The Ultimate Guide to Bitcoin Books: Recommended Reads for Filipinos

• Bitcoin books cover a wide range of topics, from its history and technology to its impact and investment strategies.
• This guide recommends books for beginners and experts, providing insights into Bitcoin’s foundational aspects and advanced strategies.
• Bitcoin books can be found at local bookstores, online retailers, specialty stores, university bookstores, e-book platforms, and cryptocurrency events.

In the rapidly evolving industry of cryptocurrency, understanding Bitcoin is essential for both novices and investors. The leading cryptocurrency is a complex topic, but there are many great books to help investors learn about it. It is important for investors of all levels to understand it, as Bitcoin can provide them with a foundation for awareness and comprehension of the cryptocurrency market and making informed investment decisions.

This guide recommends books for beginners and experts alike, covering everything from foundational insights to advanced strategies.

Understanding Bitcoin Through Books

Bitcoin books are written resources about Bitcoin, covering its history, technology, impact, investment, and usage. It is authored by experts like economists, computer scientists, and investors; some delve into technical aspects like blockchain and cryptography, while others focus on broader implications and uses.

Bitcoin books discuss benefits like financial inclusion and privacy, alongside risks such as fraud and government regulation. They explore Bitcoin’s applications in online payments, remittances, and more, and its potential to transform industries. These books also analyze market dynamics and investment strategies, guiding readers on how to invest, trade, and assess market conditions.

In essence, Bitcoin books offer a comprehensive understanding of this digital currency’s potential and its global impact, serving as valuable resources for beginners and enthusiasts alike.

During the recent BitPinas Webcast, crypto experts and Bitcoin OGs Ramon Tayag, Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder of BloomX and Atty. Rafael Padilla Co-Founder and Trustee of BlockDevs Asia recommended some books beginners and veteran investors should read.

Top Recommended Books for Beginners

Title: The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking

• Author:  Saifedean Ammous (Economist, Educator, and Author)
• Year of Publishing: 2018

About:

The book “The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking” explores the economic and historical aspects of money and presents a case for Bitcoin’s potential role as a modern digital form of sound money. 

It traces the history of money, from commodity-based forms to fiat currencies, and discusses its impact on economies and societies. Bitcoin, like gold, is decentralized and has a fixed supply. Ammous argues it could be a more reliable alternative to fiat currencies and central banks.

Moreover, the book covers the Austrian School of Economics, banks, central banking, money’s history, and Bitcoin. It aims to deepen readers’ understanding of money and Bitcoin.

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

• Author: Nathaniel Popper (Journalist)
• Year of Publishing: 2015

About:

The book provides an in-depth exploration of the history and evolution of Bitcoin, along with the stories of the individuals and communities involved in its creation and adoption.

“Digital Gold” chronicles the origins of Bitcoin, from its conceptualization by the pseudonymous figure Satoshi Nakamoto in a whitepaper in 2008. The book discusses the motivations behind Bitcoin’s creation, its early development, and its gradual growth in popularity and recognition.

Popper recounts the stories of Bitcoin’s key figures and events, such as Hal Finney, Roger Ver, and the Winklevoss twins. Popper also discusses Bitcoin’s early challenges, controversies, and technical debates. The book detailed Bitcoin’s journey from idea to disruptive force, exploring its philosophy, ideals, and impact on finance.

Title: The Little Bitcoin Book: Why Bitcoin Matters for Your Freedom, Finances, and Future

• Author:  Timi Ajiboye, Luis Buenaventura, Alex Gladstein, Lily Liu, Alexander Lloyd, Alejandro Machado, Jimmy Song, and Alena Vranova
• Year of Publishing: 2019

About:

The Little Bitcoin Book is a collaborative work by a group of authors, including Bitcoin experts, advocates, and educators. The book aims to provide a concise and accessible introduction to the fundamental concepts and importance of Bitcoin. The book covers topics such as the history of Bitcoin, its technology, economics, and potential applications. It is intended for a general audience, including those who are new to Bitcoin.

It explores Bitcoin’s potential to reshape money, finance, and personal freedom. It covers Bitcoin’s decentralization, store of value, and impact on financial inclusion and privacy. “The Little Bitcoin Book” highlights Bitcoin’s potential to empower individuals and promote financial sovereignty.

This book makes complex concepts easy to understand and addresses common misconceptions about Bitcoin. 

(Read: New Book Explains the Bitcoin Phenomenon without the Technical Jargon)

Title: The 7th Property: Bitcoin And The Monetary Revolution

• Author: Erik Yakes (former hedge fund analyst and Bitcoin investor)
• Year of Publishing: 2021

About:

The book provides a comprehensive guide to a wide range of Bitcoin-related topics.It covers the history of money, centralization in banking, and Bitcoin’s emergence as a monetary revolution. It uses effective graphics and analogies to make complex subjects such as Merkle roots and mining algorithms understandable. 

In the book, Yakes introduces a crucial “seventh property” of money: immutability. He argues that central banking eroded this property, creating a moral hazard. The book then discusses central banking, particularly the Federal Reserve, before offering an in-depth understanding of Bitcoin’s technical details.

Title: Bitcoin: An Introduction to the Peer-to-Peer, Open Source, Censorship-Resistant, Immutable, Permissionless, Decentralized, Global, Digital Monetary Network of the 21st Century

• Author: Florin Hilbay (Educator)
• Year of Publishing: 2023

About:

The former Solicitor-General of the Philippines, Florin Hilbay, released this book just this year. It explores the evolution of money and argues that Bitcoin represents a significant advancement in the concept of money. The book delves into Bitcoin’s impact on various aspects of life including history, politics, economics, technology, and more.

The author stresses the importance of understanding Bitcoin due to its far-reaching influence on society. It also introduces the idea exchange protocol and the value exchange protocol, illustrating their role in shaping human organization and social exchange.

It discusses how Bitcoin aligns with the characteristics of sound money, indicating it as the best form of money humanity has experienced. The authors aim to present the concepts of Bitcoin and its implications for both Filipinos and the global community.

Read: 

• Silliman University Launching a Bitcoin Book
• Ex SolGen Florin Hilbay: Bitcoin is Complex But Completely Understandable

Essential Reads for Advanced Bitcoin Investors

Title: The Age of Cryptocurrency: How Bitcoin and Digital Money are Challenging the Global Economic Order

• Author: Paul Vigna and Michael J. Casey (Journalists)
• Year of Publishing: 2015

About:

“The Age of Cryptocurrency” explores the emergence and significance of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, in the context of global economics and finance. It highlights Bitcoin, blockchain, and the potential impact of cryptocurrencies on society.

The book discusses the challenges and controversies of cryptocurrencies, such as regulation, security, and illegal activities. Vigna and Casey provide insights into the debates and implications of this technological innovation.

“The Age of Cryptocurrency” aims to provide readers with a clear understanding of how these digital assets are disrupting traditional financial systems and challenging established economic norms. 

Title: Bitcoin: Everything Divided by 21 Million

• Author: Knut Svanholm (Entrepreneur)
• Year of Publishing: 2022

About:

The book “Bitcoin: Everything Divided by 21 Million” aims to challenge readers to rethink their perspectives by using the concept of dividing everything in the world by the fixed supply of 21 million Bitcoins. 

Svanholm investigates the complex connection between time, money, and value in a journey that spans economics, game theory, mathematics, philosophy, and more. He discusses pressing issues like inflation, climate change, and debt, revealing how fiat money’s solutions fall short. He argues that Bitcoin can address the challenges posed by our current financial system, ultimately guiding readers to a deeper understanding of the Hyperbitcoinization process and the potential for a new, more meaningful society.

Title: Thank God for Bitcoin: The Creation, Corruption, and Redemption of Money

• Author: Jimmy Song (Bitcoin advocate, Author)
• Year of Publishing: 2021

About:

The book explores the concept of money, its history, and how Bitcoin can be seen as a solution to some of the challenges and shortcomings of traditional fiat currencies. In “Thank God for Bitcoin,” Jimmy Song discusses the evolution of money, from commodity money like gold to modern fiat currencies controlled by central banks. He examines the issues associated with the current financial system, including inflation, government control, and the erosion of purchasing power.

The book introduces Bitcoin as a potential alternative to fiat currency, addressing some of the latter’s problems. It discusses Bitcoin’s decentralization, scarcity due to its fixed supply of 21 million coins, and the concept of trustless transactions enabled by its underlying technology, blockchain.

The book also explores the philosophical and ethical aspects of money, such as how the control of money can lead to power imbalances and corruption. It emphasizes the importance of individual sovereignty over one’s financial decisions and how Bitcoin aligns with these principles.

Title: The Price of Tomorrow: Why Deflation is the Key to an Abundant Future

• Author: Jeff Booth (Entrepreneur, Technology leader)
• Year of Publishing: 2020

About:

The book explores the concept of deflation in the context of modern technological advancements and their impact on various aspects of society and the economy.

In “The Price of Tomorrow,” Jeff Booth argues that rapid technological progress leads to deflation and that the traditional economic model is incompatible with a technologically advancing world. According to him, technological innovation disrupts industries, automates jobs, and drives efficiencies, leading to lower costs. Booth discusses the challenges of inflationary monetary policies that counteract deflationary forces.

The book also explores topics such as central banking, debt, and the potential consequences of attempting to sustain an inflationary economy in the face of technological deflation. It encourages readers to reconsider their perspectives on inflation, economics, and the role of technology in shaping the future.

Where to Find Bitcoin Books in the Philippines

1. Bookstores

Bitcoin enthusiasts can visit major bookstores, such as National Bookstore, Fully Booked, or Powerbooks, which may have a finance or technology section where books related to Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies can be found. Specialty bookstores that specialize in finance, technology, or cryptocurrency-related books may have a more extensive collection of Bitcoin-related literature. 

Additionally, university bookstores near universities with economics or technology departments may carry books on cryptocurrencies. Being the dean of the College of Law, Hilbay’s book on Bitcoin is available at the Villareal Hall in Silliman University.

2. Online retailers

Local online retailers such as Lazada and Shopee offer a wide range of books, including those related to Bitcoin. Customers can search for specific titles or browse through categories such as finance, technology, or economics. Buyers can also order Bitcoin books from international online retailers like Amazon, some of which ship to the Philippines.

3. E-book Platforms

E-book platforms such as Amazon Kindle, Google Play Books, and Apple Books offer a vast selection of digital books, including those on Bitcoin. Interested readers can purchase and download these books directly to their devices.

4. Cryptocurrency Events

One way to get signed copies of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency-related books is to attend events, meetups, or conferences related to these topics. Authors often present their books at such events, and attendees may have the opportunity to purchase signed copies.

For local cryptocurrency events, you may check the BitPinas page. 

This article is published on BitPinas: The Ultimate Guide to Bitcoin Books: Recommended Reads for Filipinos

Disclaimer: BitPinas articles and its external content are not financial advice. The team serves to deliver independent, unbiased news to provide information for Philippine-crypto and beyond.