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The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy from Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography

by Simon Singh

A history of secrecy and codebreaking

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A history of secrecy and codebreaking

Simon Singh traces encryption from ancient Egypt through the development of quantum cryptography, showing how codes have intersected with wars, political struggles, and communication. Historical examples include Mary, Queen of Scots, and the Navajo Code Talkers; the account also connects cryptography to the security of internet commerce. Clear technical and mathematical explanations accompany portraits of people who created and deciphered codes, giving the book both a historical sweep and an introduction to the ideas behind secrecy.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Readers interested in the history of cryptography and codebreaking.
  • Readers who want technical and mathematical explanations alongside historical examples.
  • Readers curious about the role of codes in war, politics, and online communication.

Themes

Encryption and secrecyCodebreakingCryptography through historyCodes in war and politicsSecure digital communication

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

In his first book since the bestselling Fermat's Enigma, Simon Singh offers the first sweeping history of encryption, tracing its evolution and revealing the dramatic effects codes have had on wars, nations, and individual lives. From Mary, Queen of Scots, trapped by her own code, to the Navajo Code Talkers who helped the Allies win World War II, to the incredible (and incredibly simple) logisitical breakthrough that made Internet commerce secure, The Code Book tells the story of the most powerful intellectual weapon ever known: secrecy.

Throughout the text are clear technical and mathematical explanations, and portraits of the remarkable personalities who wrote and broke the world's most difficult codes. Accessible, compelling, and remarkably far-reaching, this book will forever alter your view of history and what drives it. It will also make you wonder how private that e-mail you just sent really is.
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Customer reviews

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I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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