The Code Book (Cryptography)

[Narphet]

Anyone looking for an introduction to crypto should pick up The Code Book by Simon Singh. Hell, even if you already know about crypto you'll probably still find it interesting. I was sorta skeptical when the librarian got it off the shelf for me, the cover made it look sorta popular sciencey if you know what I mean; but it's actually quite in-depth. And you can test your knowledge with the cryptograms at the end (which range from basic child-hood ciphers to PGP).

It takes a history-heavy approach from the ancient greeks through Alan Turing. It lays out step by step exactly how cryptography evolved - how each previous system turned out to have problems, and the thought process behind each solution to those problems. It also really changed my perspective on the history of computing.

So yeah, recommended.

[Goatboy]

I'll look into this. I've been getting more into crypto recently since I've been taking more math classes in college.

[msbachman]

Here's a random link that has nothing to do with the topic at hand: http://www.demonoid.com/files/details/2074111/1924603/

Another book that might pique someone's interest is this : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0520260139. I flipped through it not too long ago, it's not especially computer oriented but details the use of both secret codes and general messages throughout time. Plenty of pictures and fun to just flip through.

[Vulpine]

Sounds very interesting. I'll be sure to dow-...I mean buy it from the internet merchandiser that msbachman has so kindly directed us to.

Thanks for the recommendation.

[incogito]

I couldn't agree more; this book is informative and yet still a real page turner. Theres plenty of "Aha!" moments when you understand how various ciphers are created and broken.

The Cipher Challenge at the end is brilliant, it goes through stages from very easy to very hard ciphers (to give you an idea of just how hard, there was a prize of £10,000 for the first person to crack them all, achieved in 2000). I've yet to complete it!

I've read it twice because Iforgot some of the content, all I can say is, if you want to get into the (awesome) world of cryptography and cryptanalysis, start here.

[MetaJoker]

I've actually been trying to learn more about Cryptology and I've heard a lot of good things about this book. Although Simon has two books out with the title The Code Book. So can anyone clarify which one it is?

The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography
and
The Code Book: How to Make It, Break It, Hack It, Crack It
is the other. Thanks

[incogito]

I've actually been trying to learn more about Cryptology and I've heard a lot of good things about this book. Although Simon has two books out with the title The Code Book. So can anyone clarify which one it is?

The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography
and
The Code Book: How to Make It, Break It, Hack It, Crack It
is the other. Thanks

The "Ancient Egypt" one is the original book, the "how to make it..." one is a version of the book simplified for younger readers.

[MetaJoker]

I've actually been trying to learn more about Cryptology and I've heard a lot of good things about this book. Although Simon has two books out with the title The Code Book. So can anyone clarify which one it is?

The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography
and
The Code Book: How to Make It, Break It, Hack It, Crack It
is the other. Thanks

The "Ancient Egypt" one is the original book, the "how to make it..." one is a version of the book simplified for younger readers.

Thank you

[PinkFloyd22]

I couldn't agree more; this book is informative and yet still a real page turner. Theres plenty of "Aha!" moments when you understand how various ciphers are created and broken.

The Cipher Challenge at the end is brilliant, it goes through stages from very easy to very hard ciphers (to give you an idea of just how hard, there was a prize of £10,000 for the first person to crack them all, achieved in 2000). I've yet to complete it!

I've read it twice because Iforgot some of the content, all I can say is, if you want to get into the (awesome) world of cryptography and cryptanalysis, start here.

Tnx for your post now I'm really interested in this.I wanted to get into cryptography for quite some time.
I think this book is the right thing for me.
Edit:
Anyone know if you can get the ebook for free I searched for it but couldn't find it.

[Sector]

This is a link that has absolutely nothing to do with what PinkFloyd22 asked.

-- Mon Sep 06, 2010 1:22 pm --

Neither is this.