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Seizing the Enigma

The Race to Break the German U-Boats Codes, 1939–1943

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Seizing the Enigma

Written by: David Kahn
Narrated by: Bernard Mayes
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About this listen

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.

©1991 David Khan (P)1994 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Armed Forces Freedom & Security Military United States Wars & Conflicts War Submarine Espionage U-Boat Imperialism

What the critics say

“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)

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Profile Image for Roberta W

Super interesting

I have wanted to know more about Enigma and cracking the codes during WWII, but this book was not what I expected. Like most things, there is a lot more to the story than appears at first glance! I expected for the focus to be in Bletchley Park, where all the codebreakers were… instead, it was mostly set at sea, aboard ships and submarines. It was through these battles that the Allies were able to literally seize an Enigma machine, and ultimately all the related devices and keys needed to operate them. It went beyond equipment, as they tried to turn up code books and important papers in office quarters, and even the pockets of newly captured prisoners of war. This was all the stuff Bletchley needed to do their work. As a result, there was more about battles than usually interests me, so my wind would wander, and I missed some details. The narration wasn’t terrible, but I wish it had kept my attention more. Plenty of detail here for those who want to understand the actual devices and codes.

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Profile Image for William Dayman

Informative

Very interesting with in depth detail of device and the people who made this possible.

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Profile Image for Mike

Very detailed account of Enigma's Development

I found this fascinating because it personalized the story. I did take a break from reading to learn from other sources how it worked including online simulation. well worth five stars.

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