Codes and ciphers have decided the fate of empires, changing the course of history in the process. How codes work, the role of code-breakers and the sometimes villainous personalities behind ciphers are all laid bare in The Code Book, by Simon Singh, author of the best-selling Fermat's Last Theorem.
Dr Singh will deliver a talk on his new book on codes at the RDS in Dublin on Tuesday, October 12th. His presentation is part of the Irish Times/RDS Science Today lecture series in which noted international speakers discuss their work as a way to promote a better public understanding of science.
A graduate in physics from the University of Cambridge, Dr Singh has added spice to his book by setting a worldwide Cipher Challenge for which he has put up a £10,000 reward. The challenge includes 10 separate stages and the money goes to the first reader who successfully cracks all 10 elements.
The lecture will be in the RDS Minerva Suite at 8 p.m. on October 12th. Places will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Places must be prebooked by contacting Ms Adrienne Dunne, arts and members' department at the RDS, (01) 6680866, ext 211. The entrance fee is £5, and £2.50 for students and oldage pensioners. There is no charge for RDS members.