Bitcoin: And the Future of Money

by Jose Pagliery

The digital currency founded by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2009 challenges everything we've come to accept about money, financial institutions, and even government. The currency is anonymous and can be traded internationally-without the fees, government regulation, and oversight by banks and government-backed securities. But Bitcoin is not without risk-the currency's value has fluctuated wildly since inception, and $400 billion suddenly disappeared overnight with the fall of Mt.Gox. Everything You Need to Know About the Digital Currency Revolution provides a detailed look at the impact and future implications of digital currency. CNNMoney.com's Jose Pagliery details digital currency's origins, how the system works, and how Bitcoin is used today. The book also examines the economic impact of a digital, global currency, including perspectives from free market proponents such as Ron Paul to federal regulators who defend the need for central banks. Pagliery also explores the dark side of Bitcoin, including interviews with the FBI and a Bitcoin entrepreneur currently in federal prison. Bitcoin is essential reading for anyone looking to understand a financial innovation that will forever change how we think about money.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Marsha Altman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a pretty level-headed discussion of Bitcoin. He talks about it in the larger framework of the problems of modern banking that it's meant to disrupt, and predicts that if Bitcoin doesn't succeed (and he doesn't think it will), there certainly will be another form of online currency that will take its place, but probably a government-approved one with no anonymity.

[Maximillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprisingly entertaining account of the history, value and future of bitcoin.

[Danh Huỳnh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would say this book is great in simply describing all aspects of bitcoin and crytocurrencies in a simple language, together with many relevant examples and illustrations. It discusses from the origination to the economic, political impacts and futures of bitcoin. I wished I would have read this book earlier.

[Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a good summary of bitcoin and crypto currency in general. Compared to another bitcoin book Mastering Bitcoin, this book is less technical and uses a lot of examples for illustration. It is an interesting book to check out.

[Susan Tuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the book did a solid job of introducing the topic of Bitcoin to its readers. The author organized the topics well, and presented the information in easily understandable terms. My favorite chapter was later in the book, where there was a look ahead, 10 years in the future, describing the evolution of financial transactions using Bitcoin. Would love to see the author come back and present an updated version of the book.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent high-level description of how Bitcoin works, the history of Bitcoin, and some of the potential advantages and disadvantages of Bitcoin and other virtual currencies. The writing style was clear, concise, and interesting - I knew very little about Bitcoin when I picked up the book yesterday, and now I at least know enough to be informed when discussing the subject. The author presents leading arguments in favor of Bitcoin use as well as the main objections, and then leaves it to the reader to form an opinion. I highly recommended the book if you're interested in the topic!

[Chick · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent synopsis of the world of Bitcoin and virtual currencies. This is easy to read and illuminates much of the confusion.

If you have ever wondered how to "stick it to the man", this book explains how it might be happening.

[Agustín Arámburu sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, easy to read, balanced introduction to Bitcoin; highly recommended.

[Prashanthi Chennupati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book which provides insight into Bitcoin and its functionality. Recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand basics of this digital currency.