With technology continuously progressing, one should note that abstraction is more important than ever before, and critical to tech finance is the knowledge of blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
Be it in the construction of DApps, intelligent investment in blockchain technology, or comprehending the world-changing tech, knowledge is the epitome of power.
Considered as the best blockchain books, these books provide the readers with essentials to help them in the boundless world of abstract blockchain and crypto.
10 Best Blockchain Books
| Title | Author(s) | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Mastering Bitcoin | Andreas M. Antonopoulos | Deep technical dive into Bitcoin and blockchain protocols |
| The Bitcoin Standard | Saifedean Ammous | Economic theory and Bitcoin’s role in monetary history |
| Blockchain Revolution | Don & Alex Tapscott | Societal and business impact of blockchain tech |
| Cryptoassets | Chris Burniske & Jack Tatar | Investment strategies and valuation frameworks |
| Mastering Blockchain | Imran Bashir | Comprehensive guide to blockchain, DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 |
| The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains | Antony Lewis | Beginner-friendly overview of crypto fundamentals |
| The Cryptopians | Laura Shin | Ethereum’s origin story and cultural dynamics |
| The Sovereign Individual | James Dale Davidson & William Rees-Mogg | Philosophical and geopolitical implications of decentralization |
| The Network State | Balaji Srinivasan | Visionary take on blockchain-powered governance |
| Blockchain Basics | Daniel Drescher | Non-technical intro using analogies and step-by-step logic |
1. Mastering Bitcoin
Andrea M. Antonopoulos published the book in 2014 with the O’Reilly Media. Bitcoin and Blockchain technology have become the world’s hottest topics. For this reason, Antonopoulos has become an author of the best blockchain books by providing the best possible insight and understanding of technical aspects of Bitcoin in Mastering Bitcoin.
This book is great for developers, programmers, and all technical audiences wanting to understand architecture, cryptography, and the network protocols of Bitcoin. This book is best for obtaining the practical knowledge in Bitcoin and Blockchain Technology, as the author has included the code, wallets, transactions and mining in addition to transactions and mining.
It is a cheap book with a selling price of 40 dollars, thus proving that it is an investment for a person trying to understand the technology.
1. Mastering Bitcoin Highlights
- Author: Andreas M. Antonopoulos
- Publisher: O’Reilly Media
- Publication Year: 2017
- Appropriate for: Developers, technologists, and bitcoin novices
- Price: Roughly \$40
Pros:
- In-depth on the Bitcoin network, the underlying crypto, wallets, transactions, full nodes, as well as mining.
- Great for programmers and people creating applications powered by bitcoin.
- Real-world scenarios with homegrown illustrations help understanding.
Cons:
- Bitcoin is overly emphasized, which is detrimental for people who want to learn about other blockchains.
- Extremely difficult for a beginner with no computer programming skills.
2. The Bitcoin Standard
The Bitcoin Standard, written by Saif Ammous and copyrighted by Wiley in 2018, is arguably one of the best blockchain books that has a big focus on Bitcoin and its capabilities as ‘sound’ money.
The book is perfect for economists, monetary enthusiasts, and even the general audience that is curious about the history of money, its economics, and the phenomena of cryptocurrencies and its social implications.
Ammous discusses Bitcoin in greater detail and contrasts it with the traditional fiat currencies and the impact it can have on the financial system and its scarcity.
It is readily available at around $25, and it is accessible to the general audience as it combines theory with practicality with regard to Bitcoin.
2. The Bitcoin Standard
- Author: Saifedean Ammous
- Publisher: Wiley
- Publication Year: 2018
- Appropriate for: Economists, investors, bitcoin enthusiasts
- Price: Roughly \$25
Pros:
- Bitcoin’s economic importance and sound money principles are both well covered.
- Great for a macroeconomic and monetary view.
- Simple prose gives access to the non-tech audience.
Cons:
- There is a lack of bitcoin blockchain technology, and the content is not suitable for programmers.
- There is no content on other blockchains, which is detrimental for bitcoin.
3. Blockchain Revolution
Blockchain Revolution was penned by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott and published by Portfolio in 2016. It is one of the best blockchain books that describes the impact of Blockchain Technology beyond finance on other sectors like healthcare, governance, and supply chains.
The book is targeted towards business executives, startup founders, and any other person who is excited about technology, as it offers premium value with regard to the use of blockchain technology.
It is targeted to the average person who is seeking to understand the value and future use of blockchain technology at a price of $20-$30.
Blockchain Revolution
- Authors: Don Tapscott & Alex Tapscott
- Publisher: Portfolio
- Publication Year: 2016
- Appropriate for: Business executives, entrepreneurs, and government officials
- Price: Roughly \$30
Pros:
- Goes beyond cryptocurrency and details other blockchain applications.
- In plain business language fit for senior executives.
- Presents real-life instances of blockchain implementation.
Cons:
- Lacks sufficient technical detail; not ideal for those whose primary interest is coding.
- Some cases have not aged well with technology’s current accelerative pace.
4. Cryptoassets
Written by Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar, Cryptoassets was published by McGraw-Hill Education in 2017. It is one of the Best Blockchain Books and as such offers its readers a practical how-to guide for investment in cryptocurrencies and other digital assets.
The absence of a recommendation describing the ‘crypto’ analytical techniques justifies its lack of suggestions for investment, making it a reasonably justified analytical piece.
The book shines through its unique features, which defined the novel criteria of refugee selection, including risk, market, and even disproportionate evaluation.
The book is priced around \$35, which makes it easy to afford. Any investor seeking a reasonable and marketable approach as a framework for crypto investing, the book is a must read.
Cryptoassets
- Authors: Chris Burniske & Jack Tatar
- Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
- Publication Year: 2017
- Suitable For: Investors, traders, financial analysts
- Price: Approx. \$35
Pros:
- Systematic methodology while analyzing and investing into cryptoassets.
- Strategies for portfolio construction, risk management, and asset valuation.
- Significant relevance for investing and finance practitioners due to its pragmatic approach.
Cons:
- For those not well acquainted with blockchain, this book is not easy accessible.
- Discussion on the development of blockchain technology and its coding is scarce.
5. Mastering Blockchain
Writer Imran Bashir published Mastering Blockchain in 2017 with Packt Publishing. It is another one of the Best Blockchain Books, aimed at the more professional and technical side of the audience.
The evolution of the industry as a whole is captured through critical reflections of its technical underpinnings. As such, the book touches on interconnected blocks of the industry such as its blockchain, cryptography, smart contracts, and even enterprise and consensus mechanisms.
The book is a wonderful fit for professionals, developers, and even students who appreciate agility and context. It is worth the \$50 investment as it breaks barriers to serve as a synthesis of theory and application.
Mastering Blockchain
- Author: Imran Bashir
- Publisher: Packt Publishing
- Publication Year: 2018
- Suitable For: Developers, blockchain architects, students
- Price: Approx. \$45
Pros:
- Enterprise-grade blockchain subjects like smart contracts and DApps.
- Featuring multiple platforms including Ethereum and Hyperledger, with focus on technicalities sufficient for practitioners.
- Builders and other technical professionals will find value.
Cons:
- Lack of investment and economics focus leaves much to be desired.
- Beginners will find the heavy technical content of this book daunting.
6. The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains
In the year 2018, Seasons Publishing released the book ‘The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains’. Antony Lewis is the author of the book. It’s one of the Best Blockchain Books available and is specialized towards beginners.
The author explains Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, the technology of blockchains, wallets and mining, and even trading cryptocurrencies in simplistic yet effective terms.
This book is perfect for people who have zero technical background, people who are new in the world of cryptocurrencies or digital on people who are just interested in digital finance.
The book is priced around 15-20 dollars, and serves as a practical starting book for people entering the world of cryptocurrencies as it does not dazzle the reader with complex terminologies.
The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains
- Author: Antony Lewis.
- Publisher: Mango Publishing.
- Year of Publication: 2018.
- Target Audience: Novice readers, Bitcoin and crypto enthusiasts.
- Approximate Price: $20
Pros:
- Great for readers starting out with Blockchain and Bitcoin.
- Covers, at a basic level, wallets, mining, security, and trading.
- Non-technical readers will find it easy Reading.
Cons:
- Minimal in-depth technical or investment analysis.
- The content might be too basic for advanced readers.
7. The Cryptopians
In 2022, Harper Business published the book ‘The Cryptopians’ by author Shin Laura. The book is also one of the Best Blockchain Books and it highlights the most important stories associated with the innovation of cryptocurrencies.
The book emphasizes the evolution of the important personalities in the cryptocurrency industry and their contributions towards the development of blockchains. Blockchain technology is an area of interest to the author, as are ordinary readers and cryptocurrency enthusiasts.
The book shifts the focus from stories and actively discusses the insights of the chapter on the culture and the problems of the cryptocurrency industry. The book’s price is roughly $28.
The Cryptopians
- Author: Laura Shin.
- Publisher: Portfolio.
- Year of Publication: 2022.
- Target Audience: Crypto enthusiasts, journalists, and the reading public.
- Approximate Price: $28
Pros:
- Offers a narrative style of the most important characters in crypto.
- Merges storytelling with important information.
- Possesses a cultural and anthropological view of Blockchain.
Cons:
- Deficient in the technical or investment aspect.
- Not for people looking for practical engagement with blockchain.
8. The Sovereign Individual
The Sovereign Individual: Technology’s Attack on the Nation-State, published by Simon and Schuster in 1997, is perhaps the most prophetic of shark-style analysis and prescriptive advocacy of technology’s effect on society, finance, and government.
Even though there is no mention of Bitcoin, the book touches on themes of digital and autonomous decentralization and societal change that mirrors the philosophy of blockchain.
The book is relevant to economists, patrons of foresight, and policymakers. It can be purchased for 20 to 25 dollars and illuminates the move to a digital economy.
The Sovereign Individual
- Authors: James Dale Davidson & Lord William Rees-Mogg.
- Publisher: Free Press.
- Year of Publication: 1997.
- Target Audience: Futurists, investors, and people interested in technology.
- Approximate Price: $18
Pros:
- Possesses predictive insights into digital currencies and decentralized finance.
- Offers a philosophical and strategic perspective of money and sovereignty.
- Valuable for futurists and long term thinkers.
Cons:
- Was written long before Bitcoin was digital and crypto was specific.
- Like to Wonder is too speculative for some practical investors or developers
9. The Network State
The Network State: The emergent internet nations of the world, published by Currency in 2022, is most suitable for blockchain and governance, as well as digital ecosystems. It proposes the notion of digital and blockchain-based nations with a decentralized governance architecture.
It is relevant to entrepreneurs, techies, and people who think about politics. It is sold for 30 dollars and attempts to provide a theoretical basis for the use of blockchain for social and economic experimentation, reinforcing the power of technology to transform the inherent architecture of the nation-state.
The Network State
- Author: Balaji Srinivasan
- Publisher: Notion Press
- Year of Publication: 2022
- For Whom: Entrepreneurs, builders of crypto-oriented communities, futurists in general
Approximate Price: \$22
Pros:
- Investigates decentralized communities and governance using blockchain technology.
- Offers a visionary and thoroughly forward-thinking analysis.
- Provides concrete implementable tactics for networked societies.
Cons:
- The philosophical nature of the subject lacks in-depth technical analysis for developers.
- The ideas in the book can be somewhat elusive to the average reader.
10. Blockchain Basics
Written by Daniel Drescher and published by Apress in 2017, Blockchain Basics is one of the Best Blockchain Books for people looking for a conceptual grasp of a blockchain without going into the technical nitty-gritty.
It covers the principles of blockchain, cryptography, smart contracts, and detailed possible applications in an organized and reader-friendly manner. The book is targeted towards learners, professionals in various fields, and people keen on technology.
It is quite affordable, with an approximate value of $35, making it a good starting point for anyone who is a beginner in the world of blockchain technology.
Blockchain Basics
- Author: Daniel Drescher
- Publisher: Apress
- Year of Publication: 2017
- For Whom: Everyone, Particularly in the Business Sector, and Students
Approximate Price: \$35
Pros:
- It offers a clear introduction to blockchain technology to those who do not code.
- Blockchain technology is illustrated vis a vis consensus, distributed ledgers and the practical uses of the technology.
- Useful in the business environment and academic sphere.
Cons:
- Certainly not of much use to those in advanced development work as there is no coding provided.
- Not enough investment or cryptocurrency Blockchain Basics.
Conclusion
The Best Blockchain Books offer something for every category, from novice to developer, investor to thinker. Technical mastery can be acquired in Mastering Bitcoin and Mastering Blockchain, which deal with Bitcoin and Blockchain, respectively, and cover smart contracts, decentralized applications, and other elements of profound blockchain architecture.
The Bitcoin Standard and Cryptoassets describe Bitcoin and provide practical strategies for navigating the crypto market from an investment and economic perspective. Accessible guides such as The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains and Blockchain Basics help beginners by breaking down complex concepts.
Then, there are other writers whose works deal with The Cryptopians, Blockchain Revolution, The Sovereign Individual, and The Network State, offering deep insight into the human, cultural, and philosophical aspects of Blockchain and its impact on revolutionizing society as a whole.
As a whole, the books present an untaught perspective on the tools and techniques of blockchain technology, cryptocurrency, and its expected consequences.
FAQ
For newcomers, The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains by Antony Lewis and Blockchain Basics by Daniel Drescher are excellent. They provide simple, step-by-step explanations of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, wallets, mining, and security without technical jargon.
Mastering Bitcoin by Andreas Antonopoulos and Mastering Blockchain by Imran Bashir are ideal. They cover blockchain architecture, smart contracts, decentralized applications (DApps), and coding examples for practical understanding.
The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous and Cryptoassets by Chris Burniske & Jack Tatar are recommended. They explain Bitcoin’s financial principles, market analysis, portfolio management, and investment strategies.
Yes. Blockchain Revolution by Don & Alex Tapscott, The Cryptopians by Laura Shin, The Network State by Balaji Srinivasan, and The Sovereign Individual by Davidson & Rees-Mogg explore blockchain’s effects on governance, society, digital sovereignty, and human behavior.
Mastering Blockchain by Imran Bashir offers in-depth coverage of blockchain fundamentals, cryptography, platforms like Ethereum and Hyperledger, and practical implementation of DApps. It’s ideal for developers or students looking for a hands-on approach.