Coins, tokens, wallets, mining and DeFi – getting to grips with the specialist terms is the first challenge facing anyone interested in cryptos. The next challenge is the daily flood of information on different currencies, companies and projects from all over the world. What’s the best way to get started and – once you’ve done so – to keep up to speed with developments? In exactly the same way as you would for any other topic – by using the best sources of information available.

The list complied below includes accessible options for beginners, covering all the basics, as well as carefully selected essential reading also suitable for people with more advanced knowledge. The key piece of advice for the long term is also the title of a recommended audio book: “Do Your Own Research”. Finding things out for yourself isn’t just well-intended advice, but a fundamental strategy that plays a key role in decision-making.

Recommended crypto (audio) books

The following books on cryptos – some of which are also available as audio books – explain the basic principles of cryptocurrencies and the various ways in which they are used. They provide a good starting point which you can build upon later.

“Der Kryptoführerschein 2024” (The crypto driving licence 2024)

One of the more recent foundational books is entitled “Der Kryptoführerschein 2024” (The crypto driving licence 2024) by Philipp C. Miller. The book, which was published in early 2024, provides an up-to-date guide suitable for beginners, with a strong emphasis on wealth creation. The author focuses on the essentials and looks at the challenges of crypto trading. A practical guide that helps newcomers to gain an in-depth understanding of the crypto universe.

Author: Philipp C. Miller
Format: book

“Kryptotrading − die besten Strategien für den Handel mit Kryptowährungen” (Crypto trading – the best strategies for trading cryptocurrencies)

Sascha Huber has in-depth knowledge of the crypto scene, runs a trading service and manages exchange-listed certificates. In “Kryptotrading” (Crypto trading), he draws on his expertise to provide a comprehensive and easy-to-understand introduction to the world of cryptocurrencies. After an introduction to the history and technology of cryptos, he hones in on key topics for aspiring traders – how do cryptos differ from conventional stock market trading? How can you identify attractive coins? What risks should be avoided? A good basic guide for anyone interested in entering the crypto market.

Author: Sascha Huber
Format: book, e-book 

“Blockchain in der Finanzwelt” (Blockchain in the world of finance)

How does blockchain technology work? What are tokens and NFTs? What are the benefits of DeFi applications? “Blockchain in der Finanzwelt” (Blockchain in the world of finance) is one of the first educational books in the German-speaking world to cover the wide range of topics relating to blockchain and digital assets in depth. Standard reading for beginners, it provides a quick overview, but also contains lots of interesting topics for people at a more advanced stage.

Authors: Pascal Egloff, Ernesto Turnes
Format: book, e-book

“Digitale Assets & Tokenisierung” (Digital assets & tokenization)

“Digitale Assets & Tokenisierung” (Digital assets & tokenization) focuses on digital assets and, in particular, their tokenization. This book provides an insight into the key technological, legal and economic principles, while also making the case for blockchain’s transformative power. An extremely useful book containing lots of practical information that can be used to critically evaluate and successfully implement crypto projects.

Authors: Lidia Kurt, Domenic Kurt
Format: book, e-book

“The Infinite Machine” (in English)

Camila Russo’s “The Infinite Machine” primarily explores the people behind the crypto revolution. For example, Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, who is probably the best-known figure in the crypto universe. Russo’s book also features the stories of other key figures involved in the development of smart contracts or projects, such as Cardano and Polkadot. Easy to read and as gripping as a thriller – essential reading.

Author: Camila Russo
Format: book, e-book and audio book

“Kryptowährung für Einsteiger” (Cryptocurrency for beginners)

The free audio book is a comprehensive guide, providing insights into trading on the crypto market. It covers the basics of blockchain, mining and the major cryptocurrencies and highlights the importance of risk management and individually tailored trading strategies. The audio book provides listeners with the knowledge required to identify opportunities on the crypto market, offering professional advice and step-by-step guidance.

Author: Raphael Engel
Format: free audio book

“Do Your Own Research: der Blockchain und Krypto Einsteiger-Guide inklusive der Top 25 Projekte” (Do Your Own Research: the beginner’s guide to blockchain and crypto, including the top 25 projects)

“Do Your Own Research” provides an introduction to the world of blockchain and cryptocurrencies and aims to show readers the importance of meticulous research. It outlines the key principles for decision-making on the fast-paced crypto market. It sets itself apart from other books by taking a special look at the top 25 cryptocurrencies – measured by market capitalization as at December 2023 – and summarizing essential knowledge for potential investors.

Author: Matthäus Kandzia
Format: audio book, book

“The Internet of Money” (in English)

The author Andreas M. Antonopoulos is a well-known Bitcoin advocate. He explains in simple terms why Bitcoin and blockchain technology are much more than just financial tools – they represent the key to a revolutionary future for the Internet of money. It doesn’t just cover the technical side of cryptocurrency, but also explores how Bitcoin is transforming the perception of money in the digital age. This audio book is highly recommended for anyone wishing to understand the cultural and social implications of cryptocurrencies.

Author: Andreas M. Antonopoulos
Format: audio book, book

Recommended Bitcoin books

Bitcoin is the undisputed king of the cryptocurrencies – unsurprisingly, most people want to understand this product first before delving any deeper. The most relevant books focusing specifically on Bitcoin are listed below.

“Bitcoin für Einsteiger” (Bitcoin for beginners)

Marco Bühler alias Sunnydecree – Switzerland’s most successful Bitcoin YouTuber – is now making his knowledge available in a book. In “Bitcoin für Einsteiger” (Bitcoin for beginners), he doesn’t just explain the key principles of Bitcoin, but also why they’re necessary. Bühler looks at the technical aspects and provides an insight into the market, as well as practical advice. Readers obtain a clear and well-structured overview that’s a good guide for both beginners and those at a more advanced stage.

Author: Marco Bühler
Format: book

“Die orange Pille” (The orange pill)

Ijoma Mangold is a journalist, podcaster and well-known literary critic – but, above all, a Bitcoin enthusiast. Mangold views Bitcoin as a movement with the potential to challenge the current financial system. In “Die orange Pille” (The orange pill), he shares his personal thrilling Bitcoin journey. A “Spiegel” bestseller that’s an enthralling blend of technology, monetary policy, economics and philosophy. Mangold takes us on an intellectual journey that encourages us to ask questions and reflect.

Author: Ijoma Mangold
Format : book, e-book and audio book

“Der Bitcoin-Standard” (The Bitcoin standard)

Bible may be overstating it, but “Der Bitcoin-Standard” (The Bitcoin standard) by Saifedean Ammous is undoubtedly a classic piece of Bitcoin literature. The author explores the economic significance of Bitcoin and explains why the biggest cryptocurrency is known as digital gold. Other topics covered include its role in the global financial system and its potential as a store of purchasing power. Compulsory reading for anyone wishing to understand the key principles of Bitcoin and its impact on the economy and society.

Author: Saifedean Ammous
Format: book, e-book and audio book

“The Bitcoin Whitepaper”

It all started with a whitepaper published in 2008 under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. In just nine pages, this paper explains the basics of Bitcoin and blockchain. The whitepaper is compulsory reading, but not ideal as an introduction to the topic owing to its complexity.

Format: PDF

Links to specialist cryptocurrency websites

There are countless websites on cryptocurrencies – but which ones are really useful? Below are some online resources that don’t just look at the current market situation, but also provide background information and more in-depth analysis.

CoinGecko

Prices, trading volumes, market capitalization, historic data and analysis – CoinGecko offers everything you could wish for from a crypto site. The knowledge section, which provides insights into the community and developer activities of the various cryptocurrencies, is also extremely informative. A very comprehensive website that can be truly useful for decision-making.

BTC-Echo

btc-echo.de – one of the best-known news and information sites in the German-speaking world – provides up-to-date news, in-depth analysis, market overviews and background reports on all the latest developments in the crypto universe. A valuable resource for investors, tech lovers and anyone interested in the digital currency scene.

Crypto Valley Journal

The Crypto Valley Journal (cvj.ch) is the leading Swiss website for cryptocurrencies and blockchain. It provides daily background information on market developments, key players and new projects from all over the world – and Switzerland in particular. The extensive knowledge section, with a comprehensive glossary and academy available free of charge, is also helpful.

The Block

The Block, a website in English, provides lots of information on cryptocurrencies, blockchain, Web3, Metaverse and new projects and companies. For anyone wishing to trade independently, the paid-for research tool, providing the latest background information as well as access to over 2,000 research papers, is an ideal option.

Bitcoin and cryptocurrency podcasts

Podcasts are still one of the fastest growing media formats, and there’s a vast number on cryptocurrencies and blockchain. The following selection covers everything imaginable: from debate solely on Bitcoin and discussions on monetary systems to interviews with key figures from the scene.

“Einundzwanzig, der Bitcoin Podcast” (21, the Bitcoin podcast)

Bitcoin, and nothing else. That’s the maxim of “Einundzwanzig, der Bitcoin Podcast” (21, the Bitcoin podcast), where all the latest Bitcoin-related news, developments and ideas are discussed. It provides in-depth insights and analysis for both beginners and experienced traders. The importance of Bitcoin to society and the economy is another regularly covered topic.

Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock ‘n’ Roll

In their podcast “Bitcoin, Fiat & Rock ‘n’ Roll”, the four hosts focus on the interface between cryptocurrencies and the traditional financial system. Through in-depth analysis and entertaining discussions, they explain how Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies influence the world of finance – and, in turn, the economic system. An inspirational source of information for anyone interested in the extensive impact of cryptocurrencies on society, the economy and culture.

House of Satoshi

The Swiss show “House of Satoshi” provides an insight into Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies – it’s in dialect and focuses on the local scene. The host meets experts on a monthly basis to look at the latest developments and background stories. Specialist terms and complex content are explained in simple terms and in an entertaining way. House of Satoshi also regularly hosts events at which those involved in the Swiss crypto scene meet up.

BTC-Echo

The team at BTC-Echo, a leading crypto media specialist in the German-speaking world, also share their expertise in a podcast. The podcast provides extensive market analysis, but also speaks to leading figures from the scene. A fascinating and entertaining show for both experts and general listeners.

Disclaimer

The books and audio books featured in this article are third-party content. The summaries provided by PostFinance do not constitute financial advice. Please note that third-party providers may analyse data and use it for targeted advertising.