Over the last few years, blockchain’s notoriety has exploded. Anyone with even a passing interest in tech will have at least a broad idea of what it is. Most people will have heard of Bitcoin too — though far fewer will understand the fundamentals of peer-to-peer trading and the philosophy behind decentralisation. There is simply something of a knowledge ceiling for most people not actively working in the space. This means that any book that can comprehensively explain the technology in a way that’s also accessible way is a much sought-after resource.

We have put together a list of our favourite books on blockchain technology, from the very basic to the more technical.

Blockchain Basics

Overview:

Daniel Drescher’s Blockchain Basics is one of the finest introductions to blockchain you can read as a complete newcomer. The book requires no prior knowledge of blockchain or cryptocurrency and so is a great starting point for anyone with a passing interesting in the tech. Breaking the explanation up into steps adds further digestibility to an already accessible book.

Perfect for:

Newcomers to blockchain who want an overview without necessarily having a background in maths, cryptography or computer science.

What they say:

“The book could be used as a textbook or simply to help structure a presentation on blockchain. … I think that the book achieves its objectives: to explain to a nontechnical audience what the blockchain is, how it works, and where it can be applied. It should also allow the reader to understand a lot of the hype that surrounds blockchain and to differentiate the ways in which the term is used.” (Computing Reviews)

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

Overview:

If you can excuse Nathaniel Popper’s unwieldy title, his work is a perfect starting point for anyone looking to dabble in blockchain investment or more generally get involved in the tech. Popper tells the story of Bitcoin through a number of different characters. From Satoshi to the evangelists and the crooks, this book gives an overview of how various people have approached cryptocurrency.

Perfect for:

Those who want a witty, colourful overview of the rise of digital currency and blockchain technology, without necessarily having any prior experience in computer science.

What they say:

“Bitcoin is about to transform both finance and how we use the internet, and this fascinating book chronicles its unlikely genesis. Popper has produced a riveting tale filled with colorful innovators that is crucial reading for anyone who wants to understand the future.” (Walter Isaacson)

Mastering Bitcoin

Overview:

From a technical perspective, programmers and others working on blockchain consider Mastering Bitcoin the best book available. Andreas M Antonopolous focuses on Bitcoin as a platform from which to discuss blockchain’s wider development, starting at the beginning to provide a thorough dive into the infrastructure of Bitcoin.

Perfect for:

A little more technical than some on this list, Mastering Bitcoin is ideal for those who already have a basic platform of knowledge in either programming or cryptography itself.

What they say:

“Mastering Bitcoin is a fantastic introduction to the founding technical principles of the original blockchain. Accompanied with source code to give a perspective on how it is coded in real life applications, it is an ideal book for those with a basis in technology that want to fully grasp what Bitcoin is about. Keys, addresses, wallets, transactions — this is a comprehensive explanation of what goes on under the hood.” (James Ovenden, blockchain commentator)

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies

Overview:

Used in over 50 university courses worldwide, Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies provides a comprehensive overview of blockchain technology. Stacked with concrete examples and moving at a pace that keeps the attention, it is perfect for quickly explaining what is a complex phenomenon — the rise of cryptocurrency.

Perfect for:

Anyone from a student to a software developer can enjoy this book. It is self-contained and only requires a passing knowledge of computer science to fully understand, so it is perfect as a first port of call in understanding blockchain.

What they say:

“This book is a very nice introduction to Bitcoin, its structure, how it can be used (and possibly abused), and how it might evolve in the future. . . . The authors have a relaxed tone and this book could easily be incorporated into an undergraduate curriculum.” (Jeffrey Putnam, Association for Computing Machinery Computing Reviews)

The Bitcoin Standard

Overview:

The Bitcoin Standard goes deep into the historical context for Bitcoin’s rapid rise to prominence, as well as answering some of the common questions about the technology regarding its legality and its energy usage. Its economic and historical slant perhaps makes it more appealing to investors than developers. You might not agree with everything in it, but it is an interesting look at Bitcoin’s place in global politics and finance.

Perfect for:

Those looking to invest in blockchain technology — it has become something of a handbook for those coming to blockchain without any prior knowledge. It would also suit anyone with a passing interest in the technology given its contextualising chapters.

What they say:

“The book touts Bitcoin as an excellent alternative the central banking, which makes it a must-read for open-minded lawmakers and bankers alike” (Bitcoin Market Journal)

What are your favourite books focused on blockchain? Let us know in the comments!