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Seizing the Enigma

The Race to Break the German U-Boats Codes, 1939–1943

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Seizing the Enigma

By: David Kahn
Narrated by: Bernard Mayes
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About this listen

For almost four desperate years, between 1939 and 1943, British and American navies fought a savage, losing battle against German submarine wolf packs. The Allies might never have turned the tide of that historic battle without an intelligence coup. The race to break the German U-boat codes is one of the last great untold stories of World War II.

David Kahn, the world’s leading historian of cryptology, brings to life this tense, behind-the-scenes drama for the first time. Seizing the Enigma provides the definitive account of how British and American code breakers fought a war of wits against Nazi naval communications and helped lead the Allies to victory in the crucial Battle of the Atlantic.

©1991 David Khan (P)1994 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Freedom & Security Military Naval Forces United States War Submarine Espionage U-Boat Imperialism

Critic Reviews

“The best historian of cryptography explains the cracking of the Naval Enigma cipher.... David Kahn writes with authority and enthusiasm.” (Simon Singh, author of The Code Book and Fermat's Last Theorem)
“[Kahn] underscores the strategic importance of submarine warfare in the Atlantic, giving a balanced account of the ultimate importance of code breaking in that arena. High drama at sea seizing German codebooks and equipment and analytical genius ashore were essential. Kahn describes both of these matching efforts expertly. Informed laypersons and specialists will find this book valuable and intriguing.” ( Library Journal)
“Kahn provides detailed, action-packed accounts (drawn from interviews with surviving eyewitnesses on both sides) of the bold seizures that yielded vital documents…A first-rate briefing on the use of brawn as well as brains to alleviate the U-boat threat.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

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Profile Image for Trevor

Good read, told at a good speed.

The most annoying part is the review process not letting you leave till it’s done

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Profile Image for Julian

dry but solid

This book is really for history buffs
The audio performance is the tone of a teacher giving a lecture, but that has more to do with the material than the narrator
I enjoyed it, but its a technical book

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Profile Image for Grant Lewis

absorbing story.

A complete history of the breaking of the enigma code. although at a high level rather than concentrating to much on individuals. I found the capturing of a particular enigma machine from a sinking u boat fascinating

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Profile Image for Marie berry

Incredible history

Absolutely loved this book. I will reread it again. Lots of facts to absorb in one reading. The story was incredible and I loved the history behind the enigma. I would highly recommend to any like minded readers.

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