5 Recommendations to Rediscover the Art of Engineering: Jakub Lamparski’s Reading List

Engineering is often viewed as a purely logical pursuit, but for Jakub, it is deeply rooted in an appreciation for structure, history, and aesthetics. His recommendations move beyond the typical "how-to" manuals, offering instead a path toward rediscovering the foundational logic and visual beauty that underpin the modern tech landscape.

Whether you are looking for a mental reset from burnout or a deeper understanding of the hardware you work on, Jakub’s list provides a unique perspective on the engineering craft.

1. 97 Things Every Engineering Manager Should Know — Edited by Camille Fournier

Managing a team is a multifaceted challenge that requires a broad set of tools. Jakub recommends this collection as a solid resource for anyone navigating the transition into leadership. It provides a series of miscellaneous essays covering the essential "soft" side of tech: how to organize effective 1:1s, how to upscale employees, and how to build a cohesive team. Jakub particularly notes its value in managing diverse team structures, including specific advice on how to mentor employees who are still completing their university studies.

2. Elements of Euclid — Oliver Byrne

When the grind of modern software development leads to burnout, Jakub suggests returning to where it all started. This stunning re-adaptation of Euclid’s quintessential work on geometry serves as "the best medicine" for an exhausted engineering mind. It is a celebration of order, predictability, and logic. By revisiting these roots, engineers can rediscover the initial spark—the appreciation for mathematical truth and structural beauty—that often draws people into the field of technology in the first place.

3. *The Elements of Computing Systems: Building a Modern Computer from First Principles *— Noam Nisan and Shimon Schocken

Often referred to as "Nand to Tetris," this book is an excellent deep dive for what Jakub calls "IT converts"—those who didn't study computer science but learned their way into the industry. It walks the reader through building a computer from the ground up, starting with simple logic gates. Jakub advocates for this book because it aligns with his personal motto: the primacy of deep knowledge over simply being "practically savvy." It ensures you understand the "why" of the machine, not just the "how" of the software.

4. The Kon-Tiki Expedition — Thor Heyerdahl

Innovation isn't always about code; sometimes, it’s about a balsa wood raft and the open ocean. This classic tale of a 4,300-mile journey across the Pacific is a masterclass in the engineering spirit. Jakub highlights it as a story that mirrors the challenges of modern development: innovation, perseverance, and, most importantly, teamwork. It’s a reminder that great achievements are born from a combination of technical daring and the human will to explore the unknown.

5. *Bosch in Detail *— Till-Holger Borchert (or any significant Art Album)

Jakub’s path to engineering began in the world of UI, fueled by an early interest in art and aesthetics. He argues that for any frontend-affiliated engineer, studying fine art is a long-term investment that pays off in ways technical training cannot. "Building a good taste in fine arts is a long process," Jakub says, "but it teaches you about composition, symmetry, and color." He recommends large-format art albums—with his favourite being the one of Hieronymus Bosch—as a way to train the eye. This knowledge becomes crucial when a client asks for a UI sketch on the fly, allowing the engineer to lean on a deep, intuitive understanding of visual harmony.