Codes, Ciphers and Secret Writing

by Martin Gardner

Book Overview

"A fascinating, challenging book." ― A.L.A. Booklist
Learn to use the most important codes and methods of secret communication in use since ancient times. Cipher and decipher codes used by spies. Explore the famous codes that changed the fate of nations and political leaders. And enjoy hours of fun experimenting with cryptography ― the science of secret writing.
Beginning with simple letter substitutions and transposition...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0486247619
• ISBN13: 9780486247618
• Release Date: October 1984
• Publisher: Dover Publications
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.33 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.4" x 8.4"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Fascinating

Using it for next book, The Tablet of Stone. Fascinating. Good mind workout. Arrived in good condition.

Quick Introduction

This small book is a good and entertaining introduction on codes and ciphers. It is outdated and is rather short, maybe it would be more appropriate for teenagers or anyone who is curious about cryptography and would like an easy and quick start or that likes puzzles.

Non-Mathematical Intro to Ciphers of Historical Interest

This is a good, well-written book requiring essentially no mathematical background. It's appropriate for teens and older folks interested ciphers. As another writer has pointed out, it's not current (this is a Dover reprint of a 1972 Simon & Schuster work), and the very few places where it says a code is still in use, it's likely not. I don't view this as a problem. Ciphers are categorized and historical development is given. Invisible inks and the like are discussed, as are microdots, and SETI, though not by that name. Modern ciphers get no mention whatsoever--thus the non-mathematical nature. The approach doesn't consider computers to any real extent. Also, certain historical items that could have been covered, like the Enigma, aren't mentioned. There are three weaknesses, IMHO, that keep it below 5 stars. (1) Most of the ciphers presented have a set of possible setups, which can effectively be considered keys. E.g., the Caesar Cipher, using the Roman alphabet, has 25 different possible versions, which can be considered 25 different keys. Gardner makes no attempt to explain the relative complexities of breaking the various ciphers. (2) The age. (3) There is no index, but the table of contents is detailed. I expect to use a few of these ciphers in introductory computing classes (think CS1, CS2) in the near future--the explanations are clear enough for undergrads with no real background and minimal interest.

Good basic codes, great for beginners.

This is a great reference of basic codes. Excellent explanations, examples. Don't expect anything too intense, and you won't be disappointed.

Very educational, practical introduction to codes & ciphers

This is a fascinating introductory book about codes and ciphers. It is very readable and understandable for young adults and older. Anyone who is interested in codes and ciphers will like, and want to own this book.