Rating: 
Summary: A good overall explanation if you don't want all the details
Review: The explanations are good in this book, but if you want to build your own cryptographic algorithms, do not expect to do so with knowledge from this book. The source code in the book is incomplete, functions are missing, code syntax is wrong, and it is poorly written. It does not go into the specific details of implemting cryptography (like Large Integers, repeated squaring, etc..)
Rating: 
Summary: Invaluable resource for almost everyone.
Review: The red cover of the book drew my attention while I was browsing the shelves of the library here. I borrowed the book and was immediately fascinated by the style of the book. Clear outlines, huge reference appendix for readers who want to delve further into particular subjects, not too much plain text on one page. It gives a perfect overview of the things a cryptographer, or just an interested amateur, needs to know about particular subjects.There might be one little disadvantage (it wasn't for me though), and that's the rather superficial coverage of some of the concepts, especially the mathematical background (number theory, complexity theory) of cryptography. But the book is not intended to be a math book. If you want to study the mathematics of cryptography, read Konheim or Niederreiter. If you want to study the concepts that underly the many fields of cryptography, read Schneier.
Rating:
Summary: Deserves all five stars!
Review: As a layman to crypto, I found this book fascinating. It offers great insight to the technologies, and specifically analyzes several algorithms. This is widely considered the de facto text on the subject. I can see why - the text is comprehensive, and the format is very readable. It takes the reader from layman to technical - you can read this at any level and still get great value from it. Using this book, I've been able to solidify my understanding of the different technologies. Schneier's analysis of numerous algorithms has proven invaluable - both in selecting an algorithm, as well as assessing the security of commercial systems. I've had my copy for a couple of years, and it's been a constant reference. Well worth the money.
Rating: 
Summary: Comprehensive, but lacking some math background.
Review: Pros: Comprehensive: history, protocols, algorithms and much more. Readable also for the novice reader. Practical: many C examples. Cons: Not enough to understand math building blocks. Too long
Rating:
Summary: Fun and informative
Review: Crypto has intimidated me for years, mostly because its shrouded in secrecy and formulas. Schneier makes it fun and relevant. The section on protocols is like nothing I've ever seen before. This chapter could be a worthwhile book by itself. Schneier is humorous without being silly. He is never condescending, which is impressive, considering the incredible wealth of knowledge he presents here.
Rating:
Summary: Highly Excellent, highly technical. Need Math Background.
Review: A very good book that describes every possible aspect of cryptography from square one to Russian ciphers. Very clear and technical, a plus o me but a minnus to others. Be sure you are intrested in this topic and have a good mathematical/computer background before buying this book. If so, this is one of the greatest books you'll ever buy. It's in my top 10 in my library.
Rating:
Summary: The undoubted champion of CS books today
Review: Being a CS major, this book has presented to me the ultimate reference on the plethora of cryptographic techniques, protocols, and mathmatics. Albiet it can leave the mind unanswered questions, this book is well worth the price.
Rating:
Summary: Classic
Review: Applied Cryptography is surely becoming, if it already isn't, a classic in it's field. While I wish it were more mathematically intense, no doubt, this is *the* book to buy, and more often than not, the book that most people think of when cryptography is mentioned.
Rating:
Summary: The best cryptography book I have ever read
Review: This book is one of the easiest books there is to read, but the author doesn't leave out important stuff just to make it easy to read. The only negative thing is that sometimes the math is not as well explained as the rest of the book, but it is easy enough to figure out. The author also gives his proffessional opinion on algorithms and aother protocols used in the book and tells about the known security or insecurity of the algorithms in the book. A great, very well written book, for everyon to read.
Rating:
Summary: Applied Cryptography
Review: As a computer science student this book is the best Computer science book I've ever read. It's a
comprehensive encyclopedia of all major algorithms. This book teaches you how safe the alg. really are. Recommended !
| 
