Sifting through the large number of books available on blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies can be a daunting process when you are trying to find resources to learn more about these innovative new technologies.
In this article, you will find a list of the best blockchain books for beginners you could read to become more knowledgeable about the subject matter.
Blockchain: Blueprint for a New Economy
Written by Melanie Swan, this book provides the reader with a view of what the future could look like with blockchain technology. It is an easily digestible book that helps the reader to understand the myriad of ways that the innovation backing bitcoin could be applied and how that may affect industries in particular and society in general.
The book takes a robust pro-blockchain stance with Swan contending that blockchain technology can become the fifth disruptive paradigm in the computing world after mainframes, PCs, the Internet, and mobile/social networking.
The book does an excellent job of explaining why blockchain technology is held in such high regard.
Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin Is Changing Money, Business, and the World
The father and son duo of Don and Alex Tapscott co-authored this book. Dan Tapscott is the best-selling author of Wikinomics while Alex Tapscott possesses extensive knowledge of distributed ledgers. Originally published in 2016, this book is regarded as one of the first foundational books on blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.
Blockchain Revolution provides basic foundational knowledge to its reader. The book makes references to history in its attempt to explain how this innovation is set to be a disruptive force.
If you are looking for a book that offers a comprehensive view of the blockchain and digital currency ecosystem in a manner that is not complex, then this is a good place to start. Additionally, the book has been updated to include recent developments in the sector such as ICOs and smart contracts.
The Business Blockchain: Promise, Practice, and Application of the Next Internet Technology
Written by William Mougayar, “The Business Blockchain” paints a descriptive picture of the blockchain and takes a deep dive into the features of the technology.
The book is best suited for business owners, entrepreneurs, and others who are interested in finding out if the blockchain is suited for their business or not. Additionally, it also provides some technical details to better foster an understanding of the technology.
Mouyagar possesses over 30 years of experience in business and entrepreneurship. He is also an active member of the cryptocurrency community, serving as a board member of organizations like the Ethereum Foundation. He draws on this experience to provide insights on how to effectively combine blockchain technology and existing businesses. Additionally, the foreword of the book is written by Ethereum cocreator Vitalik Buterin.
Blockchain and the Law: The Rule of Code
If you are looking to understand the intricacies of the relationship between the law and blockchain technology, then this book should be on your list. While it is true that the blockchain and cryptocurrencies have created a valuable industry, they still exist in somewhat of a gray area.
As governments are now starting to regulate the sector, there is a significant amount of uncertainty amongst those within the industry because of the fear of repressive laws.
The authors, Primavera De Filippi and Aaron Wright, outline why the relationship between the law and the sector is strained. The book makes it clear that regulators must redefine their approach because restrictive regulations will stifle the growth of the industry. Additionally, De Filippi and Wright provide tips that regulators can utilize moving forward.
The Age of Cryptocurrency: How Bitcoin and Digital Money Are Challenging the Global Economic Order
Written by two Wall Street Journal reporters, Paul Vigna and Michael J. Casey, “The Age of Cryptocurrency” focuses on the value systems created and supported by the blockchain. The book is centered on the idea that decentralized currencies are able to shift power away from the traditional holders of power and influence such as centralized financial systems and governments.
The book is thorough concerning the history of digital currencies, especially bitcoin. Additionally, it helps the user understand the potential that cryptocurrencies hold for those who are unable to access the traditional financial system with a way to store their money.
It is important to remember that the book was written in 2015 and may not be as up to date as other books on this list. However, it is still an excellent foundational book for novices as it is written in an easy-to-understand manner.
Blockchain for Dummies
Written by Tiana Laurence, “Blockchain for Dummies” takes the idea of blockchain technology from a well-thought-out theory to an actual workable possibility. While the book has sufficient background information about blockchain technology and digital currencies, it focuses on providing examples of how the innovations are being applied in the context of business.
The book provides the reader with practical information about how to implement blockchain technology and even includes a tutorial in which Laurence creates a simple but functional blockchain-based application.
Tiana Laurence is the founder of Factom, a company that focuses on helping businesses find and utilize blockchain-based solutions. Business owners can benefit from using this book.
The Book of Satoshi
In “The Book of Satoshi,” Phil Champagne looks at the history of bitcoin from an interesting angle. Champagne compiles the entirety of Satoshi Nakamoto’s posts and publications on message boards and other mediums on the internet.
Satoshi Nakamoto is the pseudo-anonymous creator of bitcoin and the inventor of the blockchain. He disappeared from the public eye shortly after publishing the bitcoin whitepaper. Fortunately, The Book of Satoshi offers an interesting look into the mind of the clandestine creator.
It shows the amount of thought and attention to detail that Nakamoto applied to create the pioneer cryptocurrency. Additionally, the book also helps understand the principles and values that Nakamoto believed were important and how they affected his creative process.
The book also helps the reader to understand the history of the politics around bitcoin as Champagne also includes other relevant happenings in the publication. The original white paper is also included.
The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking
“The Bitcoin Standard” is written by Saifedean Ammous and was published earlier this year. The book focuses on the history of money and culminates at the conclusion that bitcoin and decentralized currencies are the best forms of money created to date.
Ammous begins by defining the concept of money and the features that constitute a good store of value. He uses examples from history to make his points. The book provides knowledge on significant happenings, such as world wars, and how they have affected the global economic system.
Additionally, the book helps the reader understand different economic schools of thought but with a focus on the Austrian school. Ammous finalizes by explaining the history of bitcoin’s creation and why it is the best example of sound money. As implied, the premise of the book is to compare bitcoin to the now defunct gold standard.
