The Woman Who Smashed Codes summary

The Early Years of Elizebeth Smith Friedman

In The Woman Who Smashed Codes by Jason Fagone, we are introduced to Elizebeth Smith, a young woman with a passion for Shakespeare and a talent for languages. Elizebeth's life takes a dramatic turn when she is hired by George Fabyan, a wealthy eccentric, to work at Riverbank, his estate outside Chicago. Fabyan was convinced that Sir Francis Bacon was the true author of Shakespeare's plays and employed Elizebeth to decode hidden messages in the works of Shakespeare. This led Elizebeth to develop a fascination with codes and ciphers.

At Riverbank, Elizebeth meets and falls in love with William Friedman, a geneticist who shares her interest in codes. They marry, and their partnership becomes a cornerstone of the emerging science of cryptanalysis. Together, they set out to solve some of the most challenging codes of their time.

The Rise of the Friedmans in Cryptography

As the United States enters World War I, Elizebeth and William are recruited by the government to work for the War Department's Code and Cipher Division. Elizebeth's expertise in Shakespeare and literature proves unexpectedly useful in her code-breaking work. She deciphers messages smuggled by German spies, leading to the arrest of several enemy agents. Meanwhile, William is assigned to the Army's Signals Intelligence Service, where he makes significant contributions to code-breaking efforts.

After the war, the Friedmans establish themselves as leading authorities in cryptanalysis. They work together on various projects, including cracking the codes of rumrunners during Prohibition and uncovering a massive Nazi spy ring in South America. Elizebeth's work in particular plays a crucial role in foiling these espionage efforts against the United States.

World War II and the Enigma Machine

When World War II breaks out, Elizebeth and William's expertise in code-breaking becomes even more critical. Elizebeth is tasked with breaking the codes used by Nazi spies in South America, while William is assigned to tackle the Japanese diplomatic cipher known as Purple. Elizebeth's successes in South America help to neutralize the spy threat, while William's work on Purple provides vital intelligence for the United States.

However, it is the British cryptanalysts who make the most significant breakthrough of the war when they crack the German Enigma machine. Elizebeth and William contribute indirectly to this effort by sharing their knowledge and expertise with their British counterparts. Despite their achievements, the Friedmans remain relatively unknown, and their contributions to code-breaking during World War II are underappreciated.

The Legacy of Elizebeth Smith Friedman

In the final chapters of The Woman Who Smashed Codes, we learn about Elizebeth's post-war life. She continues to work in cryptography, focusing on the intersection of codes and law enforcement. She becomes an expert witness in court cases involving cryptanalysis and helps to convict criminals using encrypted communications.

Jason Fagone's book presents a compelling account of Elizebeth Smith Friedman's remarkable life and her pioneering contributions to the field of cryptanalysis. Despite enduring gender discrimination and a lack of recognition during her lifetime, Elizebeth's work played a crucial role in shaping modern code-breaking techniques and national security efforts. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of unsung heroes in the world of intelligence and cryptography.