A must-have library for studying cryptocurrencies: 10 essential publications and portals

If you are just beginning to explore the world of digital assets or want to deepen your knowledge, reading quality literature is an excellent starting point. Cryptocurrency books cover the entire spectrum—from basic principles of distributed ledgers to complex technical details. We have selected ten of the most authoritative works to help you understand the essence of crypto-economics.

From fundamentals to practice: the first three books for beginners

Blockchain Basics (Author Daniel Drescher)

An ideal starting point for those without a technical background. Drescher, a banking industry specialist, explains the technology in 25 accessible steps without code or formulas. The publication shows how machine learning and Big Data are transforming digital currencies and explains practical applications of blockchain in business.

Digital Gold (Author Nathaniel Popper)

A journalist from The New York Times guides the reader through the exciting story of the emergence of the first virtual coin. Popper reveals why the idea of decentralized payment systems, starting with a small group of enthusiasts, ultimately revolutionized finance. The book answers fundamental questions about the nature of money and its origins in its current form.

Blockchain. The blueprint of a new economy (Author Melanie Swan)

An in-depth analysis of how decentralized technologies oppose the traditional model of globalization. Swan, holding a master’s degree in modern philosophy, explores next-generation financial instruments and argues that blockchain can put an end to financial inequality.

Intermediate level: expanded understanding

How Money Got Free (Author Brian Patrick Eha)

The editor of Entrepreneur Magazine offers an engaging journey through the crypto industry, discussing influential figures, famous legal cases, and successful projects. Readers learn how popular networks were created and why major players began integrating distributed ledgers into banking.

The Age of Cryptocurrencies (Authors Paul Vigna and Michael Casey)

Wall Street Journal journalists explain the genesis of electronic money and its role in the modern economy. They convincingly argue that blockchain will give people full control over assets and transparency of all transactions. According to the authors, virtual payment methods will soon become the main tool of global trade.

Bitcoin: More Than Money (Author Alex Fork)

The chairman of Blockchain.community thoroughly examines the mechanisms behind decentralized assets, including the evolution of mining and privacy issues. Fork covers regulatory approaches of different countries and supplements the material with expert opinions and practical recommendations.

For advanced users: deep dives

Mastering Bitcoin: Programming the Blockchain (Author Andreas M. Antonopoulos)

A blockchain expert and entrepreneur created a technical guide covering Bitcoin architecture, transaction lifecycle, and security principles. The book is intended not only for developers but also for investors, managers, and system architects wishing to understand the crypto ecosystem at a professional level.

The Internet of Money (Author Andreas M. Antonopoulos)

The author shares his experience of a worldwide journey in search of the essence of the digital economy. Antonopoulos explains the principles of decentralized payments in simple language and proposes the concept of “metapolitics”—the idea that people will choose currencies based on personal preferences.

The Machine of Truth: Blockchain and the Future of Humanity (Authors Paul Vigna and Michael Casey)

A finalist work by Wall Street Journal authors demonstrating how distributed ledgers can restore personal control over information and assets. The authors expose the flaws of outdated financial systems and present blockchain as a revolutionary alternative.

Bitcoin Billionaires (Author Ben Mezrich)

A documentary narrative about the Winklevoss brothers, who, after failing in venture business, turned to cryptocurrencies and became the first Bitcoin billionaires by November 2017. The story illustrates the industry’s development through personal success stories.

Additional informational resources

Besides literature, professionals and newcomers should utilize specialized platforms for current information:

• Cryptocurrency market data monitoring systems
• Calendars of key events and project updates
• Forums and communities for discussion
• Mining profitability calculation tools
• Aggregators of decentralized finance protocols information

A combination of quality crypto books and these resources will create a solid foundation for understanding crypto-economics at any level of preparation.