Best Cryptocurrency Books to Read in 2022

As a result of crypto’s growing popularity, a rising number of traders are entering the market. And if you’re anything like the rest of us, you probably have a lot of questions, which is why writers are making an effort to explain not only the blockchain technology that underpins cryptocurrencies but also the fundamentals of things like algorithmic trading, cryptocurrency wallets, NFTs, cryptocurrency regulations, cryptocurrency taxes, and even the future of decentralized finance (DeFi) in and of itself.

Whether investors are prepared or not, cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies have an increasing impact on the financial markets and have attracted their interest. Reading a few captivating books on the subject is a great way for individuals who are interested in investing in cryptocurrencies to obtain a solid foundational understanding of the space before making any financial decisions.

Thankfully, there are cryptocurrency books that are well-written and oriented toward all levels of financial understanding. These reading materials range from easy-to-understand books on blockchain fundamentals to more technical books. Whether you’re looking for crypto-related books to read or a present for the holidays, our recommendations for the best cryptocurrency books to read in 2022 are sure to have something for everyone.

1. The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains by Antony Lewis

Industry experts have stated that reading Lewis’s book on cryptocurrency is at the very top of their to-do lists. Lewis provides a comprehensive introduction to cryptocurrencies and explains to readers why Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are valuable. In addition to this, he discusses the evolution of money and the inner workings of the financial system. The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains provides an accessible explanation of blockchain fundamentals.

The book describes what a blockchain is, how it works, and its significance. It discusses the most prominent blockchain platforms, explains how smart contracts work, and offers advice on what factors should be taken into account when buying cryptocurrency. In addition, there is a section on the risks of investing in cryptocurrencies, information on how to spot investment scams, cryptocurrency exchanges, digital wallets, and legislation regarding cryptocurrency investments.

2. Mastering Bitcoin: Programming the Open Blockchain, 2nd Edition by Andreas M. Antonopoulos

According to crypto experts, this is one of the best cryptocurrency books as it equips the reader with the knowledge essential to engage in the “internet of money.” Andreas Antonopoulos is widely considered one of the most knowledgeable individuals in the fields of cryptocurrency and open blockchain. He is currently serving on the advisory boards of a number of different Bitcoin firms in addition to having created three Bitcoin businesses himself.

Mastering Bitcoin: Programming the Open Blockchain gives an introduction to Bitcoin for new users, executives, and investors. Another section that can be helpful to engineers, developers, system architects, and software architects is the one that explains how Bitcoin and other altcoins work. Antonopoulos explains the decentralized nature of the Bitcoin network, as well as its peer-to-peer architecture, the transaction lifecycle, and the fundamentals of Bitcoin security. He introduces keys, addresses, and wallets, as well as explains fundamental technological ideas through user stories.

3. Blockchain Basics: A Non-Technical Introduction in 25 Steps by Daniel Drescher

To explain blockchain technology in 25 stages without relying on computer code, mathematical formulae, or any other jargon, seasoned financial expert Daniel Drescher takes a straightforward approach that emphasizes simplicity. Drescher is in agreement with the significance of automated learning, large data sets, and data automation in the trading of electronic securities.

This crypto book provides an explanation of the possible effects that blockchain terminology could have on the monetary system. The reader will develop an understanding of why blockchain technology is necessary and the issues that it can address. Its strength rests in presenting both the technical features of blockchain as well as their significance in applications that are relevant to businesses.

4. Bitcoin Billionaires by Ben Mezrich

The true narrative of the Winklevoss Twins after their stock settlement with Mark Zuckerberg over Facebook and their significance in the history of cryptocurrency is detailed in the book “Bitcoin Billionaires.” This story of how the Winkelvosses attempted to become venture capitalists but were ultimately unsuccessful before discovering a revolutionary new concept known as Bitcoin comes strongly recommended by experts. 

By the time November 2017 rolled around, the Winkelvoss twins had established themselves as the first Bitcoin billionaires. Considered as one of the best cryptocurrency books, it is referred to as entertaining crypto reading by industry professionals, and if you are interested in gaining some further knowledge on the events that took place in the early days of crypto, then you should read this crypto book.

5. The Truth Machine: The Blockchain and the Future of Everything by Michael J. Casey and Paul Vigna

In their book titled “The Truth Machine: The Blockchain and the Future of Everything,” authors Michael Casey and Paul Vigna discuss the potential of blockchain technology to help individuals regain control over their own data, possessions, and identities. According to what Casey and Vigna have written, large banks have become more powerful and consolidated their positions. Privacy is an illusion that will only last until the next data breach, and identity theft and credit card fraud are facts of life.

Many of the legacy systems that were previously designed to make our lives simpler and our economy more competitive are no longer capable of doing either of those things as effectively as they once did. However, there is a method to get around all of this, and it is in the form of a new kind of operating system called the blockchain, which has the potential to transform significant parts of our economy.

6. Proof of Stake: The Making of Ethereum and the Philosophy of Blockchains by Vitalik Buterin

It’s important to remember that a book shouldn’t be judged by its cover, and the same goes for Vitalik Buterin, the developer of Ethereum. Buterin is a man who has a lot of intriguing topics on his mind, which is something that can be attested to by regular readers of his blog, which is properly named “Vitalik Buterin’s website.” Proof of Stake: The Making of Ethereum and the Philosophy of Blockchains provides a fascinating look at the concept and ideas underlying Ethereum, one of the most significant blockchains in the world.

Buterin’s book guides readers through premining, which refers to the generation of tokens before a blockchain becomes public; proof of work, which is Ethereum’s original consensus method; and proof of stake, which is the outcome of Ethereum’s latest Merge.  What emerges is a compelling tale of a visionary with an unwavering faith in blockchain’s power and promise. Buterin’s book should be at the top of your cryptocurrency books list if you have any interest in crypto, given that his chain is the basis upon which so much of the crypto ecosystem is based.

7. Virtual Society: The Metaverse and the New Frontiers of Human Experience by Herman Narula

So begins the intriguing Virtual Society: The Metaverse and the New Frontiers of Human Experience by Herman Narula, which seems more like science fiction than the science of our shared future reality. Narula takes a fresh approach to the challenge of engaging with the emerging concept of the Metaverse and its ramifications. Whereas some may envision a dismal scenario in which humans withdraw into a technology-driven landscape, Narula’s perspective is more optimistic.

While many observers are focused on the future, Narula is looking back into human history. He sees the Metaverse as only the most recent iteration of a centuries-old human inclination to build alternate worlds, whether those worlds spring from religious beliefs (as in the case of ancient Egyptians and the pyramids) or something as commonplace as sports fans (immersed in physical and digital games, statistics, and virtual communities). Using examples from history and psychological research, Narula may have a point. The Metaverse may turn out to be excessively human.

8. Crypto Art – Begins by NFT Magazine

What do you get when you combine a famous art book publisher with 50 of the most well-known digital artists working today? The solution is the first book in the “Phygital” collection, which is called Crypto Art — Begins. The term “phygital” refers to the fact that the book will be published in both the conventional print format, which will be sold in places such as bookstores and museum gift shops, and in the NFT format, which will be circulated in the Metaverse.

The publication known as NFT Magazine came up with the idea for the partnership, and the NFT version may be seen on the website known as Nifty Gateway. The publication date for the book in Italy is set for November 8, 2022, and it is anticipated that it will be made available in the United States some time during the spring of 2023. However, judging by the teasers, this one has the potential to be a hit. This is especially true considering that Rizzoli is well-known for its exquisite graphics, which is why the book has already won a spot on our top cryptocurrency books list before it has even been officially released.

9. The Genius of Algorand: Technical Elegance and the DeFi Revolution by Anthony Scaramucci

When it comes to books on cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, altcoins aren’t given a lot of attention. This is one of the reasons why a book on Algorand (or anything else) is somewhat of a unicorn. But Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge Capital and co-managing partner of the firm, has just entered the fray of alternative cryptocurrencies with the publication of his book The Genius of Algorand.

The book written by Scaramucci is a short one, clocking in at only about 112 pages, but it is jam-packed with information about Algorand. As a result, it is appealing not only to ardent “Algonauts,” but also to curious investors who are merely looking for some additional insight into the Algorand blockchain. Many interviews with some of the brightest minds working at Algorand, which was founded by MIT professor Silvio Micali, are included in the book, and they constitute one of the book’s main assets.

Scaramucci also discusses the Algorand Foundation, the corporate structure of the project, individuals who have adopted Algorand, and Algo’s emerging technology, which is not yet a leader in its field just yet. What protocol will satisfy the needs of large-scale institutions most effectively? You guessed correctly. In the event that you are Scaramucci or any other of the numerous Argonauts, then it is most certainly Algorand. But even if you are not one of the true believers, Scaramucci’s book is still a worthwhile read because it is about a blockchain initiative that has shown that it has the potential to be successful.

10. Secret Lives by Mark de Castrique

Mark de Castrique’s Secret Lives is a fictitious tale worthy of your time. It is unlikely to be included on any of the numerous “Best Cryptocurrency Books to Read” recommendations, but it is nonetheless worth reading. The beginning of de Castrique’s tale, which is little under 300 pages long, is written in a great form and draws readers into the mysterious realm of crypto speculation: In the Clarendon district of Arlington, Virginia, Jonathan Finch saw the dark vehicle parked exactly where he’d been promised it would be: on the highest level of the parking deck close to Whole Foods.

We are not the type of people who spoil a good tale, and because of this, we will not be providing any spoilers. Nevertheless, we will reveal that the complex plot involves a 75-year-old landlady-turned-retired FBI agent with an outstanding network of political connections, a baffling murder, a suitcase containing wallets storing thousands of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency, and the distinct odor of corruption in government.

The writer, Mark de Castrique, is a native of western North Carolina. He has authored suspense thrillers in the past, and his most recent entry into the genre, which is also a suspense thriller, makes for an exciting read. There is a certain allure to keeping a secret, which is echoed in the opening epigraph of the book written by J. Edgar Hoover. We could not agree more.

Final Thoughts

The use of cryptocurrencies is steadily on the rise, and this trend is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. However, given that cryptocurrencies are still in their infancy, it is essential to educate oneself about them before engaging in any form of investment or speculation. These books on cryptocurrencies cover a wide range of topics, from fundamentals (such as “what exactly is a cryptocurrency?”) to more advanced concepts (such as “how do blockchains work?”).

The enormous number of impending books on cryptocurrency, blockchain, the Metaverse, NFTs, and DeFi that can be seen in publisher catalogs suggest that the year 2023 will be a landmark year for crypto-related publications. Check back with us in early 2023 for our list of the top crypto books for 2023.