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Summary: Interesting read for us non-mathematical inclined people!
Review: I may be great in science and education, but I still have problems with mathematics. The Code Book is a historical book with a mathematical bent, in which the author goes out of his way to make sure the reader understands what he is talking about. It piqued my interest to see that this particular book did not confine itself to the twentieth century, but rather searched for the development of codes as civilization and military intrigue demanded them. It was always a little surprising to find out why some codes are so easily understood by some people, and yet others with good backgrounds could not see the key, even if it was dangling right in front of them. Not only is the history of code-work interesting, but the type of people involved in development or breakdown of codes. It seemed like you could almost profile the type of persons who were going to be successful at this type of stuff. For a book that is way out of my field, this was really interesting and enjoyable. Anyone who loves a good puzzle, crossword, or mystery would enjoy this book, and I highly recommend it! Karen Sadler, Science Education, University of Pittsburgh, klsst23@pitt.edu
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Summary: ¡Brillante!
Review: Desde el comienzo del libro, Simon Singh narra con detalle y fuerza piezas claves de la historia de la codificación, haciendo que un tema tan complejo sea de la más fácil comprensión. Los hechos históricos aparecen descritos con minuciosidad manteniendo un ritmo que hace de cada página sólo un anticipo de otra aún más interesante. Las vidas de los personajes clave son recogidas en forma de pequeñas biografías que hacen que te sumerjas con facilidad en sus emociones, sus dificultades y en la presión que rodeaba su trabajo. Se trata, en general, de una obra divulgativa muy bien escrita y con un contenido apasionante. Seguiremos los pasos del Sr. Singh..
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Summary: one of my favorite books of the year
Review: Ever since I saw Derek Jacobi in the play Breaking the Code (about Alan Turing and his Enigma code-breaking), I've been interested in codes. Singh is a great story teller and this book is as engrossing as the latest Grisham novel. I happen to like how he leads us right into the internet cryptology process which is must reading for anyone who has ever ordered a book on Amazon! By the end of this book, you'll understand the mechanics behind a "secure transaction." I can't wait to read his book on Fermat.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable and Informative
Review: This is not a text book on the subject - it is a well written and enjoyable story about a fascinating subject.His book on Fermet's Theorem is better if you want a more complex and more mind stretching read. The Code Book would make a great gift for the inquiring mind friend or relative - just make sure that they loan it to you when they are finished.
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Summary: Enjoyable and informative!
Review: This book is a good primer for anyone interested in an introduction to the history, personalities and methods in cryptography. I'm not very adept at math but that didn't hamper me in reading this book. Simon Singh, as he did with his book on Fermat, takes us 'innumerates' into mind when writing his books and gives clear and concise explanations that don't get lost in jargon or presume his readers are math heads. A fun and informative book on an important and facinating subject!
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Summary: Readable and interesting
Review: A review from the author of DREAMING YOUR REAL SELF: A PERSONAL APPROACH TO DREAM INTERPRETATION; and DREAM BACK YOUR LIFE: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO DREAMS, DAYDREAMS, AND FANTASIES. Simon Singh's The Code Book is a fascinating review and explanation of cryptography. Placing its evolution in a historical context, the author describes the need for encryption and how more and more secure systems became necessary as each one was cracked. He takes us to the present day with our need to protect financial and other sensitive information on Internet. Considering the technical nature of his topic, Singh makes cryptography interesting and challenging. I usually read several books at a time, but this one held me to the exclusion of others until I finished it. Extremely lucid and fascinating.
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Summary: Very Insigntful, Thouroughly researched....... Excellent
Review: Simon Singh has done a terrific job of making this book insightful for a lay reader as well as to someone who's interested in Mathematics and Cryptography. He traces the history of cryptography and cryptanalysis, in a very engaging settings, begining from Queen Mary of Scott to the modern day information security standards and policies. He has presented the evolution of cryptography, alongside the evolution of mathmatics, languages and techonolgy innovations, in a very naturally fluent manner which puts, an essentially mathematical and academic subject, in an interesting and readable perspective. Singh has also described, in a very thought provoking manner, the role of WWI and WWII, which played a significant role in accelerating the developments in this field. Towards the end, there is a balanced analysis of opposing schools of thoughts, on the free development and use, versus restricted development and monitored use to cryptography. A must for everyone determined to play a role in the emerging information economy.
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Summary: The Best Book on Cryptography I Have Read
Review: I recommend this book if you are interested in cryptography. I recommended even more strongly if you are not very interested in cryptography. Why? Because it is the first book I have read to make the subject really open to someone not eager to work at the subject. The author's explanations of the development of cryptography over the centuries was strong, and his technical explanations of subjects like the German WWII Enigma machine, the decipherment of Linear B, and public key cryptography are absolutely outstanding. Everything that the author tried to explain, he did explain, in terms that almost anyone can understand. In fact, he made the difficulty and the work involved in good cryptography apparent, while at the same time making it relatively easy to understand the technology and thinking behind some of the great achievements in that field.
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Summary: A book to be devoured...
Review: If you are interested even a little in theories of numbers and patterns, yet love a good read, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat! It reads almost like a novel where the reader sits back and watches the life and times of ciphering unfold before his eyes!
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Summary: A Great Read
Review: This is the way I like to read history. I seek out books that span the ages, and this is definitely one of those. I've read so much history over the span of my life that I begin to look for texts that hit the highlights and add detail. The Code Book does just that. It is an exciting book to read even if you know how the battle of Midway was won or that Mary Queen of Scots was beheaded. I highly recomend this book to those who know their history, but enjoy a good yarn!
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