For Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP — the psychotherapeutic/communicative approach), here are the best books to get started, organized by beginner, practical skills, critical/academic perspective, and specialized topics.
Beginner / Overview
Frogs into Princes — Richard Bandler & John Grinder (1979)
Classic, foundational introduction to early NLP techniques and ideas. Read to understand the original style and exercises.
The Structure of Magic, Vol. I & II — Richard Bandler & John Grinder (1975, 1976)
Foundational work exploring patterns of effective therapy: how language and experience are structured in successful therapists’ interventions.
Practical / Skills and Techniques
NLP: The New Technology of Achievement — Steve Andreas & Charles Faulkner (eds.)
Practical techniques, varied contributors, good collection of exercises and applications for personal change and communication.
Patterns of the Hypnotic Techniques of Milton H. Erickson, M.D., Vol. 1 & 2 — Richard Bandler & John Grinder
Shows language patterns and therapeutic strategies that heavily influenced NLP; useful for learning indirect suggestion and trance language.
Reframing: Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the Transformation of Meaning — Richard Bandler & John Grinder
Practical on cognitive reframing techniques used in NLP.
Modern Practical Guides / Skill-Building
Introducing NLP: Psychological Skills for Understanding and Influencing People — Joseph O'Connor & John Seymour
Clear, well-structured beginner’s manual with exercises for rapport, anchoring, modeling, and communication skills.
NLP Workbook: A Practical Guide to Achieving the Results You Want — Joseph O’Connor
Hands-on exercises and practice routines for skill development.
The Secrets of Conversational Hypnosis — Igor Ledochowski
Practical language patterns for persuasion and influence (pay attention to ethical use).
Applications: Coaching, Therapy & Business
NLP at Work: The Essence of Excellence — Sue Knight
Focused on business communication, leadership, coaching; practical and accessible.
Coaching with NLP: How to Be a Master Coach — Joseph O’Connor & Andrea Lages
Integrates NLP techniques with coaching practices.
Critical / Academic / Balanced Perspectives
Introducing Neuro-Linguistic Programming: Psychological Skills for Understanding and Influencing People — Joseph O’Connor & John Seymour (also listed above)
While practical, it also contains useful context and critique—good middle ground.
Evidence-based articles and systematic reviews (recommended reading):
Sturt, J. et al. (2012). "The effectiveness of NLP: A systematic review of the research base." (Look up most recent reviews/meta-analyses.)
Heap, M. (1988). "Neurolinguistic Programming: An Historical Review."
These critical sources help you separate well-supported techniques from overstated claims.
Historical and Influential Works
Trance-formations: Neuro-Linguistic Programming and the Structure of Hypnosis — John Grinder & Richard Bandler
Explores the connections between NLP and Ericksonian hypnosis.
Ethics and Cautions
Read contemporary critical reviews and empirical studies on NLP effectiveness before applying techniques in clinical or sensitive contexts. Many NLP claims lack robust scientific support; use ethically and in conjunction with evidence-based approaches when working with clients.
Suggested learning path
Read one accessible primer to learn core concepts/practices: Frogs into Princes or Joseph O’Connor’s Introducing NLP.
Practice basic techniques with exercises from an NLP workbook (O’Connor’s NLP Workbook). Work on rapport, anchoring, and simple reframes.
Study language patterns and conversational hypnosis (Bandler & Grinder; Ledochowski) while keeping ethics in mind.
Read critical reviews and recent research to understand the evidence base and limitations. Supplement with mainstream counseling/psychotherapy textbooks if you plan clinical work.
If using NLP professionally (coaching, therapy), pursue supervised training with accredited bodies and maintain awareness of legal/ethical standards.