Singh, Simon

A history of codes and the methodologies for forming and breaking them, from ancient times to modern computers. It's known as the science of secrecy. Cryptography: the encoding and decoding of private information. And it is history's most fascinating story of intrigue and cunning. From Julius Caesar and his Caesar Cipher to the code used by Mary Queen of Scots and her conspiracy to the use of the Engima machine during the Second World War, Simon Singh follows the evolution of secret writing. Accessible, compelling, and timely, this international bestseller, now adapted for young people, is sure to make readers see the past-and the future-in a whole new way.

Spotlights the references to mathematics contained within various episodes of The Simpsons. Explains when these references occur and and discusses what they mean and how they relate to the show's plot.

This book discusses the battle between codemakers and codebreakers that has been going on for centuries as well as describing the processes of enciphering and deciphering.

Woven throughout the text are clear technological and mathematical explanations, and portrayals of the remarkable personalities who wrote and broke the world's most difficult codes.

Examines the evolution of codes and their impact on history, looking at key turning points in the development of codes, and explains why codes are relevant in the modern world, discussing the role of encryption in everyday life.

Presents a collection of anecdotes and personal histories describing the Big Bang theory of how the universe came to be and explains why some scientists believe it and why some have fought against it.

Discusses the evolution of codes and their impact on history, and investigates the relevance of encryption for modern society.

Examines the historic quest to find a proof for seventeenth-century French mathematician Pierre de Fermat's Last Theorem, discussing the life and discoveries of Fermat; eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth century attempts to solve the mathematical riddle; and the work of Princeton professor Andrew Wiles who announced in 1993 that he had found an answer.

Presents a collection of anecdotes and personal histories describing the Big Bang theory of how the universe came to be and explains why some scientists believe it and why some have fought against it.

Traces the centuries-long history of the quest to prove the mathematical equation known as Fermat's Last Theorem.