Synopsis
INTRODUCTION FOR THE UNINITIATED
Heretofore, there has been no suitable introductory book that provides a solid mathematical treatment of cryptography for students with little or no background in number theory. By presenting the necessary mathematics as needed, An Introduction to Cryptography superbly fills that void. Although it is intended for the undergraduate student needing an introduction to the subject of cryptography, it contains enough optional, advanced material to challenge even the most informed reader, and provides the basis for a second course on the subject.
Beginning with an overview of the history of cryptography, the material covers the basics of computer arithmetic and explores complexity issues. The author then presents three comprehensive chapters on symmetric-key cryptosystems, public-key cryptosystems, and primality testing. There is an optional chapter on four factoring methods: Pollard's p-1 method, the continued fraction algorithm, the quadratic sieve, and the number field sieve. Another optional chapter contains detailed development of elliptic curve cryptosystems, zero-knowledge, and quantum cryptography. He illustrates all methods with worked examples and includes a full, but uncluttered description of the numerous cryptographic applications.
SUSTAINS INTEREST WITH ENGAGING MATERIAL
Throughout the book, the author gives a human face to cryptography by including more than 50 biographies of the individuals who helped develop cryptographic concepts. He includes a number of illustrative and motivating examples, as well as optional topics that go beyond the basics presented in the core data. With an extensive index and a list of symbols for easy reference, An Introduction to Cryptography is the essential fundamental text on cryptography.
Review
"Mollin has written a readable text on a subject that can be challenging. It deserves your attention." - The Cryptogram "This is a great book! It can be used in many ways: for a university course at one extreme, and as selective light reading for pleasure at the other. The author's enthusiasm carries the reader along clearly and easily, spilling over to scores of fascinating, beautifully written footnotes, which include more than fifty mini-biographies. excellent and highly recommended." - Short Book Reviews, Vol. 21, No. 2, August, 2001 "I want to congratulate you on your superb volume in 'An Introduction to Cryptography.' This is a fine addition to the field. Upon my recommendation, my personal firm has purchased several copies, it's so great. ... Your explanation in the section of 'Coin Flipping via Exponentiation' was brilliantly orchestrated." - Owen Henry Cupp, Southern Sovereign Institute, Georgia, USA "In this very nice book, the author introduces at an undergraduate level the following topics: Origins, computer arithmetic, and complexityThis book pay a lot of attention to the history of this research field, which makes the reading very enjoyable Zentralblatt fur Mathematik
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