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Seizing the Enigma: The Race to Break the German U-Boat Codes, 1939–1943 Audiobook
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(3.02) - 139 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
For almost four desperate years between 1939 and 1943, British and American navies fought a savage, losing battle against German submarine wolf packs. The Allies might never have turned the tide of that historic battle without an intelligence coup. The race to break the German U-boat codes is one of the last great untold stories of World War II.
David Kahn, the world’s leading historian of cryptology, brings to life this tense, behind-the-scenes drama for the first time. Seizing the Enigma provides the definitive account of how British and American code breakers fought a war of wits against Nazi naval communications and helped lead the Allies to victory in the crucial Battle of the Atlantic.
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"Coolest book I've read in a while. Learn the beginnings of James Bond(is that a spoiler?) An excellent read, with real live history, and a heroic dog. The last was just in my head."
— Trainreq (5 out of 5 stars)
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“The best historian of cryptography explains the cracking of the Naval Enigma cipher…David Kahn writes with authority and enthusiasm.”
— Simon Singh, author of The Code Book and Fermat's Last Theorem -
“[Kahn] underscores the strategic importance of submarine warfare in the Atlantic, giving a balanced account of the ultimate importance of code breaking in that arena. High drama at sea seizing German codebooks and equipment and analytical genius ashore were essential. Kahn describes both of these matching efforts expertly. Informed laypersons and specialists will find this book valuable and intriguing.”
— Library Journal -
“Kahn provides detailed, action-packed accounts (drawn from interviews with surviving eyewitnesses on both sides) of the bold seizures that yielded vital documents…A first-rate briefing on the use of brawn as well as brains to alleviate the U-boat threat.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“Mayes captures the right mood for this report on the breaking of the German code during WWII.”
— Kliatt
Seizing the Enigma Listener Reviews
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" Fascinating. Plus, a Hinsley, Sir Harry! "
— Michael, 12/1/2013 -
" And essential part of understanding WWII. "
— Erik, 6/24/2013 -
" WWII, true story "
— Geoklass, 5/20/2013 -
" An "OK" book, parts were interesting, parts informative, parts boring. I did get a better idea of how codes and ciphers were used in WWII. "
— Curmudgeon66, 4/19/2013
About David Kahn
David Kahn, who holds a PhD in history from Oxford, is the author of The Codebreakers, Hitler’s Spies, and Seizing the Enigma. He has written articles on codes and intelligence for many magazines, ranging from Playboy to the New York Times Magazine and Historical Journal. He lives in Great Neck, New York.
About Bernard Mayes
Bernard Mayes is a teacher, administrator, corporate executive, broadcaster, actor, dramatist, and former international commentator on US culture. He is best known for his readings of historical classics.