As the grandfather of cryptocurrency, bitcoin holds a special place in the hearts of blockchain investors. There is no shortage of books about the history of bitcoin, the mysterious nature of its creator Satoshi Nakamoto, and how bitcoin and blockchain technology are changing the world.
Our #1 bitcoin book would have to be Blockchain for Everyone: How I Learned the Secrets of the New Millionaire Class (And You Can, Too), available in print from Amazon and a surprisingly entertaining audiobook from Audible. As this book was written by our publisher Sir John Hargrave, we have not included it in our official ratings.
In reviewing the top bitcoin books for 2022, we compiled the quality and quantity of user reviews on major booksellers, looking for overall clarity and readability. Read on.
Best Bitcoin Books
The Internet of Money
Author: Andreas Antonopoulos
Goodreads Rating: 4.1
Number of Amazon Ratings: 768
Written by Andreas Antonopoulos, a vocal bitcoin advocate and computer scientist, The Internet of Money answers the question “Why Bitcoin?” The book contextualizes the significance of bitcoin through a series of essays covering the maturation of the digital currency over time. (BMJ Score: 4)
A Beginners Guide to Bitcoin
Author: Matthew Kratter
Goodreads Rating: 4.30
Number of Amazon Ratings: 1217
Written by Matthew Kratter and published in 2021, the guide is a welcoming read that works as a roadmap for bitcoin. From buying and storing bitcoin to understanding the fundamentals of investing and keeping your cool during times of high volatility. (BMJ Score: 4)
The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking
Author: Saifedean Ammous
Goodreads Rating: 4.17
Number of Amazon Ratings: 3138
Written by academic and Austrian economist Saifedean Ammous, The Bitcoin Standard discusses the history of money, the relationship between economics and society, and why bitcoin constitutes “good money.” The book touts bitcoin as an excellent alternative to central banking, which makes it a must-read for open-minded lawmakers and bankers alike. (BMJ Score: 4)
Digital Gold: Bitcoin and the Inside Story of the Misfits and Millionaires Trying to Reinvent Money
Author: Nathaniel Popper
Goodreads Rating: 4.17
Number of Amazon Ratings: 658
Written by New York Times journalist Nathaniel Popper, Digital Gold tells the story of bitcoin through the eyes of some of the movement’s most colorful characters. For readers who like bitcoin, technology, and history, this book makes for an amusing and interesting read. (BMJ Score: 4)
The Age of Cryptocurrency: How Bitcoin and the Blockchain Are Challenging the Global Economic Order
Author: Paul Vigna and Michael Casey
Goodreads Rating: 4.17
Number of Amazon Ratings: 320
Written by the Wall Street Journal’s Paul Vigna and Coindesk’s Michael Casey, The Age of Cryptocurrency delivers the definitive answer to the question “Why care about bitcoin?” Vigna and Casey have produced more than just a Bitcoin 101 type book as they delve into the political, economic, technical, and ideological impacts of cryptocurrency. (BMJ Score: 3.5)
The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains: An Introduction to Cryptocurrencies and the Technology that Powers Them
Author: Anthony Lewis
Goodreads Rating: 4.17
Number of Amazon Ratings: 1031
Written by Anthony Lewis, “The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains: An Introduction to Cryptocurrencies and the Technology that Powers Them” is a clear, concise, and witty look at bitcoin and the uses and implications of blockchain technology. A great resource for anyone who wants an answer to the question “where can I learn about Bitcoin?” Antony could explain cryptocurrency to a five-year-old while retaining key concepts and insights. (BMJ Score: 3.5)
The Book of Satoshi
Author: Phil Champagne
Goodreads Rating: 4.09
Number of Amazon Ratings: 230
Written by Phil Champagne as an exhaustive compilation of all publications posted online by bitcoin’s pseudonymous creator, The Book of Satoshi provides all of Nakamoto’s online posts in a chronological manner with added commentary from the author. It is an exhaustive delve into bitcoin’s history for those looking to learn more about Satoshi Nakamoto and bitcoin’s past. (BMJ Score: 3.5)
Mastering Bitcoin
Author: Andreas Antonopoulos
Goodreads Rating: 4.31
Number of Amazon Ratings: 702
Written by Andreas Antonopoulos, a vocal bitcoin advocate and computer scientist who gives a thorough explanation of the infrastructure of the Bitcoin blockchain, Mastering Bitcoin is best suited for those who already have a basic understanding of programming and cryptography. It provides a basic understanding of how to create a blockchain of your own. (BMJ Score: 3.5)
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
Author: Andreas Antonopoulos
Goodreads Rating: 4.22
Number of Amazon Ratings:421
Despite the length of the title, this relatively short title is an excellent guide for the knowledge you need to become a successful bitcoin investor. Antonopoulos shows you everything from how to use bitcoin, to advanced subjects like automating trading. He also recommends trading platforms, and just how much of your portfolio should be dedicated to bitcoin. It’s a fun, light read. (BMJ Score: 3.5)
Cryptoassets: The Innovative Investor’s Guide to Bitcoin and Beyond
Author: Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar
Goodreads Rating: 3.97
Number of Amazon Ratings: 584
Written by Placeholder VC’s Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar, Cryptoassets provides a valuable guide to assessing cryptoassets’ worth and managing portfolios along with the risks associated with crypto. Additionally, the book provides a guide to the various platforms and dares to take a glimpse into the future. Suitable for both the more advanced investor and those who are seeking a greater understanding of the topic.
Cryptoassets scores extra points for being one of the few to cover crypto markets and investment in such detail, but it loses points for not fully detailing the negatives and positives of investing in crypto. (BMJ score 4.5)
The Little Bitcoin Book: Why Bitcoin Matters for Your Freedom, Finances, and Future
Author: Bitcoin Collective, Timi Ajiboye
Goodreads Rating: 4.25
Number of Amazon Ratings: 412
Written by the Bitcoin Collective and Timi Ajiboye, The Little Bitcoin Book was penned by eight industry experts and addresses many of the frequently asked questions about bitcoin. It goes in-depth on what’s wrong with today’s money system and discusses what it means for global freedoms and opportunities. The book explains the origins of bitcoin, and finishes with a Q&A section. An ideal primer for the beginner investor.
The Little Bitcoin Book is a good primer for readers wanting to understand more about financial history, but its brevity means it lacks detail in some areas. (BMJ score 4.0)
Thank God for Bitcoin: The Creation, Corruption and Redemption of Money
Author: Bitcoin and Bible Group, Jimmy Song, and Gabe Higgins
Goodreads Rating: 4.15
Number of Amazon Ratings: 278
Is bitcoin the answer to a broken monetary system? The authors of this book certainly think so. The book deep-dives into the creation and corruption of our current economy, while detailing how bitcoin could be its salvation. If you’re looking for a book that just explores bitcoin, this isn’t necessarily the best bitcoin book for you. However, it’s ideal for readers that want to understand our monetary system better.
While the book does an excellent job of explaining the monetary system and the history behind it, there’s far more focus on fiat than on cryptocurrencies. (BMJ Rating 3.9)
Bitcoin Clarity: The Complete Beginners Guide to Understanding
Author: Kiara Bickers
Goodreads Rating: 4.23
Number of Amazon Ratings: 59
Written by Kiara Bickers, this guide to bitcoin provides a comprehensive overview while breaking down a complex topic into easy-to-understand text.
Those considering making the leap into the crypto world and want to see bitcoin explained clearly and concisely, will appreciate the fundamentals covered in the book, including how bitcoin works and its growing popularity. Bitcoin Clarity is among the best bitcoin books for beginners, and provides a refresher for established investors.
Some describe it as the best bitcoin book they’ve read. However, for a book aimed at beginners, it does include technical analysis, which some readers may find hard to follow. (BMJ Rating 4.5)
Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies: A Comprehensive Introduction
Author: Arvind Narayanan, Joseph Bonneau, Edward Felten, Andrew Miller, Steve Goldfeder
Goodreads Rating: 4.36
Number of Amazon Ratings: 150
Rather than cover the broadside of bitcoin, the authors focus on the technologies behind digital currencies. Aside from addressing questions like how blockchain works, it examines wider issues such as cryptocurrency regulation and bitcoin history. There’s an interactive element for readers that want to visit the associated website, which covers instructional videos to accompany each chapter, and programming assignments.
An easy-to-read, accessible guide that provides a detailed introduction and overview of bitcoin, but loses points as some may find it dated in the rapidly evolving world of crypto. (BMJ Rating 4.8)
Inventing Bitcoin: The Technology Behind the First Truly Scarce and Decentralized Money Explained
Author: Yan Pritzker
Goodreads Rating: 4.48
Number of Amazon Ratings: 227
Written by Yan Pritzker, Inventing Bitcoin: The Technology Behind the First Truly Scarce and Decentralized Money Explained delivers a deep dive into the invention of bitcoin. Though short, it still manages to give a good overview and scores rave reviews from readers and reviewers alike.
It does a good job of explaining the basics, but its brevity means it’s not as detailed in some areas as it could be. (BMJ Rating 3.8)
Bitcoin: Hard Money You Can’t F*ck with: Why Bitcoin will be the next Global Reserve Currency
Author: Jason A.Williams
Goodreads Rating: 4.56
Number of Amazon Ratings: 632
Written by investor and entrepreneur Jason A. Williams, this book extols the virtues of bitcoin, especially in modern times when financial disaster and unprecedented money creation are making the headlines. Williams believes bitcoin is “the best form of money we’ve ever had” while spelling out the dangers of central banks printing money.
Easy to read, Jason A. Williams’ book is the best bitcoin book for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of bitcoin and the significant role it’s likely to play in our financial futures. (BMJ Rating 5.0)
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