindrod

If your Civil Engineer in question is interested in learning about the postwar rebuilding of Britain, then you should pick up a copy of Concretopia by Jack Grindrod. This book provides a detailed and informative account of the extensive use of concrete in postwar Britain and how it transformed the country's landscape. The book discusses the different types of buildings that use concrete and how they were constructed. From high-rise apartments to Brutalist architecture, Concretopia explores the history and legacy of concrete in British society. With its captivating images and insightful commentary, this book will leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it. Concretopia is a fascinating read that will leave the reader with a new appreciation for the concrete buildings that dot the British landscape.

Engineers: From the Great Pyramids to Spacecraft by Adam Hart-Davis

In his book Engineers: From the Great Pyramids to Spacecraft, Adam Hart-Davis tells the stories of some of the world's most celebrated engineers, from ancient times to the present day. He traces the history of engineering from the construction of the pyramids and the engineering feats of the Roman Empire to the development of railways and bridges in the Industrial Revolution, and finally to the space age. He profiles a wide range of engineers, from Isambard Kingdom Brunel to Wernher von Braun, highlighting their innovative ideas and engineering achievements. The book is both informative and inspirational, and it is sure to leave a last remark on the reader.

Why Buildings Fall Down: Why Structures Fail by Matthys Levy & Mario Salvadori

Matthys Levy and Mario Salvadori's book Why Buildings Fall Down: Why Structures Fail is an informative and encouraging read for anyone interested in buildings and why they fail. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the physics of load-bearing structures to the importance of earthquake-resistant design. In addition, the authors provide insightful case studies of both successful and unsuccessful building projects. Whether you want to buy this book for an experienced engineer or a complete novice, this book is sure to offer valuable insights into the world of building construction.

How to Read Bridges: A crash course spanning the centuries by Edward Denison & Ian Steward

How to Read Bridges is a book that offers a crash course in the history of bridge architecture. The book spans the centuries, starting with the ancient Roman bridge-builder Vitruvius and ending with contemporary architects such as Zaha Hadid. This book offers a crash course on the topic, spanning centuries of bridge-building. The reader will learn about the different types of bridges and how they've been used throughout history. It is full of beautiful illustrations and photographs of bridges from all over the world. It also includes helpful diagrams that explain the various types of bridge construction. Whether they're a Civil Engineer or simply a lover of architecture, How to Read Bridges is an essential book for anyone interested in learning about this fascinating subject.

I hope you found this blog post helpful in finding the perfect gift for a Civil Engineer. Have I missed any of your favourite Civil Engineer gift books? Let me know, and feel free to share this post with your friends. I hope you have found our list helpful as you search for the perfect book to give the Civil Engineer in your life.