---
title: "Why books don't work"
description: "Essay arguing that books are a bad transmission medium for knowledge, and what learning interfaces should do instead."
canonical: "https://vibing.inc/library/why-books-don-t-work-vg-1231"
category: "Learning & Craft"
subcategory: "Craft blogs"
license: "free"
author: "Andy Matuschak (@andy_matuschak)"
source: "https://andymatuschak.org/books"
---

# Why books don't work
Essay arguing that books are a bad transmission medium for knowledge, and what learning interfaces should do instead.
## Facts
- Source: https://andymatuschak.org/books
- Category: Learning & Craft / Craft blogs
- Author: Andy Matuschak (@andy_matuschak)
- Licence: free
- Tags: learning, essay, tools-for-thought, canon
## Why it's a gem
Foundational reading for anyone building educational or explanatory interfaces
---
Listed in The Vibeary: https://vibing.inc/library/why-books-don-t-work-vg-1231 · JSON: https://vibing.inc/api/public/library/gems/why-books-don-t-work-vg-1231