“The Cryptopians” generated a lot of interest when it was released last month because of a few juicy discoveries regarding behind-the-scenes turmoil during the creation and launch of Ethereum. However, the book, which was written by Laura Shin, a long-time crypto writer and podcaster, has a lot more to offer than dirty laundry. It could be the best book about the crypto sector ever written by a journalist.

With apologies to Jeff Roberts, whose “Kings of Crypto” is equally good and, in my opinion, written with a little more apparent verve. Shin wins by a hair because her controversial issues hold your attention longer than a corporate cypher like Brian Armstrong’s. And, while the book is written in a low-key tone, it complements Shin’s outstanding reporting.

There’s no need for more mustard now that she’s unearthed so many unexpected, exciting, and surprising new insights regarding Ethereum’s early past.

Those details, it should be noted, will mostly interest crypto insiders or other business types looking for more information on certain people or companies for the time being. The book also provides a fascinating look into the difficulties of conducting a project along the loose, ostensibly democratic lines that many crypto organizations aspire to.

 The book provides a useful overview of Ethereum, including what it is, what it can do, and why it matters, but it is not the primary focus. Those who are just getting started with cryptocurrency should probably look elsewhere.

However, for those who already have some knowledge of Ethereum and blockchains, the book will expand your technical grasp of Ethereum and blockchains by providing several real-world examples. 

Shin has a fanatical attention to detail, and her reports of individual instances involve extended lists of transactions between specific addresses. Her depictions of particularly esoteric events, such as the effort to retrieve The DAO’s funds or unlock the infamously lost Parity funds, will help you get beyond rudimentary understanding to full comprehension.