Vitruvius as a foundation for engineering history

Which engineering books would you recommend?

Vitruvius's Ten Books on Architecture is a useful starting point, especially for civil engineering, surveying, planning, and architecture.

The choice depends on which branch of engineering the reader wants to study. Vitruvius's Ten Books on Architecture is recommended as a foundational Western text spanning civil and mechanical engineering, surveying, town planning, and architecture. Its broad scope makes it a possible starting point for several related professions. A more specialized interest requires a recommendation fitted to that field.