How AI Works: From Sorcery to Science

I'm a software developer but haven't really ever looked into machine learning and AI. Any time I heard people talk about it (I have lots of machine learning colleagues) my eyes would glaze over and I'd drop from the call. I wanted to get at least a basic understanding though, since my work is getting more and more entwined with ML peoples' stuff. So I read this book. It's a very clear and concise history of how we got to where we are today - the types of models, how they work, how they evolved. The explanations are exactly what I'm looking for - no math (or only very basic), not getting too deep into the weeds, more of a description of how the model works rather than any math equations. If you consider yourself an ML engineer or data scientist, then you'd probably want something more detailed. For the "lay person" like me, it's perfect.

It's pretty good for a beginner to learn the basics. I'm not keen on the super wordy explanations though - why not just put a few simple maths equations in? Also it's a bit out of date now (as of Aug 2025)

Temas amplios muy bien sintetizados, terminos no muy exactos pero es ideal si ya sabes del tema de Inteligencia Artificial, y quieres saber que pasaba entre la comunidad que lo está haciendo

Muito completo nos aspectos de AI

Content de mon achat. J'ai tout lu en 3 jours max tellement s'est intéressant et assez bien expliqué. Thank You Mr Kneusel for helping us understandibg how AI/ML works.

Sehr gut, um einen technisch orientierten Überblick über das Thema KI zu bekommen. Das Buch bringt einem die Konzepte und ihre Herkunft nahe. Wer stattdessen direkt mit Python los tippen oder sogar in Formeln versinken will, die oder der greift besser zu anderen Büchern. Ich fand dieses Buch prima als leicht zugänglichen thematischen Begleiter, den man auch gut z.B. auf Reisen oder abends im Bett lesen kann.

Ronald Kneusel’s How AI Works: From Sorcery to Science is an exceptional resource for anyone curious about the mechanics and principles behind artificial intelligence. As someone with a background in science and technology, I appreciated how the book bridges the gap between technical depth and accessibility, making it suitable for readers with varying levels of expertise. Kneusel excels at demystifying complex concepts like neural networks, deep learning, and machine learning algorithms. His explanations are clear, engaging, and often supported by visual aids that enhance understanding. I particularly appreciated the historical context he provides, showing how AI evolved from speculative fiction to a transformative scientific field. The book’s structure is logical, with each chapter building on the last. Kneusel doesn’t just explain what AI is but also explores how and why it works, offering a solid foundation for understanding its real-world applications and implications. Whether you’re an AI enthusiast, a student, or a professional looking for a refresher, this book provides valuable insights without overwhelming the reader with jargon. I highly recommend How AI Works for anyone seeking to understand the science behind one of today’s most revolutionary technologies. It’s a fascinating and approachable read that makes AI feel less like “sorcery” and more like an exciting, tangible part of our world.