Secret Writing in the Long Eighteenth Century: Theories and Practices of Cryptology

During the long eighteenth century, cryptology of the long eighteenth century became an explicit discipline of secrecy, theorized in pedagogical texts and promoted algorithmic literacy through multimodal methods of secret writing. It manipulated materials and inspired new technologies, and revealed the visual habits of print and the observational consequences of increasing standardization in writing. It also gained popularity with everyday readers as a pleasurable cognitive activity for personal improvement.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the captivating realm of cryptology, the long eighteenth century witnessed the emergence of a distinct discipline dedicated to secrecy. This intriguing field found its theoretical foundations in pedagogical texts that reached vast audiences, propagating the art of multimodal secret writing. During this period in England, a unique blend of reading practices, including discernment, separation, recombination, and pattern recognition, was introduced, fostering algorithmic literacy and expanding the horizons of literacy.

In the realm of composition, secret writing took on a transformative role, manipulating materials and inspiring the development of new technologies in instrumentation, computation, word processing, and storage. Moreover, cryptology unveiled the visual habits of print and the profound observational consequences of increasing standardization in writing, challenging the longstanding relationship between print and script.

Secret writing, far from being reserved for military strategists and politicians, gained widespread popularity among everyday readers as a pleasurable cognitive activity for personal improvement. It offered an alternative perspective on secrecy and literacy, captivating minds and fostering a deeper understanding of these complex concepts.

The cryptology of the long eighteenth century not only revolutionized the practice of secrecy but also left an indelible mark on the evolution of language, literature, and technology. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of human ingenuity and the boundless possibilities that arise when we explore the hidden depths of communication and knowledge.

Weight: 152g
ISBN-13: 9781009078146