Codes: How to Make Them and Break Them

Murderous Maths #12

by Kjartan Poskitt

Will show readers how to encode/decode their own messages in as many ways as possible. Examples of differently coded messages will also fit in well with the diverse range of the usual MM characters. The contents would Disguised codes (e.g. see the last para of synopsis); Scrambled codes (where the order of letters is mixed up); Substitution codes (where letters are replaced by other letters or symbols or just 14 21 13 2 5 18 19 ); Some history of how codes have been used in the past, from ancient Roman times to cracking the WW2 German Enigma machine; and, other message systems such as morse code, flags and also activity ideas such as making cut-out stencils that work with code grids. Although the other MM books deliberately avoid exercises or setting questions, this title lends itself to setting messages that need decoding by the reader, possibly leading up to a mega message to decode at the end. Can you see this very last paragraph is coded? (Read all the fourth words). The book demonstrates other codes you've probably never really been aware of. Stop waiting therefore and go for it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mathematics, Science, Childrens, Education

157 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2007

About the author

Kjartan Poskitt is an author and TV presenter who is best known for writing the Murderous Maths children's series of books. Poskitt was educated at Collingwood College, Durham. In addition to his popular science and maths books, which include books on Isaac Newton (Dead Famous: Isaac Newton and his Apple), puzzles, practical jokes and secred codes, Poskitt has written a book of magical tricks, a GCSE Maths support book and four Rosie and Jim annuals. In 2007, Poskit published the first in a new series of children's novels called Urgum the Axeman.

He also wrote the theme tune for the children's art program SMart, as well as the title theme and music for the first two series of Brum. He is also the creator of a logic puzzle, Kjarposko.

He has been a presenter for a number of (mostly BBC) educational children's TV shows.

Reviews

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Got Secret L1fe of Codes as part of the entire Murderous Maths series. Read this first and just wasn’t very interested in the languages of codes personally.

[Chelsie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am only up to page 18 because the code at the beginning got me thinking

[Belle Meade School]

652.8

[Lovedeep Dhingra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ended up unearthing this gem from my childhood bookshelf. Remains one of the most fascinating books I read as a young math-y kid.