The Booklover's Guide to Cryptocurrencies

Whether you’re an amateur trying out crypto trading for the first time or about to tackle your master's thesis on the transnational regulation of cryptocurrencies, there are lots of resources that can help you deepen your knowledge.

But while your local library may not stock volumes on Bitcoin, there are a number of great books about cryptocurrencies and the industry available today.

Here are a few great crypto reads for your consideration.

Blockchain Revolution by Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott

This book by a father and son duo covers blockchain developments in crypto assets, ICOs, smart contracts and more.

It was one of the earlier books to give holistic commentary on the growth and trajectory of blockchain, so this is a good place to start if you are looking for a general introduction into the field.

While some of what was applicable in early-2016 may not be applicable now or may have evolved so much that it requires a completely new prognosis, there's still much to gain from Blockchain Revolution – and if you’re well versed in all things crypto, give this one a read in order to put your critiquing skills to the test.

Mastering Bitcoin by Andreas M. Antonopoulos

Widely regarded as the best technical introduction to Bitcoin around, this one is for the programmers and academics. Read this if you want to deep-dive into the infrastructure behind Bitcoin's blockchain protocol.

This will require some basic knowledge of Python and C++ to comfortably understand, but if you’re not technically gifted it may still be worth the read to challenge the depth and diversity of your knowledge. And yes, of course, you can access it for free on Github.

Mastering Ethereum by Andreas M. Antonopoulos and Gavin Wood

Another classic from Andreas M. Antonopoulos. Learn about how Ethereum pioneered the concept of smart contracts, how a decentralized application really works and why hundreds of organizations are experimenting with Ethereum.

This one is also geared towards people who want to learn practical coding skills and gain a thorough understanding of how Ethereum operates. Again, if it’s true to crypto culture, it’s open source – get it on Github.

Digital Gold by Nathaniel Popper

“Bitcoin and the inside story of the misfits and millionaires trying to reinvent money”.

On more recent editions, the subtitle reads “The untold story of Bitcoin”. Either way, you get the message.

Popper is a technology reporter for the New York Times and gives readers the pleasure of his narrative flair in this comprehensive overview of the origins of Bitcoin.

If Antonopoulos’ works are directed at programmers and techies, Popper’s is for a much wider audience. He focuses on conversations with key people in the industry, producing a nuanced insight into the minds of the people who created the momentum behind blockchain and cryptocurrencies.

From Mt. Gox to the Silk Road, you’ll enjoy this read no matter where you are on your journey.