Most available cryptology books primarily focus on either mathematics or history. Breaking this mold, Secret History gives a thorough yet accessible treatment of both the mathematics and history of cryptology. Requiring minimal mathematical prerequisites, the book presents the mathematics in sufficient detail and weaves the history throughout the chapters. In addition to the fascinating historical and political sides of cryptology, the author-a former Scholar-in-Residence at the U.S. National Security Agency Center for Cryptologic History-includes interesting instances of codes and ciphers in crime, literature, music, and art.