Learning about blockchain and Web3 can be a life-changing initiative. Blockchain specialists are in extremely high demand sector-wide and can earn handsome salaries. Even if you’re not a developer, there are plenty of job opportunities in Web3, despite global recessions and economic turmoil. At Moralis Academy, we bring you the absolute best in blockchain and Web3 education. As such, we’ve collated the ten best Web3 books to help you understand the nitty-gritty of crypto and blockchain. With some of the most prominent voices in Web3, these books have been carefully selected to help you grasp the fundamental concepts that underpin the Web3 landscape.
In this article, we dive deep into the top ten Web3 books available in 2022. Furthermore, we explore the top Web3 authors. Plus, we examine some of the most widely read publications from industry leaders. Additionally, we discuss the importance of Web3 education and how you can get up to speed in no time!
What is Web3?
Web3 is the umbrella term given to the new iteration of the internet. It uses permissionless blockchain protocols and smart contracts to offer an equitable alternative to our current online experiences. Web1 was the first iteration of the internet. It consisted of static images and text and provided users with little interactivity. Also, Web1 was far less accessible than current versions of the internet, as anyone who wanted to create or publish content required knowledge of computer programming. However, this all changed with the advent of Web2.
Web2 is the version of the internet with which most people are familiar. It features interactive web applications, marketplaces, and social media platforms. Also, anyone can create content with Web2. However, Web2 is controlled by a small handful of powerful companies. These companies get to shape society and access vast amounts of data, often monetized without the user’s knowledge. However, Web3 addresses this problem.
Using decentralized, permissionless, and privacy-preserving protocols, which put users in control of their own data, Web3 solves the issues above. Moreover, Web3 protocols are often owned by the people using them. Accordingly, that’s why cryptocurrencies and token economies help to democratize Web3 technologies.
Top 10 Web3 Books to Read in 2022
In the digital age, it’s easy to forget some of life’s simplest pleasures, such as sitting down and reading a good book. For some, it’s the smell of paper. For others, it’s the ritual that allows them to take time out of their otherwise busy schedules. Below, we take a look at the ten best Web3 books in 2022.
The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous
The first book to enter our top ten Web3 books list is “The Bitcoin Standard” by Saifedean Ammous. This book breaks down the fundamental value propositions of Bitcoin and blockchain while exploring monetary theory. It describes the differences between hard money and soft money. Plus, it highlights many of the problems with fiat currencies, central banks, inflation, deflation, and currency debasement.
Although history doesn’t always repeat, it does often rhyme. Moreover, The Bitcoin Standard helps us to understand what the future of currencies and finance could look like. It also outlines the frailties of the current financial system and how Bitcoin can be a saving grace during periods of economic downturn. Additionally, The Bitcoin Standard takes readers on a journey of discovery through time, exploring the various stages of each monetary system that has dominated different societies and how they evolved to what we know and understand today.
Mastering Bitcoin by Andreas Antonopoulos (2nd Edition)
Andreas Antonopoulos is one of the most prominent voices in Web3. The best-selling author and Bitcoin advocate is known throughout the Web3 industry for delivering articulate and well-informed guides to help everyone understand the value propositions of Bitcoin and Web3.
Furthermore, “Mastering Bitcoin” takes readers on a journey of discovery to understand the complex nature of blockchain and why it is disrupting the traditional world of finance. Whether you’re a tech entrepreneur, investor, or just entering Web3 for the first time, this book provides a concise and easy-to-digest overview of Bitcoin and blockchain to help you get to grips with this innovative technology.
Moreover, Mastering Bitcoin explains the foundations of cryptocurrencies in a way that appeals to all levels of experience and understanding. It includes a detailed overview of decentralized networks, peer-to-peer transactions, wallets, blockchain security, and much more.
Mastering Ethereum by Andreas Antonopoulos and Dr. Gavin Wood
Once you understand the fundamental concepts of Bitcoin, learning about the Ethereum network is the natural next step. As such, “Mastering Ethereum” is the essential guide for anyone looking to enter the world of decentralized finance (DeFi). Furthermore, Dr. Gavin Wood is the co-founder of Ethereum and created the Solidity programming language, which is used for creating smart contracts on Ethereum. Plus, he is the founder of Polkadot, a top ten blockchain and cryptocurrency network. Hence, he is one of the most well-respected figures in the blockchain industry.
The book provides readers with detailed insights into how to safely build smart contracts, decentralized applications (dapps), and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) on Ethereum. Also, Mastering Ethereum explores why so many businesses are integrating the number one smart contract blockchain into existing business practices.
The intended audience for this publication is anyone familiar with coding. However, the first few chapters provide an overview of the Ethereum network that anyone interested can understand. Moreover, Mastering Ethereum is a great read for any developer looking to venture into Web3.
Cryptoassets by Chris Burniske and Jack Tatar
“Cryptoassets” is an investor’s guide to Bitcoin and digital assets. It creates a comprehensive timeline of the key events that helped to forge the new digital economy, starting with the 2008 financial crisis and the birth of the number one cryptocurrency. Also, the book compares the differences between Bitcoin and various other cryptocurrencies.
Moreover, the book aims to lay the foundations for any investor looking to participate in crypto and blockchain. This includes topics such as crypto wallets, exchanges, and taking part in initial coin offerings (ICOs) and token launches. Plus, it covers the broader economic benefits and implications of this emerging asset class.
Bubble or Revolution by Neel Mehta, Aditya Agashe, and Parth Detroja
Next on our top Web3 books list is “Bubble or Revolution“, which aims to clear up some of the common misconceptions about Web3 and distinguish between the crypto hype and technology. The book is authored by leaders from some of the most prominent tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Facebook (now Meta). It provides an accessible and thorough analysis of blockchain and cryptocurrencies while guiding readers through the core concepts of Web3 using real-world case studies.
Furthermore, Bubble or Revolution explores many political and economic complexities of blockchain and delivers interviews with several industry leaders. Moreover, this book assumes no prior knowledge of Bitcoin or blockchain, making it suitable for all levels. Also, readers learn about the differences between traditional currencies and cryptocurrencies.
Additionally, Bubble or Revolution outlines some key trends to watch out for in Web3 and highlights some of the things newcomers should know before entering Web3 for the first time. Also, the book discusses the differences between public and private blockchains. The book also pinpoints some of the strengths and weaknesses of leading altcoins and provides an overview of other types of distributed ledger technologies (DLTs).
The Spatial Web – Gabriel René and Dan Mapes
“The Spatial Web” by Gabriel René explores the intersection between science fiction and the modern technological landscape. The book compares the imagery of futuristic novels and movies with the modern digital age, where smart devices and autonomous protocols are the new norms. Furthermore, the book poses the question, “how did fantasy become reality?”.
The Spatial Web ponders the convergence of several emerging technologies, including blockchain, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), the internet of things (IoT), and robotics. It describes how these technologies shape our future and the environments in which we exist. Also, the book explores the reasons Web3 is challenging the status quo and the problems the movement aims to address.
Moreover, The Spatial Web addresses global leaders in businesses and government to use decentralized technologies to facilitate interoperability between common software and create robust frameworks for ethical and social codes. It argues that Web3 technologies are essential tools for social and economic betterment. Plus, it describes how these technologies intersect and predicts how they might function in future years.
The Internet of Money, Volumes 1-3 by Andreas Antonopoulos
Though each volume of “The Internet of Money” by Andreas Antonopoulos is a standalone publication, each book leads intuitively into the next. The first three volumes give readers a fundamental perspective of Bitcoin and why it makes sense in the digital age. These books help readers to contextualize the importance of Bitcoin and why it is disrupting outdated industries and legacy institutions.
Furthermore, The Internet of Money explores the concept of financial freedom and unpicks traditional financial models to understand why we need to hedge against inflation and economic instability. What’s more, these books address Bitcoin’s political and philosophical components that underpin its decentralized architecture.
The Blockchain Developer by Elad Elrom
As the name suggests, “The Blockchain Developer” by Elad Elrom is aimed at developers rather than newcomers to Web3. Rather than giving an overview of the various concepts, the book addresses the technical architecture of Web3. It helps developers to understand what it takes to build a blockchain network and what goes into building dapps from scratch. Also, The Blockchain Developer outlines many of the practical use cases for blockchain beyond cryptocurrencies and DeFi.
The Metaverse: And How it Will Revolutionize Everything by Matthew Ball
“The Metaverse: And How it Will Revolutionize Everything” by Matthew Ball was among Amazon’s “Most Anticipated Books of Summer 2022” and was one of the leading technology books of 2022. The book describes various facets of the cultural and technological phenomenon and explores the 3D worlds that shape how we interface with one another.
Specifically, the book draws attention to non-fungible tokens (NFTs), decentralized social media, token economies, and the blockchain architecture that sews it all together. Furthermore, Mathew Ball discusses the social impact of Web3 and the multi-billion dollar industries it is disrupting.
How to DeFi: Beginner by CoinGecko
CoinGecko is a leading cryptocurrency ranking website that provides prices, charts, and market insights. For many DeFi users, CoinGecko is an essential investing tool that produces reliable metrics covering thousands of cryptocurrencies and DeFi apps. “How to DeFi: Beginner” breaks down some of the most common principles of DeFi and offers a non-intimidating introduction to DeFi and smart contracts.
The book explores the open financial protocols built on public blockchains using smart contracts. Readers gain valuable insights into stablecoins, decentralized exchanges (DEXs), derivatives, lending, borrowing, and more. Also, How to DeFi: Beginner has received the seal of approval from several prominent figures from leading DeFi projects.
Why are Web3 Books and Education Important?
Blockchain and Web3 are among the biggest technological and financial innovations in recent history. The use cases for blockchain are increasing in number sector-wide, with some of the biggest companies integrating blockchain to optimize business practices. Furthermore, from non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and the metaverse to supply chain management, healthcare, and insurance, Web3 is quickly becoming entwined in our daily lives.
Learning about Web3 puts you at an unfair advantage in the job market. Also, it could help you to future-proof your career and broaden your horizons. Learning about the value propositions of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies could help you better your understanding of the traditional financial system and preserve your purchasing power.
If you want to learn how to safeguard your wealth during economic downturns, save our “How to Invest During a Crypto Bear Market” article for later reading. Also, see our “Crypto Terminology” article to expand your Web3 vocabulary!
Top 10 Web3 Books to Read in 2022 – Summary
So, there you have it! The top Web3 books of 2022. There has never been a better time to invest in yourself and your education. The books in this list cover some of the most widely researched and coveted decentralized technologies. Plus, at Moralis Academy, we provide daily blog content about blockchain and Web3 to help you advance your education for free.
Now that you’re familiar with the top Web3 books, you should have plenty of reading material to see you through the winter months! During periods of market decline, there’s often nothing better than to take some time away from the charts and dive into some quality educational material. Not only does this provide a fresh perspective, but it also helps you to spot some of the narratives that could shape the future of blockchain and Web3.
