Top 10 Bitcoin Books You Should Know

One way to improve your understanding of cryptocurrencies and blockchain tech is by studying the top 10 Bitcoin books. In 2009, Bitcoin entered the market and introduced the world to the concept of decentralized currency. Impressively, it remains a pioneering financial and technical innovation.

Understanding this peer-to-peer network can be confusing for many reasons. For example, there are many levels to which a person can grasp the concept of Bitcoin. Some are interested in its technical characteristics, while others seek to understand its effects on society. Also, some only want to learn how to use and trade this asset. No matter how you intend to use your Bitcoin, there is a book to help your strategy.

Bitcoin books are incredible resources that can help clarify the market and the effects of this game-changing tech. You should consider these items essential in furthering your understanding of what makes the world's first cryptocurrency so important. Here are the top 10 Bitcoin books to help you become a better Bitcoiner, in no particular order.

1. The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking

The Bitcoin Standard is seen by many as the first step to fully understanding Bitcoin. The author, Saifedean Ammous, sheds light on the history, present, and future of Bitcoin. This best-selling read can take a newbie and bring them up to speed.

Source – The Bitcoin Standard

The book is an easy read that has gained international notoriety. For example, it's currently available in 36 languages. In 10 chapters, the author adequately introduces the history of Bitcoin and what makes something money. This intro demonstrates the current system's limitations and sets the stage for a solution, Bitcoin.

The Bitcoin standard is a great read because it starts from square one. It builds from a base of what makes something sound money and demonstrates why. From there, it delves into what a future with digital currencies could look like and how they may one day affect your daily life.

Aside from the financial and sociological impacts that Bitcoin could introduce, a lot of attention is also focused on the basics. The author explains what is known about the coin's creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. It also discusses the technical advantages and limitations of Proof-of-Work (PoW) blockchains. Finally, it explores what it would take to kill Bitcoin.

2. Blockchain Revolution: How the technology behind Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is changing the world

Blockchain revolution is another classic that can accurately explain Bitcoin in a manner that is easy for new users to grasp. The book has been a popular option since its release in June 2018. Notably, the authors are a father-son duo, Don and Alex Tapscott.

Don Tapscott is an established author who has been on the best-selling list in the past for  The Digital Economy and Wikinomics.  He combined his knowledge with his son, a blockchain expert, to create an easy-to-follow guide on the benefits of blockchain technology.

The book emphasizes what a trustless society would entail and why it's not impossible to achieve. The book delves into how blockchain tech will eventually integrate into most major sectors, including healthcare, education, finance, business, and governance. It also explains why these integrations will help to solve many long-held issues in these markets.

The Blockchain Revolution dedicates chapters to the technical aspects of blockchain networks and why they improve on centralized competitors. As such, there's a strong emphasis on eliminating the middleman to reduce costs and improve security. The Blockchain Revolution is a good start if you want to learn more about the tech that powers Bitcoin.

3. Early Bird Gets The Bitcoin: The Ultimate Guide To Everything About Bitcoin

The next entry on the list has to be one of the best options for those seeking an easy-to-follow explanation that they can share with others, even kids. The reason the Early Bird gets the Bitcoin fits the niche is that it was written by an 11-year-old 6th grader from Massachusetts named Andrew Courey.

Early Bird Gets Bitcoin aims to simplify the intricate details of blockchain networks. As such, The book shows through easy-to-follow stories and analogies how and why Bitcoin is a major upgrade to the status quo. Even the book's title helps new Bitcoiners understand that they are early in the long-term adoption scheme.

The author's perspective is refreshing compared to some of the more technical options on this list. It uses fun-filled stories to help break down complicated concepts such as Bitcoin wallets. In the book, these are described as p2p mailboxes for sending value.

The Early Bird Gets the Bitcoin is a simple read that accurately introduces you to Bitcoin and Ethereum in 57 pages. Interestingly, Courey took up the project as part of a bet with his parents to quit school. The bet was that he could drop out of classes if he made $20M. You have to wonder how close he is to enjoying a never-ending Saturday.

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

The Book of Satoshi is one of the most unique titles on this list. This book documents the communications that Bitcoin’s creator had before his/her/their eventual disappearance. It turns out that Nakamoto left 2+ years of conversations before ghosting the world.

The author, Phil Champagne, does an excellent job of showing these conversations in chronological order with the hopes of helping you piece together a picture of the world's first cryptocurrency's goals and desires. Champagne isn't a stranger to innovation as he holds 12 patents currently and has written other popular titles like  “Bitcoin vs Altcoins: The Battle for Dominance,” which became available in April 2023.

The truth is that every day that passes seems to make it seem less likely that Nakamoto's identity will ever be discovered. However, he still lives on through the many emails and posts he/she/they shared with the world. Nakamoto touches on everything from Bitcoin fundamentals to its implications in these now-immortalized chats.

There's also a section dedicated to Bitcoin whitepaper. Nakamoto posted this document on November 1, 2009. It described the technical aspects of how blockchains work and why they are crucial. It also touches on the importance of decentralization and how 51% attacks pose a risk to PoW networks.

5. Inventing Bitcoin: The Technology Behind the First Truly Scarce Decentralized Money Explained

Author Yan Pritzker takes Bitcoin and boils it down to high school teaching with his crypto classic, Inventing Bitcoin. This book is a great option for anyone not looking for a book jammed with technical specs and terms they don’t understand. The author spent years mastering his explanation while teaching high school students nationwide.

After perfecting his lesson, Pritzker released Inventing Bitcoin in June 2019. The books start with explanations and topics that makes it a must-read for new Bitcoiners and those seeking a better understanding of what Bitcoin is, and why it's vital.

Investing in Bitcoin goes into the creation of the world's first cryptocurrency. You learn interesting facts, such as that Bitcoin was the culmination of many attempts to create digital money. It also delves into who controls the decentralized network and how it is secured.

Investing Bitcoin is a 176-page read that can be completed in a single sitting or flight. It's simpler than some of this list's more technically focused options. However, it's more complex than the Early Bird Gets the Bitcoin, making it the ideal selection for someone with little understanding of Bitcoin and a desire to delve deeper.

6. Bitcoin Billionaires: A True Story of Genius, Betrayal, and Redemption

Do you have what it takes to become a Bitcoin billionaire? For most people, the answer is – I don’t know. Author Ben Mezrich seeks to answer this question through his gripping retelling of the Winklevoss twins' rise to Bitocin fame as the world's first Bitcoin billionaires.

The Winklevoss twins have been the subject of his books before, but in this story, he details what it took and the obstacles the two overcame to achieve their monumental status. Notably, the story paints a clear picture of cryptocurrencies' early days as it winds between venture capitalists, criminals, and other players in the market.

BitcoinBillionaires explains how these two Harvard graduates took their Facebook losses and transformed that negativity into a fortune. On this journey, you see how they were introduced to Bitcoin, how it works, and its potential. This tale of intrigue will have you on the edge of your seat as Mezrich is an expert in the genre of young wild millionaires and their rise to fame and fortune. Bitcoin Billionaires is no exception, providing an inside perspective that those new to the market will never experience.

7. Bitcoin For Dummies

Bitcoin for Dummies is the latest in the for Dummies series of books. These books are known for their simplification of hard-to-grasp concepts and technologies. If the subject is complicated, there is probably a for Dummies about it, and Bitcoin is no different.

Bitcoin for Dummies does a great job of touching base on all the main aspects of the project. You gain insight into how to set up a wallet and secure your crypto. A chapter also explains how the ledger works and why miners are vital to the network's function.

From there, you can learn how to acquire Bitcoin. This section is helpful as it explains various ways, including exchanges, Bitcoin ATMs, OTC, and in-person deals. Each method has its pros and cons that are touched upon in detail.

You also research the Bitcoin timeline from concept to launch and its rise to fame. The final chapters of this title are dedicated to how to trade Bitcoin and what risks are associated with the tech. Bitcoin for Dummies is a great example of an easy-to-follow and accessible option that every crypto user should own.

8. Mastering Bitcoin: Unlocking Digital Cryptocurrencies

Mastering Bitcoin focuses on tech-savvy readers. The book is described by many as a study guide for blockchain professionals, system architects, and developers. As such, there are more complex and sophisticated explanations in this option.

Source: Mastering Bitcoin

Mastering Bitcoin has more of a college textbook feel due to its technical aspects. Notably, it was written by one of the top crypto influencers in the market, Andreas M. Antonopoulos. He is a permanent host on the Let's Talk Bitcoin Podcast and has written other titles dedicated to Bitcoin.

9. The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains: An Introduction to Cryptocurrencies and the Technology that Powers Them

The basics of Bitcoin and blockchain take you into the decentralized market and show you how these networks can provide many benefits. You learn how payments are made, how crypto is secured, and the history of Bitcoin.

This book also provides some insight into identifying scams and how to protect your assets. Learn why your private key matters and how to set up different types of wallets. There's also some discussion on regulations and how they affect Bitcoin's future.

10. The Age of Cryptocurrency

The Age of Cryptocurrency by Paul Vigna and Michael J. Casey is another classic that you should look at. The book breaks the concept of Bitcoin down into 7 easy-to-follow principles. These principles help to explain money, Bitcoin, and why the latter is the future of money.

The title discusses the impact of cryptocurrencies on the financial markets and why eliminating the middleman makes sense. Notably, the book explains that blockchain technology is like any other tech, which can be used for good or abused, to great dismay. How will you use your Bitcoin?

The Top 10 Bitcoin Books To Up Your Game

All of the books on this list are known for their in-depth and helpful perspectives on Bitcoin. Notably, many of these authors continue to do their part to educate and inspire future crypto owners. As such, reading these titles puts you ahead of the pack in understanding the world's first crypto.

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