---

The Mathematics of Secrets takes readers on a fascinating tour of the mathematics behind cryptography - the science of sending secret messages. Most books about cryptography are organized historically, or around how codes and ciphers have been used, such as in government and military intelligence or bank transactions. Joshua Holden instead shows how mathematical principles underpin the ways that different codes and ciphers operate. Holden focuses on both code making and code breaking and he discusses the majority of ancient and modern ciphers currently known. With a plethora of historical anecdotes and real-world examples, The Mathematics of Secrets reveals the mathematics working stealthily in the science of coded messages.

---

"Suitable for anyone with a basic understanding of high school math, The Mathematics of Secrets presents the theoretical principles of cryptography, from Julius Caesar´s primitive cipher to the intricacies of the modern digital signature. This terrific book is a testament to the almost supernatural power of mathematics."--Paul J. Nahin, author of In Praise of Simple Physics

---

Joshua Holden is professor of mathematics at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology.

---