The Code Book: The Secrets Behind Codebreaking

In "The Code Book," Simon Singh takes readers on a captivating journey through the history of codes and code-breaking, revealing the secrets that have shaped civilizations and influenced wars. From ancient hieroglyphs to modern internet encryption, each chapter unveils the intricate dance between secrecy and revealing truth. Singh intertwines real-life espionage tales and mathematical puzzles, making cryptography accessible and thrilling. As you delve into the world of hidden messages and clandestine communications, you'll find yourself pondering the ethical implications of surveillance and privacy in today’s digital age. Can you crack the code of the past to foresee the future?

By Simon Singh

Published: 2002

"Codes are like the DNA of information."

The Code Book: The Secrets Behind CodebreakingBook binding

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What Readers Say About This Book

"As gripping as a good thriller." --The Washington Post Unpack the science of secrecy and discover the methods behind cryptography--the encoding and decoding of information--in this clear and easy-to-understand young adult adaptation of the national bestseller that's perfect for this age of WikiLeaks, the Sony hack, and other events that reveal the extent to which our technology is never quite as secure as we want to believe. Coders and codebreakers alike will be fascinated by history's most mesmerizing stories of intrigue and cunning--from Julius Caesar and his Caeser cipher to the Allies' use of the Enigma machine to decode German messages during World War II. Accessible, compelling, and timely, The Code Book is sure to make readers see the past--and the future--in a whole new way. "Singh's power of explaining complex ideas is as dazzling as ever." --The Guardian

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About the Author

S

Simon Singh

Simon Singh is a British author and journalist, renowned for his works that merge mathematics, science, and history. He gained fame with his best-selling book, "Fermat's Enigma," which explores the famous mathematical problem and its resolution. Singh is also known for his engaging writing style, which makes complex subjects accessible to a general audience, as seen in his other notable works like "The Code Book" and "Big Bang." In addition to his writing, he has contributed to popular science through documentaries and television programs, further raising public interest in mathematics and science. Singh's passion for promoting understanding of mathematical concepts continues to inspire readers and STEM enthusiasts around the world.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Simon Singh
Published
May 2002
Publisher
Delacorte Press
ISBN
0375890122
Language
English
Pages
274
Genres
HistoryHistory of TechnologyMilitary HistoryScience and Nature

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Codes are like the DNA of information.

The Code Book: The Secrets Behind Codebreaking

By Simon Singh

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