Update README.md

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Author: nahern

README.md

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 ![Mastering Cardano Cover](images/cover.png)
 
-**"Mastering Cardano" is now available from [Book.io](https://book.io/)! [Purchase your copy here (coming soon!)](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://book.io/placeholder-for-mastering-cardano).**
+**Mastering Cardano is now available from [Book.io](https://book.io/)! [Purchase your copy here (coming soon!)](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://book.io/placeholder-for-mastering-cardano).**
 
-Welcome to **Mastering Cardano**, a comprehensive, open-source book dedicated to exploring the depths of the Cardano blockchain. This book is a collaborative effort, written by experts and the community, for anyone interested in understanding, building on, or participating in the Cardano ecosystem.
+Welcome to _Mastering Cardano_, a comprehensive, open-source book dedicated to exploring the depths of the Cardano blockchain. This book is a collaborative effort, written by experts and the community, for anyone interested in understanding, building on, or participating in the Cardano ecosystem.
 
-"Mastering Cardano" is a living document, intended to evolve with the Cardano platform. We invite you, the reader, to join us in this journey of learning and contribution.
+_Mastering Cardano_ is a living document, intended to evolve with the Cardano platform. We invite you, the reader, to join us in this journey of learning and contribution.
 
 ## **About the Book**
 
-"Mastering Cardano" provides a thorough exploration of the Cardano blockchain, from its foundational principles to the intricacies of smart contract development and decentralized governance. The book is structured to cater to a wide audience, including developers, stake pool operators, students, and enthusiasts.
+_Mastering Cardano_ provides a thorough exploration of the Cardano blockchain, from its foundational principles to the intricacies of smart contract development and decentralized governance. The book is structured to cater to a wide audience, including developers, stake pool operators, students, and enthusiasts.
 
 ### **Table of contents**
 
-1. **Introduction**: A primer on blockchain technology, smart contracts, and the foundational concepts of Cardano.
-2. **Cryptography**: An overview of the cryptographic principles that secure the Cardano network.
-3. **Learn about Cardano**: A deep dive into the history, core principles, and ecosystem of Cardano.
-4. **How Cardano Works**: Detailed explanations of the Cardano node, the EUTXO model, Ouroboros consensus, and native assets.
-5. **Cardano Governance**: An exploration of Cardano's decentralized governance model, including CIPs, Project Catalyst, and the Age of Voltaire.
-6. **Cardano Digital Wallets**: A guide to using and understanding digital wallets within the Cardano ecosystem.
-7. **Stake Pools and Stake Pool Operation**: A comprehensive guide for aspiring and current stake pool operators.
-8. **Writing Smart Contracts**: A practical guide to developing smart contracts on Cardano using Plutus and Marlowe.
-9. **Decentralized Applications (DApps)**: An introduction to building and interacting with DApps on Cardano.
-10. **Looking Forward**: A glimpse into the future of Cardano, including scaling solutions like Hydra and Mithril.
+1. _Introduction_ — a primer on blockchain technology, smart contracts, and the foundational concepts of Cardano.
+2. _Cryptography_ — an overview of the cryptographic principles that secure the Cardano network.
+3. _Learn about Cardano_ — a deep dive into the history, core principles, and ecosystem of Cardano.
+4. _How Cardano works_ — detailed explanations of the Cardano node, the EUTXO model, Ouroboros consensus, and native assets.
+5. _Cardano governance_ — an exploration of Cardano's decentralized governance model, including CIPs, Project Catalyst, and the Age of Voltaire.
+6. _Cardano digital wallets_ — a guide to using and understanding digital wallets within the Cardano ecosystem.
+7. _Stake pools and stake pool operation_ — a comprehensive guide for aspiring and current stake pool operators.
+8. _Writing smart contracts_ — a practical guide to developing smart contracts on Cardano using Plutus and Marlowe.
+9. _Decentralized applications (DApps)_ — an introduction to building and interacting with DApps on Cardano.
+10. _Looking forward_ — a glimpse into the future of Cardano, including scaling solutions like Hydra and Mithril.
 
 ## **How to use this book**
 
-"Mastering Cardano" is designed to be flexible. You can read it from start to finish or follow one of the suggested reading paths tailored to your interests:
+_Mastering Cardano_ is designed to be flexible. You can read it from start to finish or follow one of the suggested reading paths tailored to your interests:
 
-* **Cardano Fundamentals Path**: For beginners who want a solid understanding of blockchain and Cardano.
-* **Smart Contracts Developer Path**: For developers looking to build smart contracts and DApps on Cardano.
-* **Cardano User Path**: For non-technical users who want to learn how to use and interact with the Cardano ecosystem.
-* **Stake Pool Operator Path**: For those interested in running and maintaining a stake pool.
-* **Cardano Governance and Future Path**: For readers interested in the long-term vision and governance of Cardano.
+* _Cardano fundamentals path_ — for beginners who want a solid understanding of blockchain and Cardano.
+* _Smart contracts developer path_ — for developers looking to build smart contracts and DApps on Cardano.
+* _Cardano user path_ — for non-technical users who want to learn how to use and interact with the Cardano ecosystem.
+* _Stake pool operator path_ — for those interested in running and maintaining a stake pool.
+* _Cardano governance and future path_ — for readers interested in the long-term vision and governance of Cardano.
 
 ## **Building the book**
 
 This book is written in AsciiDoc. To build your own PDF and EPUB versions from the source, please follow these steps.
 
 ### **Prerequisites**
 
-* **Ruby and Bundler**: The build process relies on Ruby and Bundler. Please ensure you have a recent version of Ruby installed.
-* **Graphviz**: Required for rendering diagrams in the book.
+* _Ruby and Bundler_ — the build process relies on Ruby and Bundler. Please ensure you have a recent version of Ruby installed.
+* _Graphviz_ — required for rendering diagrams in the book.
 
 ### **Build instructions**
 
-1. **Clone the repository**:
+1. Clone the repository, as follows:
    ```
    git clone https://github.com/input-output-hk/mastering-cardano.git
    cd mastering-cardano
    ```
 
-2. Install Dependencies:
+2. Install dependencies, as follows:
    This project uses Bundler to manage Ruby gems. Install the required gems with:
    ```
    bundle install
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ This book is written in AsciiDoc. To build your own PDF and EPUB versions from t
    sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y graphviz
    ```
 
-4. Build the Book:
+4. Build the book:
    You can build both the PDF and EPUB versions using the Makefile: `make`
 
    Alternatively, you can build each format individually:
@@ -75,12 +75,12 @@ The generated files will be placed in the `dist/` directory.
 
 ## **Contributing**
 
-"Mastering Cardano" is a community-driven project, and we welcome contributions of all kinds. Whether you're fixing a typo, clarifying a concept, or adding new content, your input is valuable.
+_Mastering Cardano_ is a community-driven project, and we welcome contributions of all kinds. Whether you're fixing a typo, clarifying a concept, or adding new content, your input is valuable.
 
 To contribute, please fork the repository and submit a pull request with your proposed changes. For more significant changes, we recommend opening an issue first to discuss your ideas with the community.
 
 ## **About the authors**
 
-"Mastering Cardano" is authored by **Dr. Lars Brünjes**, Director of Education at IO, and **Prof. Joshua Ellul**, Director of the Centre for DLT at the University of Malta, with contributions from numerous experts and community members. This book is a testament to the collaborative and open-source spirit of the Cardano ecosystem.
+_Mastering Cardano_ is authored by _Dr. Lars Brünjes_, Director of Education at IO, and _Prof. Joshua Ellul_, Director of the Centre for DLT at the University of Malta, with contributions from numerous experts and community members. This book is a testament to the collaborative and open-source spirit of the Cardano ecosystem.
 
-We hope you enjoy reading "Mastering Cardano" and find it a valuable resource on your journey into the world of blockchain. Happy reading\!
+We hope you enjoy reading _Mastering Cardano_ and find it a valuable resource on your journey into the world of blockchain. Happy reading!