The Woman All Spies Fear: Code Breaker Elizebeth Smith Friedman and Her Hidden Life

This comprehensive biography centers Elizebeth Smith Friedman (1892–1980), one of America’s most important and little-known code breakers, who had a profound impact on WWI and WWII. Greenfield thoroughly covers Friedman’s life, from her repressive childhood; college education; early introduction to codes in a research program run by an eccentric millionaire; marriage to and partnership with brilliant fellow cryptanalyst William Friedman; and varied government career and later life. While coverage of Friedman’s extended professional machinations slows the pace, the book proves strongest as it ably chronicles how her skills developed and homes in on codes and code breaking. Recurring offset feature “Code Breaker” offers fascinating details on the mechanics, such as “Rail Fence Love Letter,” a coded love note; “Solving in Depth,” which highlights Friedman’s work on the famous Nazi Enigma code; and “The Last Word,” which reveals how Friedman even employed a code on her husband’s tombstone. B&w photographs help round out the history, alongside primary sources such as news stories and even Friedman’s own handwritten notes. A captivating account of the life and critical contributions of “one of the most formidable code breakers in the world.” Back matter includes a bibliography and notes. Ages 12–up. (Oct.)