Getting started with crypto

Hey there all. I've been lurking here for a while, and I wanted to know if any of you can recomend some books for me to read so I can get started with crypto. Reason A) So that I can understand more of what you are saying. Reason B) Because I find the topic fascinating and want to learn more about it, as well as maybe (only possibly) write my own encrytption program (for personal use and the like) Any info would be greatly appreciated.... Adam Gerstein GERSTEIN@SCSU.CTSTATEU.EDU =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= OPPOSE CLIPPER-=-OPPOSE CLIPPER-=-OPPOSE CLIPPER-=-OPPOSE CLIPPER-=-OPPOSE CLIPP