The review highlights the vivid portrayal of the characters involved in the rise of Bitcoin, from its mysterious creator Satoshi Nakamoto to key figures like Roger Ver. It emphasizes the book's engaging narrative and the global impact of Bitcoin, making it a compelling read for those interested in technology and finance.
The book provides a captivating account of the evolution of Bitcoin, starting from its inception by the enigmatic Satoshi Nakamoto to its role in the dark web and its current influence on the financial sector. The narrative is enriched by the stories of various eccentric characters who played pivotal roles in the cryptocurrency's development. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to make complex financial concepts accessible and engaging, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of technology and finance. The global journey of Bitcoin, from Japan to Iceland, adds a layer of intrigue and depth to the story, highlighting the diverse and unusual individuals who contributed to its growth.
Quick quotes
Popper provides a vivid guide to the characters who met online and built bitcoin, from Nakamoto to Roger Ver, an evangelist for the cryptocurrency known as bitcoin Jesus.
The book travels from Japan, the purported home of the reclusive Nakamoto, to Brooklyn College, where Charlie Shrem, a short, slubby senior co founded BitInstant with an autistic Welshman named Gareth Nelson,to Seattle, where Peter Vessenes, an ambitious entrepreneur, first attracted and then repelled investors and also to the lava plains of Iceland, where Emmanuel Abiodun’s large scale Bitcoin mining company runs complex algorithms 24 hours a day to unearth new Bitcoins.
The book will delineate the participation of dozens of unusual characters who came to be major players in the global digital currency movement.