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The American Black Chamber
The American Black Chamber
Author: Herbert O. Yardley
Ballantine Espionage/Intelligence Library — This book is a classic in nonfiction literature. When published in 1931, The American Black Chamber was an instant sensation and quickly became a best-seller. Erle Stanley Gardner termed the book "one of the most interesting books I have ever read." For those interested in rea...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780345298676
ISBN-10: 0345298675
Publication Date: 8/12/1981
Pages: 256
Rating:
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
 2

5 stars, based on 2 ratings
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

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hardtack avatar reviewed The American Black Chamber on + 2573 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
If you read any of the books on code-breaking in World War II, and realize how important reading the other side's mail was to the Allied victory, then you must also read this book, as it is frequently mentioned in the World War II books on code breaking.

After a stupid U.S. Secretary of State, and we've had more than just one of those, stated "Gentlemen do not read each others' mail," Yardley was without a job. So he decided to write a book about what he did during World War I and later.

The publication of the book caused an uproar, but was mostly read by the people who would fight us in World War II. I had always wanted to read this book and was delighted to find a copy posted here. I was not disappointed with its contents. Except for the few sections describing how codes are developed and broken, this is a well written history of America's Black Chamber and the effect it had upon history.
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