Introduction to Cryptocurrency

Volume I: The Rise of Blockchain and Its Fundamentals

By: codingtmd zh

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

What if you could trust the internet—not through banks, governments, or tech giants—but through code itself?

Introduction to Cryptocurrency — Volume I: The Rise of Blockchain and Its Fundamentals is your gateway into the fascinating world of blockchain and digital currencies.

From Bitcoin's creation during the 2008 financial crisis to the explosive rise of decentralized ecosystems, this volume traces the first decade of blockchain's evolution — how it began, why it matters, and where it's heading. You'll uncover how blockchain works, what gives Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies their value, and how decentralization is transforming traditional power structures in finance, governance, and technology.

Written by a group of Silicon Valley engineers and blockchain early adopters, in the spirit of a modern college textbook, The Rise of Blockchain and Its Fundamentals combines clear explanations with historical context and technical depth. It demystifies complex ideas such as distributed ledgers, consensus mechanisms, and token systems, while examining real-world adoption across industries from banking and logistics to gaming and the metaverse.

Inside you’ll find:
• The true origin story of blockchain and Bitcoin
• Key technical concepts explained with clarity
• The three eras of blockchain: 1.0 (Digital Currency), 2.0 (Smart Contracts), and 3.0 (Internet of Value)
• Common myths and misunderstandings—debunked
• How blockchain challenges governments, banks, and big tech
• Real-world insights into the global ecosystem and its future trajectory

Whether you're a student, educator, entrepreneur, or simply crypto-curious, this book helps you make sense of the hype, the hope, and the hard truths behind blockchain's rise. It serves as both a foundational learning resource and a forward-looking reference for understanding how decentralized technology is reshaping the digital world.