Product description
Review
“A useful, usable and enjoyable read. Antony helps us all clearly understand the mechanics of bitcoin and blockchain.” ―Rob Findlay, Founder, Next Money
“My family asked me to explain what I do, I gave them a copy of this book. Antony explains cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies clearly and articulately, whilst remaining witty.” ―Colin Platt, Co-Host Blockchain Insider Podcast & DLT/Cryptocurrency Researcher
“One of the few credible books I suggest when people ask ‘where can I learn about bitcoin?’ [It is an] excellent, level-headed primary on everything crypto. I’ve been in the space for quite some time and I still learned from The Basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains.” ―Zennon Kapron, Managing Director, Kapronasia
“An engaging, clear, and authoritative guide to the applications and implications of blockchains.” ―Greg Wolfson, Head of Business Development at Element Group
“The first book that I’ve seen that really breaks down concepts. [An] excellent insight into the key concepts and real-world implications of bitcoin and blockchain.” ―Zennon Kapron, Managing Director, Kapronasia
“A great resource for anyone who wants to understand what blockchain and cryptocurrency is really all about.” ―Paul Griffin, Associate Professor, School of Information Systems, Singapore Management University
“Einstein said that ‘if you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.’ Antony clearly understands and articulates the basics of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies.” ―Colin Platt, Co-Host Blockchain Insider Podcast & DLT/Cryptocurrency Researcher
“[A] comprehensive overview of the fundamentals. One of the few recommended readings for my new staff.” ―Yusho Liu, Cofounder, Coinhako
“A delightful read that cuts the hype, finds the signal in the noise, and fires on all cylinders from front to back.” ―John Collins, fintech advisor ―This text refers to the hardcover edition.
About the Author
In 2013, Antony Lewis became so interested in a niche online currency called Bitcoin, he left a conventional banking career to join a little startup called itBit. itBit is a bitcoin exchange, a website where clients can buy and sell bitcoins, and was one of the first wave of venture capital funded companies in the nascent cryptocurrency industry. After itBit, Antony privately consulted to clients mainly in the finance and consulting sectors, writing papers and running workshops to explain this new technology to curious professionals. In 2016 Antony joined R3, a financial industry consortium created to collaboratively explore the benefits of blockchain technology. As Director of Research, he explores and explains the evolving concepts and technologies to clients, policymakers, and the public. Antony currently sits on the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission’s FinTech Advisory Group panel. Before bitcoins and blockchains, Antony was a technologist at Credit Suisse in London and Singapore having started his banking career as an FX spot trader at Barclays Capital in 2007. Antony lives in Singapore with his wife Sarah and their two children and blogs at www.bitsonblocks.net.
Graffico –
I really enjoyed this book it really highlights how disruptive block chain technology is and how it has such a significant impact on the banking sector.Readers will enjoy this book because in my opinion it shows how much of an advantage Bitcoin has over conventional stores of value. As someone who works in finance I am of the view that Bitcoin is hard money and that there is no risk involved when purchasing it and holding it as a store of value over a long period of time.
sideword –
Nice and clear. Really addresses those questions one might have about crypto and tokens. Despite being a couple of years since publication, it is still very relevant in this fast evolving environment. The only reason why it didn’t get a 5 was because of the minuscule size of some of the illustrations, most of which are well referenced and can be found on the web. Nevertheless, a great starting point for both a broad and technical introduction.
Kris O. –
The first bit of text I’ve come across which methodically and logically breaks down everything you need to know to fully understand the basics and the premise of crypto landscape. Highly recommend the family and friends read it, breaks all the tech jargon down to layman’s terms so anyone can understand this emerging world. Moreover, The author presents a much needed unbiased view in the book, he’s not the typical moon boy and yet he’s not overly critical of the space, he just presents the facts and let’s the reader interpret for themselves. A very solid and well thought out piece of writing. I feel like a lot of people in this space are overly bullish and don’t play devil’s advocate enough. Antony most certainly breaks this mold and does so in such an eloquent and articulate manner. A non-negotiable must read for anyone who wants to understand the future of our economic climate.
Matt –
I really enjoyed this for the simplicity and clarity, I find the subject area tends to be unnecessarily obfuscated by complex language and jargon. What I saw here is a author who is clearly an expert with a chatty conversational style that is akin to having a coffee and listening rather than being blinded by science in a lecture. I’m a interested observer not a developer or involved in the area and found that this was very easy to read but didn’t dumb things down either.I learnt a lot about the technology but also the political and social context which is equally as important.Enjoyable read and some great charts and diagrams that help with the financial context and money flows … Five starts highly recommended and great knowledge transfer in a convenient format !
Gordon Murray –
Finished reading The basics of Bitcoins and Blockchains. It was a good intro to bitcoin, blockchains, Ethereum, digital contracts and more. It started with a history of money which was really interesting. Worth a read.
mapfay –
If you want a good introduction to cryptocurrencies then this book is for you. A little slow and laborious in places and the book could easily be 50 pages shorter but the author has written the book in a methodical, clear and easy to understand style. I bought the paperback version, print quality was poor, makes no difference for the written text but the images and screen shots are illegible – a shame but it doesn’t really make much difference to the readability and use of the book. Main topics covered are, the origins of money, the exchange of money, bitcoin, etherium, definitions of tokens and digital assets.
Yin and Yang –
An interesting book, with lots of background information on the formation of fiat currency, the evolution of the world financial system and the Bitcoin revolution.One thing it won’t help with is how to start your journey into buying and selling crypto currency in the markets.
T. Keates –
I have been pleasantly surprised that it is a real page-turner on what could be a very technical and dry subject.It has made me think on the nature of fiat monies and how a truly decentralised debit & credit system will rock the world. Who would have thought a book on crypto would be my bedtime reading in 2021. I’m really enjoying going to bed early to consume a few more pages, as the structure of electronic assets unfold before me. Really super, I recommend it. And I don’t say that lightly.
Oscar Luna –
Extraordinario Outstanding
One of the best books I’ve ever read. It captures your interest acrosss reading. it guides you from the beginning and step by step from understanding basic concepts to more complex ones
Lukas –
Great for anyone who wants to understand blockchains and how cryptocurrencies work.
Great for anyone who wants to understand blockchains and how cryptocurrencies work. Well written and easy to read. Divided into logical chapter, making it easy to find what you are looking for rather than having to read it cover to cover – think of it like a reference book. Highly recommended for newbies and veterans alike. I am quite knowledgeable on this topic, and I still refer to this book now and then. I bought it for my wife, who knew nothing about the topic, and now she is able to explain this technology to others.