Between Silk and Cyanide, by Leo Marks, Free Press, 1998, ISBN 0-684-86422-3, Hardcover, $27.50
Marks was one of the primary code makers for British SOE during WW2. This book tells his story of how he went from a poor student of coding, to make great strides forward in code for Allied agents operating in enemy territory.
Written in his own style, which some may have a hard time wading through, the book provides some valuable insights into the operations of SOE, and portraits of some of their more legendary agents. Great efforts have been taken to explain the mechanics of the codes, and code breaking, developed by this group. Although not full of "guns and blood," this book seems to be a valuable contribution to what little has been made public about SOE's operations.
Contains quite interesting material on captured Allied agents in Holland, as well as the heavy water plant in Norway. A detailed history of the devopment of silk one time pads, but no really good photos except one of a number of silk code sheets.
Recommended for anyone with a serious interest in codes, the SOE, or Allied
Spying operations in Europe. Purchase a copy by
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