The Gambler and the Scholars: Herbert Yardley, William & Elizebeth Friedman, and the Birth of Modern American Cryptology

In 1917, the U.S. Army asked William and Elizebeth Friedman to train officers in cryptanalysis and decrypt intercepted German communications. Herbert Yardley convinced the Army to create a code and cipher section, leading to the growth of modern American cryptology. The Friedman-Yardley relationship broke down, but their work led to the modern American intelligence community. This book explores the lives of three remarkable cryptologists and their contributions to spies, codes, ciphers, rumrunners, poker, and military history. It has wide appeal for general readers, historians, and military intelligence.

Format: Hardback
Length: 332 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

In May 1917, the United States Army approached William and Elizebeth Friedman with a unique request: to embark on a training program aimed at teaching officers in cryptanalysis and decrypting intercepted German diplomatic and military communications. This marked the inception of modern American cryptology, a field that would undergo significant growth over the next 35 years, culminating in the establishment of the National Security Agency.

At the same time, Herbert Yardley, a prominent figure in military intelligence, successfully convinced the newly appointed head of the Army's Military Intelligence Division to create a dedicated code and cipher section. Yardley himself assumed the role of its head. These two pivotal events laid the foundation for the development of cryptology in the United States.

However, the Friedman-Yardley relationship, which had been strong during their collaboration, was strained when Yardley published a tell-all book about his experiences in military intelligence. This publication revealed sensitive information and caused a rift between the two cryptologists. Despite this setback, the work they had initiated in 1917 continued to shape the modern American intelligence community.

As the years passed, the Friedmans, along with Yardley, became less influential within the burgeoning American cryptologic fraternity. Their contributions, while significant, were overshadowed by the emerging talents and advancements in the field. Nevertheless, their legacy remains an important part of the history of cryptology and intelligence.

In this captivating book, the lives of three remarkable and pioneering cryptologists are examined in detail. The reader is offered fascinating insights into the world of spies, codes, ciphers, rumrunners, poker, and military history. The book sheds new light on various aspects of the cryptologists' careers, particularly the work of Elizebeth Friedman, whose contributions during World War II have only recently begun to be explored.

Several intriguing "what if" scenarios are presented throughout the book, offering a glimpse into alternative histories and possibilities. For instance, the reader is invited to consider what might have happened if the Friedmans had joined Herbert Yardley in his new Cipher Bureau in 1919 or if Yardley had returned to Washington to work for William Friedman a decade later. These thought-provoking scenarios add depth and intrigue to the narrative.

This enjoyable book has broad appeal for a wide range of readers. General readers interested in the evolution of American cryptology will find it captivating. American historians, particularly those focused on World War I, the inter-war period, and World War II signals intelligence, will appreciate the historical significance of the events described. Historians of America and general readers with an interest in the country's history will also find this book highly informative and engaging.

In conclusion, "The Cryptologists: Three Women Who Transformed American Intelligence" is a must-read for anyone with an interest in the history of cryptology, intelligence, and the fascinating stories of remarkable individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping the world we live in today.

Weight: 688g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031283178
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023