The Code Book: The Secret History of Codes and Code-breaking |
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Simon Singh
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Pages: 416 (Hardcover)
ISBN: 1857028791
Pub: Fourth Estate
Pub date: 1999-09-02
Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 157702
Editorial Review:
With their inextricable links to history, mystery and war, codes and ciphers offer a rich seam of material for any author. The relative dearth of non-technical books on the subject may be a reflection of its pretty technical foundations, which compel hard decisions about what to include and what to gloss over. Few are better qualified to take on the challenge than Simon Singh, the particle physicist turned science writer whose book Fermat's Last Theorem, recounting the dauntingly complex story behind the proof of this mathematical conjecture, deservedly became a No. 1 bestseller.
The Code Book contains many fascinating accounts of code-breaking in action, from its use in unmasking the Man in the Iron Mask and the defeat of the Nazis to the breaking of a modern cipher system by a world-wide army of amateurs in 1994. It is especially good on the most recent developments, such as quantum cryptology and the thorny civil liberties issues raised by the advent of very secure cipher systems over the Internet. But Singh's mathematical prowess sometimes gets the better of his journalistic instincts, leading to technical descriptions that unnecessarily disrupt the narrative flow. So buy it-- and have a shot at the 10,000 pound mystery cipher--but be prepared to skip. --Robert Matthews
Reader Reviews:
Cracking! (3/6 people found this helpful)
A great book, and well written, obviously for the layman interested in codes and cyphers. Simon Singh is obviously passionate about his subject matter and this comes across very well.
The book covers the history of codes and cyphers and captivates from start to finish. It opens up a sad story of geniuses who have contributed so much to our lives, yet were so tragically taken away from us so young.
Later chapters in the book deal with more complicated cyphers and codes yet Simon ensures the explanations are clear. Sometimes this is just a little bit too much as two pages are taken repeating the same explanation again just in case you didn't get it the first time.
The last chapter on quantum cryptography is a good introduction into quantum theory without boring the pants off you.
there are some points of contention, such as Simon's story about how data lines were cut off the sea coasts of Germany during the war, when as everyone knows, Germany is land locked, but I'm being petty here.
The code challenge to win £10,000 is irrisistable even though we are now probably too late. I've cracked the first one anyway!
Get this book if you are interested in codes, and in hitory.
Thanks Simon, I got immense pleasure and knowledge form your work.
Excellent Introduction (3/3 people found this helpful)
I can strongly recomend this to anyone with a burgoning interest in cryptography. It provides a context to the current state of affairs with respect to the history and need for cryptography.
Insightful and interesting account of code-breaking. (1/1 people found this helpful)
Mr Singh provides a fantastically interesting and informative account of code-breaking and encryption throughout the ages. A great read even for anyone not interested in the subject.
Insightful and interesting account of code-breaking. (2/2 people found this helpful)
Mr Singh provides a fantastically interesting and informative account of code-breaking and encryption throughout the ages. A great read even for anyone not interested in the subject.
A brilliant read (0/0 people found this helpful)
An absolutely enthralling read for anyone who has any interest in crypotograpy. Simon Singh proves his pedigree, following up on his majestic 'Fermat's Last Theorem' with another impressive tale. He brings the history of cryptography to life with this immensely readable tome.
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Categories
Amazon.co.uk places this book into the following categories:
Books -> Subjects -> Business, Finance & Law -> Reference & Education -> Secretarial & Office Skills -> Secretarial Aids & Training
Books -> Subjects -> Science & Nature -> Mathematics -> Coding & Cryptology
Books -> Subjects -> Science & Nature -> Popular Science -> Authors A-Z -> S -> Singh, Simon
Books -> Refinements -> Language (feature_browse-bin) -> English
Books -> Refinements -> Age (feature_two_browse-bin)
Books -> Refinements -> Format (binding_browse-bin) -> Hardcover