
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars History, Mathematics, Theory, and Philosophical aspects of ML, wrapped in compelling storytelling.
Anil's storytelling added human faces to many names I was already familiar with, but only in an abstract way. That's the history part, written in a very personal and engaging way that only a good writer can do. At the same time the history of the development of ML theory is complete and expounded upon in enough detail that anyone with college level math abilities could follow along if so desired. (I expect many will skip some of those parts either because they know it or they don't need to know it. Perhaps those sections could be better sectioned to enable skipping.) Finally he asks very good questions about the nature of intelligence and how AI does or does not overlap with human intelligence, and well as the dangers it poses and benefits it may offer.The way the author maintains the big picture while leading the reader through a "live" minute-by-minute narration of compelling details reminds me of the style of VS Naipal, despite being a completely different genre.
5.0 out of 5 stars An Accessible and Beautifully Written Journey Through the Mathematics of AI
Anil Ananthaswamy has done something truly special with Why Machines Learn. In a field often dominated by jargon and overwhelming technicality, he offers a remarkably elegant and readable exploration of the mathematical principles that underpin modern artificial intelligence. This book doesn’t just explain what machine learning is — it illuminates why it works, and it does so with clarity, depth, and a journalist’s gift for storytelling.What sets this book apart is its rare ability to blend rigorous concepts with intuitive explanations. Ananthaswamy takes readers through linear algebra, probability theory, optimization, and other foundational tools, not in isolation, but as they come alive within real-world AI applications. Whether he’s explaining how gradient descent mimics nature or demystifying neural networks, he makes complex ideas feel surprisingly accessible.This is not a textbook, and it’s not just for data scientists — it’s for anyone curious about the logic that powers today’s intelligent systems. If you’ve ever wanted to understand the beauty behind the algorithms shaping our world, this book is a must-read.Highly recommended for tech enthusiasts, students, and lifelong learners alike.
4.0 out of 5 stars Nice introduction to machine learning for non-experts that improves over the course of the book
Given the increasing use of machine learning embedded within everyday software as well as its greater use in aiding decision making, an overview of the foundation for non-experts is a useful addition. The book goes through both the history as well as many of the main algorithmic ideas in a straightforward way that allows one to follow along irrespective of mathematical background. The criticism I have is merely that it starts out by assuming 0 knowledge to frame some basic mathematical notation and ideas and then eventually gets into topics which require some linear algebra and calculus to appreciate. This isn't in itself a bad thing but it ends up being an internal inconsistency of level of math in the book as it is highly unlikely a reader would be able to follow the details of the second half from having learnt the math from the first half.The book is split into 12 chapters going from basic math to neural networks. It discusses what the uses of machine learning are and its basic statistical nature of finding patterns in data through the use of computers. The field has a rich history crossing computer science, information theory and mathematical statistics. Starting out by going through the computer science and math the author and the ideas of feature space and linear algebra including PCA and eigenvectors. He then moves on to some early days when algorithms were being developed and discusses how the SVM algorithm was developed and his source interviews include Thomas Cover, the author of the main information theory textbook. He discusses Hopfield networks and how networks can store memory and then moves on to deep neural networks and the early work of Yan Le Cun and Geoffrey Hinton. This is where the book for me was most interesting as he discusses the puzzling nature of double descent and grokking in the training of large neural networks and some experts perspectives on these topics.Overall the book is readable but for me was slow to get started and then much more interesting in the latter half. I don't think one can learn the math for the second half from the first half as mentioned above and for that reason I found it a bit inconsistent in slow but the overall material was enjoyable to read think the book is a good effort on giving an overview of a field in the popular imagination.
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Books on Machine Learning
One of the best books you will find on AI and ML anywhere. I wanted to thank the author. Well written to cover the history and math behind AI. Beginners can skip the detailed math and proofs. I just hope a next edition gets more into attention networks and transformers.
5.0 out of 5 stars Best introduction to AI
This is the best science book I have read in two decades. I have a mathematics background (MSc in Electrical Engineering and a doctorate heavy on structural equation modeling), which helps wehn reading the book.However, a modest knowledge of linear algebra and calculus will suffice. ML and LLM are not that complicated when taking a helicopter view of the AI field. The scale of what is being done, at speed, is what impresses me.The books is succinctly written. It is possible to skip the details in the matrix manipulations and only follow the main arguments.Overall, the best introduction to AI I know of.
5.0 out of 5 stars Instant AI Classic!
Instant classic. Explains the why of AI (how it started and currently works) in a way people who suck at math can still grasp.
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible and sensible read!
This is an excellent book! It is insightful and revealing. I had read three other books on AI which focus on coding and that reference technical papers for the algorithms involved. However this book presents the math is a really intuitive form. It provides a perspective that is open to uncertainty and that provide a platform to include your interpretation while delving in the history that involve the intellectual giants that created all the bases for a now common used tools that are known superficially by a grand portions of users. This book is highly recommended!!
Math for AI
Clear writing and excellent choice of topic for understanding the mathematical foundations of AI. Math matters.
Must read
A jewel, a must read. We all loved it, even though for someone could be a bit too technical.
I was moved.
Comprehensive explanation for AI's math.
A masterpiece
Geoff Hinton is not wrong in calling this book a masterpiece. Few writers, like Ananthaswamy, have the gift of explaining intricate topics in such a clear and captivating way. Highly recommended regardless of your level of knowledge of machine learning, although you do need an undergraduate level mathematical background (vector calculus, matrix algebra, and statistics) to fully enjoy it.
A lire absolument
Remarquable introduction au Machine learning.
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Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI

AED16651
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars History, Mathematics, Theory, and Philosophical aspects of ML, wrapped in compelling storytelling.
Anil's storytelling added human faces to many names I was already familiar with, but only in an abstract way. That's the history part, written in a very personal and engaging way that only a good writer can do. At the same time the history of the development of ML theory is complete and expounded upon in enough detail that anyone with college level math abilities could follow along if so desired. (I expect many will skip some of those parts either because they know it or they don't need to know it. Perhaps those sections could be better sectioned to enable skipping.) Finally he asks very good questions about the nature of intelligence and how AI does or does not overlap with human intelligence, and well as the dangers it poses and benefits it may offer.The way the author maintains the big picture while leading the reader through a "live" minute-by-minute narration of compelling details reminds me of the style of VS Naipal, despite being a completely different genre.
5.0 out of 5 stars An Accessible and Beautifully Written Journey Through the Mathematics of AI
Anil Ananthaswamy has done something truly special with Why Machines Learn. In a field often dominated by jargon and overwhelming technicality, he offers a remarkably elegant and readable exploration of the mathematical principles that underpin modern artificial intelligence. This book doesn’t just explain what machine learning is — it illuminates why it works, and it does so with clarity, depth, and a journalist’s gift for storytelling.What sets this book apart is its rare ability to blend rigorous concepts with intuitive explanations. Ananthaswamy takes readers through linear algebra, probability theory, optimization, and other foundational tools, not in isolation, but as they come alive within real-world AI applications. Whether he’s explaining how gradient descent mimics nature or demystifying neural networks, he makes complex ideas feel surprisingly accessible.This is not a textbook, and it’s not just for data scientists — it’s for anyone curious about the logic that powers today’s intelligent systems. If you’ve ever wanted to understand the beauty behind the algorithms shaping our world, this book is a must-read.Highly recommended for tech enthusiasts, students, and lifelong learners alike.
4.0 out of 5 stars Nice introduction to machine learning for non-experts that improves over the course of the book
Given the increasing use of machine learning embedded within everyday software as well as its greater use in aiding decision making, an overview of the foundation for non-experts is a useful addition. The book goes through both the history as well as many of the main algorithmic ideas in a straightforward way that allows one to follow along irrespective of mathematical background. The criticism I have is merely that it starts out by assuming 0 knowledge to frame some basic mathematical notation and ideas and then eventually gets into topics which require some linear algebra and calculus to appreciate. This isn't in itself a bad thing but it ends up being an internal inconsistency of level of math in the book as it is highly unlikely a reader would be able to follow the details of the second half from having learnt the math from the first half.The book is split into 12 chapters going from basic math to neural networks. It discusses what the uses of machine learning are and its basic statistical nature of finding patterns in data through the use of computers. The field has a rich history crossing computer science, information theory and mathematical statistics. Starting out by going through the computer science and math the author and the ideas of feature space and linear algebra including PCA and eigenvectors. He then moves on to some early days when algorithms were being developed and discusses how the SVM algorithm was developed and his source interviews include Thomas Cover, the author of the main information theory textbook. He discusses Hopfield networks and how networks can store memory and then moves on to deep neural networks and the early work of Yan Le Cun and Geoffrey Hinton. This is where the book for me was most interesting as he discusses the puzzling nature of double descent and grokking in the training of large neural networks and some experts perspectives on these topics.Overall the book is readable but for me was slow to get started and then much more interesting in the latter half. I don't think one can learn the math for the second half from the first half as mentioned above and for that reason I found it a bit inconsistent in slow but the overall material was enjoyable to read think the book is a good effort on giving an overview of a field in the popular imagination.
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the Best Books on Machine Learning
One of the best books you will find on AI and ML anywhere. I wanted to thank the author. Well written to cover the history and math behind AI. Beginners can skip the detailed math and proofs. I just hope a next edition gets more into attention networks and transformers.
5.0 out of 5 stars Best introduction to AI
This is the best science book I have read in two decades. I have a mathematics background (MSc in Electrical Engineering and a doctorate heavy on structural equation modeling), which helps wehn reading the book.However, a modest knowledge of linear algebra and calculus will suffice. ML and LLM are not that complicated when taking a helicopter view of the AI field. The scale of what is being done, at speed, is what impresses me.The books is succinctly written. It is possible to skip the details in the matrix manipulations and only follow the main arguments.Overall, the best introduction to AI I know of.
5.0 out of 5 stars Instant AI Classic!
Instant classic. Explains the why of AI (how it started and currently works) in a way people who suck at math can still grasp.
5.0 out of 5 stars Incredible and sensible read!
This is an excellent book! It is insightful and revealing. I had read three other books on AI which focus on coding and that reference technical papers for the algorithms involved. However this book presents the math is a really intuitive form. It provides a perspective that is open to uncertainty and that provide a platform to include your interpretation while delving in the history that involve the intellectual giants that created all the bases for a now common used tools that are known superficially by a grand portions of users. This book is highly recommended!!
Math for AI
Clear writing and excellent choice of topic for understanding the mathematical foundations of AI. Math matters.
Must read
A jewel, a must read. We all loved it, even though for someone could be a bit too technical.
I was moved.
Comprehensive explanation for AI's math.
A masterpiece
Geoff Hinton is not wrong in calling this book a masterpiece. Few writers, like Ananthaswamy, have the gift of explaining intricate topics in such a clear and captivating way. Highly recommended regardless of your level of knowledge of machine learning, although you do need an undergraduate level mathematical background (vector calculus, matrix algebra, and statistics) to fully enjoy it.
A lire absolument
Remarquable introduction au Machine learning.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U0593185749