-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- On Aug 30, 22:40, "David E. Smith" wrote: } Subject: Re: Crypto best book

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What is the best book about cryptography ?

Although "best" is certainly subjective, Nine out of Ten Cypherpunks (TM) recommend Bruce Schneier's "Applied Cryptography."

http://www.counterpane.com/applied.html

Bruce did a lousy job on this book.

If his is the first or the only book you read on the subject of cryptography, your knowledge base will be seriously deficient.

Is this because of the mathematical mistakes, or is there other stuff? Certainly his 'real-world' grasp seems excellent, and it's an enjoyable read, which says a whole hell of a lot, I think, given the topic. I got an ad for 'The Handbook of Applied Cryptography' from a conference, is it any good? -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: 2.6.3i Charset: noconv iQBVAwUBNAjaRxkU7YRPCnEJAQFOcwH9GUQbNmkzLB/UxiIyk1UbTNcUMkmkY1JQ RGtuvqV3iv6+oOrI2LOMB1I7FFcXFaXrdMtML53YX6KzuKNSul/f1Q== =PFot -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----