I have done a couple of recent posts on code and cipher breaking, SIGINT on signals intelligence and A Crypto Problem about Edgar Alan Poe's The Gold-Bug.And so I thought what better science kit for this week than Spy Science, which has materials for sending secret messages a number of different ways including codes, invisible ink, a cypher wheel, encryption sheets, and a Spy International ID card. And if you are found with the secret spy ID card I'm afraid it will give the whole game away. But no matter. Kids will no doubt love being an official secret spy.
United States Diplomatic Codes and Ciphers: 1775-1938 should be of interest to those who like American History. Did you know that Thomas Jefferson, our smartest President ever, invented a cipher system that used code wheels? Well you know it now.
Learn how to apply spy knowledge to situations in your own life, from how to hide valuables in your home, to how to shake a tail if you are being followed on a dark street. Learn how to avoid carjacking, pickpockets, and how to protect yourself from identity theft. The same tactics used by CIA and KGB agents can also be used in less serious situations-and these techniques can work in surprising ways. Planning a surprise birthday party for someone special? Learn how to create a cover story. Real spies know the tricks and what can give your cover away. A spy must master many skills, and is only as good as what he or she sees and understands. Observe and Analyze, Avoid Capture, Use Disguises, and Analyze Threats. These are all things that can help you in daily applications.The book is presented by International Spy Museum director and ex-CIA operative Peter Earnest, and filled with useful information gathered by the Spy Museum's team of experts.
I can think of uses for this information that would eventually lead to divorce court. So be careful out there.
And to kind of wrap this all up I want to cover the breaking of the German and Japanese Machine codes in WW2. Let me start with a book I am currently reading The American Magic which deals with the breaking of the Japanese codes and how that information was used to defeat Japan and had an influence on the decision to atomic bomb Japan.
I liked Kahn's _The Codebreakers_, in the early 70s I guess. I see he's updated it in a play for additional revenue.
The key paper though was I think called ``Cryptography in an algebraic alphabet'' in the 20s or something, which suddenly made the field interesting to mathematicians.
Or, if you want to pick up a lot of this stuff accidentally because you've become completely engrossed in a long and great book and don't even notice all the knowledge you're gaining, read Cryptonomicon, by Neal Stephenson. Think of it as gain without pain.
Also, I strongly second NCC's recommendation of Leo Mark's "Between Silk and Cyanide"..a truly great book, even for those with no interest in cryptography.
Marks was (in his early 20s) the codemaker for the British underground agency called Special Operations Executive, and he briefed most of the agents (including Noor Inayat Khan and Violette Szabo) before they went out on their missions. An incredible story of courage, written in a memorable style.
And so I thought what better science kit for this week than 
should have even more examples. 
is a beginners guide to all kinds of codes, cyphers and signaling methods. It covers everything from flag codes to World War Two code breakers. It is not very detailed, but it does give an excellent overview. 
should be of interest to those who like American History. Did you know that Thomas Jefferson, our smartest President ever, invented a cipher system that used code wheels? Well you know it now.
by Yardley details American code breaking efforts in World War One. It caused quite a scandal when it came out because it gave away a lot of secrets that our government would have preferred to remain secret, including how breaking the codes of other nations gave Americans a serious advantage in post war diplomacy. You can read more about Yardley in the book 
by David Kahn. 
is as up to date as the headlines in your newspaper. 
Yes they did, frequently. Did you know that the breaking of a diplomatic code by the British helped get the USA into WW1? 
is a classic telling of the tale by Barbra Tuchman. And it is just one example of how spying shaped the history of the world.
covers how to do it for your budding spy. 
Has practical tips on how to apply spying in your daly life. Such as: 
which deals with the breaking of the Japanese codes and how that information was used to defeat Japan and had an influence on the decision to atomic bomb Japan. 
There are lots of books on the subject for those interested in the origins of the modern computer is: 
YouTube has a couple of videos on the subject: 
If you want to watch a DVD about spying may I suggest: 
narrated by Charlton Heston.
The Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler
Don?t bang your head!
I liked Kahn's _The Codebreakers_, in the early 70s I guess. I see he's updated it in a play for additional revenue.
The key paper though was I think called ``Cryptography in an algebraic alphabet'' in the 20s or something, which suddenly made the field interesting to mathematicians.