7 Best Books on Ethereum to Read and Learn

Since the emergence of blockchain technology, various networks have offered tools to transform how we interact with the digital world. Ethereum is an example of a blockchain network that has introduced various capabilities. Thanks to its smart contract compatibility, the network can house decentralized applications (dApps), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and many innovations in Web3. However, it is vital to study the best books on Ethereum to understand this vast technology.

Understanding Ethereum’s complexities is possible whether you are new to the space or familiar with the ecosystem. This article highlights seven books to understand Ethereum. It also mentions how much users will spend to own one of these books.

Top 7 Must-Read Books on Ethereum

As the second largest blockchain by market capitalization after Bitcoin, Ethereum has played a massive role in redefining how crypto users interact with the blockchain. After popularizing the concept of smart contracts, the Ethereum network explored the philosophy behind decentralized systems and other similar functionalities.

We have curated a list of seven must-read books about ETH that will help you navigate the fast-moving world of Ethereum. They are:

1. Mastering Ethereum: Building Smart Contracts and DApps
2. Ethereum for Web Developers: Learn to Build Web Applications on top of the Ethereum Blockchain
3. Proof of Stake: The Making of Ethereum and the Philosophy of Blockchain
4. Out of the Ether: The Amazing Story of Ethereum and the $55 Million Heist that Almost Destroyed It All
5. Absolute Essentials of Ethereum
6. Ethereum Beginners Bible: How You Can Profit from Trading & Investing in Ethereum, Even If You’re a Complete Novice
7. The Infinite Machine: How an Army of Crypto-hackers Is Building the Next Internet with Ethereum

Mastering Ethereum: Building Smart Contracts and DApps (2018)

“Mastering Ethereum” by Andreas M. Antonopoulos and Gavin Wood is an excellent guide to learn more about Ethereum. The book teaches how to build decentralized applications and smart contracts. It starts by showing you how to install software that connects you to the Ethereum network. Then, it guides you through writing smart contracts.

Additionally, you will explore essential concepts like public key cryptography, hashing, and digital signatures. The authors explain how wallets manage the digital keys that control your funds and contracts. They also walk you through Ethereum’s proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, which ensures the network remains secure and transactions are validated.

Using real-world examples, the book also covers security best practices, design patterns, and anti-patterns. Plus, you’ll learn how to create tokens for assets, shares, and more. The paperback edition is priced at £35.46 on Amazon.

Ethereum for Web Developers: Learn to Build Web Applications on top of the Ethereum Blockchain (2019)

This book, authored by Santiago Palladino, is an excellent resource to boost your knowledge on Ethereum-based decentralized applications. Notably, “Ethereum for Web Developers” targets the web development layer, helping you design intuitive, user-friendly experiences on the blockchain. It begins with a simple introduction to blockchain and Ethereum, setting the stage for building your first dApp.

The book covers how to interact with the blockchain by querying and displaying data, handling events, and managing user accounts. It also dives into Solidity, Ethereum’s language for creating custom smart contracts. Additionally, a section on backend development shows how to index data and store it using IPFS.

The author addresses Ethereum’s challenges, like onboarding users and scalability. Solutions like meta-transactions and state channels are explored. Available for an average price of £47, this book is ideal for developers familiar with JavaScript and HTML/CSS.

Proof of Stake: The Making of Ethereum and the Philosophy of Blockchain (2022)

“Proof of Stake” is a collection of essays by Vitalik Buterin, the creator of Ethereum. In the book, he shared his vision of Ethereum as more than just a cryptocurrency. He saw it as an open-source platform that could power smart contracts, decentralized apps, and social networks.

Notably, the essays cover many ideas and philosophical questions surrounding blockchain technology. For instance, in “On Free Speech,” Buterin explores how blockchain could help shape new ways to protect expression. Meanwhile, “Crypto Cities” dives into the idea of using blockchain tech to rethink how cities are governed.

The book also provides helpful context to Buterin’s writing and shows how Ethereum has evolved over the years. Moreover, it offers a unique window into the mind of one of the most influential thinkers in the Web3 space.

Released in September 2022, the book is available in paperback and e-book formats. The paperback is priced at £12.99, and the Kindle edition costs £4.99 on Amazon. If you're curious about blockchain's philosophy and real-world potential, this collection is worth checking out.

Out of the Ether: The Amazing Story of Ethereum and the $55 Million Heist that Almost Destroyed It All (2020)

Matthew Leising’s “Out of the Ether” offers a fascinating look at Ethereum’s early days and the hurdles it faced. The story follows Vitalik Buterin and the diverse team behind the platform that ultimately revolutionized blockchain technology.

A big part of the story is the $55 million hack in 2016, which almost brought the Ethereum network down. Meanwhile, Leising dives into the key players involved—hackers, developers, and investors—and explores how this event shaped Ethereum’s future.

What stands out in the book is how it shows the potential and risks of blockchain technology. Leising's storytelling is all about innovation, setbacks, and resilience. If you’re curious about Ethereum’s rocky start, this book gives you a detailed, behind-the-scenes look. You can get it for £16.47 on eBay.

Absolute Essentials of Ethereum (2022)

This textbook is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a concise yet comprehensive guide to boost your knowledge on Ethereum. Released in 2024 by Paul Dylan-Ennis, it introduces the Ethereum ecosystem, covering its foundational concepts and more advanced applications.

Notably, the book explains technical ideas clearly, making complex topics easy to understand for beginners. Each chapter includes helpful definitions and summaries to grasp the key points. Moreover, real-life case studies provide relevant, up-to-date context, helping to make the concepts more relatable.

It explores various topics, from Ethereum’s Execution and Consensus layers to governance, DAOs, DeFi, NFTs, and Layer 2 solutions. Additionally, this book is ideal for blockchain, Web3, and fintech students or anyone curious about how Ethereum works. It’s available for £49.97 in the hardback edition.

Ethereum Beginners Bible: How You Can Profit from Trading & Investing in Ethereum, Even If You’re a Complete Novice (2021)

If you’re new to Ethereum and looking to learn how to get started, this comprehensive book is a great option. Priced at around £9.99 for the paperback edition, the book was published in 2017 and keeps things beginner-friendly. You’ll find step-by-step instructions on how to buy, sell, and secure Ethereum.

The author, Stephen Satoshi, explores Ethereum’s future and other cryptocurrencies, offering a glimpse into what lies ahead. The book also covers diversification strategies to help manage market volatility. It also highlights other crypto projects built on Ethereum’s technology.

Overall, it is a solid pick for anyone just starting out in the world of Ethereum and crypto.

The Infinite Machine: How an Army of Crypto-hackers Is Building the Next Internet with Ethereum (2020)

This book, priced at around £17 for the hardcover, explores the origin story of Ethereum. It focuses on how 19-year-old Vitalik Buterin came up with the idea. He pulled together a group of passionate coders to build a decentralized global computer.

Written by Camila Russo, The Infinite Machine brings Ethereum’s journey to life. It draws from interviews and personal stories. Russo explores the project's big ambitions and its innovative potential. She also covers hurdles like regulatory pushback and team conflicts.

The book shows how Ethereum is reshaping the financial world. It also asks what that means for the future of the internet. Whether you’re into crypto or just curious, this read puts you front and center.

FAQs

Can I learn how to invest in Ethereum from books?

Absolutely! If you’re new to Ethereum, books like “Ethereum for Beginners Bible” are perfect for helping you get started. It breaks down the basics of investing and trading in Ethereum, making it accessible even if you’re just starting out.

What’s the latest book on Ethereum worth reading?

If you’re looking for something more recent, “Proof of Stake.” It offers a deep dive into Ethereum’s shift to a proof-of-stake consensus and explores the bigger picture of blockchain tech, making it highly relevant right now.

What books give insights into Ethereum’s future?

For a glimpse into Ethereum’s future, read “The Infinite Machine.” It covers Ethereum’s journey and shares some exciting ideas about where it’s headed. Additionally, “Proof of Stake” provides a fascinating look at Ethereum’s evolution and where it might go in the future.

Conclusion

Ethereum is making exciting progress. With better scalability, the rise of DeFi and dApps, and improved interoperability, the network is growing fast. Regulatory advancements and a strong community add to its potential. Exploring the right resources can be a great place to start to really understand how Ethereum works.

No matter your experience level, the resources discussed in this article have something for you. You’ll learn how to build smart contracts and decentralized apps and grasp the philosophy behind blockchain. Using the information in this article, you will decide which is the best Ethereum book. Keep learning, and maybe you’ll contribute to Ethereum’s next big breakthrough.