The Book of Codes: Understanding the World of Hidden Messages: An Illustrated Guide to Signs, Symbols, Ciphers, and Secret Languages

by Paul Lunde (general editor)

The art of the code—code making and code breaking—remains shrouded in mystery and seems locked away in the murky realms of military intelligence, spies, and secret services. Yet codes affect virtually every area of our lives, providing security, protecting identity, and enabling us to connect via the Internet across global boundaries. This lavishly illustrated encyclopedia surveys the history and development of code making and code breaking in all areas of culture and society-from hieroglyphs and runes to DNA, the Zodiac Killer, The Da Vinci Code, graffiti, and beyond. Beginning with the first codes, including those found in the natural world and among ancient peoples, the book casts a wide net, exploring secret societies, codes of war, codes of the underworld, commerce, human behavior, and civilization itself. Editor Paul Lunde and an extraordinary group of specialists have compiled the most comprehensive and complete collection of codes available. Visually stunning and packed with fascinating details, The Book of Codes tells the complete story of codes at a time when they have become fundamentally important to our lives.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, Language, Science, Research, Anthropology

288 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Degan Walters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really interesting book but the format is incredibly dense and it being a large, heavy coffee table book means I can't carry it around easily. So I didn't finish it before having to take it back to the library and I already have an assortment of dense books on my coffee table so reluctantly giving it up, but I wish someone would create an Instagram account and send out the various codes in bite-sized snippets.

[Angelam · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 10yr old is fascinated with spies, codes, etc.. It appealed to both of us and had a good balance of pictures and text.

[Doug Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really just a historical reference book. But good and easy reading in small chunks.

[Linda]

Very dense. How do you read a landscape?

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book defines codes VERY broadly, from landscape paintings to musical scores to Masonic emblems to (more what I was looking for) Navajo windtalkers and Morse Code. IMO, a little too broad to be useful for someone looking for something specific--but fascinating for anyone interested in linguistics or non-verbal communication (for instance, there's a section on the code for flirtation signals ladies could send with fans!).

If you read Eyewitness books as a kid, then this will remind you of them. Like Eyewitness books, and perhaps because the book defines codes so broadly, it only has one two-page spread to offer each of its myriad subjects. Thus, you really only get to brush the surface of what's interesting about each subject.

[Oliver Barret · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Clearly, this book offers deep insights. One can't help but appreciate its thorough explanations. Delving into each chapter reveals the author's expertise. Every reader will find value in its pages."

[Jbussen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jeez talk about a dry read.

[Özlem Güzelharcan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okuması keyifli bir kitap. Baskısı ve fotoğrafları şahane.

[Delanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

FRANKLY AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF INFORMATION but I still found the stuff I initially got the book for

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite format—picture book style for grown-ups

[Kerfe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfect coffee table book, to leave around and browse through from time to time.

I have to admit I didn't really read carefully all the text and information. I did look at all the illustrations though--everyone is sure to find something of interest, and also to learn or see something new. Actual ciphers and secret codes, language, writing, signing, signalling, magic, mysticism and religion, science and math, sociology, psychology, music, literature, art and war: all kinds of communication are covered.

Take a look and google away.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chronological use of symbols throughout history is the main theme of this book. A balance of images and text, the book certainly sparks curiosity. Its weakness? Lack of depth.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great pictures. If you are looking for small snippets of interesting information about the history of codes this is a fun book to read. Typically, 2 pages are devoted to each topic.

[Dustin]

DIDN'T READ IT
Too much like a magazine, no flow, it's non-fiction so hur

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more of an encyclopedia than a book-to-read. It was really interesting but there is SO much information it will hurt your brain. Its a keep-on-the-shelf for research book.

[Sinistmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative--lots of great visuals.

[Megan Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has comprehensive material for every code even down to dress, behavior, etc. I wasn't too crazy about being 'educated' about some cult stuff so I skimmed through the book.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

More information than you can shake a atick at