Ten Best Cryptocurrency Books in 2025

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The world of cryptocurrency is vast, fast-moving, and often overwhelming—even for seasoned investors. With constant innovation in blockchain technology, decentralized finance (DeFi), and digital assets, staying informed is critical. One of the most effective ways to build deep, lasting knowledge is through well-researched books. Unlike fleeting social media posts or sensational headlines, the best crypto books provide context, history, and thoughtful analysis that stand the test of time.

Whether you're a beginner trying to grasp the fundamentals of Bitcoin, a trader navigating market cycles, or a macro thinker exploring how blockchain is reshaping global finance, these ten essential reads offer clarity and insight. Carefully curated for relevance and depth, this list features titles that combine storytelling with technical understanding—perfect for anyone serious about mastering the crypto space.

👉 Discover how reading these books can sharpen your investment strategy and open doors to new opportunities.

1. Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon – Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis, renowned author of The Big Short, delivers a gripping narrative on Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) and the meteoric rise—and collapse—of FTX. This investigative deep dive pulls back the curtain on one of the biggest financial implosions in modern history. At its peak, FTX handled an estimated $200 billion in daily trading volume and reached a $32 billion valuation. By late 2022, it was bankrupt, with billions in customer funds missing.

Lewis portrays SBF as an eccentric genius: a cargo-shorts-wearing prodigy who dominated Wall Street boardrooms. While some critics argue Lewis shows undue sympathy, the book remains a compelling chronicle of hubris, mismanagement, and systemic failure within the crypto ecosystem.

Through interviews and insider accounts, readers gain rare access to FTX’s internal culture, the mechanics of its native token (FTT), and the chain reaction that led to its downfall. It’s a cautionary tale every crypto investor should read.

2. The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking – Saifedean Ammous

A foundational text in the crypto canon, The Bitcoin Standard explains why Bitcoin matters—not just as a digital asset, but as a revolutionary form of sound money. Economist Saifedean Ammous draws from Austrian economic theory to contrast Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million coins with inflation-prone fiat currencies.

Ammous doesn’t merely promote Bitcoin; he dismantles the flaws of central banking, showing how government-issued money erodes savings over time. The book has been translated into 38 languages and praised by thought leaders like Michael Saylor and U.S. Congressman Warren Davidson.

“The Bitcoin Standard by @saifedean should be required reading for everyone interested in money.”
— Michael Saylor

This book is essential for understanding Bitcoin’s role as digital gold and a hedge against monetary instability.

3. Metaverse Investing for Beginners – James Wallace

As the metaverse market is projected to reach $507.8 billion by 2030 (Statista), James Wallace’s guide offers a beginner-friendly entry point. The book demystifies digital ownership, covering NFTs, avatars, virtual land, and play-to-earn gaming economies.

Wallace avoids technical jargon, focusing instead on practical insights for those curious about investing in immersive digital worlds. It’s an ideal primer for anyone looking to explore Web3 beyond speculative trading.

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4. Tracers in the Dark – Andy Greenberg

Wired journalist Andy Greenberg unravels the paradox of cryptocurrency: while often seen as anonymous, blockchain’s transparency makes it a powerful tool for law enforcement. From Silk Road to dark web child exploitation rings, Greenberg follows the digital trails that led to high-profile arrests.

Featuring interviews with IRS cyber agents and blockchain analysts from firms like Chainalysis, this book reveals how authorities use on-chain forensics to track illicit activity. It’s a fascinating look at how crypto crime evolved—and how it’s being stopped.

5. Broken Money – Lyn Alden

Lyn Alden examines why modern financial systems feel broken—driven by debt cycles, inflation, and central bank overreach. She connects decades of monetary policy to rising inequality and eroding purchasing power.

Alden positions Bitcoin not as a magic fix, but as “an insurance policy” against runaway fiat expansion. Backed by data on balance sheet growth post-2008 and during COVID, her analysis offers a sobering yet hopeful perspective on financial resilience.

6. Number Go Up – Zeke Faux

Zeke Faux takes readers on a wild ride through crypto’s most chaotic moments—from celebrity influencers pushing scams to SBF’s downfall. Named one of Wired’s best books of 2023, Number Go Up captures the euphoria and recklessness that defined the 2021 bull run.

The title comes from a telling quote: “If the price goes up, people get excited… before you know it, to the moon.” Faux doesn’t glorify the madness—he exposes it.

7. Hijacking Bitcoin – Roger Ver & Steve Patterson

Roger Ver, known as “Bitcoin Jesus,” argues that Bitcoin was hijacked during the block-size wars—a conflict over scalability that led to Bitcoin Cash’s creation. This self-published work offers a pro-Bitcoin Cash perspective, claiming BTC abandoned its peer-to-peer cash vision in favor of high fees and limited usability.

While biased, it’s valuable for understanding internal debates within the crypto community.

8. The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains – Antony Lewis

Antony Lewis cuts through the noise with a clear, jargon-free guide to crypto fundamentals. From wallets and mining to smart contracts and regulation, this book explains everything in plain English.

It reads like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend—no lectures, no hype. Perfect for those just starting their journey into digital currency.

9. Layered Money – Nik Bhatia

Bhatia presents money as a pyramid: gold at the base, layered with paper money, bank deposits, and now digital currencies like Bitcoin and CBDCs. His framework shows how trust and power evolve across financial layers.

Forbes praised the book for treating crypto not as disruption but as continuation—a fresh take on how innovation builds on tradition.

10. The Fiat Standard – Saifedean Ammous

A follow-up to The Bitcoin Standard, this book dissects fiat currency’s destructive tendencies: inflation, debt addiction, and central planning. Ammous argues that fiat distorts economies and weakens societies.

He highlights that the U.S. dollar has lost over 95% of its purchasing power since 1913—making Bitcoin’s fixed supply more appealing than ever.

“Bitcoin combines gold’s salability across time with fiat’s salability across space.”
— Saifedean Ammous

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I learn how to invest in crypto from a book?
Yes—quality books teach you how to think critically about risk, technology, and market cycles. However, they are not financial advice. Always do your own research before investing.

What is the best crypto book for total beginners?
The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains by Antony Lewis is widely regarded as the most accessible starting point for newcomers.

Do crypto books go out of date quickly?
Some do—especially those focused on price predictions or specific platforms. But books covering core principles like monetary theory or blockchain fundamentals remain relevant for years.

Are crypto books biased?
Many are. Authors often advocate for specific visions (e.g., Bitcoin vs. Ethereum). Reading multiple perspectives helps form a balanced view.

What if I don’t understand the technical side?
Look for books written for non-developers. Titles like Metaverse Investing for Beginners or The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains prioritize clarity over complexity.

Is hands-on experience better than reading?
Both are important. Books give you foundational knowledge; real-world practice—like using wallets or trading small amounts—builds confidence.

While podcasts, blogs, YouTube channels (Coin Bureau, Whiteboard Crypto), and online communities (Reddit’s r/CryptoCurrency) offer valuable updates, books remain unmatched in depth. They help you understand not just how things work—but why.

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