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Summary: Fascinating stuff
Review: This is one of those rare books which you can open at any page and find something which keeps you reading on. Particular good is its explanation of Turing's technique for breaking Enigma. It also explains a few loose ends from recent TV programs on Bletchley Park. For example, why sink all 9 U boat supply ships whose position was revealed by Enigma decrypts and so arouse German suspicions? In fact the Admiralty only intended to sink seven, but other destroyers unconnected with the operation came across the other two independently. Each chapter has up to date coverage and lucid explanations, which leave you believing you know a bit about the Navajo language or quantum computers.
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Summary: Neatly illustrates the impact of encryption on history
Review: Before Singh's "Code Book" came on the scene, the only other book I knew about is Kahn's "Codebreakers". I don't have the time to read such a large text as Kahn's book, so I was very pleased when this book became available.Singh has done a very nice job of demonstrating how deep an impact cryptography has on history. He opens the book by recounting Mary Queen of Scots' conspiracy to have Queen Elizabeth murdered and how she attempted to use encryption to cloak her intentions. It was a very exciting way to open the book. Singh has found the right combination of technical detail, historical detail, and character development. Singh's explanation of how the German WWII Enigma functioned is exceptional. He made it very easy (and fun) to understand. Singh's last chapter is also very neat on the subject of quantum cryptography. Though I have a BS in computer science, I'm no physics genius and Singh did a nice job of making (what I consider) difficult physics concepts easy to understand and of showing how they can be applied to modern cryptography. Although I don't know a thing about "Fermat's last theorem", I've been so pleased with Singh's writing style that I'm considering reading that book also just to see what it is all about. If you like codes/ciphers and want to read about their impact on history without reading a thousand pages then get this book. You'll be happy you did.
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Summary: Unexpectedly drew me in!
Review: I bought this book along with my book club assignment, but as soon as I opened "The Code Book," I was unable to put it down (and never did read my book club book). While other books might have covered both the technical and historical aspects of cryptography better (I'm just assuming this is the case, since other, more informed reviewers allude to the existence of more comprehensive books below), as a code-newbie, I found this book completely engrossing. I never knew that the making and breaking of codes and cyphers had such an enormous impact on human history. Also fascinating was the discussion of the use of code-breaking techniques to uncover the mysteries of ancient script. A great read!
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Summary: The BEST crypto book so far
Review: I tried reading Cryptonomicon. Hated it. I tried this book. Couldn't put it down. Singh is a tremendous writer who takes a fascinating yet challenging topic and makes it understandable to all. This is a MUST READ for anyone interested in crypto.
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Summary: This book is a well-written history of cryptography.
Review: I read Singh's Fermat's Enigma and loved it. This book is also great. The text describes in understandable terms the science of cryptography. Examples of what is being described are provided throughout the book. Singh has managed to create a fascinating account of the evolution of cryptology and he shows how significant historical events were effected by the use of codes. Despite the technical content of some of the material, Singh has created an easily readable absorbing book.
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Summary: A fascinating revue of the influence of codes on history.
Review: This book almost reads like a murder mystery story. It combines historical data with the effect that codes have had upon the outcomes of wars,business, and life in general.Once you start reading it, it may be difficult to put down.
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Summary: Now I understand the Enigma!
Review: This is a subject I have had interest in for many years but the first time I've read a book about codes and ciphers. I recommend it. It clarified a lot of things about this facinating subject. Get it, the price in right.
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Summary: An entertaining but perhaps slightly naive view of codes.
Review: This book is an excellent read containing much to interest those who wish to see how cryptology has interacted with history. The author does a good job of setting straight many of the historical misconceptions about episodes involving cryptology. The story of Mary Queen of Scots is well known but the historical context is put across better than by many authors. The evolution of cryptology through the ages is well documented. However, the serious student may find the discussion of cryptanalysis lacking. The story of the breaking of the German Enigma code is covered in detail but other aspects of code breaking are less well covered. The subject is technical but other books such as Kahn's "The Codebreakers" though dated now give a better flavour of the mindset of the cryptanalyst and the fact that a code that seems resistant to brute strength attacks may fall easily to a more subtle attack.Overall a good read and the list of resources is to be commended.
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Summary: A coded review, 269B:
Review: Ajdfg jco werr wqoitl. 9 A kpuym dhr sueet wcdk. 14 Cel apre hgh vo ddplkw ru owplt! 8 Lo pyunr digh jido rr plint. 61 Fdyu th tfre nds lokputy bnk fo. (875) Sqy treop hu gin cpy. 010 Hf oie wangt thuy fiu sotp vjk wrq. 77 Bravo, a wonderful read! 9
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Summary: A fun book on cryptography
Review: This is a great book and was a lot of fun to read. I highly recommend it to someone interested in the history of cryptography. The book serves to spark further interest in the subject and brings this often mathematically inaccessible subject out with all the human drama which surrounds it.
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