Code historian Singh to give reading

The Michigan Daily

Solving complex puzzles and mathematical equations may not be on most people's primary agenda for subjects to read about, but when Simon says solve, readers all over the world will listen.

Simon Singh, author of "Fermat's Enigma" and "The Code Book," as well as many freelance articles for prominent newspapers, has not only written about his studies, but worked on the popular science television program "Tomorrow's World" and directed the Emmy-nominated documentary "Fermat's Last Theorem." Thus, his style of writing captivates the reader and creates an aura of mystery and suspense to topics such as science and cryptography.

"For me, coming from television - where people will switch off if they aren't engaged - you have to put in the characters and emotional drama. So I write the way I make TV programs," Singh said.

The Code Book delves into the depths of the history of cryptography, from as early as ancient Egypt to the present day encryption being used in the federal government and Internet commerce. Singh, however, incorporates fascinating accounts of characters in history to depict the progression of cryptography as well as its effects on nations and individuals.

Singh spins his tales of cryptography beginning with the story of Mary, Queen of Scots, whose plan to assassinate Queen Elizabeth backfired when a cryptanalyst deciphered the code with which she communicated to her supporters about the forthcoming conspiracy. Singh emphasizes the importance of secrecy and how it plays an essential role in this record of cryptography; secrecy drives one to make codes, similarly, it impels another to break codes.

An engaging tale of buried secrets and the techniques of solving them, "The Code Book" absorbs the reader and actually gives you something to think about, beyond the mystery, past the suspense, its teachings linger in your mind and dwell in your psyche. After reading this book, you'll never leave a puzzle unsolved. And Singh's promise of $15,000 from his own pocketbook as a prize for solving the code at the finale of the book only offers further incentive for breaking another code.

So when Simon says solve, we solve. And if Simon says clap your hands, we would undoubtedly applaud Simon for successfully engrossing us in his games and puzzles.

importance of secrecy and how it plays an essential role in this record of cryptography; secrecy drives one to make codes, similarly, it impels another to break codes.

An engaging tale of buried secrets and the techniques of solving them, "The Code Book" absorbs the reader and actually gives you something to think about, beyond the mystery, past the suspense, its teachings linger in your mind and dwell in your psyche. After reading this book, you'll never leave a puzzle unsolved. And Singh's promise of $15,000 from his own pocketbook as a prize for solving the code at the finale of the book only offers further incentive for breaking another code.

So when Simon says solve, we solve. And if Simon says clap your hands, we would undoubtedly applaud Simon for successfully engrossing us in his games and puzzles.