Ask A Scientist© Computer Science Archive

Index Key:   CSI028
Author:      Shjoji Masuzawa 
Subject:     Encryption, Cryptology
Text:        The idea of public encryption is fascinating.  I would like to 
introduce the idea to my Computer Literacy course (for 10th graders).  I have 
read some very general descriptions of public encryption, but I would like to 
know a little more specific concept.  Do you have any reading suggestions - 
books or articles, which are not too technical?  I am a Computer teacher in a 
high school, teaching Pascal as well as Computer Literacy.  Symbolic logic was 
my favorite subject in college.  Thank you.

Response #: 1 of 1
Author:     Clayton S. Ferner
Text:       There is a short introductory chapter (Chapter 23) on Cryptology  
in:
- R. Sedgewick, ALGORITHMS,  Addison-Wesley Publishing Co.; Reading, MA, 1984.  
The chapter is short, but it is easy reading and gives a little history.  The 
references cited by Sedgewick are:
- D. Kahn, THE CODEBREAKERS, Macmillan, New York, 1967.
- R. L. Rivest, A. Shamir and L. Adleman, "A method for obtaining digital 
signatures and public-key cryptosystems," COMMUNICATIONS OF THE ACM, 21, 2 
(February, 1978).
- T. A. Standish, DATA STRUCTURE TECHNIQUES, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co, 
Reading, MA, 1980.
I have not seen these, so I cannot say much for how technical they are.  The 
Rivest article is probably fairly technical.  I hope this is a good start for 
you.  Good luck.