Best Cryptocurrency Books: From Fundamentals to Trading

Attention, crypto-curious cats and blockchain buffs! Whether you're a wide-eyed newbie dreaming of digital riches or a tech geek itching to decode the DNA of decentralized dreams, it's time to ditch those cat videos and dive into the literary treasure trove of crypto wisdom.

From "Bitcoin for Dummies" to "Trade Crypto Like a Pro," we've curated a list of page-turners that'll take you from "What's a blockchain?" to "Ask me anything about directed acyclic graphs".

So, grab your reading glasses (or VR headset for you futurists), brew a pot of java strong enough to keep Satoshi Nakamoto awake, and prepare to embark on a mind-bending journey through the mild west of digital libraries.

Just remember, once you've absorbed all this crypto knowledge, don't let it gather dust like those gym memberships you never use. Put it to work on Bitsgap, the Swiss Army knife of crypto platforms. It's got more bells and whistles than a blockchain carnival—trading bots that never sleep and AI smarter than your ex.

Now, let's get lit(erary) with crypto!

👉 P.S. A book lover? Why not check out our article on algo trading books: 7 Best Books on Algorithmic Trading 2024

Cryptocurrency All-in-One For Dummies

Authors: Kiana Danial, Tiana Laurence, Peter Kent, Tyler Bain, and Michael G. Solomon

Publication Date: January 19, 2022

Think of it as your personal Rosetta Stone for decoding the crypto universe. It's like having five crypto geniuses whispering sweet nothings about blockchain in your ear, but way less creepy and infinitely more useful.

What's inside this treasure trove of digital gold, you ask? Well, check this out:

• Crypto 101: From "What the heck is a Bitcoin?" to "I know the difference between Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash."
• Investing wisdom that'll make Warren Buffet wish he'd bought Dogecoin
• DIY guide to building a mining rig (spoiler: it's like LEGO, but nerdier and potentially profitable)
• The tea on Bitcoin and Ethereum (no, not the kind you drink)

It's a solid starter book—versatile, handy, and won't leave you bleeding and confused (unlike some crypto investments).

But don't take our word for it! Here's what one enlightened reader had to say:

"This book is amazing. So many resources throughout the book to understand everything about cryptocurrency. If you are on a journey to understand the basics of currency, then this book is definitely a great start.”

Sounds legit, so go for it. 

The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains

Author: Antony Lewis

Publication date: August 31, 2018

This ain't your grandma's finance book (unless your grandma is Satoshi Nakamoto). It's like "Crypto for Dummies," but you'll feel like a genius by the end. Here's what you're in for:

• Blockchain 101
• Bitcoin, Ethereum, and their crypto cousins
• How to invest in Bitcoin without selling your kidney
• Why blockchain might just save the world

Antony breaks it down so smoothly, you'll think blockchain is child's play. It's perfect for crypto newbies who think Ethereum is a planet and mining involves a pickaxe. But the book is actually much more than that—it’s got everything from the history of Bitcoin to how to avoid getting scammed. 

Here's what the cool kids are saying: 

“Antony really explains the basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains extremely well (just like the title says). This is a subject that is pretty complex and Antony made it simple to understand. Aside from the Bitcoin and Blockchain information, the beginning of the book is an excellent introduction into the basics of how money "works" and "moves." I think this book should be required reading for basic economics classes..”

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

Authors: Phil Champagne

Publication date: April 20, 2015

Think of this book as the Dead Sea Scrolls of the digital age, minus the 2000-year wait and with 100% more cryptography. This isn't your run-of-the-mill "Bitcoin for Beginners" pamphlet. This is the hardcore stuff, the "I've already read 'The Bitcoin Standard' and now I want to go deeper" kind of material.

Warning: This book may cause severe cases of crypto enlightenment and an irresistible urge to shout "Hodl!" at random intervals.

Here’s what’s inside:

• Public domain writings about Bitcoin (because who doesn't love a good open-source manifesto?)
• The author's witty commentary 
• A front-row seat to the birth of Bitcoin (no epidural required)

Here's what one enlightened reader had to say:

“Before reading this I thought it was either: a) a hagiography of Satoshi, b) a load of public domain content slapped in a hastily self-published book with the idea of making a quick buck, c) both. Of course it does mainly contain public domain writings about bitcoin but the author has added significant value by sorting through them and adding his own editorial comment and introductory paragraphs… It gives a fascintating and surprisingly readable background to the genesis of bitcoin, spread over 70 or so short chapters. For me the fact that things are discussed in a to and fro correspondence between Satoshi and others really helped to form a picture of the development of the system and gave enough time for things to sink in as I read.”

Blockchain Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction in 25 Steps

Author: Daniel Drescher

Publication date: March 16, 2017

"Blockchain Basics" is your friendly sherpa to guide you through the treacherous terrain of distributed ledgers and cryptographic hashes without requiring a computer science degree.

Author Daniel Drescher breaks down the complexities into bite-sized, easily digestible nuggets of knowledge. No jargon-filled lectures here, just clear explanations and real-world examples that'll make you say, "Aha! So that's how it works!"

In 25 carefully crafted steps, Drescher unveils the mysteries of blockchain, from its fundamental principles to its potential to revolutionize everything from finance to supply chain management. He even tackles the limitations of this groundbreaking technology, because let's face it, even blockchain isn't a magical unicorn.

Here’s what one grateful reader has to say: 

“As someone who purchased this book with only the most basic general understanding of blockchain, and no understanding of its technical aspects or infrastructure, this book was a godsend. I particularly appreciate its accessible language, logical organization, didactically strategic repetition, and consistent identification of apt metaphors.”

Mastering Bitcoin: Programming the Open Blockchain

Authors:  Andreas M. Antonopoulos, David A. Harding

Publication date: December 12, 2023

Whether you're a tech wizard dreaming of the next killer app, a savvy investor looking for the next big thing, or just a curious cat intrigued by the Bitcoin buzz, this book is for you. If you’re a complete noob, however, give this one a pass, will you?

For more sophisticated readers—think of it as your all-access pass to the Bitcoin backstage. The third edition is jam-packed with goodies, from a gentle introduction for the non-technical folks to a deep dive into the cryptographic guts for the hardcore developers. You'll learn about the decentralized dance of the Bitcoin network, the lifecycle of a transaction, and the security measures that keep your digital gold safe from bandits.

And because the crypto world never sleeps, this updated edition covers the latest and greatest innovations like Taproot, Tapscript, Schnorr signatures (say that three times fast!), and the Lightning Network – the speed demon of Bitcoin transactions.

With user stories, helpful analogies, real-world examples, and even code snippets for the coding cowboys, "Mastering Bitcoin" transforms complex concepts into digestible nuggets of knowledge. So, dust off your ten-gallon hat, grab your copy, and get ready to master the art of Bitcoin.

Here’s what one pro says about “Mastering”: 

“Of all the resources on bitcoin, this is the best and primary resource for learning how bitcoin works. What I like most about it is even though it's aimed towards programmers, they provide plenty of analogies and examples to break it down so that you don't get lost. The first few chapters do a fantastic job of explaining the main idea for the non-programmer. After that, it gets deep into the actual nuts and bolts of how everything works in the background. This book (in my opinion) is the primary resource for any school that is trying to teach how bitcoin works.”

You may also want to check out Antonopoulos’s other books on Bitcoin, such as “The Internet of Money” series, which is like Bitcoin philosophy 101 but way more entertaining than your average college lecture. Antonopoulos, a renowned blockchain expert with the charisma of a stand-up comedian, delivers a captivating performance that blends cutting-edge knowledge with cultural context, historical insights, and even a dash of humor. These three volumes are a compilation of his most inspiring and thought-provoking talks, offering a panoramic view of Bitcoin's impact on society, politics, economics, and even poetry (yes, really!). He doesn't just explain the technology; he paints a vivid picture of a future where decentralized systems empower individuals and reshape the world as we know it.

Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor's Guide to Bitcoin and Beyond

Authors: Chris Burniske, Jack Tatar

Publication date: October 19, 2017

Bitcoin may have kicked off the party, but now there's a whole crypto zoo out there, with hundreds of weird and wonderful creatures like ether, ripple, litecoin, and monero vying for your attention. This book, penned by two crypto insiders who've seen it all, is your field guide to navigating this exhilarating ecosystem.

No more scratching your head wondering what a cryptocommodity is or how to pronounce "ICO." This clear, concise, and surprisingly accessible guide gives you the lowdown on everything from valuing these digital assets to managing your portfolio like a crypto Wolf of Wall Street, but with 100% more digital bling and 100% less jail time.

Inside, you'll discover:

• A secret decoder ring: An actionable framework for investigating and valuing cryptoassets.
• The art of crypto-juggling: Portfolio management techniques to maximize your returns while keeping risk at bay.
• A time-traveling DeLorean: Historical context and sage advice to help you navigate the inevitable bubbles and manias (because history loves to repeat itself).
• A crypto survival kit: Practical guides to exchanges, wallets, capital market vehicles, and ICOs (everything you need to avoid getting scammed or losing your digital fortune).
• A glimpse into the future: Predictions on how blockchain technology might just turn your current portfolio upside down (spoiler alert: it's gonna be wild).

Here’s what readers say:

 “Great book on crypto. It will give you information on the history of several cryptocurrencies, how the technology works, what’s possibly in the future for cryptocurrency and what to consider when investing. Most valuable to me is their fundamental analysis system for cryptoassets and the framework for valueing ico’s. Technical analysis is only slightly covered: support, resistance, simple moving average and volume. They also cover topics such as exchanges and storing your crypto. If you are looking for a fundamental analysis system and more info on crypto before you get in, this is a book for you.”

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

Authors: Nathaniel Popper

Publication date: May 24, 2016

Nathaniel Popper, a New York Times reporter with a knack for storytelling, chronicles the dramatic rise of this internet-age money, revealing the quirky cast of characters who've fueled its meteoric ascent. Think misfits, millionaires, and even a mysterious, pseudonymous creator named Satoshi Nakamoto—it's a real-life crypto whodunit!

This isn't just another dry tech manual. Popper weaves a compelling narrative that reads like a page-turner, taking you from the humble beginnings of Bitcoin to its current multi-billion dollar status. He explores the hopes and dreams of the Bitcoin faithful, who envision a financial utopia free from the clutches of banks and governments. He also delves into the darker side of the crypto world, where fortunes are made and lost, and prison sentences are a real possibility.

One enthusiastic reader, now armed with a newfound understanding of Bitcoin, highly recommends this book as the perfect primer: 

“I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a primer on how Bitcoin works and how it has developed over the past decade. You will be much more knowledgable and informed about Bitcoin after reading Popper's book, which is quite accessible and almost reads like a novel at times.”

The Only Cryptocurrency Investing Book You'll Ever Need: An Absolute Beginner's Guide to the Biggest "Millionaire Maker" Asset of 2022 and Beyond

Author: Freeman Publications

Publication date: January 25, 2022

Forget the hype and the FOMO—this book cuts through the noise and delivers the straight facts about crypto as a financial asset.

Inside this treasure trove of knowledge, you'll discover:

• The Holy Grail of Crypto: Forget Bitcoin, this book claims there's an even better coin out there, just waiting to be discovered.
• Red Flag Rodeo: Learn to spot crypto scams a mile away and avoid getting lassoed by shady projects.
• Web3 Wondercoin: Discover the coin poised to dominate the next evolution of the internet.
• Ethereum 2.0 Electric Boogaloo: Missed out on Ethereum's meteoric rise? No worries! Its co-creator is back with a new project, and you can still get in on the ground floor (allegedly).
• DeFi Decoded: Unravel the mysteries of decentralized finance and discover the coin that's set to rule this multi-billion dollar industry.
• The Trillion-Dollar Titan: This book boldly reveals the next crypto giant destined to reach a market cap of one trillion dollars (no pressure).
• Altcoin All-Stars: Forget meme coins and pump-and-dump schemes. Discover four fundamentally sound altcoins with the potential for massive gains.
• Bitcoin Bargain Bin: Learn a "completely legal backdoor" way to buy Bitcoin at a discount (because who doesn't love a good deal?).
• Bonus Goodies: Free video tutorials to guide you through the process of buying and storing your crypto safely.

One reader, impressed by the book's practical advice and clear explanations, recommends it for anyone with some investing experience.

“After a concise introduction to cryptocurrency and blockchain basics and an overview of the crypto/blockchain ecosystem it provides solid guidance on altcoins (including the ones to avoid), blockchain-related stock and ETF investing (and pitfalls), Non-Fungible Tokens and how to navigate the NFT space if you must, much-appreciated sections on crypto retirement accounts and taxes, and an eye-opening examination of crypto scams, including the recent Squid Game debacle. I recommend this book for those with at least some stock investment experience. If you’re completely new to investing, I recommend first reading his 8-Step Beginner’s Guide to Investing and Bear Market Investing Strategies (both of which I own) and possibly The Only Bitcoin Investing Book You’ll Ever Need (which I don’t).”

Blockchain Bubble or Revolution: The Future of Bitcoin, Blockchains, and Cryptocurrencies

Authors: Aditya Agashe, Parth Detroja, and Neel Mehta

Publication date: June 11, 2019

Is blockchain the revolutionary tech breakthrough everyone's talking about, or just another overhyped bubble destined to burst? "Blockchain Bubble or Revolution" tackles this burning question head-on, offering a balanced and insightful perspective from three Silicon Valley insiders.

Think of it as a blockchain reality check, cutting through the hype and getting down to the nitty-gritty. These authors, hailing from tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, bring their expertise to bear on this complex topic, exploring both the immense potential and the significant challenges facing blockchain technology.

This book isn't just a cheerleader for blockchain; it's a critical examination of its strengths and weaknesses.

You'll also get exclusive insights from interviews with tech industry heavyweights, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how the biggest players are thinking about blockchain. 

Here’s what one satisfied reader says: 

Sensible! Understandable! I've worked developing and managing information systems for a few decades, so I've seen some changes and certainly some excess hype. I was looking for a book that would provide an overview of blockchain technology and its applications while providing a little depth and good perspective.  "Bubble or Revolution" got me oriented providing examples of applications (and misapplications) grounded in a real world context. 

The Truth About Crypto: A Practical, Easy-to-Understand Guide to Bitcoin, Blockchain, NFTs, and Other Digital Assets

Author: Ric Edelman

Publication date: May 10, 2022

Edelman, a financial advisor extraordinaire, has taken it upon himself to demystify the wild west of digital assets. The book’s so practical, it practically mines Bitcoin for you—it’s a fun and easy-to-understand romp through the world of blockchain, Bitcoin, NFTs, and all those other crypto-critters you've heard so much about.

This book is so good, it's been hailed as a top finance book of 2022 by some pretty important folks. Even the Bank of England seems to agree that this blockchain thingy is about to transform the global financial system. So, if you're not paying attention to crypto, you might as well be investing in Beanie Babies (too soon?).

One enthusiastic reader, clearly a fan of Ric's wisdom, praises the book's clarity and historical context: 

“Ric Edelman is one of the best financial guys in the business. His philosophy is based on the idea of "Diversifying," and don't listen to anybody who says that they know what's going to happen next. This book has the best explanation of the history and potential of crypto that I have ever heard.”

Now go forth and diversify, young padawan! May the blocks be ever in your favor.

Crypto Trading for Ambitious Beginners: A Practical Guide to Profitable Trading in Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies

Authors: Jelle Peters, Jan Robert Schutte

Publication date: May 16, 2022

Think you missed the crypto train? Honey, it hasn't even left the station! "Crypto Trading for Ambitious Beginners" is here to tell you that you're not too late to join the crypto party, and it promises to teach you how to trade without stepping on any digital landmines.

Remember when everyone thought home computers were a fad? Yeah, this book reminds us of that. Only a small percentage of people are into crypto right now, but Wall Street is already throwing trillions of dollars at it. Do you think those suits would be doing that if they thought it was just a passing trend? Probably not.

This book, written by the same guy who wrote the forex bestseller "Forex For Ambitious Beginners" is your practical guide to navigating the crypto jungle.

Here’s what inside:

• Spot the Shining Stars: Identify promising coins that aren't just pump-and-dump schemes.
• Dodge the Scammers: Avoid getting rug-pulled by those pesky crypto con artists.
• Weather the Storm: Protect your precious crypto from the inevitable market volatility (because crypto is nothing if not a rollercoaster).
• Boost Your Bucks: Discover the magic of yield farming and make your crypto work harder for you.
• Find Your Trading Groove: Develop a trading strategy that fits your lifestyle, whether you're a busy bee or a full-time crypto enthusiast.
• Master the Art of Entry and Exit: Learn when to buy low and sell high (because timing is everything in this game).
• Avoid Rookie Mistakes: Don't be that guy who loses all their crypto because they didn't read the fine print.
• Keep Your Crypto Safe: Learn how to store your digital gold securely so it doesn't vanish into the internet ether.

One reader, clearly impressed by the book's practicality, calls it the "most helpful" crypto guide they've read:

“I have played around with some uneducated investments in crypto and have done well, but I wanted to better understand now that I have been bitten by the bug. I have read a few books and this one was by far the most helpful. Easy quick read.”

The Crypto Trader: How anyone can make money trading Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies

Authors: Glen Goodman 

Publication date: May 20, 2019

Want to retire young, rich, and surrounded by piles of digital cash? Glen Goodman, the self-proclaimed crypto whisperer, claims he's cracked the code to crypto riches, and he's spilling the beans in "The Crypto Trader." 

This book is the real-deal story of a guy who ditched the 9-to-5 grind and made his fortune trading Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, and other crypto-critters. He even called the top of the market in 2017 and cashed out before the crash (because he's that good).

Glen's not just some random dude on the internet; he's a respected crypto guru, frequently interviewed by the BBC, Forbes, and even the brainy folks at the London School of Economics. So, you know, he's kind of a big deal.

In this book, Glen pulls back the curtain and reveals his secret sauce to crypto success. He shares his trading strategies, his rules for staying ahead of the game, and even his embarrassing trading fails (because everyone makes mistakes, even crypto geniuses).

Think of it as a crypto masterclass, taught by a guy who's actually walked the walk (and made a boatload of money doing it). He's learned the hard way so you don't have to. No more trial and error, just straight-up crypto wisdom.

One reader, clearly captivated by Glen's storytelling, couldn't put the book down (literally).

“This book was incredible! I had a difficult time putting it down. Finished in less than 48 hours, absolutely will read again. I am fairly new to the crypto world, and frankly the world of trading...having only opened my first stock brokerage account less than a year ago. This book was exactly what I have been searching for in every way. Glen wrote in a way that was very easy to consume but also tactical with justification and analytical evidence throughout the entire book.“

Conclusion

So there you have it! A literary treasure map to navigate the world of blockchain and digital assets. From beginner-friendly primers to advanced deep dives, these books offer a wealth of knowledge waiting to be unlocked. But knowledge without action is like a Lamborghini in the garage—it looks impressive, but it's not going anywhere.

Now it's time to turn theory into practice. Head over to Bitsgap, your all-in-one crypto command center. Unleash the power of our cutting-edge platform, complete with a state-of-the-art trading terminal, smart order routing, automated trading bots, AI-powered insights, and other powerful bells and whistles. 

Bitsgap is the ultimate tool to put your newfound crypto wisdom to work and start building your digital empire. Don't just read about the future of finance—be a part of it.