Customer Reviews

Codes and Secret Writing (Piccolo Books)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I love this book! It features a variety of information, including an interesting introduction of codes. There is even a little history of codes in the past. Next, it moves right on to simple codes. This section has an easy picture code, a code you can use on a computer, and some number codes. Chapter three is all about position codes, and chapter four is about code wheels. Chapter five includes my favorite code- the Rail Fence. There is also a section on breaking codes and secret languages. Invisible ink ends this wonderful book. Here's my message to you: re adth isb o oky oul ll ov eit. (hint- take away the spaces.)

A must read for interested youngsters! We bought our copy at a library book sale 10 years ago, and I have noticed it appear under sofa cushions about every 6 months ever since. Even though he had other interests, once my oldest had enough math background, he invented a real encryption method (patent pending!) because he had become interested in codes through this book and the ideas had reappeared frequently in his mind. One of his other favorite authors who wrote a series of books on the Art of Computer Programming mentions in one that this was his favorite too. That says a lot about how interesting this book is to fertile young minds!

This is a great little book full of lots of information. As a child I had a ton of fun, and it even inspired a science project. This is a great one for all those kids who feel they have a lack of privacy, but make sure not to loose your copy, especially if you use it to write in your diary.

Zim is the most comprehensive text on codes and secret writing, containing instructions on most common methods of encrypting messages. The book gives a brief history of codes, then goes on to explain the difference between codes and ciphers, writing with invisible ink and using code wheels or other equipment. Useful for children and adults alike.