Mastering Bitcoin
The book provides a basic understanding of how to create a blockchain of your own.
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Bitcoin: Hard Money You Can’t F*ck with
Williams believes bitcoin is “the best form of money we’ve ever had” while spelling out the dangers of central banks printing money.
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Layered Money
Going further back than most blockchain books, Layered Money provides a historical account of the evolution of monetary systems around the globe.
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As the grandfather of cryptocurrencies, bitcoin holds a special place in the hearts of investors. Accordingly, there is no shortage of books about the history of bitcoin (including its mysterious creator Satoshi Nakamoto) and how bitcoin and blockchain technology are changing the world.
As we move into 2024, we compiled the quality and quantity of user reviews on major booksellers, factoring in overall clarity and readability. These cover everything bitcoin, and more.
Note: If we’re being honest, our #1 bitcoin book would have to be Blockchain for Everyone: How I Learned the Secrets of the New Millionaire Class (And You Can, Too), available in print and audiobook from Amazon. As our very own Sir John Hargrave wrote this book, we have not included it in our official ratings.
Mastering Bitcoin
Author: Andreas Antonopoulos
Goodreads Rating: 4.32
Number of Amazon Ratings: 1,222
Written by Andreas Antonopoulos, a vocal bitcoin advocate and computer scientist, Mastering Bitcoin is best suited for those with an introductory understanding of programming and cryptography. It provides a basic understanding of how to create your blockchain.
With the keen ability to dive deeper into the world’s first successful decentralized digital currency, Antonopoulos can masterfully provide insightful details on the bitcoin decentralized network, peer-to-peer architecture, and newer developments. We give this book a score of 4.5
(BMJ Score: 4.5)
Bitcoin: Hard Money You Can’t F*ck With
Author: Jason A.Williams
Goodreads Rating: 4.52
Number of Amazon Ratings: 1,090
Written by investor and entrepreneur Jason A. Williams, this book extols the virtues of bitcoin, especially in modern times when financial disaster and unprecedented money creation are making the headlines. Easy to read, Williams’ book is the best bitcoin book for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of bitcoin and the significant role it’s likely to play in our financial futures.
Not many authors can praise cryptocurrency without coming off as propaganda. Williams did that while putting it into the context of the 2020 financial crisis. He clearly defined what facets of bitcoin helped it emerge as a legitimate currency, earning the book a 4.5 from us.
(BMJ Score 4.5)
Layered Money: From Gold and Dollars to Bitcoin and Central Bank Digital Currencies
Author: Nik Bhatia
Goodreads Rating: 4.33
Number of Amazon Ratings: 871
Going further back than most blockchain books, Layered Money provides a historical account of the evolution of monetary systems around the globe. It traces the layers of bitcoin to raw mined material, gold coins, and finally, bank-issued gold certificates.
Though it is less technical than other books on this list, Bhatia can frame an argument that illustrates how Central Bank Digital Currencies and cryptocurrencies are a natural evolution of our existing monetary systems.
The book mechanized a clear and concise theoretical model of how monetary systems develop and evolve. It’s well-written and thought-provoking for anyone interested in the future of the blockchain.
(BMJ Score 4.5)
The Internet of Money
Author: Andreas Antonopoulos
Goodreads Rating: 4.06
Number of Amazon Ratings: 1,954
Another book written by Andreas Antonopoulos, The Internet of Money answers the question “Why Bitcoin?” The book contextualizes the significance of bitcoin through a series of essays covering the maturation of the digital currency over time.
Providing arguments for bitcoin's philosophical, social, and historical implications, this piece is a thought-provoking read that challenges how we fundamentally think about currency.
(BMJ Score: 3.5)
The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking
Author: Saifedean Ammous
Goodreads Rating: 4.16
Number of Amazon Ratings: 6,832
Written by academic and Austrian economist Saifedean Ammous, The Bitcoin Standard discusses the history of money, the relationship between economics and society, and why bitcoin constitutes “good money.” The book touts bitcoin as an excellent alternative to central banking, which makes it a must-read for open-minded lawmakers and bankers alike.
Taking a more high-level approach to bitcoin, this book walks through the history of money and key economic points that support the further adoption of cryptocurrency. It’s a great supplementary read to books like Mastering Bitcoin and has earned a 3.5 from us.
(BMJ Score: 3.5)
The Little Bitcoin Book: Why Bitcoin Matters for Your Freedom, Finances, and Future
Author: Bitcoin Collective, Timi Ajiboye
Goodreads Rating: 4.24
Number of Amazon Ratings: 635
Written by the Bitcoin Collective and Timi Ajiboye, The Little Bitcoin Book was penned by eight industry experts and addresses many of the frequently asked questions about bitcoin. It discusses what’s wrong with today’s money system and what it means for global freedoms and opportunities. The book explains the origins of bitcoin, and finishes with a Q&A section. An ideal primer for the beginner investor.
The Little Bitcoin Book is a good primer for readers wanting to understand more about financial history, but its brevity means it lacks detail in some areas.
Taking a more contrarian approach to TradFi, this book focuses on what traditional finance lacks and how the blockchain can resolve it. It’s simple and direct, so we give it a 3.5.
(BMJ score 3.5)
Digital Gold: Bitcoin and the Inside Story of the Misfits and Millionaires Trying to Reinvent Money
Author: Nathaniel Popper
Goodreads Rating: 4.15
Number of Amazon Ratings: 1,931
Written by New York Times journalist Nathaniel Popper, Digital Gold tells the story of bitcoin through the eyes of some of the movement’s most colorful characters. This book is an amusing and interesting read for readers who like bitcoin, technology, and history.
This book receives a 3.5 for its interesting take on the characters that have made bitcoin the success it is today.
(BMJ Score: 3.5)
The Blocksize War: The Battle For Control Over Bitcoin’s Protocol Rules
Author: Jonathan Bier
Goodreads Rating: 4.27
Number of Amazon Ratings: 500
Bitcoin’s history may be short, but it’s chock full of riveting and pivotal events that have defined the blockchain’s history. The Blocksize War by Jonathan Bier is an in-depth account of the “blocksize war”: the debate on a block’s ideal storage capacity. The implications of this seminal argument would affect network fees, transaction times, and the future viability of bitcoin as a currency.
While the book may be a thoroughly researched account of the blocksize debate, it remains a technical read with concepts that only some may understand. It’s definitely not required reading for beginners, but it’s recommended for those interested in learning more about one of bitcoin’s most pivotal events.
Though it is certainly informative, it does not offer much education outside of a history book.
(BMJ Score: 3.5)
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies: A Comprehensive Introduction
Author: Arvind Narayanan, Joseph Bonneau, Edward Felten, Andrew Miller, Steve Goldfeder
Goodreads Rating: 4.31
Number of Amazon Ratings: 254
Rather than cover the broadside of bitcoin, the authors focus on the technologies behind digital currencies. Aside from addressing questions like how blockchain works, it examines wider issues such as cryptocurrency regulation and bitcoin history. There’s an interactive element for readers who want to visit the associated website, which covers instructional videos to accompany each chapter, and programming assignments.
An easy-to-read, accessible guide that provides a detailed introduction and overview of bitcoin, but loses points as some may find it dated in the rapidly evolving world of crypto.
While its interactive element is great and something we wish other books would emulate, it does provide a good base level of knowledge on blockchain technology. Beyond that, other titles may be more suitable.
(BMJ Score 3.5)
The Bullish Case For Bitcoin
Author: Vijay Boyapati
Goodreads Rating: 4.45
Number of Amazon Ratings: 418
Written by Vijay Boyapati with a foreword by Michael Saylor, the book clearly outlines bitcoin’s salient features, the theory of money, and bitcoin’s superiority over the currency standards that have come before it.
An introductory read designed to provide foundational knowledge on a rapidly expanding industry, the book outlines bitcoin as a new form of money, comparisons to current units of account, and what the future may hold for the blockchain.
Because of its length and valuable information, The Bullish Case For Bitcoin remains a must-read for beginners looking to enter the crypto fray.
The Bullish Case For Bitcoin provides solid arguments on the future of Bitcoin, updated for the path post-2020. The arguments, however, depend on a lot of conditional scenarios.
(BMJ Score: 3.5)
Inventing Bitcoin: The Technology Behind the First Truly Scarce and Decentralized Money Explained
Author: Yan Pritzker
Goodreads Rating: 4.45
Number of Amazon Ratings: 464
Written by Yan Pritzker, Inventing Bitcoin: The Technology Behind the First Truly Scarce and Decentralized Money Explained delivers a deep dive into the invention of bitcoin. Though short, it still gives a good overview and scores rave reviews from readers and reviewers alike.
It explains the basics well, but its brevity means it’s not as detailed in some areas as possible.
For those looking to understand the technicalities of Bitcoin, this is a great book, earning it a score of 3.5 from us.
(BMJ Score 3.5)
Mastering the Lightning Network: A Second Layer Blockchain Protocol for Instant Bitcoin Payments
Authors: Andreas M. Antonopoulos. Olaoluwa Osuntokun, & Rene Pickhardt
Goodreads Rating: 4.52
Number of Amazon Ratings: 101
Mastering The Lightning Network is an explanatory piece on the Lightning Network, a Layer 2 payment protocol intended for enabling quicker transactions and improving bitcoin’s scalability. Antonopoulos et al. examine the lightning network and create a detailed account of how Layer 2 protocols on the blockchain can verify more transactions and scale past existing payment protocols.
Though not an introductory book, this material was written for technical readers interested in learning about Layer 2 protocols that present themselves as solutions to many cryptocurrencies’ scalability issues. However, Andres does a good job of balancing the content between technical and practical.
(BMJ Score: 3.5)
Bitcoin Billionaires: A True Story of Genius, Betrayal, and Redemption
Author: Ben Mezrich
Goodreads Rating: 3.99
Number of Amazon Ratings: 2,932
Reading like an Ernest Hemingway novel, Bitcoin Billionaires follows two familiar characters whose fall from grace would be remembered by many: The Winklevoss Twins.
Unlike the other books on this list, Bitcoin Billionaires is a page-turning story, narrating their climb back to redemption post-Facebook lawsuit. Novelistic by nature, readers should turn to other options if they’re looking for something more technical and informative.
This read is more for entertainment than education. It encapsulates the crypto economy as the wild west that it is.
(BMJ Score: 3.0)
The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains: An Introduction to Cryptocurrencies and the Technology that Powers Them
Author: Anthony Lewis
Goodreads Rating: 4.13
Number of Amazon Ratings: 2,388
Written by Anthony Lewis, The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains is a clear, concise, and witty look at bitcoin and the uses and implications of blockchain technology. This a great resource for anyone who wants an answer to the question “Where can I learn about bitcoin?” Antony could explain cryptocurrency to a five-year-old while retaining key concepts and insights.
Looking for a basic breakdown of cryptocurrency? This book would be for you. That said, it only offers a little function beyond that, especially on buying and selling in crypto.
(BMJ Score: 3.0)
A Beginner’s Guide to Bitcoin
Author: Matthew Kratter
Goodreads Rating: 4.23
Number of Amazon Ratings: 1,586
Written by Matthew Kratter, the guide is a welcoming read that works as a roadmap for bitcoin. The guide covers everything from buying and storing bitcoin to understanding the fundamentals of investing and keeping your cool during times of high volatility.
More of an investment guide than most, Kratter’s Guide to Bitcoin focuses on profitably buying and selling bitcoin. In contrast, other options on this list focus on the theoretical implications of the blockchain for the future.
(BMJ Score: 3.0)
The Age of Cryptocurrency: How Bitcoin and the Blockchain Are Challenging the Global Economic Order
Author: Paul Vigna and Michael Casey
Goodreads Rating: 3.85
Number of Amazon Ratings: 649
Written by the Wall Street Journal’s Paul Vigna and Coindesk’s Michael Casey, The Age of Cryptocurrency delivers the definitive answer to the question “Why care about bitcoin?” Vigna and Casey have produced more than just a Bitcoin 101-type book as they delve into cryptocurrency's political, economic, technical, and ideological impacts.
As an introduction to bitcoin with a focus on its cryptography aspect, we can’t give it more than 3 because it doesn’t provide much value outside of a basic introduction.
(BMJ Score: 3.0)
The Only Bitcoin Investing Book You’ll Ever Need
Author: Freeman Publications
Goodreads Rating: 4.21
Number of Amazon Ratings: 982
This book by Freeman Publications provides a stripped-down version of investing with bitcoin. This book cuts through the noise and the hard math to give you a piece to explain the basics of starting your investing journey with bitcoin. It’s great for someone looking to get started and it explains everything in less than 120 pages.
(BMJ Score: 3.0)
Bitcoin Clarity: The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Understanding
Author: Kiara Bickers
Goodreads Rating: 4.21
Number of Amazon Ratings: 103
Written by Kiara Bickers, this guide to bitcoin provides a comprehensive overview while breaking down a complex topic into easy-to-understand text.
Those considering the leap into the crypto world who want to see bitcoin explained clearly and concisely will appreciate the fundamentals covered in the book, including how bitcoin works and its growing popularity. Bitcoin Clarity is among the best bitcoin books for beginners, providing a refresher for established investors.
Some describe it as the best bitcoin book they’ve read. However, for a book aimed at beginners, it does include technical analysis, which some readers may find hard to follow.
The focus of this book was on clarity, which Bickers seems to have done a marvelous job at. It is accessible and lightly brushes on technical analysis, so we give it a score of 3.00
(BMJ Score 3.0)
Bitcoin: Everything Divided by 21 Million
Author: Knut Svanholm
Goodreads Rating: 4.49
Number of Amazon Ratings: 93
Svanholm’s book Bitcoin: Everything Divided By 21 Million presents bitcoin and the blockchain as the revolutionary technology that it is. It argues how bitcoin’s price and market capitalization are determined by its limited supply.
As a non-technical book, Bitcoin presents abstract concepts to shift your perspective on the blockchain. For experienced investors, this book presents philosophical arguments that strengthen your conviction in the future of bitcoin. For beginners, this piece will convince you of crypto’s value.
WIth a focus on abstract concepts for the future of cryptocurrencies, this book presents to us with a new way of thinking about the blockchain.
(BMJ Score: 3.0)
Thank God for Bitcoin: The Creation, Corruption and Redemption of Money
Author: Bitcoin and Bible Group, Jimmy Song, and Gabe Higgins
Goodreads Rating: 4.17
Number of Amazon Ratings: 542
Is bitcoin the answer to a broken monetary system? The authors of this book certainly think so. The book deep-dives into the creation and corruption of our current economy while detailing how bitcoin could be its salvation. If you’re looking for a book exploring bitcoin, this isn’t necessarily the best book for you. However, it’s ideal for readers who want to understand our monetary system better.
While the book does an excellent job of explaining the monetary system and its history, there’s far more focus on fiat than cryptocurrencies.
We gave this book a 2.5 given other books that break down this subject more clearly.
(BMJ Score 2.5)
The Book of Satoshi
Author: Phil Champagne
Goodreads Rating: 4.08
Number of Amazon Ratings: 478
Written by Phil Champagne as an exhaustive compilation of all publications posted online by bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator, The Book of Satoshi provides all of Nakamoto’s online posts chronologically with added commentary from the author. It is an exhaustive delve into bitcoin’s history for those looking to learn more about Satoshi Nakamoto and bitcoin’s past.
More of a compilation and an entertaining read than an informative textbook, a beginner looking to understand cryptocurrency may be better off
(BMJ Score: 2.0)
21 Lessons: What I've Learned from Falling Down the Bitcoin Rabbit Hole
Author: Gigi
Goodreads Rating: 4.17
Number of Amazon Ratings: 412
Gigi’s 21 lessons are a distillation of what the author has learned regarding cryptocurrency. This book is an abstract collection of philosophical learnings about the blockchain. Whereas other novels focus on the technical and financial components, this one highlights the philosophical undertones of blockchain in society.
Given that the author wishes to remain anonymous, it seems difficult to justify a rating higher than 2.0.
(BMJ Score: 2.0)
Always Remember: Stay Informed and Do Your Own Research
Whether you’re just getting started with bitcoin, or you’re a die-hard hodler, there’s a book in our list that will grab your attention and likely teach you something. Considering the growing acceptance of bitcoin and blockchain technologies, reading up on the technology, financial use cases, and social implications of bitcoin will be well worth the time.
We recommend picking up one or two of these titles and expanding your understanding of what might be the greatest financial innovation in thousands of years.
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