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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945
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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945 Paperback - 2000

by Leo Marks

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As a cryptographer driven to improve the security of secret codes for Britain's Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II, Marks used wit and tenacity to find effective vehicles for safe communication among Allied agents. "Between Silk and Cyanide" chronicles his quest for foolproof codes--an endeavor that led to his involvement in some of the war's most secret operations. of photos.

Reader reviews for Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945

From the publisher

This true account of spycraft in the UK during World War II is "spellbinding...a compelling insider's view to the shadow war: intrigue and treachery, double-dealing and deception, hope and despair, triumph and tragedy" (The New York Times Book Review).

In 1942, Leo Marks left his father's famous bookshop, 84 Charing Cross Road, and went off to fight the war. He was twenty-two. Soon recognized as a cryptographer of genius, he became head of communications at the Special Operations Executive (SOE), where he revolutionized the codemaking techniques of the Allies and trained some of the most famous agents dropped into occupied Europe, including "the White Rabbit" and Violette Szabo. As a top codemaker, Marks had a unique perspective on one of the most fascinating and, until now, little-known aspects of World War II.

Writing with the narrative flair and vivid characterization of his famous screenplays, Marks gives free rein to his keen sense of the absurd and his wry wit, resulting in a thrilling and poignant memoir that celebrates individual courage and endeavor, without losing sight of the human cost and horror of war.

First line

In January 1942 I was escorted to the war by my parents in case I couldn't find it or met with an accident on the way.

From the rear cover

In 1942, Leo Marks left his father's famous London bookshop, 84 Charing Cross Road, and went off to fight the war. He was twenty-two. Soon recognized as a cryptographer of genius, he became head of communications at the Special Operations Executive (SOE), where he revolutionized the codemaking techniques of the Allies and trained some of the most famous agents dropped into occupied Europe, including "the White Rabbit" and Violette Szabo. As a top codemaker, Marks had a unique perspective on one of the most fascinating and, until now, little-known aspects of the Second World War.

Writing with the narrative flair and vivid characterization of his famous screenplays, Marks gives free rein to his keen sense of the absurd and his wry wit, resulting in a thrilling and poignant memoir that celebrates individual courage and endeavor, without losing sight of the human cost and horror of war.

Details

  • Title Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945
  • Author Leo Marks
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition 1st Touchstone E
  • Pages 624
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Free Press, New York
  • Publication date 2000-09-12
  • Illustrated Yes
  • Features Illustrated, Index
  • ISBN 9780684867809 / 068486780X
  • Weight 2.1 lbs (0.95 kg)
  • Dimensions 9 x 6 x 1.7 in (22.86 x 15.24 x 4.32 cm)
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: 1940's
    • Chronological Period: 20th Century
    • Chronological Period: 1900-1949
    • Cultural Region: British
  • Category Biography / Autobiography
  • Library of Congress subjects World War, 1939-1945 - Cryptography, World War, 1939-1945 - Secret service -
  • Dewey Decimal Code B

About the author

Leo Marks is renowned both as a cryptographer and as a screenwriter. His most famous work, Peeping Tom, a terrifying psychological thriller, is a cult classic of 1960s cinema. His father, Benjamin Marks, was the founder and owner of the legendary London bookshop 84 Charing Cross Road.

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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945
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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945

by Leo Marks

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780684867809 / 068486780x
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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945
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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945

by Marks, Leo

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Free Press. Very Good. Soft cover. 1st Edition. 2000.
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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945
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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945

by Marks, Leo

  • Used
  • Very good
  • Paperback
Condition
Very good
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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780684867809 / 068486780x
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New York, New York, U. S. A.: Touchstone Books/Simon & Schuster, 2000. Soft cover. Very Good. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Later Printing Of Stated First Touchstone Edition. Includes Index. Pictorial Wraps With Yellow And White Lettering On The Front And Spine. The Book Has Some Creasing At The Spine And Two Pages With Corner Creases.
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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945

Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945

by Marks, Leo

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Free Press, 2000. Paperback. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945

Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945

by Marks, Leo

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780684867809 / 068486780X
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Free Press, 2000. Paperback. Acceptable. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War 1941-1945
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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War 1941-1945

by Marks, Leo

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  • Paperback
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Very good
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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780684867809 / 068486780X
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Old Tappan, New Jersey, U.S.A.: Free Pr, 2000 Minor corner bumping and wear to the covers.Clean text.The author left his fathers bookshop,the famous 84 Charing Cross Road,to serve in the war.He was recongized as cryptographer of genius.. Trade Paperback. Very Good/No Jacket as Issued.
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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945
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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945

by Marks, Leo

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780684867809 / 068486780X
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Free Press, 2000-09-12. First Touchtone Edition. paperback. Used: Good. 1.00x12.00x11.00. Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.
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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945

by Leo Marks

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
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Free Press, 2000. FIRST THUS. Paperback. Like New/No Jacket. First Edition Thus, First Printing. Published by Free Press, 2000. Octavo. Paperback. Book is like new with light shelf/edgewear. 100% positive feedback. 30 day money back guarantee. NEXT DAY SHIPPING! Excellent customer service. Please email with any questions. All books packed carefully and ship with free delivery confirmation/tracking. All books come with free bookmarks. Ships from Sag Harbor, New York.
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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945
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Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945

by Marks, Leo

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  • Paperback
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Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780684867809 / 068486780X
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Free Press, 2000-09-12. Paperback. Like New. 5x0x8. Softcover. Good binding and cover. Light wear. Clean, unmarked pages. <br> From the library Dr. Owen Hannaway. Hannaway was director of the Center for the History and Philosophy of Science at Johns Hopkins University. He authored numerous books and served as an editor of academic magazines in the history of science. Partial list of publications: Chemists and the Word: The Didactic Origins of Chemistry (1975); Observation, Experiment, and Hypothesis in Modern Physical Science (1985); The Evolution of Technology (1989); Science and the Practice of Medicine in the Nineteenth Century (1994); and The Foundations of Modern Science in the Middle Ages: Their Religious, Institutional and Intellectual Contexts (1996).
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Between Silk and Cyanide : A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945
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Between Silk and Cyanide : A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945

by Marks, Leo

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ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780684867809 / 068486780x
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Free Press. Used - Good. Pages intact with minimal writing/highlighting. The binding may be loose and creased. Dust jackets/supplements are not included. Stock photo provided. Product includes identifying sticker. Better World Books: Buy Books. Do Good.
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