Top Books on JavaScript

February 27, 2026 · View on GitHub

Eloquent JavaScript, 4th Ed. - Marijn Haverbeke - 2024 - Best learn-JS-by-understanding-it book; updated for modern JS, free online.
You Don't Know JS Yet, 2nd Ed. - Kyle Simpson - 2020 - Deep dive into scope, closures, prototypes, types, and async; free online.
JavaScript: The Good Parts - Douglas Crockford - 2008 - Slim, sharp classic on the language's quirks and pitfalls.
JavaScript: The Definitive Guide, 7th Ed. - David Flanagan - 2020 - Comprehensive reference for the language and web APIs.
Exploring JavaScript - Axel Rauschmayer - 2025 - All essential JS features through ES2025; test-driven exercises; free online.
Head First JavaScript Programming, 2nd Ed. - Eric Freeman & Elisabeth Robson - 2024 - Brain-friendly intro to modern JavaScript; visual and interactive.
Learning JavaScript Design Patterns, 2nd Ed. - Addy Osmani - 2023 - Design patterns in JavaScript and React; performance, rendering, modern syntax; free at patterns.addy.ie.
Node.js Design Patterns, 3rd Ed. - Mario Casciaro & Luciano Mammino - 2020 - Patterns and best practices for server-side Node.js development.
JavaScript: The New Toys - T.J. Crowder - 2020 - ES2015–ES2020 in depth: what changed and how to use it.
Secrets of the JavaScript Ninja, 2nd Ed. - John Resig, Bear Bibeault, Josip Maras - 2016 - Core concepts, cross-browser code, and libraries from the jQuery creator.