14 Best Deep Learning Books for Beginners and Experts in 2024

One of the best ways to gain valuable Deep Learning skills is to dig into some of the best books on the subject. That’s why this article covers the 14 best Deep Learning books you need to read in 2024, including options for complete beginners and experienced professionals.

But what is Deep Learning (DL), and what is Deep Learning used for in 2024? 

If you’re looking for the TL-DR, Deep Learning is an algorithmic technique that uses artificial Neural Networks (NNs) with multiple layers (hence the term 'deep') to understand complex patterns from enormous data sets, learning from each interaction.

Deep Learning is also a subset of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), so you can even read the best AI books or the best ML books to complement your skills. 

But where is Deep Learning used in 2024? Perhaps you’ve heard of Siri or Google Assistant? These both use Deep Learning. The same goes for Google Photos, which leverages Deep Learning for image recognition.

We could also mention Tesla’s self-driving cars or revolutionary services like Google Bard and ChatGPT, both of which use Deep Learning.

This list of Deep Learning projects is not exhaustive, but given the size and scale of these AI applications, Deep Learning has become a lucrative skill for data science professionals who can earn salaries over $110K.

So if you’re driven by a desire to innovate and have a passion for data and modern technology, let’s dive into some of the best Deep Learning books to read in 2024!

How to Choose the Best Deep Learning Books in 2024?

We considered the following while looking for the very best books to learn Deep Learning in 2024, and we recommend you consider them as well:

Author’s credentials: We found authors with extensive experience in Deep Learning and related fields. Our evaluations ensured that they have the necessary expertise to provide you with the knowledge you need.

Level of experience: Choose a book that aligns with your skill level. If you’re just starting out, look for beginner-friendly books. And if you’re an experienced Deep Learning professional user, a more advanced book might be a better fit. Our evaluation included books for all skill levels.

Reviews from previous readers: We evaluated first-person reviews from our community and from sites like Amazon. This provides valuable insights into the book’s strengths and weaknesses.

Preferred learning style: Some books are more hands-on with practical examples, while others take a more theoretical approach. Choose a book that matches your preferred style of learning.

Whichever book you choose, we’d also highly recommend one of the world-class AI courses offered by Stanford. With teachings from AI leaders like Andrew Ng, these are an excellent way to enhance your Deep Learning education.

14 Best Deep Learning Books in 2024

1. Deep Learning for Coders with Fastai and PyTorch

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Why we chose this book

Our findings show that this book is part of the efforts of the fastai research group to make Deep Learning more accessible. It’s authored by Jeremy Howard and Sylvain Gugger, who have both worked as core members of the fastai research team. 

In this book, the authors provide a hands-on guide for developers ready to kick-start a career in Deep Learning. You will learn how to train a model using fastai and PyTorch. Some of the topics covered in this book are data ethics, collaborative filtering, tabular modeling, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and more.

The authors include a practical session where readers are guided through a Deep Learning project (Notebook app) from model to production. One thing that makes this one of the best books on Deep Learning is that it comes with a complementary course that readers can take for free.

Features

• Requires familiarity with Python
• Authored by creators of the fastai library
• Foreword by PyTorch cofounder Soumith Chintala
• Has complementary course

2. Deep Learning with Python

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Why we chose this book

Ranked #1 in the Computer Programming Languages category on Amazon, our research indicates that this book is ideal for learning how to implement neural networks using TensorFlow and the Keras library. Although you will need intermediate Python skills.

The author begins with AI and machine learning lessons and then provides a deep dive into applying Deep Learning concepts for computer vision, time series, text generation, and more. Toward the end of the book, the author discusses the limitations of Deep Learning and the future of Deep Learning.

François Chollet, the author, is an AI researcher and currently works as a Senior Staff Engineer at Google. He is also the creator of the Keras deep-learning library. 

Features

• Comprehensive Guide to Teras and Keras Library
• Ranked #1 in Computer Programming Languages
• Requires intermediate knowledge of Python
• Authored by the creator of Keras Library

3. Deep Learning: A Visual Approach

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Why we chose this book

This is the ideal Deep Learning book for beginners, including those without a programming background. It’s also language and library-agnostic. 

The author covers various Deep Learning topics with clear explanations and real-world examples, including many full-color illustrations and images. This includes an overview of classification, training and testing, overfitting and underfitting, data preparation, ensembles, and more. 

You’ll also cover Deep Learning topics like neural networks, backpropagation, and optimizers. Importantly, this book is not written purely for developers or those with a technical background, as it’s also for managers, scientists, and anyone curious about Deep Learning.

Features

• Has no prerequisites
• Includes lots of images and illustrations
• Clear explanations and real-world examples
• Not language or library dependent

4. Learning Deep Learning

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Why we chose this book

The book is an ideal introduction to Deep Learning for beginners in the field. The author begins with an in-depth explanation of what Deep Learning is and a brief history of deep neural networks (DNNs).

Topics covered in this book include the Rosenblatt perceptron (the first generation of neural networks), gradient-based learning, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), recurrent neural networks (RNN), neural language models, and natural language translation.

Our findings revealed that the author uses TensorFlow with Keras for the code examples in the book. However, he has also made available corresponding PyTorch examples online. This is a great way to make the book suitable for those who prefer TensorFlow and those who prefer PyTorch library.

Features

• Code examples for TensorFlow and PyTorch
• Includes a historical overview of DNNs
• Ideal for beginners

5. Practical Deep Learning

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Why we chose this book

The author begins by discussing fundamental concepts like vectors, matrices, and probability. No worries if you’re unfamiliar with Python, as there’s a chapter dedicated to introductory lessons in Python and another on NumPy.

Based on our observations, you can expect to learn about neural networks, convolutional neural networks (CNN), evaluating model performance, and how to use the Scikit-learn and Keras libraries.

The book also includes a project that requires readers to build a model for classifying audio samples, helping them to get hands-on experience with the topics covered in the book.

Features

• Includes lessons on Python basics
• Learn how to use the NumPy package
• Includes a final case study
• Build a model for classifying audio samples

6. Deep Learning with TensorFlow and Keras

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Why we chose this book

In this book, you will learn how to build Deep Learning systems using TensorFlow and Keras. The authors start with a chapter on Neural Network foundations with TensorFlow and they’ve also included a chapter dedicated to the math behind Deep Learning, which is surprisingly easy to follow even if you have little math background.

Other topics the authors cover in-depth in this book are unsupervised learning, self-supervised learning, generative models, reinforcement learning, and Deep Learning best practices. They also include many references for readers who are interested in doing a deep dive into some of the topics.

During our research, we also discovered a dedicated Discord community for the book. Readers are invited to join the community and learn alongside other readers. This is a great way to bounce ideas off others learning the same thing as you.

Features

• Has lots of examples for practice
• Has a dedicated Discord community
• Includes a chapter on Math behind DL
• Includes lots of references for a deep dive

7. Deep Learning

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Why we chose this book

Our findings revealed that the author John Kelleher is the Academic leader of the Information, Communication, and Entertainment research institute at the Technological University Dublin.

In this book, you will learn the history of some of the major breakthroughs in Deep Learning. You will also learn about Deep Learning architectures like generative adversarial networks (GANs), long short-term networks, recurrent neural networks (RNNs), autoencoders, capsule networks, and more.

If you are getting started with Deep learning and are looking for concise yet clear explanations of various Deep Learning concepts, this book will be an ideal option for you.

Features

• Ranked #2 best seller in Genetic Algorithm
• Concise yet clear explanations
• Great choice for beginners

8. Generative Deep Learning

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Why we chose this book

David Foster begins his book by introducing the fundamental concepts and techniques of Deep Learning. He then delves into the exciting realm of generative Deep Learning. This covers topics like generative adversarial networks (GANs), variational autoencoders (VAEs), and recurrent neural networks (RNNs).

Based on our observations, one of the strengths of this book is its emphasis on practical applications. The author’s clear explanations and code examples using TensorFlow and Keras make it easy to understand the concepts and implement them in your own projects.

You will learn how to apply generative Deep Learning techniques to various domains like image generation, text generation, music composition, and even game development.

The author also highlights the artistic and creative aspects of generative Deep Learning. He also explores the ethical considerations surrounding AI-generated content. And provides insights into the future of machine creativity.

Features

• #1 new release in Machine Theory
• Hands-on approach to learning
• Explore the ethics of AI-generated content

9. Deep Learning Illustrated

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Why we chose this book

When it comes to visual explanations and interactive code examples, this is arguably the best book for Deep Learning, as the authors use diagrams and illustrations to demystify complex concepts in Deep Learning. 

Expect to learn about neural networks, convolutional networks, recurrent networks, generative models, and more. Our findings show that the book also explores the application of Deep Learning in areas like computer vision, natural language processing, and reinforcement learning.

Overall, we think this is ideal for beginners and also advanced learners who are looking for a more visual and interactive approach to understanding Deep Learning concepts.

Features

• Code examples in both TensorFlow and PyTorch
• Includes lots of images and illustrations
• Suitable for all levels

10. Neural Networks and Deep Learning

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Why we chose this book

Freshly released in a new edition for 2024, our research showed that the author, Charu Aggarwal, is a Distinguished Research Staff Member (DRSM) of the IBM Research Center in New York. Charu draws on his experience to explain how various neural networks work at a conceptual level.

The content of this Deep Learning textbook is divided into three main sections, namely, basics of neural networks, fundamentals of neural networks, and advanced topics in neural networks.

The first section covers the backpropagation algorithm and explores the connections between neural networks and traditional machine learning. The next section presents lessons on radial-basis function (RBF) networks and restricted Boltzmann machines. 

The final section dives into advanced topics like deep reinforcement learning, generative adversarial networks(GANs), attention mechanisms, and transformer networks.

Features

• Brand new edition of the popular 1st edition
• Written for researchers and graduate students
• Extensive coverage of advanced topics
• #1 new release in Speech & Audio Processing

11. Grokking Deep Learning

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Why we chose this book

Our findings show that one of this book’s notable features is the author’s emphasis on building a strong foundation in the core concepts of Deep Learning. 

To teach this, he uses analogies and real-life examples to explain concepts like gradient descent, backpropagation, and activation functions. This book also covers topics like regularization and batching, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and long short-term memory (LSTM),

This book is a great choice for beginners with little or no background in Deep Learning. However, our findings revealed that to get the most out of this book, you need to have at least some high school-level math and intermediate programming skills. 

Toward the end of the book, the author also provides a guide on the next steps readers can take to level up their skills in Deep Learning.

Features

• Clear explanations and real-life examples
• Hands-on approach to learning neural networks
• Includes an introduction to NumPy
• Assume readers have intermediate programming skills

12. Deep Learning with PyTorch

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Why we chose this book

This is a comprehensive guide that focuses on teaching Deep Learning concepts and techniques using the PyTorch framework. 

Our findings show that you will learn how to build and train neural networks, in addition to data preparation, loss functions, optimization algorithms, and model evaluation. There is also a section dedicated to deployment and production consideration

The authors adopt a hands-on approach to teaching in this book. Throughout the course of the book, readers will be working on a deep-learning project designed to aid in the early detection of lung cancer. 

The authors also provide insights into some practical challenges you will face in real-world Deep Learning projects. And offers guidance on how to address them effectively. And given that the authors are also core contributors to the PyTorch framework, their advice is worth taking!

Features

• Authored by PyTorch core contributors
• Build a cancer detection model
• Ideal for Python programmers
• Hands-on approach to learning 

13. Deep Learning

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Why we chose this book

This 800-page book provides a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the theory and algorithms behind Deep Learning. It begins with an introduction and overview of the historical trends in Deep Learning.

The authors then delve into applied math and machine learning basics, including linear algebra, probability, information theory, supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms, bayesian statistics, gradient descent, and more.

And if that’s not enough for you, other topics in this book include deep feedforward networks, convolutional networks, recurrent neural networks, autoencoders, representation learning, and more.

In addition to the theoretical aspects, we also found that this book discusses practical considerations like model training, hyperparameter tuning, and tips for building effective Deep Learning systems. The authors do well to include many examples and code snippets to illustrate the concepts discussed.

Our findings also revealed that one of the authors, Ian Goodfellow, works as a research scientist at OpenAI. If that sounds familiar to you, it’s because they created ChatGPT!

Features

• Comprehensive coverage of Deep Learning
• In-depth coverage of the math behind DL
• Authored by OpenAI research scientist
• Include many examples and exercises

14. Deep Learning from Scratch

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Why we chose this book

This is a practical guide that aims to teach Deep Learning concepts and techniques from the ground up without relying on any Deep Learning libraries or frameworks. 

Based on our observations, the author guides readers through various topics like neural networks, backpropagation, optimization algorithms, regularization, and convolutional neural preprocessing. 

There are also practical lessons on data preprocessing, model evaluation, and hyperparameter tuning. Overall, this book focuses on building a strong understanding of the fundamental concepts behind Deep Learning by coding everything from scratch. 

By implementing Deep Learning algorithms from the ground up, readers gain a deeper understanding of the inner workings of neural networks and the mathematical principles behind them. 

It’s a valuable resource for beginners looking to learn the fundamentals and intermediate learners seeking to strengthen their foundational knowledge.

Features

• Clear explanations of concepts
• Includes many examples and exercises
• Suitable for both beginners and intermediate readers

Final Thoughts

Created to emulate the human brain's ability to process data and make decisions, Deep Learning is an amazing tool to manage unstructured and high-dimensional data. And with the prevalence of massive datasets and increased computing power, Deep Learning is hugely useful for interpreting complex data like images, audio, and text. 

To help you on your journey into the world of AI and Deep Learning, this article covered the 14 best Deep Learning books you need to read in 2024, including a range of options for complete beginners and experienced professionals alike.

Given just how far AI has come in 2024, whether for ai image generation or to help developers with their day-to-day coding, it’s fair to assume that we’ve yet to fully unleash the power and capabilities of Deep Learning.

So whether you’re inspired to build the next Siri or ChatGPT, choosing the right Deep Learning book is your first step to mastering this incredibly valuable AI skill in 2024.

Happy reading!

Want to level up your Deep Learning skills? Check out

The Difference between Machine Learning and Deep Learning

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Deep Learning Library Is the Best?

There are many Deep Learning libraries available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. So the answer depends on the specific project or application requirements. But popular options include TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Keras, which offer extensive community support and rich functionality.

3. What Should I Study for Deep Learning?

It's important to study the fundamentals of mathematics, statistics, and programming. Key topics you should focus on will be linear algebra, calculus, probability, and optimization. Familiarity with a programming language like Python and frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch is useful too. 

3. Is Deep Learning Outdated?

Deep Learning is not outdated. It continues to evolve with many advancements and applications across various industries. From image recognition to natural language processing and autonomous driving, Deep Learning plays a significant role in cutting-edge technology and research.

4. Is Deep Learning Very Difficult?

Deep Learning can be a challenging field, particularly for beginners. But, with dedication and the right learning resources, like the books we’ve included above, it is just as easy to learn as any other technical skill.

5. How Was This Deep Learning Books List Created?

This list of Deep Learning books was curated by extensively researching reviews from readers, evaluating the credentials and expertise of the authors, and considering the relevance and timeliness of the content. The aim was to include books comprehensively covering Deep Learning concepts, practical examples, and valuable insights.

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