Get Crypto-Smart With 5 of the Best Books on Cryptocurrency

5 of the Best Books on Cryptocurrency

View All

The enigma surrounding cryptocurrencies will only increase as the count of Bitcoin owners is set to reach a whopping one billion by the end of 2022, according to a BCG report. But what does this mean for you? Unfortunately, looking at the internet will only confuse you with technical terms such as blockchain and fintech innovation. Instead, we suggest you read our pick of five of the best books on cryptocurrency, which will help simplify and clarify the concepts around Bitcoins and prevent you from getting swayed by popular sentiment.

5 of the Best Books on Cryptocurrency

1. Mastering Bitcoin: Programming the Open Blockchain by Andreas M. Antonopoulos

Best Suited For: Investors, thought leaders, CEOs

Goodreads Rating: 4.31/5

To understand why you should invest in the world of blockchain, consider Antonopoulos’ influential work as a go-to read. It tops our best books on cryptocurrency list as it caters to a wide range of non-technical people, from thought leaders to potential investors, who are intrigued by the subject and yet apprehensive of the technical nitty-gritty that gets thrown at them. But that’s not all. The book also demonstrates the advanced networking systems of blockchain that power the invisible economy of Bitcoin. Simply put, it aims to bridge the technical gap between readers and developers by simplifying terminology and concepts.

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

Best Suited For: CEOs, investors, venture capitalists

Goodreads Rating: 4.16/5

“Its mere existence is an insurance policy that will remind governments … the currency is no longer their monopoly. This gives us, the crowd, an insurance policy against an Orwellian future.”

The use of compelling language and exhaustive research makes this book stand out as an essential read on cryptocurrency. Looking for a holistic understanding of the journey of money from coins to a decentralized currency? Turn to The Bitcoin Standard. In addition, this book will interest anyone who likes to study the evolution of society from the perspective of the changing definition of wealth. While it doesn’t talk much about how to increase your wealth via cryptocurrencies, it makes a case for them as a viable alternative against the monopolies of governments across the globe.

3. The Book of Satoshi: The Collected Writings of Bitcoin Creator Satoshi Nakamoto by Phil Champagne

Best Suited For: Academicians, CEOs, investors, economists

Goodreads Rating: 4.07/5

“The first way to address the “war on poverty” is to get rid of currency inflation and return to a form of money whose value holds over the long term.” These simple but bold words are written by the creator of bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto, as showcased in this book. And that is what they attempted to do when they went online with Bitcoin, the first cryptocurrency in the world, in 2009. Nakamoto is virtual and anonymous, much like their creation. They may be anyone—an individual or a group.

The author Phil Champagne has chronologically compiled Nakamoto’s earliest writings and posts in different computer forums. In addition, the book clearly explains the massive ramifications of Bitcoin and its theoretical implications. Investors and academicians alike will enjoy this book as it comprises the first economic paper that described Bitcoin, making it one of the most widely read and best books on cryptocurrencies.

4. The Missing Cryptoqueen by Jamie Bartlett

Best Suited For: CEOs, academicians, thought leaders, economists

Goodreads Rating: 4.32/5

The 2021 Chain-analysis Crypto Crime Report highlights a whopping 79% increase in crypto scams, and The Missing Cryptoqueen is a page-turner on the biggest crypto fraud in the world. The book dissects the origins of crypto scams and discusses the fault lines of herd madness and techno-hype surrounding this developing phenomenon. As you read this, you’ll find that the author carefully maps the narrative of the 4-billion-dollar scam that spanned 25 countries and was stirred by the self-styled crypto-queen, Dr. Ruja Ignatova, who is still on the run.

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

Best Suited For: Economists, investors, venture capitalists

Goodreads Rating: 4/5

Wall Street journalists Paul Vigna and Michael Casey demystify the hubbub surrounding the grand Bitcoin phenomenon. In this book, the authors clearly talk about the revolution that cybermoney will bring, reinventing traditional financial and social structures. They also acknowledge and explain the instability surrounding digital currency. At the same time, they urge readers to accept this as inevitable and explain what the transition will look like.

As investments in different cryptocurrencies reach unprecedented levels, instead of worrying about the consequences, we should get a better factual understanding of the new world. These five best books on cryptocurrency will prove invaluable in starting you off on this journey.

Along with that, we recommend diving into Emeritus’ comprehensive technical courses on the enigmatic blockchain to help you become frontrunners in this global radical movement. Explore all Emeritus technology courses here.

By Bishwadeep Mitra

Write to us at content@emeritus.org

About the Author

Manasa Ramakrishnan

Content Marketing Manager, Emeritus Blog
Manasa is the content ninja that every brand needs. Apart from being an expert in tech-related trends and digital marketing, she has found her calling in edtech. Her 10-year-long tryst with education started with a teaching fellowship for underprivileged children, followed by a stint as an edupreneur. It gave her the perspective she now uses to create impactful content for Emeritus. Manasa loves the life of a digital nomad that allows her to travel and hopes her reels go viral on the Gram.