Indeed, it&#x27;s a reference work. I&#x27;ve read through the first volume cover to cover, but that&#x27;s probably not the best way to use TAOCP. When you&#x27;re interested in a particular algorithm or topic, go find it and read that section.<p>If you&#x27;re interested in modern architecture details, I&#x27;d recommend Agner Fog&#x27;s marvelous reference books (<a href="http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.agner.org&#x2F;optimize&#x2F;" rel="nofollow">http:&#x2F;&#x2F;www.agner.org&#x2F;optimize&#x2F;</a>).