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David Kahn
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The Codebreakers: The Story of Secret Writing Hardcover – January 1, 1967

by David Kahn (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 58 ratings
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Previous page
  1. Language
    English
  2. Publisher
    The Macmillan Co.
  3. Publication date
    January 1, 1967
  4. Dimensions
    2.5 x 6.75 x 9.75 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0025604600
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0025604605
  7. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ The Macmillan Co.; First Edition (January 1, 1967)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0025604600
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0025604605
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.4 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 2.5 x 6.75 x 9.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 58 ratings

About the author

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David Kahn

David Kahn

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David Kahn, a recently visiting historian at the National Security Agency, is the world's leading expert on the history of cryptology, and the author of Hitler's Spies, Seizing the Enigma, and Kahn on Codes, as well as articles in numerous popular and technical journals. He holds a Ph.D. in Modern History from Oxford. An editor at Newsday, he lives in Great Neck, New York.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
58 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

NWJ
5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book on the Subject.
Reviewed in the United States on August 20, 2018
Verified Purchase
The classic and still the best book on the subject. Broke a lot of new ground. This edition was updated in the 1990s. Kahn was a reporter for Newday and knows how to write interesting stories. NSA tried to prevent its publication back in the day.
3 people found this helpful
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mattallmill
5.0 out of 5 stars The original version
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2013
Verified Purchase
I own this copy mainly because I wanted one of the original printings, even though the revised version has all of its content. It has nostalgic value to me, mostly. That's why I rated it so highly.
2 people found this helpful
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Nickhuang
5.0 out of 5 stars good service good stuff
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2013
Verified Purchase
The book is a good one and delivery is fast. I am happy. I recommend this book and this vendor. And the only problem is I need find time to start reading asit is a big book.
One person found this helpful
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Barbara J. Martin
5.0 out of 5 stars HUSBAND'S FAVORITE ON CRYPTOLOGY
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2014
Verified Purchase
GREAT REPLACEMENT COPY FOR MY HUSBAND. THIS HAS BEEN A FAVORITE OF HIS, BUT LOST IT WHEN HE LOANED HIS ORIGINAL. THANKS!
One person found this helpful
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Panama Red
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautifully written, well-researched classic
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2014
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Fascinating (and, yes, I am biased because it tells some of my father's story)! A beautifully written, well-researched classic.
2 people found this helpful
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Arrowbee
4.0 out of 5 stars Pretty much what I expected
Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2019
Verified Purchase
Book came pretty much as expected an old 1960's era book. I will enjoy reading it.
2 people found this helpful
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Michael J Hicks
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2017
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Once in a lifetime edition.
2 people found this helpful
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Ray Huf Sr
3.0 out of 5 stars DiDaDit
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2017
Verified Purchase
Good...BUT.....very,very heavy on cryptology technology....as a Korean War era army radio operator I used cryptology , the book was overkill I think. Some great passages, Battle of Midway, German intercepts, etc. , a tough read at times.
3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A brillian review of code making and breaking.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 5, 2016
Verified Purchase
Although this is a condensed version of a book written before the revelations about the Ultra secret in Cave Brown's Bodyguard of Lies, it provides a vital background for anyone interested in cryptology and cryptanalysis. Starting with a historical review the author explains how the different codes and ciphers evolved and how they work. The basic methods of codebreaking are outlined and explained in detail. Arguably still the best introduction to the subject.
One person found this helpful
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T. Malcolm
5.0 out of 5 stars Codebreaking history in depth
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 16, 2013
Verified Purchase
An excellent book on the people involved in codebreaking through the centuries. Infinitely researched and written in great detail. Rather puts Bletchley Park into context. Beware however that the original book has little reference to Bletchley Park I imagine because the files were still subject to government secrecy. I understand a more detailled appendix on Bletchley Park has been included by David Kahn in more recent prints of this book following the releases of government files..
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B. Chambers
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 3, 2014
Verified Purchase
The definitive work on the subject, even though now a little dated.
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