15 Best Books on Cryptocurrency and Blockchain
In just a few years, cryptocurrencies have experienced a skyrocketing rise to prominence as an effective alternative to traditional money.
In 2022, there are already more than 300 million cryptocurrency users/owners worldwide, and the current daily trading volume is around $112 billion.
It is certain and without a doubt that the crypto world is attracting and engaging a growing number of individuals. With the blockchain applications with IoT, the possibilities are endless.
So if you are interested and want to get started with cryptocurrency, it's still not too late to do so. The bandwagon is still rolling, so you have time to catch up.
Learning about cryptocurrency can be intimidating because of its complex concept and implications for investors, customers, financial institutions, and entrepreneurs; having the proper knowledge is essential to staying safe.
Luckily today, there are tons of learning materials that you can use to dig deep into your knowledge of cryptocurrencies. Several publications on subjects including the background of Bitcoin and Ethereum, the operation of blockchain technology, and how to make an investment in decentralized finance have already been written (DeFi).
And with that, this blog post will focus on the best books on cryptocurrency, which has become a new financial literacy category.
These top-rated cryptocurrency books will help you better understand cryptocurrency, its history, and exciting stories from its users.
15 Best Cryptocurrency Books
1. The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains by Antony Lewis
The Basics of Bitcoin and Blockchain offers a simple but thorough introduction to Bitcoin, blockchains, and cryptocurrencies as a new form of money and the groundbreaking technology that underpins it.
The book also discusses smart contracts, the top blockchain platforms, and some things to consider before purchasing cryptocurrencies.
A section of this book includes cryptocurrency investment hazards, scam detection, cryptocurrency exchanges, digital wallets, and legal considerations.
2. Blockchain Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction in 25 Steps by Daniel Drescher
This book fills the void between books about the blockchain that are solely technical and books that are only business-focused. It describes the blockchain's technical principles and their use in business-related applications.
You will understand the fundamentals of blockchain technology in just 25 steps. This book even uses metaphors and analogies to clarify terminology and concepts in blockchain technology.
3. The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking by Saifedean Ammous
This book explains why Bitcoin has become so valuable, how it works, and what has led to its recent growth and popularity. It is among the best books ever written about cryptocurrencies.
By demonstrating how Bitcoin and blockchain technology has changed the decentralization of banks, Ammous provides historical background for the situation.
4. The Fiat Standard: The Debt Slavery Alternative to Human Civilization by Saifedean Ammous
The Fiat Standard, another book by eminent economist Saifedean Ammous, describes the fiat monetary system as a technological and engineering marvel.
Rather than focusing on the current system of government-backed fiat money, Ammous examines the earlier transition from the gold standard, outlining its goals and shortcomings, as well as its broader economic, political, and social repercussions. He also looks at how bitcoin will impact it in the future.
5. The Internet of Money by Andreas M. Antonopoulos
The Internet of Money digs into the why of bitcoin, whereas many books focus on its how. Author Andreas M. Antonopoulos examines bitcoin's fascinating evolution and contextualizes it in a series of essays.
Andreas illuminates the philosophical, sociological, and historical ramifications of bitcoin, in addition to examining the technical operation of the network. It is no secret that the internet changed how people interacted with one another and had a long-lasting impact on our lives. Bitcoin, the internet of money, radically alters how we use decentralized technology to solve economic, social, and political problems.
6. Digital Gold: Bitcoin and the Inside Story of the Misfits and Millionaires Trying to Reinvent Money by Nathaniel Popper
Digital Gold, authored by New York Times reporter Nathaniel Popper, explores the brilliant and captivating history of Bitcoin, the groundbreaking digital currency and financial innovation that gave rise to a massive social movement.
The book features perspectives from key movement figures, including the Winklevoss twins, an Argentine millionaire, a Chinese entrepreneur, and bitcoin's enigmatic creator Satoshi Nakamoto; the book charts bitcoin's remarkable rise.
Throughout the book, Popper discusses why people are so passionate about bitcoin, the debate it has provoked, and the potential for digital currencies to change financial systems.
7. Mastering Bitcoin: Unlocking Digital Cryptocurrencies by Andreas M. Antonopoulos
In another book, Andreas M. Antonopoulos goes in-depth about bitcoin, which is perfect for investors, business executives, and consumers who are not technophiles. It explains the technological underpinnings of bitcoin and cryptographic currencies.
The peer-to-peer architecture, transaction lifecycle, and security principles are all covered in length in this book. It also incorporates bitcoin and blockchain innovations, such as alternative chains, currencies, and applications.
The book also features user stories, analogies, illustrations, and code snippets illuminating fundamental technical principles.
8. The Book of Satoshi: The Collected Writings of Bitcoin Creator Satoshi Nakamoto by Phil Champagne
The Book of Satoshi offers a straightforward way to sort through the writings made by the man who invented Bitcoin over the two years that made up his "public life" before he vanished from the internet. . . if not specifically as Satoshi Nakamoto.
It's sad to know that people may never discover the real Nakamoto. Because of this, the articles reproduced here are likely the last the world will ever read on Bitcoin's development, operation, and theoretical underpinnings.
The book also includes essential writings describing the creation of Bitcoin, collected here for the first time, and properly published.
Among them are:
- A chronological list of Satoshi Nakamoto emails and computer forum posts
- Bitcoin basics explained in simple terms
- Bitcoin's profound and potential implications economically
- The seminal paper which started it all
9. The Infinite Machine: How an Army of Crypto-hackers Is Building the Next Internet with Ethereum by Camila Russo
The rocky beginnings of Ethereum are described in The Infinite Machine, along with Vitalik's amazing idea. The platform, an eternally adjustable base for experimentation and new applications, has unleashed dazzling invention and irresponsible avarice, which are both covered in the book. Effects that transpired as the craze surrounding it expanded include:
- Heightened regulatory vigilance.
- Increasing interest on Wall Street.
- The original team's attempts to scale Ethereum in order to make it eventually accessible to everyone.
10. Blockchain Wars: The Future of Big Tech Monopolies and the Blockchain Internet by Evan McFarland
Evan McFarland, a former marine engineer who is now a cryptocurrency and blockchain expert and advisor and the host of the Internet Computer Report podcast, wrote the book Blockchain Wars. This book focuses more on blockchain technology's future than on the basics of cryptocurrency.
Even if it is an excellent read for beginners, it helps to be familiar with the fundamental crypto concepts before reading. The best candidates are those who have already read one or more books and are interested in learning more about the applications and future of blockchain technology in the real world. After reading this, you'll discover more about the decentralization of the internet and its future.
11. Bitcoin Billionaires: A True Story of Genius, Betrayal, and Redemption by Ben Mezrich
In the book Bitcoin Billionaires, author Ben Mezrich explores Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss' bet on cryptocurrencies and its stunning pay-off.
A wild and surprising ride will take you from Silk Road to the halls of the Securities and Exchange Commission in Bitcoin Billionaires. The Winklevoss brothers became the first bitcoin billionaires on November 26, 2017. Mezrich tells the story of how they got there.
12. Layered Money: From Gold and Dollars to Bitcoin and Central Bank Digital Currencies by Nik Bhatia
In his book Layered Money, financial researcher and professor of finance and business economics Nik Bathia, who has a wealth of trading expertise, combines his studies of the traditional centralized monetary system with those of Bitcoin and other digital decentralized currencies.
With this book, you will better understand our monetary system, fiat currencies, and how they will interact with digital currencies in the future.
13. Blockchain Bubble or Revolution: The Present and Future of Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies by Neel Mehta, Aditya Agashe (Goodreads Author), Parth Detroja
Neel Mehta, a skilled tech strategy, tech, and crypto writer who was once a product manager at Google, is the author of the book Blockchain Bubble or Revolution. This book is co-authored by several executives from Silicon Valley tech businesses, Aditya Agashe and Parth Detroja, and provides a thorough overview.
To fully comprehend the financial and legal challenges with blockchain and cryptocurrencies, you will learn about the blockchain's advantages and disadvantages from case studies and gain knowledge from interviews with key leaders in the tech sector.
It is an excellent crypto book for anyone interested in learning more about the operation of blockchain technology, how it will affect the current financial institutions, and other advantages and disadvantages of blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
14. The Only Cryptocurrency Investing Book You'll Ever Need: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to the Biggest "Millionaire Maker" Asset of 2022 and Beyond - Including How to Make Money from NFTs by Freeman Publications
The Only Cryptocurrency Investing Book You'll Ever Need discusses investing in cryptocurrencies, in contrast to many other best crypto books that describe what Bitcoin and blockchain technology are in general. This book about cryptocurrency is an excellent option if you want to learn more about it and are also looking to invest.
It explains every piece of advice in simple, understandable terms without using technical jargon.
You can learn more about the most popular cryptocurrencies from this book. You will also learn how to store them and begin your investing adventure to become a successful long-term investor in cryptocurrencies.
15. The Truth About Crypto: A Practical, Easy-to-Understand Guide to Bitcoin, Blockchain, NFTs, and Other Digital Assets by Ric Edelman
Ric Edelman, the number one New York Times bestselling author of several finance books, just published a new book titled The Truth About Crypto. He writes and hosts The Ric Edelman Show, a radio talk show. His most recent book explains every topic clearly, including Bitcoin, Blockchain, NFTs, and other digital assets.
After reading this book, you'll have a greater understanding of why blockchain technology and digital currencies aren't going anywhere, how they're going to change in the future, and helpful advice on the fantastic investment opportunities this new asset class presents.
Final Thoughts
Learning about cryptocurrency and blockchain can be challenging, but it is also exciting. And with these crypto books as your guide, it can surely make the learning worthwhile.
Related Articles
- Top 15 Blockchain Courses in India
- Decentralized Finance (DeFi): A Definitive Guide
- What Are Smart Contracts in Blockchain and How Do They Work?