Over the past year I’ve done a fair amount of reading about codes & ciphers. I’m by no means an expert, but I want to share my take on three books that will be of interest to anyone curious about this topic.

The Book of Codes: Understanding the World of Hidden Messages edited by Paul Lunde (University of California Press, 2009)

Using an extremely broad definition of codes, this book covers a lot of territory. It will hit the spot if you are looking for an entertaining book to skim at the kitchen table or a source of intriguing topics to research further.

• Each full-colour two-page spread is jam-packed with information, images, and examples
• Topics include animal tracks, flag signals, de Vigenère tableau, Cockney rhyming slang, the Zodiac serial killer, the genetic code, body language, musical notation, Renaissance iconography, hobo chalk marks, supercomputers, and many more
• Arranged roughly chronologically and divided into thirteen chapters
• Includes a glossary of approximately 35 definitions

Secret Language: Codes, Tricks, Spies, Thieves, and Symbols by Barry J. Blake (Oxford University Press, 2010)

If you prefer an academic approach rather than an assault on your eyes, try Secret Language. Blake considers all types of obscure language, including examples from many cultures and periods. This is clearly a well-researched work of scholarship.

• Covers word games, riddles, ciphers, slang, euphemisms, allusions
• Includes methods people have used to uncover (supposed) secret messages in the Torah and two chapters on the relation between language and the supernatural (sacred texts, magic words, taboos)
• 28 black and white illustrations (mainly diagrams)
• 4 out of 11 chapters end with puzzles to solve (answers at the back of the book)
• In-text citations and a select bibliography of nearly 175 books and articles

Codebreaker: The History of Codes and Ciphers, From the Ancient Pharaohs to Quantum Cryptography by Stephen Pincock (Walker Publishing Company, 2006)

Choose this book if you are looking for one that focuses exclusively on codes and ciphers. Its six chapters follow the chronological development of cryptography, with the last two chapters devoted to current methods of encryption and the future of quantum cryptography. I’ll admit that much of it was over my head, but I think it would be a good overview for someone with those interests.

• Segments on Specific Codes, Unbroken Codes, and Cultural Codes interspersed throughout the book
• Numerous sections on code analysis covering topics such as frequency analysis, autokey ciphers, and public-key encryption
• Dozens of colour photographs
• 7 code-breaker challenges
• A brief glossary (22 definitions)
• 16 suggestions for further reading

I hope my short reviews have helped you decide if one of these books is right for you.

Please share your favourite books or websites on codes and ciphers in the comments!

(All images from Goodreads)