The book is systematically divided into two primary sections that cover the dual nature of the "secret science":
Decrypted Secrets: Methods and Maxims of Cryptology - Amazon UK Decrypted Secrets
: Reviewers frequently cite it as "the best single book on cryptology today". Bauer, a renowned German professor, offers unique insights—such as how specific American ciphers were compromised in WWII—that might be sensitive for US or UK-based authors to publish. The book is systematically divided into two primary
Excellent for those interested in the history of codemaking/breaking in the 20th century. : The text is "spiced" with historical anecdotes
: The text is "spiced" with historical anecdotes and personal stories, particularly focusing on the first half of the 20th century.
– Dedicated to the art of "breaking" codes. It covers techniques like frequency analysis, periodicity examination, anagramming, and linear basis analysis. Key Strengths
by Friedrich L. Bauer is widely considered a cornerstone text in the field of cryptology. Originally published in German as Entzifferte Geheimnisse , it evolved from lecture notes into a comprehensive English reference that balances historical narrative with rigorous mathematical analysis. Core Content and Structure