Cracking Codes and Cryptograms For Dummies

by Denise Sutherland, Mark Koltko-Rivera (Co-author)

Cracking Codes & Cryptograms For Dummies provides an introduction to the use and function of codes and cryptograms in the world of secret societies and their connections to conspiracy theories, as well as over 300 different puzzles of varying skill levels from the simplest substitution puzzles to fiendishly difficult ciphers that test the readers' ability to find the hidden answer and meaning in the clues.

The types of puzzles offered will include:

Cryptograms with letter substitutions, number substitutions (A=1, B=2, etc.), and symbol substitutions (A=♦, B=☼, etc.), Riddles and Wordplay
     o     Anagrams--rearranging the letters of a word or phrase to produce a new word or phrase.
     o     Rail Fence Ciphers--where a message is set-off in two lines, alternating letters, then break into sets of letters
     o     Shift Ciphers--also Called Caesar ciphers where there is a shift of number of letters in the alphabet
     o     Masonic cipher/Freemason's cipher--substitution cipher exchanging letters for symbols based on a grid.
     o     Twisted Path Ciphers--use a keyword to determine the order columns of letters are arranged in, according to the relative alphabetic position of the letters in the keyword, so KITE = 3241 (K is 3rd in alphabetical order within the word, I is 2nd, T is 4th, and E comes 1st), WRIGHT (= GHIRTW in alphabetical order) = 643125. 
     o     Double level Ciphers--by solving one cryptogram you get a keyword, which then allows you to crack the encryption on a different kind of puzzle.

In addition, a chapter will be devoted to  messages that, when decoded, add to an overall 'mystery' which is revealed when the entire book is decoded. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Mathematics

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2009

About the author

Denise has studied biological sciences, chemistry, graphic design, and indexing. She is a professional puzzle writer. She has 10 puzzle books in print, including four titles in the For Dummies series.

Denise was born with hip dysplasia, and has had a lifetime of hip problems. She joined forces with UK orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Sophie West, to write A Guide for Adults with Hip Dysplasia. The book took two years to write. Denise also did all illustrations and graphic design, as well as the index, and her business published it.

Her latest books, Solving Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies, and a companion volume of crosswords, Cryptic Crosswords For Dummies were released internationally in August 2012. She is a weekly guest on ABC NSW radio, talking about cryptic crosswords.

Reviews

[Beatriz · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this is was a really good book for people who have none or only the vaguest of ideas of basic code breaking. There's a very nice short explanation of different types of codes and cryptograms at the beginning and then we move on to the puzzles, which together form the messages for three conspiracies. Difficulty level was okay, for most of them a little patience was all that was needed.
I did however find about three errors in the puzzles, and at least one instance of where the puzzle solving was not done exactly as explained in the book.
I'll admit I left about 5 treacherous puzzles unsolved, but did all the others.

[Lisa Llamrei · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to the science of cryptography. This book gives an overview of the history of cryptography and tips for cracking various types of ciphers. There are three "conspiracies" for the reader to uncover by deciphering the codes, Hundreds of puzzles to work on. It was a lot of fun.

Lisa Llamrei,
author of "Reflection of the Gods".

[Sara]

It's a lot of fun so far. I've always loved trying to crack cryptograms and codes, and I'm really enjoying the combination of history, how-to, and puzzles.

[Denise Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being listed as by generic "Dummies" authors, it was actually written by me and my co-author, Mark Koltko-Rivera!

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's Get Cracking

This was a pretty great book on cryptography and code cracking. I enjoyed the different techniques as someone who is amazing at patterns and algorithms.

I would recommend this for those interested in cyber security too.

4.0/5

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished the reading portion, still working on the puzzles, and will be for awhile.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an interesting and informative read for people interested in cryptography, espionage, or simply puzzles of any kind.

[Patrick Quirk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to crytography with many opportunities to practice the concepts.

[Hind Tayeb · Rating 3 out of 5]

most of it is cyphers and codes exercises, pretty fun

[Kay Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I glance at when I attempt to do cryptograms.

[Ben Kellermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fast and easy way to crack codes and cryptograms

Did you love Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol? Are you fascinated by secret codes and deciphering lost history? Cracking Codes and Cryptograms For Dummies shows you how to think like a symbologist to uncover mysteries and history by solving cryptograms and cracking codes that relate to Freemasonry, the Knights Templar, the Illuminati, and other secret societies and conspiracy theories.

You'll get easy-to-follow instructions for solving everything from the simplest puzzles to fiendishly difficult ciphers using secret codes and lost symbols.

Over 350 handcrafted cryptograms and ciphers of varying types
Tips and tricks for cracking even the toughest code
Sutherland is a syndicated puzzle author; Koltko-Rivera is an expert on the major symbols and ceremonies of Freemasonry

With the helpful information in this friendly guide, you'll be unveiling mysteries and shedding light on history in no time!

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