An economics book connecting monetary history with a case for Bitcoin as an alternative to central banking. Its title refers to a proposed monetary arrangement, rather than a technical protocol standard. Its focus is the significance of money for the economy and society.
Saifedean Ammous wrote the book, and Wiley published the original English edition in 2018. The subtitle The Decentralized Alternative to Central Banking indicates the direction of the author’s argument. His translation overview helps identify a particular edition; Czech and English pagination may differ. [1] [3]
According to the publisher, the discussion moves from earlier media of exchange through metals, coins and the gold standard to government debt. Ammous asks why those media acquired a monetary role and why they lost it. History provides the basis for his search for desirable properties of money. [1]
The public outline of the author’s course accompanying this book includes salability and Stock-to-Flow. It helps clarify the framework in which Ammous assesses the existing stock of money against the ability to create additional units. The outline confirms the discussion’s thematic focus; it is neither the complete book nor evidence of a price prediction. [2]
The accompanying course connects money with time preference, decisions between saving and consumption, and investment. It explicitly places the book’s material in the context of Austrian-school readings. These connections explain the author’s perspective; his broader social conclusions remain arguments to assess. [2]
According to the publisher’s description, the book leads toward Bitcoin as a decentralized alternative to national central banks. Ammous presents it primarily as a monetary arrangement, rather than merely an inexpensive network for everyday payments. This is the author’s case for a particular role for Bitcoin. [1]
For the final chapter, the publisher lists questions about mining energy, crime, control over Bitcoin, the possibility of its demise and other cryptocurrencies. Alongside monetary history, the book thus responds to objections to Bitcoin. The list of topics itself does not replace reading the author’s answers. [1]
The focus on money, its institutions and incentives provides a useful guide for readers seeking economic context. The public course extends the material with related readings and questions about monetary arrangements. We therefore read the book as a sustained economic argument; it is not a technical wallet specification. [2]
This entry draws on the publisher’s announcement, the author’s edition overview and the public outline of the accompanying course. We distinguish information about the book from course topics; we do not claim to have verified the entire text or every historical and causal assertion. Use a specific edition for precise citation. [1] [3] [2]
For the clearest picture, read this entry together with Saifedean Ammous, Sound money, Stock-to-Flow, Time Preference, Bitcoin Whitepaper. The reverse links also lead from Saifedean Ammous, The Fiat Standard, Orange Pill’d, Pay Attention to Bitcoin.
01Is The Bitcoin Standard a technical network standard?+
No. It is an economics book with a historical and social argument. Its title refers to a monetary arrangement, rather than a document that determines Bitcoin protocol rules.
02Does the book mainly help with understanding money or with programming?+
According to the publisher’s description and the author’s outline, its focus is the economic significance of money and Bitcoin. It offers arguments and context; software implementation requires separate technical documentation.