The 25 Best Books on Cryptocurrency of All Time

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How can reading the best books on cryptocurrency help you?

One of the fastest-growing technologies today, cryptocurrency can be overwhelming — strange terminology, new coins and tokens popping up, and more. One of the most reliable ways to shield yourself from volatility in the market is knowledge and due diligence. 

The truth is that all of the old-school principles of smart investing still apply to digital currency. 

While a book might seem too antiquated for cryptocurrency, one of the quickest ways to keep up is to actually slow down and dive deep into the fundamentals that cryptocurrencies are based on. 

In this article, we’ll break down the 15 best books on cryptocurrency to read so that you can cut through all the noise about digital currency and grow your education — and your profit.

Blockchain Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction in 25 Steps by Daniel Drescher

Blockchain Basics is a quick and accessible introduction to the foundation that cryptocurrencies are built upon, making it one of the best books on cryptocurrency.

Instead of trading strategies and lofty claims of how to 10x your portfolio, Daniel Drescher breaks down the blockchain in plain English, with no coding skills necessary.

You donʻt need a computer science degree to get some good use for investing out of this book. 

If you’re on the fence about cryptocurrency, Drescher wrote this book for you. He keeps a very balanced outlook and explains not just the benefits but the limitations as well.

You can buy this cryptocurrency book on Amazon.

The Little Bitcoin Book: Why Bitcoin Matters for Your Freedom, Finances, and Future by the Bitcoin Collective

Written by the Bitcoin Collective, a group of five blockchain engineers, The Little Bitcoin Book stays on target to deliver a concise and accurate depiction of Bitcoin’s capabilities. 

Regardless of where you’re starting with BTC, this book gets you up to speed on:

• Satoshi history 
• blockchain
• mining
• the economics that gives BTC value

The Bitcoin Collective packs a lot into a little book and thatʻs what makes it one of the best books on cryptocurrency.

You can buy this cryptocurrency book on Amazon.

The Internet of Money: A Collection of Talks by Andreas M. Antonopoulos

Author Andreas M. Antonopoulos, a professor at the University of Nicosia, regularly speaks for tech conventions, podcasts, and radio shows. 

The Internet of Money is directly transcribed from his lively talks on the past and future of economics, trade, and barter, and philosophy of technology — of course — all centered around cryptocurrency.  

Antonopoulos keeps his book engaging and conversational, making it feel like a fun college lecture rather than a dry textbook and one of th best books on cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin Billionaires: A True Story of Genius, Betrayal, and Redemption by Ben Mezrich

A fun read that feels like a drama made for the big screen, Ben Mezrich recounts the history of the first Bitcoin billionaires — the Winklevoss twins who you might remember duked it out with Mark Zuckerberg over their early Facebook idea — in Bitcoin Billionaries.

The Winklevoss twins might be the most infamous characters in crypto, and they are certainly the most entertaining.  

As a bonus, you pick up a little BTC and internet history along the way.

If you're just on a crypto content kick and want a light read, this will be one of the best books on cryptocurrency for you.

The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking by Saifedean Ammous

While the title is a bit misleading — Ammous focuses primarily on monetary theory and history up to Bitcoin — if you’ve ever wondered what gives Bitcoin value and how its price is calculated, Ammous provides the economics behind it all in the Bitcoin Standard.

Sound money, gold standards, trade, and barter are all covered in-depth to explain why a decentralized currency could be the future of all finance, compared to a past filled with hyperinflation, economic meltdowns, and total collapse of currencies.

Because of its in-depth look at history and the philosophy of economics, The Bitcoin Standard frequently tops lists for the best books on cryptocurrency. 

Blockchain Bubble or Revolution: The Future of Bitcoin, Blockchains, and Cryptocurrencies by Neel Mehta, Adi Agashe, and Parth Detroja

Let’s be honest. Cryptocurrency is a polarizing topic: people either love it or want nothing to do with it. 

Bias and conflicts of interests are sprinkled throughout most of crypto literature. 

Most likely, if someone is passionate enough about digital currency to write a book on it, they are bullish on crypto and pro decentralization. 

Authors Mehta, Agashe, and Detroja all have a long history working in Silicon Valley with top companies like Google and Facebook. They give a former insider look in ways that the Valley might choose to adopt blockchain.

Blockchain Bubble or Revolution attempts to keep the conversation as neutral as possible. The authors are not quick to dismiss the weaknesses of crypto, which provides a better understanding if you’re trying to decide if this bubble is going to pop.

If you are looking for a bearish thesis to balance out your research, this is one of the best books on cryptocurrency for that.

Out of the Ether: The Amazing Story of Ethereum and the $55 Million Heist that Almost Destroyed It All by Matthew Leising

Ethereumʻs development team is world-famous. Their teamwork and decision-making skills were on display when $55 million was stolen by an exploit in their code. In this cryptocurrency book, Leising breaks down how ETH works and how the hack changed everything.

If you want to know more about Ethereum, the people running it, and why thereʻs an Ethereum Classic, Out of the Ether will be one of the best books on cryptocurrency.

An Altcoin Trader’s Handbook by Nik Patel

“Those who fail to learn from history...”

In this cryptocurrency book, Nik Patel offers a look back at the wildest bull run in cryptoʻs short history. Patel goes through some of the patterns and charts that alt coins (anything thatʻs not BTC) took before skyrocketing in 2017. 

Some of the points might be slightly off in todayʻs market, but the historic altcoin strategies are still relevant for cryptocurrency inventors.

A fair warning: crypto is already volatile enough, and some of Patelʻs strategies seem like playing with the penny stocks of digital currency. Nonetheless, knowing how small-cap crypto affects the top 100 can be valuable information and easily make it to your list of best books on cryptocurrency.

You can buy this cryptocurrency book on Amazon.

Digital Gold: Bitcoin and the Inside Story of the Misfits and Millionaires Trying to Reinvent Money by Nathaniel Popper

A reporter for the New York Times, Nathaniel Popper’s journalism skills are on full display when he recounts the early history of Bitcoin in the cryptocurrency book Digital Gold. Popper gets into the details of who got rich quick and who serves to make the most from pumping up Bitcoin. 

Digital Gold wonʻt weigh you down with any technical stuff on blockchain.

Instead, the shadier side of Bitcoin is shown, including the people who wanted to shut it down. 

If you want to know who the big players in crypto are and the dark side of big banking, then Digital Gold might be the best book on cryptocurrency for you.

You can buy this cryptocurrency book on Amazon. 

The Everything Guide to Investing in Cryptocurrency: From Bitcoin to Ripple, the Safe and Secure Way to Buy, Trade, and Mine Digital Currencies by Ryan Derousseau

If you’re looking to go from A-Z on cryptocurrency, this is one of the best books on cryptocurrency. It explains:

• crypto basics 
• How BTC is different from XRP
• how mining works
• how to set up a wallet
• and more 

In The Everything Guide to Investing in Cryptocurrency, Derousseau explains everything you need to know right up to the point of hitting that buy button on an exchange. 

Derousseau isnʻt here to sell you on crypto in this cryptocurrency book. In fact, he goes into the depths of why you shouldnʻt be anywhere near a cryptocurrency. But if you decide crypto is right for you, he has some tips to help you through investing in such a volatile market and ways to lock in your gains.

You can get this cryptocurrency book on Amazon. 

Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor's Guide to Bitcoin and Beyond by Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar

Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor’s Guide to Bitcoin and Beyond is one of the best books on cryptocurrency if you want to get into the nitty-gritty of cryptocurrency investing strategies. 

This cryptocurrency book is perfect for those who have some knowledge of traditional markets and want to apply their skillset to the cryptocurrency world.

It's unique in that it's one of the few cryptocurrency books that's written by venture capitalists.

Authors Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar go into detail about what crypto assets are, how to value them, and the investment process. 

They also offer a look at the future of these digital assets and what could make them even more valuable in the years to come.

If you're looking for a solid foundation on which to build your investment portfolio, Cryptoassets is one of the best books on cryptocurrency you can read.

Mastering Bitcoin: Unlocking Digital Cryptocurrencies by Andreas M. Antonopoulos

Mastering Bitcoin: Unlocking Digital Currencies is a must-read for anyone looking to get into the technical aspects of Bitcoin and blockchain. 

Andreas Antonopoulos takes readers on a journey from the basics of cryptography all the way up to smart contracts. 

Antonopoulos assumes readers have no prior knowledge of computer science, which makes this one of the best books on cryptocurrency for beginners.

In this cryptocurrency book, youʻll learn about:

• how Bitcoin works
• What blockchain is
• Bitcoin mining: what it is and how to do it
• How to use Bitcoin
• The future of Bitcoin and blockchain

If you want to understand how Bitcoin works at a fundamental level, this is one of the best books on cryptocurrency you can buy.

The Age of Cryptocurrency: How Bitcoin and Digital Money Are Challenging the Global Economic Order by Paul Vigna and Michael J. Casey

Another one of the best books on cryptocurrency is The Age of Cryptocurrency: How Bitcoin and Digital Money Are Challenging the Global Economic Order.

Authors Paul Vigna and Michael Casey take a look at the history of money and how Bitcoin is changing the way we think about it. 

What makes this cryptocurrency book unique is that it takes a journalistic approach to cryptocurrency. This is helpful because it gives you a well-rounded objective view of this space and doesnʻt try to push any specific strategy or agenda.

In this cryptocurrency book, youʻll learn about:

• The origins of fiat currency
• How Bitcoin is used today
• How BTC could shape the future of money

If you want to get a broad understanding of cryptocurrency and its impact on the world, The Age of Cryptocurrency: How Bitcoin and Digital Money Are Challenging the Global Economic Order is one of the best books on cryptocurrency you can read.

Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies by Kiana Danial

Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies is a book that is perfect for those who are new to the world of cryptocurrency and want to learn how to invest. 

In this cryptocurrency book, Kiana Danial takes you through everything you need to know in order to start investing in digital currencies.

What makes this unique is that the author also includes interviews with top cryptocurrency investors and breaks down complex subjects into easy-to-understand language, which makes this one of the best books on cryptocurrency for beginners.

In this cryptocurrency book, youʻll learn:

• How to set up a crypto wallet
• How to choose an crypto exchange
• How to buy and sell crypto assets
• How to protect your crypto investments

If you want to get started in cryptocurrency today, Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies is one of the best books on cryptocurrency today and is a great all-around reference guide.

Crypto Revolution: Your Guide to the Future of Money by Bryce Paul

Part history book and part instructional guide, Crypto Revolution: Your Guide to the Future of Money explains to readers how cryptocurrencies have the potential to change our lives as we know it — from the way we bank to the way we buy goods and much more. 

But this cryptocurrency book doesn’t only cover the future. It also covers the past, explaining:

• How to get started in the cryptocurrency world 
• How to buy cryptocurrency safely 
• The safest ways to store cryptocurrency
• How to evaluate cryptocurrency investments
• And more 

All of this — along with the author’s expertise and careful attention to detail — make this one of the best books on cryptocurrency. 

16. Cryptocurrency by Abraham K. White

Cryptocurrency by Abraham White is perfect for those who want to get a solid understanding of the basics of cryptocurrency.

White’s book primarily targets newcomers to the space, those who are already familiar with the basics will find it a helpful refresher — making it one of the best cryptocurrency books to read.

And because it’s written in a clear and concise manner, it’s easy to understand even for those with no prior knowledge of the subject.

Pick up this one if you’re looking for a comprehensive introduction to the world of cryptocurrency that doesn’t try to overwhelm readers with technical jargon.

17. Bitcoin From Beginner to Expert by Christian Newman

Bitcoin From Beginner to Expert is perfect for those who want to learn about Bitcoin without getting bogged down in the technical details. The cryptocurrency book covers everything from the basics of how Bitcoin works to more advanced topics like investing in cryptocurrency and cryptocurrency trading.

Newman does an excellent job of explaining complex concepts in simple terms, making this cryptocurrency book a great choice for those who are new to the space. 

Even those who are already familiar with Bitcoin will find it a helpful resource, as it provides a broad overview of the space as a whole.

If you’re looking for a cryptocurrency book that will give you a well-rounded understanding of Bitcoin, without overwhelming you with information, Bitcoin From Beginner to Expert is the one to pick up.

18. The Business Blockchain by William Mougayar

The Business Blockchain is a great choice for those who want to learn about blockchain technology and how it can be used in business. The Business Blockchain covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of how blockchain works to more advanced applications like smart contracts.

With his cryptocurrency book, Mougayar strives for a balanced approach, offering both the positives and negatives of blockchain technology. 

This allows you to gain a realistic understanding of the potential of this groundbreaking technology. 

This is one of the many reasons why it’s considered one of the best books on cryptocurrency.

19. Digital Cash: The Unknown History of the Anarchists, Utopians, and Technologists Who Created Cryptocurrency by Finn Brunton

Digital Cash is a great choice for those who want to learn about the history of cryptocurrency. The cryptocurrency book covers the early days of digital cash, from its roots in the cypherpunk movement to the creation of Bitcoin.

Readers are given a detailed and fascinating look at the people and ideas that shaped the cryptocurrency space. 

And because Brunton is a historian, he’s able to put all of this into context and explain its significance.

This is why it’s considered one of the best books on cryptocurrency and currency in general. 20. A History of Money: From Ancient Times to the Present by Glyn Davies

If you’re looking for more than insight into cryptocurrency and its potential, A History of Money is one of the best cryptocurrency books to read because it explains topic of money and how it has changed over time. 

This cryptocurrency book gives you insight into:

• how different cultures have used money
• how it has evolved
• how it might continue to change in the future

The author covers a lot of ground in A History of Money, but he does so in a way that is easy to follow. 

This makes it a great choice for those who want to learn about the history of money without getting bogged down in the details.

21. Paid: Tales of Dongles, Checks and Other Money Stuff (edited by Bill Maurer and Lana Swartz)

This cryptocurrency book is a great choice for those who want to learn about both the history and future of money. 

It’s a collection of essays written by a variety of experts on the subject that cover everything from the history of money to its future.

Paid is another book on cryptocurrency that offers an excellent resource for those who want to gain a broad understanding of the subject. 

Because it’s written by a variety of authors, it offers a wide range of perspectives on the cryptocurrency industry as a whole.

22. The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains by Anthony Lewis

A cryptocurrency book that’s geared more toward the technical side of things, The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchain is a great choice for those who want to learn about the inner workings of Bitcoin and blockchain technology. 

It covers topics like:

• mining
• wallets
• transactions in detail

The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains is a good choice for those who are already familiar with the basics of cryptocurrency and want to learn more about how it all works. However, it might be a bit too technical for those who are just getting started in the space.

23. The Book of Satoshi: The Collected Writings of Bitcoin Creator Satoshi Nakamoto

The Book of Satoshi is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn about Bitcoin and its creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. 

It’s a collection of Nakamoto’s writings that cover everything from the early days of Bitcoin to more technical aspects of the protocol.

If you’re looking for insight into the mind of Satoshi Nakamoto, this is the book for you.

However, it should be noted that Nakamoto is a mysterious figure, and there is much that is still unknown about him.

24. Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies Is Changing the World by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott

Blockchain Revolution is a great choice for those who want to learn about the potential of blockchain technology, because it covers a wide range of topics, from finance to healthcare, and makes the case that blockchain could revolutionize many industries.

The authors do an excellent job of explaining complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand. 

In the cryptocurrency book, they make a compelling case for the potential of blockchain technology, which is why it’s considered one of the best books on cryptocurrency for nearly any audience.

25. Inventing Bitcoin: The Technology Behind the First Truly Scarce and Decentralized Money Explained by Yan Pritzker

If you’re looking for a quick read that covers a ton of ground on the crypto front, Inventing Bitcoin is a great choice. 

It’s another cryptocurrency book that provides a glimpse into the technology behind Bitcoin and how it works.

It should be noted that it is geared more toward those who are already familiar with the basics of cryptocurrency. 

Because Inventing Bitcoin is such a short read — you can likely get through it in about two hours — it’s a great choice to have on hand any time you want to learn more about how Bitcoin works.

The Bottom Line: The Best Books on Cryptocurrency 

New cryptocurrencies are going to come and go.

Whatʻs here to stay are the fundamentals of Investing, economics and blockchain technology. 

To learn these fundamentals, read a few or all of the best books on cryptocurrency mentioned in this article. 

Doing so will help you make wise (and profitable) investing choices now and into the future.