You might be wondering if Bitcoin books still matter in today’s modern world, where so many crypto threads are available on social media (X, YouTube, and TikTok). And the answer is that yes, they absolutely are.
While social media experts might give you quick snippets of valuable information, they never go that deep. That’s where books differ. Books provide you with structured learning, deep insights, and perspectives that have been carefully formed over months or years.
Whether you are trying to understand what Bitcoin is, why it exists, how it works, or how to invest wisely, there’s a book on every topic. We have curated the list of the best Bitcoin books to read for every category. From beginner-friendly guides to in-depth technical books, you will find a wide range of titles in this list.
This is not a random list of crypto books. These are the Bitcoin books that have helped millions in understanding Bitcoin deeply, written by pioneers, investors, developers, and journalists who have spent a lot of time in the trenches.
Ready to level up your Bitcoin knowledge? Let’s dive into the Bitcoin books you need to get started on your Bitcoin journey.
Best Bitcoin Books for Beginners
Starting your Bitcoin journey can definitely be an overwhelming experience. There are some books available for beginners that break down complex concepts into small, digestible pieces, making them easy to understand. You don’t need any prior knowledge, just a curious brain and a willingness to learn!
| Book Title | Author | Year | Best For |
| The Bitcoin Standard | Saifedean Ammous | 2018 | Understanding Bitcoin’s economic importance |
| The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains | Antony Lewis | 2018 | Comprehensive crypto overview |
| The Little Bitcoin Book | Bitcoin Collective | 2019 | Quick, accessible introduction |
1. The Bitcoin Standard
Author: Saifedean Ammous
Published: 2018
Think of “The Bitcoin Standard” as a history book on economics with a Bitcoin twist! It explains Bitcoin’s past while also making a case for its future. Saifedean Ammous takes you on a journey through the history of money itself. From the barter system to paper money, you will get to know why humanity keeps searching for better forms of money. In this book, you’ll understand why Bitcoin is the answer we have all been looking for.
Ammous also does an incredible job in connecting Bitcoin to broader economic principles that are present in the world. He argues that Bitcoin essentially represents a return to “sound money” principles. It’s similar to the gold standard, but better!
Saifedean Ammous breaks down concepts such as time preference, inflation, and Austrian economics. Some critics have argued that the book is overly enthusiastic about Bitcoin’s potential. But that passion definitely makes for some compelling reading. It also explains the history accurately.
“The Bitcoin Standard” especially shines when explaining why Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million coins matters a lot. After reading this book, you will understand not just how Bitcoin works but why it had to exist in the first place. It’s a perfect starting point for anyone wanting to learn Bitcoin and its importance in the bigger economic picture.
2. The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains
Author: Antony Lewis
Published: 2018
“The Bitcoin Standards” explained the why of Bitcoin. If you want to learn how Bitcoin, you have to read “The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains”. Antony Lewis uses a more nuanced and balanced approach, breaking down Bitcoin and the wider crypto system in a way that’s technical yet easy to grasp.to explain what Bitcoin is. He explains the entire cryptocurrency system in a technical sense that is easy to understand. This is the go-to book to fully understand crypto from the ground up.
Lewis definitely has a gift for conveying technical concepts without hurting your brain! He masterfully unpacks complex topics, such as blockchain technology, mining, wallets, and exchanges, in a way that is easy to understand.
You will understand the difference between Ethereum and Bitcoin, what ICOs and why many of them failed, and how to identify crypto scams. The book also contains helpful illustrations, diagrams, and real-world examples that help the reader understand the abstract concepts.
Lewis does an impeccable job in offering practical advice on the buying, storing, and securing of cryptocurrencies. The book is not just theory, but it provides concrete steps on how you can safely participate in the crypto world.
There are also updated editions that keep pace with the quickly evolving crypto landscape, making this one of the best books on Bitcoin and blockchain out there.
3. The Little Bitcoin Book
Author: Bitcoin Collective (Timi Ajiboye, Luis Buenaventura, Lily Liu, and others)
Published: 2019
If you are not looking for a lengthy deep dive, but just a short book on the essentials of Bitcoin, “The Little Bitcoin Book” is ideal for you. A collective of several prominent Bitcoin experts has written “The Little Bitcoin,” and it was designed to be read in one single sitting. Anyone curious about Bitcoin can give it a go, and they’ll leave with a good knowledge of what Bitcoin is.
The book deals with major questions such as why Bitcoin exists, what problems it aims to solve, and how it could help people in developing countries. The authors walk the readers through diverse perspectives from around the world. The book demonstrates perfectly why Bitcoin isn’t just for tech experts but a tool anyone can use to gain financial freedom in their lives.
The most refreshing aspect of this book is that it highlights the immense humanitarian potential of Bitcoin. It doesn’t get lost in the technicalities of the cryptocurrency world. But it explores important themes such as how Bitcoin can help those without a bank account, protect your savings from hyperinflation, and help you gain financial independence. It offers a deep look into the many positives of Bitcoin.
Best Books on Bitcoin Economics & Philosophy
If you know the basics of Bitcoin already and want to take an even deeper dive into the cryptocurrency, you can check out these books. The following books on Bitcoin will explore the economic theories and philosophical implications of Bitcoin. The books provide deep insights and will undoubtedly change the way you think about money, value, and the future of economics and human coordination.
| Book Title | Author | Year | Best For |
| Layered Money | Nik Bhatia | 2021 | Understanding monetary systems |
| Broken Money | Lyn Alden | 2023 | Global monetary perspective |
| The Internet of Money | Andreas Antonopoulos | 2016-2019 | Bitcoin philosophy and vision |
4. Layered Money
Author: Nik Bhatia
Published: 2021
In “Layered Money”, Nik Bhatia introduces a framework that will completely change how you see the financial system. The author provides a clear and insightful explanation of how money exists in layers, ranging from gold at the base to government currencies and bank deposits. Bhatia explains how Bitcoin fits in this detailed financial hierarchy.
The brilliance of this book is in how it breaks down complicated money systems so that the reader can easily understand. “Layered Money” explains how central banks create money and why the money in your bank account isn’t strictly speaking “money.” Moreover, it also explains how the Lightning Network can help Bitcoin operate as an everyday currency. The author also makes some interesting comparisons between old money systems and today’s digital world.
What makes this book different from other Bitcoin books is that it has a rather balanced perspective. Bhatia does not claim that Bitcoin will replace everything. However, he demonstrates how Bitcoin can be integrated with existing systems to enhance and revolutionize them. He explains what would happen if Bitcoin were a new base layer for global finance, similar to how gold once was. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of Bitcoin.
5. Broken Money
Author: Lyn Alden
Published: 2023
Lyn Alden’s “Broken Money” is one of the most authoritative books on Bitcoin out there. A little over 500 pages, the book is comprehensive without being too overwhelming for readers. Alden presents the concepts clearly and logically, in a manner that is easy to understand. She explores how our current monetary system is facing issues and how Bitcoin can offer possible solutions to it.
Alden succeeds in bringing an engineer’s precision to economic analysis. She carefully traces the evolution of money from old commodity standards to our current fiat system, exploring how each transition solved some problems but created new ones. “Broken Money” experts illustrate how technological changes brought about the monetary evolution involving Bitcoin.
The book also offers a unique global perspective to its readers. The focus is not just on the US dollar, but also on monetary successes and failures around the world. Alden presents Bitcoin not as a clear-cut solution to all our money problems in the economic system, but as a promising option. If you want to learn about Bitcoin in terms of the global economic perspective, “Broken Money” is one of the best Bitcoin books for it.
6. The Internet of Money
Author: Andreas M. Antonopoulos
Published: 2016-2019 (Volumes 1-3)
Andreas Antonopoulos does not just write books, but rather creates manifestos. “The Internet of Money” series is one of those. This series collects his best talks and presentations on the topic of Bitcoin. Andreas explains not just what Bitcoin is but what it means, delivering his ideas with passion and in a way that’s easy to follow.
Each chapter deals with a different theme of Bitcoin’s potential and power. For instance, one chapter talks about the importance of decentralization, the other on how Bitcoin enables innovation for the economic system. Another chapter describes what happens when money becomes programmable. Andreas skillfully talks about each topic with an energetic enthusiasm and interesting analogies that make for a fun read! It also helps the reader grasp complex topics fairly easily. His comparison of Bitcoin to the early internet is particularly enlightening.
“The Internet of Money” series is timeless, despite being several years old. The fundamental insights contained in these books are still relevant because Andreas makes an effort to focus on the principles behind Bitcoin, not on prices. He helps you view Bitcoin not as an investment but as a new technology that can reshape society for the better. These are the best books on Bitcoin for understanding its impact that goes beyond just making money.
Best Technical Books About Bitcoin
If you are looking to understand the technicalities behind Bitcoin, these are the best technical books about Bitcoin. These books will break down the technology of Bitcoin clearly and easily.
| Book Title | Author | Year | Best For |
| Mastering Bitcoin | Andreas Antonopoulos | 2014/2017 | Comprehensive technical understanding |
| Programming Bitcoin | Jimmy Song | 2019 | Learning by coding |
| Grokking Bitcoin | Kalle Rosenbaum | 2019 | Visual learning approach |
7. Mastering Bitcoin
Author: Andreas M. Antonopoulos
Published: 2014 (2nd Edition: 2017)
Experts call “Mastering Bitcoin” the technical Bible of Bitcoin Books. Antonopoulos takes you on a journey from Bitcoin basics to advanced topics such as scripting and network protocols. It is detailed enough for developers to understand. But it is also written in a clear way that even motivated non-programmers can follow along.
The book has a brilliant structure, with each chapter building on the last one, slowly increasing complexity. You will start with basic concepts like addresses and transactions, then move on to advanced topics like mining and consensus rules. Code examples are also provided in various programming languages for those eager to delve into the technical aspects. But you can understand the concepts even if you skip the code parts.
“Mastering Bitcoin” does a great job at covering the topics with depth and clarity without burdening the reader with complexity. Andreas explains not only how Bitcoin operates but also why it was designed the way it was. You will get to know about the trade-offs, the security model, and the innovative solutions to problems you didn’t even know about. It is the definitive technical guide and one of the best Bitcoin books to read for a proper understanding of the subject.
8. Programming Bitcoin
Author: Jimmy Song
Published: 2019
“Mastering Bitcoin” covers the technology behind Bitcoin. Now, Jimmy Song’s “Programming Bitcoin” teaches the reader how to build Bitcoin. The author takes on a learn-by-doing approach, guiding you every step of the way. You will learn how to create a Bitcoin library from scratch in Python. By the end of the book, you will have built a simplified Bitcoin implementation.
Don’t be scared by the focus on programming. Song assumes that the reader only has basic Python knowledge. He explains every concept in a clear and detailed manner. You will get to learn about elliptic curve cryptography by actually implementing it yourself. Moreover, you will understand how transactions work by parsing them and grasp how mining works by writing the algorithm.
The secret weapon of this book is its exercises. Each chapter has coding challenges that help reinforce concepts and build proper coding skills. Song’s explanations are straightforward, easy to understand, and even funny! This makes for an engaging and interesting book for anyone looking to understand Bitcoin at a deeper level. Besides, what better way to learn Bitcoin than building it yourself?
9. Grokking Bitcoin
Author: Kalle Rosenbaum
Published: 2019
Kalle Rosenbaum’s “Grokking Bitcoin” took an entirely different and unique approach. As opposed to just explaining concepts by diving into the history or how it is coded, it focuses on visuals. The book contains a variety of diagrams, illustrations, and step-by-step explanations. If you are a visual learner who prefers not to read lengthy texts, then this is the Bitcoin book for you!
The author uses a rather clever narrative device in this book: you are helping out a fictional company to implement Bitcoin payments. It’s a very practical framework that simplifies abstract concepts. Every technical concept is explained using clear diagrams, showing how the data flows within the Bitcoin network. Visuals make complex topics like proof-of-work and Merkle trees easy to understand.
The book does not assume that the reader has any previous technical knowledge, but it doesn’t patronize either. It guides you through the Bitcoin journey slowly so that you can understand it easily. It’s one of the best books about Bitcoin for visual learners.
Best Bitcoin Trading & Investing Books
These books will teach you how to smartly and wisely invest in Bitcoin. From understanding portfolio theory to grasping the nuances in market psychology, they will help you take on bitcoin investing with a strategy rather than just speculation.
| Book Title | Author | Year | Best For |
| Cryptoassets | Chris Burniske & Jack Tatar | 2017 | Portfolio management approach |
| Bitcoin: Hard Money You Can’t F*ck With | Jason Williams | 2020 | Uncensored investment perspective |
| The Bullish Case for Bitcoin | Vijay Boyapati | 2021 | Long-term value proposition |
10. Cryptoassets
Author: Chris Burniske & Jack Tatar
Published: 2017
“Cryptoassets” was one of the first ever books to apply traditional investment analysis to cryptocurrencies. Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar did not treat cryptocurrency as magical internet money but as a new asset class that deserves proper analysis.
The book introduces various frameworks for valuing cryptocurrencies, managing risk, and building good crypto portfolios. The book discusses concepts such as the network value to transaction ratio (NVT), evaluating different types of tokens, and why diversification in crypto differs from that in traditional markets. The authors do a brilliant job in blending fundamental analysis with a proper understanding of crypto’s properties.
Although some examples have aged (for instance, the ICO boom is now over), some principles remain rock solid. The book’s framework for examining cryptoassets as commodities, tokens, or currencies remains influential among many investors to this day. If you are looking for the best Bitcoin investing books, you should definitely check this one out.
11. Bitcoin: Hard Money You Can’t F*ck With
Author: Jason A. Williams
Published: 2020
The title of the book tells you everything you need to know about the author’s approach in talking about Bitcoin. It’s Bitcoin investing without any fluff or BS. Williams is a Wall Street veteran turned Bitcoin advocate, and he provides a unique insight into why traditional investors should take Bitcoin seriously.
Williams breaks down Bitcoin’s investment case in a language Wall Street understands. He explains the macroeconomic backdrop, Bitcoin’s monetary properties and why it may be a hedge against currency debasement. “Bitcoin: Hard Money You Can’t F*ck With” contains practical advice on position sizing, storage solutions, and tax considerations that most Bitcoin books skip.
The best aspect of the book is that it is an honest discussion on Bitcoin. Whilst explaining how it works, Williams does not avoid talking about Bitcoin’s risks and volatility. He does not say that you can easily get rich with Bitcoin, but he explains that Bitcoin does deserve a spot in diversified portfolios.
As someone who has worked in traditional finance, his perspective has a lot of credibility and useful advice. It definitely helps bridge the gap between the traditional investors and crypto natives.
12. The Bullish Case for Bitcoin
Author: Vijay Boyapati
Published: 2021
Interestingly, “The Bullish Case for Bitcoin” began as a viral Medium article that quickly became a must-read in crypto circles. The article then eventually evolved into a book. Vijay Boyapati explains his argument for why he thinks Bitcoin can become the dominant global store of value. He breaks down the complex monetary theory into easy concepts that anyone can understand.
The book explains the entire Bitcoin journey: first as a collectible, then as a store of value and then a medium of exchange, and finally a unit of account. The author compares Bitcoin with gold, fiat money, and all other assets by taking a look at different traits such as durability and portability. He also shows how Bitcoin’s volatility is a natural part of its growth, not a flaw.
Boyapati writes this book skilfully and honestly, highlighting Bitcoin’s advantages as well as its limitations. He tackles the criticisms that Bitcoin has faced over the years, such as the environmental impact it has to the government restrictions. Boyapati argues in his book that Bitcoin should be viewed as a strong long-term savings tool, not just a quick scheme to get rich fast.
Top Narrative & Biographical Bitcoin Books
At times, the best way to understand the impact of Bitcoin is through the personal stories of people who built, adopted, and sometimes fought against it.
These narrative books help bring Bitcoin’s history through interesting human stories and real-world adventures! Let’s take a look.
| Book Title | Author | Year | Best For |
| Bitcoin Billionaires | Ben Mezrich | 2019 | Winklevoss twins’ crypto journey |
| Digital Gold | Nathaniel Popper | 2015 | Early Bitcoin history |
| The Infinite Machine | Camila Russo | 2020 | Ethereum’s creation story |
13. Bitcoin Billionaires
Author: Ben Mezrich
Published: 2019
Do you remember the Winklevoss twins from the movie “The Social Network”? Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss were American investors as well as entrepreneurs. When Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook, they sued him, claiming that he stole their idea for a social networking website. The cases ended up in a settlement worth about $65 million in cash and Facebook stock.
But their story didn’t end there. Mezrich tells of their comeback in his book “Bitcoin Billionaires”, narrating how they went from losing out on Facebook to becoming popular Bitcoin billionaires. The book takes you through their adventurous journey from the Facebook settlement to discovering Bitcoin in 2012.
The reader gets to see the early Bitcoin world through their eyes, the legal battles, shady exchanges, and the big struggle of buying large amounts of Bitcoin without shaking the market. Their rise from being mocked by the Facebook fallout to being respected reflects Bitcoin’s own journey to legitimacy.
The book is worth reading because, apart from the interesting story of the Winklevoss twins, it shows an inside look at how Bitcoin matured over the years. Moreover, the twins’ push for regulated exchanges and Bitcoin ETFs demonstrates how professionalism has been integrated into the cryptocurrency industry.
14. Digital Gold
Author: Nathaniel Popper
Published: 2015
“Digital Gold” provides a key history of Bitcoin’s early years, where it was still being established. New York Times journalist Nathaniel Popper obtained rare access to prominent figures, such as partners of Bitcoin’s founder, Satoshi Nakamoto. Popper was also able to reach people who were involved in the Silk Road saga and the fall of Mt. Gox.
The book definitely feels like an interesting thriller when you start reading it, but it remains balanced and factually accurate. You will get to meet the OG’s who shaped Bitcoin’s ideas in the early days and the entrepreneurs who formed the first Bitcoin companies. Popper tactfully describes Bitcoin’s beginnings, highlighting both the big dreams and the messy chaos it brought.
The book does an impeccable job in explaining Bitcoin’s shift from an experiment to a real financial technology that fundamentally changed the world. The author also covers the dark side to it, such as the drugs, hacks, and scams. But the book also explains how Bitcoin survived and grew into the major cryptocurrency everyone knows today.
15. The Infinite Machine
Author: Camila Russo
Published: 2020
Technically, “The Infinite Machine” is about Ethereum, but it is an important read for anyone looking to understand the broader cryptocurrency system that Bitcoin has produced. In this book, Camila Russo shares the story of Ethereum’s creator, Vitalik Buterin.
The book describes how Bitcoin’s limitations inspired Buterin to create Ethereum, an entirely different blockchain technology from Bitcoin. The readers will get to understand the personalities, clashes, and technical breakthroughs that shaped crypto’s evolution beyond Bitcoin. Moreover, the popular DAO hack and consequent hard fork are also covered extensively in this book.
The author makes compelling points, showcasing the technical and philosophical debates that have circulated in the crypto world. She shows the impact Bitcoin had in enabling a thousand experiments, some of which were successful, like Ethereum.
Understanding Ethereum’s story helps you appreciate Bitcoin’s choices and trade-offs. It’s actually one of the best books on Bitcoin and blockchain for seeing the bigger crypto picture.
How to Spot a Quality Bitcoin Book That Delivers Value
There are new Bitcoin books released every other month! You must be wondering how to spot a high-quality Bitcoin book that is worth reading.
When looking for valuable books on Bitcoin, here are a few things you need to keep in mind.
1) Author’s Credibility
The best books are written by people who have real experience, such as developers and successful crypto entrepreneurs, and experts with extensive technical knowledge on the subject. Be sure to verify the author’s credibility before purchasing the book. Be cautious of those ‘get-rich-quick’ writers who only appear during bull runs.
2) Clarity
Bitcoin books must be written in a clear and well-structured way, because the topic is already quite complex. That doesn’t mean that anything should be oversimplified, just that it’s easy to follow along. The best Bitcoin books usually use a lot of analogies and relevant examples. Moreover, they build concepts in a step-by-step manner. So, if you’re lost after the first chapter alone, it’s most likely the fault of the author, not yours.
3) Timeliness
As Bitcoin evolves rapidly, timeliness is crucial. For instance, books before 2017 miss the Lightning Network, and those before 2020 miss DeFi and NFTs. Older books can still provide you with historical context, but you should stay up to date with the recent titles to gain updated insights.
4) Strong research and citations
Good Bitcoin books contain very strong research and accurate citations. High-quality books always reference technical papers and acknowledge the different perspectives that exist. They are also honest about Bitcoin’s limitations. You should avoid books that only paint a perfect picture of Bitcoin and claim that it solves everything.
5) Reviews
Reviews definitely help, but you should read them critically. Look for detailed feedback from verified buyers, especially technical readers who have pointed out errors. The best books on Bitcoin earn consistent praise for their depth and accuracy.
Reviews also help, but read them critically. Look for detailed feedback from verified buyers, especially technical readers, pointing out errors. The best books earn consistent praise for accuracy and depth.
6) Match the book to your goals
You should also select a book according to your purpose. For instance, if you are a pure beginner, you do not need to read “Programming Bitcoin”. And if you’re a developer, then “The Little Bitcoin Book” would be too basic for you. That is why you need to select books that enhance your understanding without overwhelming you with information.
Where Else Can You Educate More About Bitcoin? At Dypto Crypto!
While books are amazing for deep and insightful learning, they are just the beginning of your Bitcoin education. To learn more about the nuances of Bitcoin and the latest trends, join the Dypto Crypto community.
You will learn about Bitcoin and crypto in a genuinely fun and exciting way! At Dypto Crypto, we aim to transform complex blockchain concepts into bite-sized, engaging content that actually sticks.
Dypto Crypto brings together the best insights of the Bitcoin book and the energy of a very active community. You will find other crypto enthusiasts in the community eager to discuss their favorite Bitcoin books with you!
We also go beyond the book talk. We offer interactive challenges and market analysis that can help you turn the knowledge into action! Think of us as your favorite crypto study group where you can talk to like-minded individuals about the fascinating world of crypto.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for our newsletter and never miss the latest insights, book recommendations, and Bitcoin breakthroughs!
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What’s the best Bitcoin book for beginners?
For a quick start, The Little Bitcoin Book is short and easy to digest. If you want something more thorough, The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains explains the broader crypto world in simple terms. For an economic and philosophical take, The Bitcoin Standard is a popular choice.
Q: Which book should I read to understand how Bitcoin works technically?
Mastering Bitcoin by Andreas Antonopoulos is the classic for technical knowledge. If you prefer learning by doing, Programming Bitcoin by Jimmy Song teaches you how to build Bitcoin step by step. Visual learners may enjoy Grokking Bitcoin, which uses diagrams to explain concepts clearly.
Q: Where can I buy these Bitcoin books?
Most titles are available on Amazon in both print and Kindle formats. You can also find them on Apple Books, Google Play, or at local bookstores. Some, like Mastering Bitcoin and The Little Bitcoin Book, are free online under open-source licenses. Libraries are starting to stock crypto books as well, and budget-friendly options are often available through used book sites like ThriftBooks.
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