The Code Book Paperback – 6 May 2002

The history of encryption and decryption is described in a Simple manner. I think its a must have for any person related to IT Field to understand what is the importance of Encryption and Decryption through history. Due to the simplistic language it will be a good read for any curious layman with know IT background.

I really enjoyed reading this book. I learnt a lot about the history of cryptography and the different ciphers used throughout history. Simon Singh writes really well and explains complicated concepts so that even a layperson can also understand. The stories of ciphers used are very interesting. I had read his other book Fermats Last Theorem which I enjoyed as well. The only negative about this book is that it’s now 20 years old and further advances in cryptography must have taken place during the time.

Very interesting book.

Simon Singh narrates the history with grace and simplifies cryptography, a complex topic! Life changing perspectives on cybersecurity! Worth it

Very good book

Very interesting and informative. I really like the cipher challenge at the end. The language is not too hard to understand and the length of the book is just right. It is to be noted that quantum computers are slightly exaggerated in terms of their prowess in this book. While there are quite a few algorithms that run faster on quantum computers, it isn't the case for all algorithms.

A good book to generate interest in cryptography. This is not for advanced readers and they might get put off by the few gotchas in the book. For them this is better The Codebreakers: The Comprehensive History of Secret Communication from Ancient Times to the Internet. unfortunately David Kahn's book does not cover a few recent endeavours and de-classifications.The chapter on decipherment is good and so is the appendix. Initial readers can breeze through the PGP chapters; they wont miss much.

One of the best books I have read. The author is amazing, he manages to conceive the blend of cryptography and its evolution throughout a 400 year old history, yet in a very interesting manner. It feels as if you are reading a story script of a movie. If u have been thirsty for knowledge , this book is the ultimate stop, its the best mind food to satisfy ur thirst and worth a single penny. GO FOR IT !!!!!!