The Definitive C Book Guide and List

Question

To follow the example of The Definitive C++ Book Guide and List for C Books here is a wiki post for organization.

A tag search for "C" and "Books" returns no complete book list results as of writing this question. That search is here.

This post is to providing QUALITY books and an approximate skill level. Maybe we can add a short blurb/description about each book that you have personally read / benefited from. Feel free to debate quality, headings, etc.

Reference Style - All Levels

1. The C Programming Language (also known as: K & R) - Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie
2. C: A Reference Manual - Samuel P. Harbison and Guy R. Steele
3. C Pocket Reference (O'Reilly) - Peter Prinz, Ulla Kirch-Prinz

Beginner

1. C Primer Plus - Stephen Prata
2. C Programming: A Modern Approach - K. N. King
3. A Book on C - Al Kelly/Ira Pohl

Intermediate

1. Object-oriented Programming with ANSI-C - Axel-Tobias Schreiner
2. C Interfaces and Implementations - David R. Hanson
3. The C Puzzle Book - Alan R. Feuer
4. The Standard C Library - P.J. Plauger

Above Intermediate

1. Expert C Programming: Deep C Secrets - Peter van der Linden

Answer 1

I added two: "C: A Reference Manual", which I've always considered to be the "other" C reference book (it sits next to K&R on my shelf), and "C Primer Plus", which is the book that taught me C way back in its first edition. Both are essential books, in my opinion.

Answer 2

Richard Heathfield of clc did this a long time back. Here. It is upto you if you want to copy-paste this here. And ACCU book reviews.

Answer 3

If you don't mind introductory programming books that give lots of good tips and best practices, I recommend the Deitel & Deitel books such as C++: how to program. Not sure if the C one is in print. The index is very good and serves as a decent reference, just not fully comprehensive.

Answer 4

I added Deep C Secrets which I loved.

Answer 5

Here is a bunch of ACCU-reviewed books on Beginner's C (116 title) and Advanced C (76 titles). Much of these don't look to be on the main site anymore (which you can't browse by subject anyway).

Answer 6

"C Interfaces and Implementations" by David R. Hanson. It provides info on how to define a boundary between an interface and an implementation in C in a generic and reusable fashion. It also demonstrates this principle by applying it to the implementation of common mechanisms and data structures in C, such as lists, sets, exceptions, string manipulation, memory allocators and more.

Answer 7

Advanced C.: Food for the Educated Palate by Narain Gehani

One of my favourite C books, great on pointers, pointers to functions and a variety of advanced topic such as how stuff is stored in memory, dynamic memory, stack usage, function calling and parameter passing etc. Assumes you have a good grasp of 'C' to start with.

Hard to get

Answer 8

C Traps and Pitfalls by Andrew Koenig. My copy is a bit dated but it still covers relevant topics that are not easily found elsewhere. In addition to the printed book there's an old PDF version online.

Answer 9

I'd like to make an anti-recommendation. Under no circumstances should you read any books by Herbert Schildt. In particular, you should stay away from C: The Complete Reference.

Answer 10

I can't believe nobody has mentioned the The C FAQ. Lot's of good answer's to many common C programming questions with lot's of good material for the beginner, intermediate and even a few advanced questions.

Answer 11

Problem Solving and Program Design in C (6th Edition) is an intermediate level book. If you have other C Advanced books then this is not an ideal book to buy but its definitely worth going through once.

Answer 12

I added A Book On C by Al Kelley and Ira Pohl.

The third edition of this book has been my indispensable guide through the current C project I am working on. I haven't found a thing so far this book hasn't covered in great detail. My only teeny gripe is the lack of full code examples, there are only snippets of code where it is relevant. It may not be enough for someone new to programming, but is excellent for someone new to C.

Answer 13

I've added reference style book.

C Pocket Reference (O'Reilly) - Peter Prinz, Ulla Kirch-Prinz

Its short & sweet. To the point without any excess details. I love it.