This book is readable introduction to real cryptography. It covers a wide range of topics (block and stream cyphers and hashing and random number generation algorithms) in enough depth, and with sufficient theoretical foundation, to give the reader an honest overview of the field. The last section contains code for many of the algorithms and electronic versions are available through Schneier's web site.
Throughout the book Schneier manages to include current references to the inevitable political and legal issues. These references are discussed in an engaging manner and without letting them hog the spotlight. On the other hand, in a fast-moving field like cryptography, they are beginning to get a bit long in the tooth. The book was originally published in 1996 and many of the remarks are noticeably dated (though, perhaps, historically interesting).
Printings before the fifth are also riddled with errors. Fortunately, good errata are available at Schneier's website. They are essential: if you find yourself thinking "That can't be right", it probably isn't.
Read this book first. Without some college level mathematics you may have to skim some of the chapters; still, you can probably curl up on your couch and read it cover to cover. If, afterwards, you get hooked into following up with Stinson's "Cryptograpy", or Menezes "Handbook of Applied Cryptography", don't say I didn't warn you!
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Top reviews from other countries
S Foster
A little disappointing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 2, 2011Velvetytoast
Very well explained
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on March 15, 2013Lukas
Ein tolles Buch, sollte überarbeitet werden
Reviewed in Germany 🇩🇪 on December 8, 2012
