If you are interested in trading or investing in altcoins, you may be wondering where you can attain the knowledge to do so. Unfortunately, there are so many altcoins that there aren’t books about all of them. Regardless, there are a few that can help you learn.
Books only tend to be good sources of information for about two years after they are published, and this is especially true when it comes to books about altcoins. Read on to learn about some of the books we recommend reading in 2025.
5 Best Altcoin Books
Before we begin, we would like to issue a small disclaimer. As mentioned above, books aren’t viable resources for long. In fact, we recommend always buying the digital version whenever possible, as you will receive updates on the book if the author happens to update it. Even if they don’t, it’s easier to dispose of them when they are no longer viable (and better for the environment).
Without further ado, here are the best books about altcoins.
1. An Altcoin Trader’s Handbook by Nik Patel
Although we just said that new books are better, there is one exception, and that is An Altcoin Trader’s Handbook by Nik Patel. Though this book was published in 2018, it provides a lot of general knowledge on trading altcoins, which doesn’t change. Just know that it provides more of a broad look at altcoin trading, and should not be used for its finite details.
2. Cryptocurrency Today: A Beginner’s Guide by Jennifer Wesley
Cryptocurrency Today: A Beginner’s Guide was published in March 2025 and has received overall positive reviews. It’s a general overview with insights into both secure investment strategies, as well as more risky ones. While this book may not have high-level strategies or those directed toward a specific token, it does have an audiobook, making it easy to consume the information included in this book.
Plus, this author regularly updates this book—meaning it won’t expire like others on this list.
3. Proof of Stake: The Making of Ethereum and the Philosophy of Blockchains by Vitalik Buterin
It’s no secret, Vitalik Buterin is a genius, therefore even though his book was written in 2022, we believe it is still applicable today. Of course, his book is only good for learning about Ethereum, but we think Ethereum is one of the most sure bets on the market right now. Not only is Buterin taking steps to make it quantum computer proof, but it is constantly growing and changing to ensure it aligns with the market—something which can’t be said for most altcoins.
4. Cryptocurrency QuickStart Guide by Jonathan Reichental
There is more to the altcoin world than just trading altcoins, as DeFi positions itself to take over the world. While the book Cryptocurrency QuickStart Guide is quickly reaching its expiration in our eyes (it was published in 2023), we do think there is still a little something for readers to gain from this book. And, we hope the critically acclaimed author will eventually update it.
5. Blockchain Technology Explained by Alan T. Norman
Another book on the older end, we recommend reading Blockchain Technology Explained, only so you can gain enough information to make your own decisions about altcoins. Unfortunately, no matter how many books we recommend here, there are still so many scams in the altcoin space that you may fall for if you are not educated about how this technology works. Although this book is the most technologically challenging to read, it is a must if you are going to survive trading in the blockchain space. We just hope the author writes an update soon.
Should You Read Books Written by AI?
Unfortunately, like most of the internet, the book market is being flooded with AI-written books. In general, these books contain no useful information, especially when it comes to altcoins and trading cryptocurrency.
Despite the way some industries rave about AI, know that AI is only good for two things: summarizing, and fabricating fake information—two things which can be disastrous in the investing space. Because AI is machine learning, it will often take a few small bits of information and run with it, creating fake stats, which can be detrimental to any investor.
If you see a book that is written by AI, absolutely do not rely on it. Not only can it lead you astray, but it may also contain nothing but false information.
How Do You Know If a Book is AI?
Many “publishers” know that AI does nothing but regurgitate misinformation; as such, they will go through great lengths to hide that their book is AI, but here are some of the signs.
·The book has no reviews
·The listed author is a publisher
·If there is an author listed, they have over 500 titles in numerous genres published
·The cover is AI art
·The summary sounds AI-generated
While each of these things alone doesn’t mean the book is AI, if a book is all or most of these, then it is likely written by AI. In general, it is only physically possible for a human author to produce 1-6 books a year, even if they write full-time. Therefore, the biggest red flag is when an author has more books than seems humanly possible to have written (500, for example).
Remember, you should read books written by professionals whenever possible, which is why we recommended books by Nik Patel and Vitalik Buterin, as both of them are well known in the cryptocurrency space, and they definitely know what they are talking about.
Overall, books aren’t always the best way to learn about altcoins, and though the ones here will get you started, it’s important to follow news sites and blogs like this one to ensure you are always continuing to learn about the altcoin space. Also remember, above all else, if something sounds too good to be true, it is.
This article was brought to you by the Bitcoin Crash Game, BitRocket on MintDice. Originally posted to MintDice.com.