11 Best-Selling Cryptocurrency Books Millions Love

Recommended by experts Peter Mccormack, Ricardo Salinas Pliego, and Michael Saylor, these Cryptocurrency books offer reader-validated, best-selling insights

Peter Mccormack
Ricardo Salinas Pliego
Raoul Pal
Preston Pysh
David Frum
Adam Davidson
Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love—especially in a fast-evolving field like Cryptocurrency. These 11 best-selling titles capture the pulse of the digital money revolution, offering you proven insights and perspectives that have helped millions understand and navigate this complex landscape. As Cryptocurrency gains traction globally, these books stand out for grounding you in both fundamentals and real-world implications.

Experts like Peter Mccormack, a Bitcoin podcaster known for his incisive takes, and Ricardo Salinas Pliego, a prominent Bitcoin holder and entrepreneur, have championed books such as The Bitcoin Standard for their clarity and depth. Their endorsements reflect the books' power to illuminate Bitcoin's economic and social significance. Meanwhile, voices like Michael Saylor, CEO of Microstrategy, have found such works transformative enough to shape major investment decisions.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks and trusted knowledge, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Cryptocurrency needs might consider creating a personalized Cryptocurrency book that combines these validated approaches with your unique background and goals. This way, you get expert-backed insights crafted just for you, saving time and boosting understanding.

Best for understanding Bitcoin economics
Peter Mccormack, a well-known Bitcoin podcaster, appreciates this book for its depth despite occasional disagreements with the author. He describes it as mostly a brilliant book that deepened his understanding of Bitcoin’s role beyond just digital currency hype. His endorsement reflects why so many enthusiasts and investors turn to this book to grasp Bitcoin’s economic and monetary significance. Likewise, Ricardo Salinas Pliego, a prominent Bitcoin holder and businessman, calls it the most important book to understand Bitcoin, reinforcing its wide appeal among serious cryptocurrency followers.
PM

Recommended by Peter Mccormack

Bitcoin podcaster and commentator

I may not always see eye to eye with @saifedean but listening to this again… …it is mostly a brilliant book… (from X)

2018·304 pages·Economy, Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Money, Monetary Theory

When Saifedean Ammous explores money's history, he unveils why Bitcoin matters beyond the hype. You get a clear view of monetary evolution—from seashells to gold, then to modern fiat—highlighting what makes money sound and stable. The book breaks down Bitcoin’s decentralized technology and its potential to shift power from governments to individuals, especially in chapters detailing Bitcoin mining and settlement. If you want to understand not just how Bitcoin works but why it could reshape economies and society, this book gives you that foundation. It’s particularly insightful for those curious about the intersection of economics, technology, and financial sovereignty.

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Best for skeptical crypto market insights
The Los Angeles Times, a major US newspaper, highlights how Zeke Faux’s investigative work offers a clearer, more entertaining view of the FTX collapse than other accounts. Their review praises Faux’s early grasp of crypto’s complexities, making this book a go-to for understanding the rise and fall of Sam Bankman-Fried. As they put it, "Faux has one major advantage over Lewis: Almost from the start, he had crypto’s number." This insight helped shape a narrative that changed how many view the crypto craze’s risks and realities. Alongside this, The New York Times appreciates the book’s skeptical tone, contrasting it with more credulous takes, reinforcing why you might turn to this book for a grounded perspective on crypto’s wild ride.

Recommended by The Los Angeles Times

Journalism schools will be able to use Going Infinite, Michael Lewis’ new book about the collapse of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange and the fall of its boss, Sam Bankman-Fried, as a textbook. Fortunately, readers interested in the story of the cryptocurrency scam and Bankman-Fried’s rise and fall can turn to a much more convincing (and more entertaining) book. That’s Number Go Up. In telling this story, Faux has one major advantage over Lewis: Almost from the start, he had crypto’s number. (from Amazon)

2023·304 pages·Cryptocurrency, Finance, Investment, Fraud, Blockchain

After analyzing the explosive rise and fall of cryptocurrency, investigative reporter Zeke Faux delivers a vivid account of the crypto boom through his deep dive into the world of Sam Bankman-Fried and other key figures. You gain insights into how trillions of dollars flowed into often baffling digital assets, punctuated by chapters that explore events from elite crypto parties to government experiments with Bitcoin. This book suits those curious about the financial and cultural whirlwinds behind crypto's hype and collapse, offering a narrative that balances sharp skepticism with engaging storytelling.

Finalist Edgar Award (Fact Crime)
Finalist Macavity Award (Nonfiction)
Named Best Book of the Year by major outlets
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Best for personalized crypto plans
This AI-created book on cryptocurrency investing is tailored to your experience level, interests, and goals. By sharing your background and specific challenges, you receive a book crafted to focus on what matters most to you in the crypto space. This personalized approach helps you avoid generic advice and instead offers targeted exploration of strategies that align with your unique path. It’s like having a guide designed specifically to help you succeed in cryptocurrency investing.
2025·50-300 pages·Cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency Basics, Blockchain Technology, Investment Analysis, Risk Management

This tailored book explores the intricate world of cryptocurrency by focusing on battle-tested strategies customized to your unique background and goals. It examines core concepts such as blockchain dynamics, investment principles, and risk management, all aligned with your specific interests. The content dives deep into the challenges faced in the crypto landscape while offering personalized insights that reflect the collective knowledge of millions of enthusiasts and experts. By concentrating on your priorities, this book empowers you to navigate the complexities of digital currencies effectively and gain nuanced understanding tailored just for you.

Tailored Guide
Crypto Investment Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for crypto crime and blockchain tracing
David Frum, a political commentator known for his sharp analysis at The Atlantic, highlights how this book shatters the illusion of cryptocurrency's secrecy for criminals. He notes, "Bad news for criminals and those who market to them: Bitcoin and other digital currencies are not nearly so secret as they supposed." His perspective underscores the book’s role in revealing the technical and investigative prowess reshaping how we understand digital crime. If you’re curious about the real-world impact of cryptocurrency on law enforcement and illicit finance, this narrative offers a revealing look into that evolving fight.
DF

Recommended by David Frum

Political commentator at The Atlantic

Bad news for criminals and those who market to them: Bitcoin and other digital currencies are not nearly so secret as they supposed. A fascinating excerpt from an important new book ... (from X)

2022·384 pages·Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Blockchain, Digital Forensics, Cybersecurity

When Andy Greenberg digs into the hidden corners of the Bitcoin blockchain, he reveals a world where criminals once thrived in shadows now illuminated by digital traces. His background as a Wired security reporter, steeped in hacker culture and privacy issues, equips him to unpack how law enforcement uses technical savvy alongside tenacity to unravel illicit crypto networks. You’ll get a gripping account of the cat-and-mouse chase involving drug lords, traffickers, and federal agents, including detailed profiles of key investigators and their breakthroughs. This book suits you if you want to understand the intersection of crime, technology, and cryptocurrency’s evolving role in both enabling and thwarting illegal activity.

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Best for Bitcoin history and culture
Adam Davidson, a seasoned journalist known for his work with This American Life and Planet Money, highlights this book as the one many have awaited. He praises it as a “riveting and smart account of the strange history of Bitcoin,” noting how it transforms beginners into knowledgeable enthusiasts without feeling like a lesson. His experience navigating complex storytelling makes his endorsement particularly relevant to anyone curious about cryptocurrency’s roots. Alongside him, Linda Xie, co-founder of Scalar Capital and former Coinbase product manager, recommends it as a go-to for understanding the early Bitcoin industry, underscoring its appeal among insiders and newcomers alike.
AD

Recommended by Adam Davidson

Journalist and storyteller, Planet Money co-founder

Finally, the book so many of us have been waiting for: A riveting and smart account of the strange history of Bitcoin. You’ll start knowing nothing about Bitcoin and finish with deep knowledge, but you won’t realize you’re learning along the way -- you’ll just think it’s a lot of fun. (from Amazon)

2015·416 pages·Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Digital Currency, Financial Technology, Blockchain

While working as a New York Times technology reporter, Nathaniel Popper noticed Bitcoin’s rise was more than a tech fad—it was a story about reinventing money itself. This book takes you inside the wild early days of Bitcoin, introducing you to the diverse cast of characters who shaped its evolution, from the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto to bold entrepreneurs and investors. Through detailed narratives, you’ll gain insights into the technical innovation behind Bitcoin and the social movement it inspired, including its challenges and controversies. If you want a thorough yet engaging history that connects technology, finance, and culture, this book unpacks the complex story in a way that’s accessible and enlightening.

New York Times Book Review Editor’s Choice
Shortlisted for Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year
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Best for practical crypto mining guidance
Samuel Lawson is a full-time trader and entrepreneur who launched his business ventures at 20 and achieved financial independence by 25. Motivated to share his path to financial freedom, Lawson authored this guide to demystify cryptocurrency mining. His practical experience informs clear explanations on building mining rigs and calculating profitability, making this book a useful resource for anyone looking to move beyond buying cryptocurrency and dive into mining themselves.

Samuel Lawson, a trader and entrepreneur who achieved financial independence early, wrote this book to open up cryptocurrency mining to a wider audience. You’ll learn how to identify the most profitable coins to mine, evaluate the economics behind mining businesses, and build your own mining rigs with the right hardware and software. The book breaks down complex topics like profitability calculations and sustainable energy options such as solar power, making it accessible whether you’re a hobbyist or a budding entrepreneur. If you want an entry point beyond just buying cryptocurrencies, this guide offers concrete insights without overcomplicating the process.

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Best for rapid cryptocurrency insights
This AI-created book on cryptocurrency is tailored to your skill level and goals, focusing on a fast-paced 30-day learning plan. You share your background and what aspects of crypto excite you most, and the book is crafted to match your interests and deliver practical insights quickly. This approach makes it easier to grasp complex topics without wading through unrelated content, helping you gain focused knowledge in less time.
2025·50-300 pages·Cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency Basics, Market Trends, Blockchain Technology, Investment Fundamentals

This tailored book explores cryptocurrency with a focus on delivering rapid insights and practical steps over a 30-day period. It combines popular, reader-validated knowledge with your specific interests to create a learning experience that matches your background and goals. The content covers essential concepts, market dynamics, and emerging trends, while revealing how you can apply this understanding effectively in your own journey. By addressing what matters most to you, this personalized guide helps you navigate the fast-moving crypto landscape with confidence and clarity, making the complex subject approachable and engaging for your unique needs.

AI-Tailored
Accelerated Learning
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for beginner-friendly crypto investing
Freeman Publications is dedicated to achieving financial freedom through intelligent long-term investing, catering to investors of all ages. Their expertise shines through in this book, designed to demystify cryptocurrency investing for beginners. Driven by the rapid growth of crypto assets and the need to make this space accessible, they translate complex financial and technical terms into plain English, empowering you to start your investment journey with clarity and confidence.

What started as a mission by Freeman Publications to guide newcomers into the world of cryptocurrency quickly evolved into a clear, jargon-free manual for anyone feeling left behind by the crypto boom. You’ll learn how to identify promising coins beyond Bitcoin, recognize red flags in altcoins, and understand emerging trends like DeFi 2.0 and Web3’s impact. The book breaks down complex concepts like Ethereum’s evolution and new crypto launches into accessible insights, helping you build confidence for long-term investing rather than chasing hype. If you’re curious about navigating crypto safely and practically, this book gives you straightforward tools without overwhelming technical detail.

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Best for unconventional crypto analysis
What makes this work unique in cryptocurrency circles is its foundation in remote viewing, a skill developed under the Defense Intelligence Agency and Stanford Research Institute in the 1970s. Kiwi Joe, with more than ten years practicing this method, shares insights from his blind targeted sessions evaluating the future prospects of digital coins like Kusama and Tron. This book stands out by offering you a structured way to integrate psychic perception with blockchain knowledge, ideal if you’re intrigued by crypto assets but overwhelmed by their vast number. It contributes a new lens to cryptocurrency research, helping you discern potential goldmines and avoid disappointments.
2021·96 pages·Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, Remote Viewing, Market Analysis, Investment Strategies

Kiwi Joe, a trained remote viewer with over a decade of experience, offers a distinctive perspective on cryptocurrency investment by applying remote viewing techniques originally developed for intelligence purposes. Rather than conventional market analysis, you explore how to harness ESP to anticipate the trajectory of specific cryptocurrencies like Chainlink and Uniswap. The book guides you through the mechanics of blockchain, introduces remote viewing's disciplined approach, and shares direct session sketches alongside analytical methods. This work suits crypto enthusiasts open to alternative research methods and those seeking novel insights beyond typical financial data.

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Best for balanced intro to digital money
Marc Andreessen, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz and a co-founder of Ning, brings significant weight to this book’s credibility given his deep involvement in technology investing and cryptocurrency ventures. His endorsement signals that this is not just a popular read, but one that resonates with those shaping the future of digital finance. Alongside him, Barry Ritholtz, CIO of RWM and a respected business radio host, praises the book for its insightful look into the diverse personalities behind the digital currency revolution, highlighting its appeal beyond enthusiasts to skeptics as well. Their combined perspectives underscore the book’s value for anyone serious about understanding cryptocurrency’s evolving role in global economics.
BR

Recommended by Barry Ritholtz

CIO of RWM, Business Radio Host

Even to a bitcoin skeptic like myself, Vigna and Casey's book is a fascinating journey into the cast of characters and oddballs behind the movement into the digital currency realm. (from Amazon)

2015·368 pages·Cryptocurrency, Money, Bitcoin, Digital Currency, Financial Inclusion

What if everything you knew about money was wrong? Paul Vigna and Michael J. Casey, seasoned Wall Street Journal journalists, explore how bitcoin and digital currencies challenge the traditional financial order. You’ll gain a clear understanding of cryptocurrency’s origins, mechanics, and potential to reshape global economics, including the promise of financial inclusion for billions without bank access. The authors dissect bitcoin’s volatility, its role beyond speculation, and the societal shifts it may trigger, offering insights grounded in extensive reporting rather than hype. This book suits anyone curious about the future of money, especially those seeking a balanced, accessible introduction rather than technical jargon.

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Best for technical Bitcoin beginners
Peter Mccormack, a well-known Bitcoin podcaster and influencer, recommends this book as the best introduction for newcomers, highlighting a recent conversation where it came up as a top resource. His endorsement carries weight given his deep immersion in the Bitcoin community and ability to distill complex topics. He advises sharing it widely, underscoring how this accessible explanation helped clarify Bitcoin’s technology for him and others. Alongside him, Planccory Swan.com, founder of a Bitcoin services company, echoes this sentiment, encouraging those new to Bitcoin to begin with this straightforward guide, reinforcing why it’s a popular choice among those seeking foundational knowledge.
PM

Recommended by Peter Mccormack

Bitcoin podcaster and influencer

Just finishing recording with my buddy CitizenBitcoin, 90 minutes of shooting the shit. We brought up skwp's excellent book Inventing Bitcoin, which I think is the best intro book on Bitcoin. Read it and give it to your friends, available for free: (from X)

2019·106 pages·Cryptocurrency Technology, Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, Decentralization

Yan Pritzker, a seasoned tech entrepreneur with over two decades in startups, coauthored this clear, concise guide to Bitcoin that cuts through jargon to explain its core innovations. You’ll learn how Bitcoin achieves scarcity and decentralization, unpacked step-by-step, making complex technology accessible even without a technical background. Early chapters detail the invention’s mechanics, while later parts explore Bitcoin’s implications for money and freedom, including why it’s considered a breakthrough in digital currency. If you’re curious about Bitcoin’s inner workings or preparing to invest wisely, this book offers a focused introduction without overwhelming detail or hype.

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Best for deep Bitcoin philosophy
Vijay Boyapati, a respected Bitcoin researcher and author, highlights how this book helped clarify his understanding during his own deep dive into Bitcoin’s complexities. He calls it a must read for anyone entering the Bitcoin world, emphasizing its alignment with the experience of many enthusiasts who found it enlightening. Vijay’s endorsement reflects the book’s ability to guide readers through Bitcoin’s technical and philosophical challenges, making it a compelling choice if you want to deepen your grasp of cryptocurrency beyond surface-level explanations.
VB

Recommended by Vijay Boyapati

Bitcoin researcher and author

This week I'm follow @dergigi - how have I not followed him yet?! His book 21 Lessons is a *must* read for anyone getting into #Bitcoin or on their way down the rabbit hole. Follow Gigi and go buy his book! (from X)

2019·155 pages·Cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Decentralization, Monetary Policy, Digital Currency

When Gigi first immersed himself in Bitcoin, he discovered a wealth of insights far beyond typical financial education. This book distills his evolving understanding into 21 focused lessons that capture the nuances of Bitcoin’s technology, economics, and philosophy. You'll gain a clear sense of Bitcoin’s role in reshaping money and society, with reflections grounded in Gigi's personal journey rather than abstract theory. The chapters explore topics like decentralization, monetary policy, and the cultural impact of cryptocurrency, making it especially valuable if you're navigating the complexities of Bitcoin firsthand. This is not for casual readers but for those seeking a deeper grasp of what Bitcoin truly means.

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Best for crypto finance biography
Michael Lewis is a renowned author known for his in-depth financial reporting and storytelling. He has written several bestsellers, including The Big Short and Flash Boys. Lewis’s expertise in dissecting complex financial events drives the compelling narrative of this book, which dives into the meteoric rise and dramatic fall of a cryptocurrency tycoon. His background gives you access to a well-informed perspective on the volatile world of digital finance and its key players.

Michael Lewis, acclaimed for his incisive financial narratives, explores the enigmatic rise and precipitous fall of Sam Bankman-Fried, a figure who reshaped cryptocurrency's public image. You’ll gain a nuanced understanding of high-frequency trading and the volatile world of crypto, enriched by Lewis's talent for revealing personal quirks behind headline-making events. Chapters dissecting Bankman-Fried’s unconventional leadership and philanthropy provide insight into how innovation can collide with regulatory and ethical boundaries. This book suits anyone intrigued by the intersection of finance, technology, and human ambition, especially if you want a front-row seat to a defining moment in digital currency history.

New York Times Bestseller
One of New Yorker's Best Books of 2023
One of Fortune's Best Crypto Books of 2023
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Conclusion

This curated collection of 11 Cryptocurrency books reveals key themes: the economic foundation of Bitcoin, the human stories behind digital currencies, and the real-world challenges from crime to investing. If you prefer proven methods and deep dives into Bitcoin's mechanics, start with The Bitcoin Standard and Inventing Bitcoin. For a grounded perspective on market dynamics and crypto culture, combine Number Go Up with Digital Gold.

For practical guidance, Cryptocurrency Mining and The Only Cryptocurrency Investing Book You'll Ever Need deliver actionable insights without overcomplication. Alternatively, you can create a personalized Cryptocurrency book to blend these proven methods with your individual situation and goals.

These widely adopted approaches have helped many succeed in understanding and engaging with Cryptocurrency. Your next step could be to dive into one of these expert-endorsed reads or tailor your learning journey with a customized guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with The Bitcoin Standard for a solid economic foundation or The Only Cryptocurrency Investing Book You'll Ever Need if you're focused on investing basics. Both provide clear, reader-friendly introductions to Cryptocurrency's key concepts.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Cryptocurrency?

Not at all. Many books like Digital Gold and Inventing Bitcoin are designed to be accessible to beginners while still offering depth for more curious readers.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational histories like Digital Gold or The Bitcoin Standard, then explore practical guides such as Cryptocurrency Mining, and finally dive into specialized topics or market analysis like Number Go Up.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick one based on your interests—whether history, investing, or tech. But combining a few offers a richer perspective on Cryptocurrency's many facets.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast Cryptocurrency changes?

While Cryptocurrency evolves quickly, these books focus on enduring principles, history, and foundational knowledge, which remain relevant despite market shifts.

How can I get personalized Cryptocurrency insights tailored to my needs?

Great question! While these expert books provide solid frameworks, you can create a personalized Cryptocurrency book combining proven methods with your unique background and goals for targeted, efficient learning.

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