Mastering Bitcoin: Programming the Open Blockchain (First Edition)

Authored by Andreas M. Antonopoulos, the first edition of this seminal work is freely available online via its official GitHub repository. It is universally recognized as a foundational text for understanding Bitcoin's technical underpinnings. It delves into how Bitcoin works, including cryptographic principles, transactions, and various aspects of wallet implementation and security, providing an in-depth technical understanding crucial for robust security practices.