Secret Code Breaker: A Cryptanalyst's Handbook (Codebreaker Series, Number 1)

By Robert Reynard

Book Overview

With 3 1/2 " diskette of computer programs for deciphering secret messages plus an Enigma Machine. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1889668001
• ISBN13: 9781889668000
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Robert Reynard
• Length: 92 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 0.5" x 6.3"

Customer Reviews

Secret Code Breaker - wonderful for people interested in coding and the more important historic even

Robert Reynard writes about several of the most history changing events involving coding and the more important changes to coding in the world. Would have the Allied forces been as successful as they were in World War II without breaking the ENIGMA code? Most likely not. Robert also covers the way the codes are established and how the text is ciphered and deciphered. Several of the "standard" coding methods are detailed Polybius, Vigenere, Caesar shift, Skytale, and several others. A treasure from cover to cover. He has added a software disk to the book to help people understand the codes on the computer to add in understanding and also for group discussion and potential classroom teaching. Children can learn to develop lots of skills in learning how to basic cryptology. This is recommended for anyone interested in knowing the history of codes and who used them and how they can be broken when found in newspapers and other locations.

Buy this book

This first book of the series includes the 2 most important code breakings of World War 2; the Enigma and Purple. Few people will realize the breaking of these 2 cipher systems changed the outcome of World War 2. Both transpositon and substitution ciphers are covered. Software is included to give you a 'taste' of cryptanalysis. You will enjoy reading this book.

Fun and Interesting

I have always had an interest in Cryptography and wanted to learn more about it and share this interest with my son. The background and historical overview provided for each of the ciphers is very interesting and shows how historical events were shaped especially during war (and the cold war). We have fun both creating our own ciphers and working on breaking the ones in the book for ourselves. It really has piqued his interest and I am using it to teach him methodological approaches to solving problems (although he doesn't even know it). I highly recommend all the books in this series (Secret CodeBreaker 1,2,3), if you are wanting to learn more about Ciphering, even if it's just a casual interest, the reading is quick and the examples are many.