Attack of the 50 Foot Blockchain: Bitcoin, Blockchain, Ethereum & Smart Contracts

David Gerard explains the ideology, technology and history of bitcoin, blockchain and covers associated buzzwords like ICO, DAO, Smart Contracts and more. It is a teardown of the new religion of crypto and blockchain which has no practical uses and is an ecological disaster.A must read for anyone who is contemplating investing in crypto or planning to use a blockchain for any purpose.

Bitcoin and Blockchain although useful are overhyped and oversold technologies. This book provides an account of the participants, ideologies and the failings of people who have got onto the Bitcoin/Blockchain buzz. I do feel that cryptocurrencies are useful but many issues need to be addressed before they become a de-facto standard like other currencies. However, shady peddlers continue to bilk public who have a FOMO complex with respect to cryptocurrencies. This is a must read. Some technical knowledge is required.

Although seems to be written quite quickly and not with a normal long -term and in-depth research as accepted from such books. It seems the author is well versed in the crypto currency ecosystem and has aggregated several articles into one book. However the reason it gets a high rating and is a must read is because it is one of the few book out there that is highly critical of the future of bit-coins and crypto currency. It adds a necessary balance to all the plethora of positive literature about the future of bit-coins,ethereum etc.I may not agree with everything he says but it gives you are very good and different perspective to the ongoing debate of the future of crypto currencies.

A perfect gift for older (and non tech savvy) relatives who ask you "what are these bitcoins I keep hearing about then?", this is a barbed, critical exposé of the world of cryptocurrencies.Crypto "investment" opportunities are mainstream enough now that they get advertised on UK railway billboards alongside the latest Thomas Cook deals and chick-lit blockbuster novels, yet few people are aware of the lies, greed, delusion, and fraud that permeates this sector.If you know anyone who is aiming to "get rich quick" from these new-fangled bitcoins, ethereums, or some random cryptocurrencies that a teenage hacker invented in his bedroom last night, get them to read this first. It offers many cautionary tales for would-be investors, and it's laugh-out-loud funny in places too.My only criticism of this book is that it's a bit short, considering the price. Nearly a third of it consists of the glossary and index. Also, this is very much a primer for newbies - if you're already familiar with the crypto world, most of this info will not be new to you, and you would be better off reading the articles on the author's (excellent) website.All in all though, a great book, a timely warning, and I salute Mr. Gerard for making this available to the world.

Just finished this great rant against Bitcoin, blockchains etc. One of the few critics of this mad fashion, David Granger is also scathingly funny. He characterises the territory as scamland. Put your money, maybe lose it and if not, be unable to get it back out. Hilarious stories of the multiple mishaps, thefts and all the rest. Which otherwise get little to no coverage. See review of this and Book by Tapscotts in Jan 2018 NYRB. See also DG’s website (David [email protected]) and wiki to get a feel this book.Gerard’s book ends in December 2016. His afterword says he did not expect the Bitcoin etc to become one the big stories of 2018. This means a second edition bringing the story up to date would be welcome. If so, the book could be made a bit more readable as it’s underwritten (compressed irony/exasperation is a common section ending) with variable formatting and lotsa acronyms.But for £4.99 on kindle (fiat money as no BTX on Amazon!), its a great read. Might even save you money!

A fine book, well written, arguing the stuff that's familiar to cryptocurrency sceptics - this whole sounds just sounds like a sham.If you, like me, sometimes feel like a crazy person for telling your friends this whole crypto thing MIGHT be complete nonsense, and that its advantages are not at all what people think they are - then here's the book for you.

Some people may have trepidation going into a book on this subject (I certainly do) but the concepts are broken down easily and the underlying psychology will make your jaw drop. It's a tradgicomedy that makes me want to yell at the adverts for etherium currently plastered over canary wharf.And it's because they've started plastering adverts on billboards that you should read this.