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Best Cryptocurrency Books

Topic List56 books curated76 recommendations total

Cryptocurrency books, including titles recommended by Raoul Pal, Naval Ravikant and Preston Pysh. Most recommended here: The Sovereign Individual, American Kingpin and The Bitcoin Standard.

Curated list content

Where to start: Cryptocurrency Books recommended most often

Recommended books, ranked by how many of the 40 people behind this list recommended each one.

  1. 1The Sovereign Individual12 recommendations · recommended by Balaji S. Srinivasan, Erik Torenberg and Naval Ravikant
  2. 2American Kingpin11 recommendations · recommended by Ankur Warikoo, Chris Dixon and John Henderson
  3. 3The Bitcoin Standard8 recommendations · recommended by Preston Pysh, Max Keiser and Raoul Pal
  4. 4Bitcoin Billionaires6 recommendations · recommended by Anthony Pompliano, Ankur Warikoo and James Altucher
  5. 5Digital Gold4 recommendations · recommended by Anthony Pompliano and Linda Xie
1
Book cover for “The Sovereign Individual”
The Sovereign Individual

Mastering the Transition to the Information Age

12 recommendations

Recommended by Balaji S. Srinivasan, Erik Torenberg, Naval Ravikant and 7 others

Book Summary

The Sovereign Individual reads like a dense, broad forecast of how digital technology will shift power from governments to individuals. It’s most useful as a provocative framework for thinking about financial independence and societal transformation. However, its grand historical theories and unwavering certainty can feel more like libertarian sermon than balanced analysis. The book is dated in parts, with some predictions that haven’t materialized, and its tone may alienate readers who prefer nuance over broad declarations.

2
Book cover for “American Kingpin”
American Kingpin

The Epic Hunt for the Criminal Mastermind Behind the Silk Road

11 recommendations

Recommended by Ankur Warikoo, Chris Dixon, John Henderson and 5 others

Book Summary

Nick Bilton writes a page-turning, reportorial account of Silk Road’s rise and fall, mixing newsroom detail with thriller pacing. Its useful part is the step-by-step reconstruction: setup, marketplace mechanics, the role of cryptocurrency, and the cat-and-mouse between operators and investigators. The limitation is episodic repetition—periods of breathless narrative alternate with long procedural or technical detours that pad runtime and undercut momentum. If you want scene-level reporting and dramatic chronology rather than deep legal or policy analysis, it delivers.

3
Book cover for “The Bitcoin Standard”
The Bitcoin Standard

The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking

8 recommendations

Recommended by Preston Pysh, Max Keiser, Raoul Pal and 4 others

Book Summary

Saifedean Ammous mixes monetary history, industrial-era examples, and libertarian argument to make a case for Bitcoin as a form of hard money. The useful parts are the historical narrative that clarifies why scarcity and savings mattered in past economic development. The book's limitation is its unapologetically one-sided tone; counterarguments get brisk dismissals and technical complexities are sometimes glossed over. Readers seeking a detached survey or a technical how-to will feel shortchanged. Those already sympathetic to the central claim will find the narrative energizing.

4
Book cover for “Bitcoin Billionaires”
Bitcoin Billionaires

A True Story of Genius, Betrayal, and Redemption

6 recommendations

Recommended by Anthony Pompliano, Ankur Warikoo, James Altucher and 1 other

Description

The fascinating story of brothers Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss's big bet on cryptocurrency and its dazzling payoff.Planning to start careers as venture capitalists, the brothers quickly discover that no one will take their money after their fight with Zuckerberg.

5
Book cover for “Digital Gold”
Digital Gold

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

4 recommendations

Recommended by Anthony Pompliano and Linda Xie

Description

New York Times Book Review Editors ChoiceSHORTLISTED FOR THE 2015 FINANCIAL TIMES AND MCKINSEY BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEARA New York Times Technology, and business reporter charts the dramatic rise of Bitcoin and the fascinating personalities who are striving to create a new…

6
Book cover for “The Cryptopians”
The Cryptopians

Idealism, Greed, Lies, and the Making of the First Big Cryptocurrency Craze

3 recommendations

Recommended by Raoul Pal and Antonio García Martínez

Book Summary

Laura Shin assembles profile-driven reporting and market chronology into a readable account of crypto's rise, mixing lively portraits with blow-by-blow descriptions of booms, busts, and pitched ideological fights. What works best is a sense of the personalities, cultural claims, and market episodes that shaped public debate. The main limitation is a reliance on anecdotes and narrative momentum rather than deep technical or regulatory analysis, which leaves readers wanting more if they need nuts-and-bolts explanations or clear policy roadmaps.

7
Book cover for “Mastering Ethereum”
Mastering Ethereum

Building Smart Contracts and DApps

3 recommendations

Recommended by Preston Pysh, Mark Russinovich and Tim O’Reilly

Book Summary

Mastering Ethereum reads like a practical developer handbook that moves from conceptual overviews to line-by-line code and protocol internals. Expect clear runnable examples, deployment notes, and detailed explanations of transactions, gas, the EVM, and smart-contract behavior useful while building. The limitation is density: long technical passages assume programming experience and can feel granular or repetitive to a non-technical reader. Best used as a study reference during implementation rather than a quick introduction.

8
Book cover for “Bringing Down the House”
Bringing Down the House

The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions

2 recommendations

Recommended by Howard Marks

Description

An exclusive blackjack club came up with a system to take the worldUs most sophisticated casinos for all they were worth. In two years, this ring of card savants earned more than three million dollars.

9
Book cover for “The Starfish and the Spider”
The Starfish and the Spider

The Unstoppable Power of Leaderless Organizations

2 recommendations

Recommended by Changpeng Zhao

Description

If you cut off a spiders head, it dies; if you cut off a starfishs leg it grows a new one, and that leg can grow into an entirely new starfish. Traditional topdown organizations are like spiders, but now starfish organizations are changing the face of business and the world.

10
Book cover for “When Money Dies”
When Money Dies

The Nightmare of Deficit Spending, Devaluation, and Hyperinflation in Weimar Germany

2 recommendations

Recommended by Preston Pysh

Description

When Money Dies is the classic history of what happens when a nation's currency depreciates beyond recovery.In 1923, with its currency effectively worthless (the exchange rate in December of that year was one dollar to 4,200,000,000,000 marks), the German republic was all but…

11
Book cover for “Layered Money”
Layered Money

From Gold and Dollars to Bitcoin and Central Bank Digital Currencies

2 recommendations

Recommended by Preston Pysh and Anthony Pompliano

Description

In this fascinating deep dive into the evolution of monetary systems around the globe, Nik Bhatia takes us into the origins of how money has evolved to function in a "layered" manner.

12
Book cover for “The Business Blockchain”
The Business Blockchain

Promise, Practice, and Application of the Next Internet Technology,

2 recommendations

Recommended by Brad Feld

Description

The definitive pioneering blueprint covering the what, why, and how of the blockchain.Blockchains are new Technology, layers that rewire the Internet and threaten to sidestep older legacy constructs and centrally served businesses.

13
Book cover for “Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies”
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies

A Comprehensive Introduction

2 recommendations

Recommended by Tai Lopez

Description

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies provides a comprehensive introduction to the revolutionary yet often misunderstood new technologies of digital currency.

14
Book cover for “Mastering Bitcoin”
Mastering Bitcoin

Programming, the Open Blockchain

2 recommendations

Recommended by Balaji S. Srinivasan and Mark Russinovich

Description

Join the technological revolution that's taking the world of finance by storm. Mastering Bitcoin is your guide through the seemingly complex world of bitcoin, providing the knowledge you need to participate in the internet of money.

15
Book cover for “The Infinite Machine”
The Infinite Machine

How an Army of Cryptohackers Is Building the Next Internet with Ethereum

2 recommendations

Recommended by Linda Xie and Tyler Cowen

Description

Written with the verve of such works as The Big Short, The History of the Future, and The Spider Network, here is the fascinating, true story of the rise of Ethereum, the secondbiggest digital asset in the world, the growth of cryptocurrency, and the future of the internet as we…

16
Book cover for “The Little Bitcoin Book”
The Little Bitcoin Book

Why Bitcoin Matters for Your Freedom, Finances, and Future

2 recommendations

Recommended by Anthony Pompliano and Balaji S. Srinivasan

Description

You've probably heard about Bitcoin on the news or heard it being discussed by your friends or colleagues. How come the price keeps changing Is Bitcoin a good investment How does it even have value Why do people keep talking about it like it's going to change the worldThe Little…

17
Book cover for “The Price of Tomorrow”
The Price of Tomorrow

Why Deflation is the Key to an Abundant Future

2 recommendations

Recommended by Preston Pysh and Max Keiser

Description

"Your world view will transform instantly" Salim Ismail, Best Selling Author of 'Exponential Organizations' We live in an extraordinary time.

18
No coverThe Scandal of Money
The Scandal of Money

Why Wall Street Recovers but the Economy Never Does

2 recommendations

Recommended by Ben Shapiro

Description

Why do conservatives have such a hard time winning the economic debate in the court of public opinion Simple, George Gilder says: conservatives misunderstand economics almost as badly as liberals do.

Show 33 more books with a single recommendation
19
Book cover for “The Truth Machine”
The Truth Machine

The Blockchain and the Future of Everything

1 recommendation

Recommended by Balaji S. Srinivasan

Description

"Views differ on bitcoin, but few doubt the transformative potential of Blockchain Technology,. The Truth Machine is the best book so far on what has happened and what may come along. It demands the attention of anyone concerned with our economic future." Lawrence H.

20
Book cover for “Bitcoin”
Bitcoin

Hard Money You Can't Fck With

1 recommendation

Recommended by Anthony Pompliano

Book Summary

Jason A. Williams delivers a brisk, promotional primer that frames bitcoin as 'hard money' and places it against the upheaval of 2020. The voice is punchy and persuasive, useful for readers who want a clear narrative connecting monetary policy shocks to a reason to own bitcoin. What works best is its readable, confidently pro-bitcoin argument; the main limitation is tone—repetition and scarce technical or critical counterarguments leave detail-oriented skeptics wanting more nuance.

21
Book cover for “Blockchain Revolution”
Blockchain Revolution

How the Technology, Behind Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies Is Changing the World

1 recommendation

Recommended by Don Tapscott

Description

MAJORLY EXPANDED WITH NEW MATERIAL ON CRYPTOASSETS, ICOs, SMART CONTRACTS, DIGITAL IDENTITY AND MORE The definitive book on how the Technology, behind bitcoin and cryptocurrency is changing the world.Blockchain is the ingeniously simple Technology, that powers Bitcoin.

22
No coverWhy Buy Bitcoin
Why Buy Bitcoin

Investing Today in the Money of Tomorrow

1 recommendation

Recommended by Max Keiser

Description

Some people still view Bitcoin as a startup. But despite being declared dead many times by the mainstream media, Bitcoin grows stronger every year. What's going on It's not too late to learn about Bitcoin and invest.

23
Book cover for “The Book of Satoshi”
The Book of Satoshi

The Collected Writings of Bitcoin Creator Satoshi Nakamoto

1 recommendation

Recommended by Preston Pysh

Description

Have you, like the rest of the world, speculated as to the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto, anonymous creator of Bitcoin The world's first cryptocurrency, Bitcoin went online in 2009 and has since revolutionized our concepts of currency and money.

24
No coverThe Internet of Money
The Internet of Money

A collection of talks by Andreas M. Antonopoulos (Volume One)

1 recommendation

Recommended by Peter Jennings

Description

The Internet of Money is a collection of inspiring and visionary talks by worldrenowned bitcoin expert Andreas M. Antonopoulos, describing the future of money in an approachable, engaging and amusing way suitable for all audiences, whether technical or not. Andreas M.

25
Book cover for “Cryptoassets”
Cryptoassets

The Innovative Investor's Guide to Bitcoin and Beyond

1 recommendation

Recommended by Peter Jennings

Book Summary

This investor-oriented primer translates blockchain basics into asset categories, valuation approaches, and portfolio-sizing ideas. Early chapters make crypto vocabulary and asset roles accessible; the middle leans into formulas, charts, and scenario math that demand focused attention. The most directly useful material is practical guidance on sizing and treating crypto exposures in a portfolio rather than market buzz. Limitations include accumulating finance jargon and a tone that favors analysis over storytelling or quick trading tactics.

26
Book cover for “Blockchain and the Law”
Blockchain and the Law

The Rule of Code

Description

Bitcoin has been hailed as an Internet marvel and decried as the preferred transaction vehicle for criminals. It has left nearly everyone without a computer science degree confused: how do you "mine" money from ones and zerosThe answer lies in a Technology, called blockchain.

27
No coverThe Age of Cryptocurrency
The Age of Cryptocurrency

How Bitcoin and the Blockchain Are Challenging the Global Economic Order

Description

Bitcoin became a buzzword overnight. A cyberenigma with an enthusiastic following, it pops up in headlines and fuels endless media debate. You can apparently use it to buy anything from coffee to cars, yet few people seem to truly understand what it is.

28
Book cover for “The NFT Handbook”
The NFT Handbook

How to Create, Sell and Buy NonFungible Tokens

Description

The NFT Handbook is a detailed guide on how to create, sell and buy nonfungible tokens without the need for a technical background.

29
No coverEthereum
Ethereum

Blockchains, Digital Assets, Smart Contracts, Decentralized Autonomous Organizations

Description

Blockchain For the NonTechnical THIS IS A PREVIEW PRINT As IBM´s official liaison to the Ethereum core developers I gave talks on blockchain topics pretty much around the world. After one keynote I was asked for a nontechnical guide to understand blockchains. This is it.

30
No coverMastering Blockchain
Mastering Blockchain

Unlocking the Power of Cryptocurrencies, Smart Contracts, and Decentralized Applications

Description

The future will be increasingly distributed. As the publicity surrounding Bitcoin and blockchain has shown, distributed Technology, and business models are gaining popularity. Yet the disruptive potential of this Technology, is often obscured by hype and misconception.

31
No coverCryptocurrency Investing Bible
Cryptocurrency Investing Bible

The Ultimate Guide About Blockchain, Mining, Trading, ICO, Ethereum Platform, Exchanges, Top Cryptocurrencies for Investing and Perfect Strategies to Make Money

32
No coverBlockchain Bubble or Revolution
Blockchain Bubble or Revolution

The Present and Future of Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies

Description

Some experts say that cryptocurrencies and blockchains are just a scam; others say they're "the most important invention since the internet." It's hard to tell who's right.

33
No coverInventing Bitcoin
Inventing Bitcoin

The Technology, Behind the First Truly Scarce and Decentralized Money Explained

Description

Bitcoin may well be the greatest invention of our time, and most people have no idea what it is, or how it works. Walking through its invention step by step, this short two hour read is critical before you invest. No technical expertise required!

34
Book cover for “Bitcoin For Dummies”
Description

Learn the ins and outs of Bitcoin so you can get started today Bitcoin For Dummies is the fast, easy way to start trading crypto currency, with clear explanations and expert advice for breaking into this exciting new market.

35
Book cover for “Introducing Ethereum and Solidity”
Introducing Ethereum and Solidity

Foundations of Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Programming, for Beginners

Description

Learn how to use Solidity and the Ethereum project second only to Bitcoin in market capitalization. Blockchain protocols are taking the world by storm, and the Ethereum project, with its Turingcomplete scripting language Solidity, has rapidly become a frontrunner.

37
No coverBlockchain
Blockchain

Blueprint for a New Economy

Description

Bitcoin is starting to come into its own as a digital currency, but the blockchain Technology, behind it could prove to be much more significant.

38
No coverThe Only Cryptocurrency Investing Book You'll Ever Need
The Only Cryptocurrency Investing Book You'll Ever Need

An Absolute Beginner's Guide to the Biggest "Millionaire Maker" Asset of 2022 and Beyond Including How to Make Money from NFTs

39
No coverThe Only Bitcoin Investing Book You'll Ever Need
The Only Bitcoin Investing Book You'll Ever Need

An Absolute Beginner?s Guide to the Cryptocurrency Which Is Changing the World and Your Finances in 2021 & Beyond

Description

If you feel like you've "missed the boat" on Bitcoin. Think again...Because while Bitcoin continues to hit all time highs, this book will show you it's not too late to invest in "Digital Gold"What was once a fringe currency only used by a dark corner of the web...

40
Book cover for “The Real Business of Blockchain”
The Real Business of Blockchain

How Leaders Can Create Value in a New Digital Age

Description

Blockchain is transforming business. What's your strategy Forwardthinking organizations such as the Australian Stock Exchange, Equinor, the City of Austin, and dozens of others are exploring how blockchain can transform the way they create and seek value.

41
No coverBlockchain Wars
Blockchain Wars

The Future of Big Tech Monopolies and the Blockchain Internet

42
Book cover for “Radical Technologies”
Radical Technologies

The Design of Everyday Life

Description

A field manual to the technologies that are changing our lives at bewildering speed Everywhere we turn, our everyday experience is being overlaid and interrupted by startling new technologies.

43
No coverThank God for Bitcoin
Thank God for Bitcoin

The Creation, Corruption and Redemption of Money

Description

"There is an economic storm brewing that threatens the sandy foundations of our monetary system." From the Foreword by Russell Okung, Super Bowl ChampionMoney is a fact of everyday life. We earn it, spend it and save it.

45
Book cover for “Attack of the 50 Foot Blockchain”
Attack of the 50 Foot Blockchain

Bitcoin, Blockchain, Ethereum & Smart Contracts

Book Summary

Attack of the 50 Foot Blockchain delivers a brisk, snarky counterpoint to celebratory crypto writing, translating jargon and headline promises into readable cautions and anecdotes. Its useful part is a plain-English, skeptical voice that highlights common business and technological pitfalls. Its main limitation is tone: the writing can feel polemical and repetitive, lingering on debunking rather than offering deep technical primers or practical how-to guidance. Best used as a critical companion to other, more neutral technical sources.

46
Book cover for “Blockchain Basics”
Blockchain Basics

A NonTechnical Introduction in 25 Steps

Description

In 25 concise steps, you will learn the basics of blockchain Technology,. No mathematical formulas, program code, or computer science jargon are used. No previous knowledge in computer science, mathematics, Programming,, or cryptography is required.

48
Book cover for “Cryptocurrency Investing For Dummies”
Description

The ultimate guide to the world of cryptocurrencies!While the cryptocurrency market is known for its volatilityand this volatility is often linked to the everchanging regulatory environment of the industrythe entire cryptocurrency market is expected to reach a total value of $1…

49
No coverHow Money Got Free
How Money Got Free

Bitcoin and the Fight for the Future of Finance

Description

In the space of a few years, Bitcoin has gone from an idea ignored or maligned by almost everyone to an asset with a market cap of more than $12 billion.

50
No coverThe Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains
The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains

An Introduction to Cryptocurrencies and the Technology, that Powers Them

51
Book cover for “The Future of Money”
The Future of Money

The Amazing Story of Ethereum and the $55 Million Heist that Almost Destroyed It All

Description

The thrilling story of one of the largest digital heists in history, set in the world of cryptocurrenciesIn 2016, $55 million was stolen as computer programmers all around the world sat at their screens watching helplessly. It was one of the largest digital heists in history.

Recommended Cryptocurrency Books by Preston Pysh

Preston Pysh recommends 6 books on this list. See all book recommendations by Preston Pysh

Recommended Cryptocurrency Books by Anthony Pompliano

Anthony Pompliano recommends 5 books on this list. See all book recommendations by Anthony Pompliano

Recommended Cryptocurrency Books by Balaji S. Srinivasan

Balaji S. Srinivasan recommends 4 books on this list. See all book recommendations by Balaji S. Srinivasan

Cryptocurrency Books: common questions

What are the most recommended cryptocurrency books?
The Sovereign Individual, American Kingpin and The Bitcoin Standard are the most recommended cryptocurrency books on BookMentions, ranked by how many people recommended them.
Who recommends cryptocurrency books?
Preston Pysh, Anthony Pompliano, Balaji S. Srinivasan and Max Keiser are among the people who recommend books on this list. Each name links to their full set of book recommendations.
Which of these cryptocurrency books should I read first?
The Sovereign Individual is the most recommended here with 12 recommendations, which makes it the safest place to start.

Built from recommendation data, category signals, and source-backed book records. Use this list as a starting point; open any book to see proof, context, and Amazon options where available.

Recommendation dataCategory signalsSource-backed book recordsOpen book pages for proof/context

About this list

This list aggregates books that appear in public recommendation sources, reader-interest signals, and category data. Books are ranked by their position from the source list; recommendation counts and ratings are shown where available. Open any book to see source-backed recommendation proof, editorial context, and Amazon options — the per-book detail page is where the trust signals live.

Recommended books by person: who recommends cryptocurrency books

Books recommended by the people below. Open a profile to see everything they recommend, with the source behind each pick.