– David Kahn, Historian of Codes and Code Breaking, Dies at 93
– Leading Historian David Kahn Passes Away at 93.

David Kahn, Renowned Cryptology Expert, Passes Away at 93

Introduction

David Kahn, the world’s leading authority on cryptology, passed away on January 24 at the age of 93. His son, Michael, confirmed that his death at a senior-living facility in the Bronx was a result of long-term effects from a stroke he suffered in 2015.

A Pioneer in Cryptology

Before David Kahn’s groundbreaking book, “The Codebreakers,” cryptology remained a hidden field. The subject, which played a crucial role in World War II and saw advancements throughout the 20th century, was overlooked by historians due to its classified nature.

In the preface of his book, Mr. Kahn stated, “Codebreaking is the most important form of secret intelligence in the world today. Yet it has never had a chronicler.”

“The Codebreakers” and its Impact

In his book, spanning over 1,000 pages, David Kahn meticulously documented the history of cryptology from ancient Egypt to the dawn of computer-assisted code breaking. The U.S. government, concerned about the sensitive information revealed, initially sought to block the book’s publication. However, after review, Mr. Kahn agreed to make minor edits and the book was released.

Despite its weighty subject matter, “The Codebreakers” became a bestseller, selling approximately 75,000 hardcover copies. It also introduced countless readers to the fascinating world of cryptology.

Inspiring a New Generation

David Kahn’s book not only educated the public but also inspired a community of private-sector cryptologists who had previously been hindered by government restrictions. By providing a comprehensive account of the history of cryptology, he motivated aspiring coders to push the boundaries of the field.

Steven Levy, author of “Crypto: How the Code Rebels Beat the Government Saving Privacy in the Digital Age,” described Mr. Kahn’s book as “their Bible.”

A Chance Encounter and Lifelong Passion

David Kahn was born on February 7, 1930, in Manhattan and grew up in Great Neck, Long Island. His interest in codes was sparked during his teenage years when he discovered Fletcher Pratt’s book, “Secret and Urgent,” in the local library. This encounter ignited a lifelong passion for cryptology.

After completing a bachelor’s degree in social science from Bucknell University in 1951, Mr. Kahn worked as a reporter for Newsday. However, it wasn’t until 1960, when he wrote an article for The New York Times Magazine on the history of cryptology, that he fully immersed himself in the subject.

Continued Contributions to the Field

Following the success of “The Codebreakers,” David Kahn pursued a doctorate in modern German history at Oxford. His dissertation, titled “Hitler’s Spies: German Military Intelligence in World War II,” was published as a book in 1978. Through extensive interviews with former high-ranking Nazi officials, Mr. Kahn shed light on Germany’s intelligence shortcomings during the war.

In addition to his books, David Kahn founded the academic journal Cryptologia and served as its editor. His dedication and contributions to the field eventually led to his induction into the National Security Agency’s Cryptologic Hall of Honor in 2020.

Remembering David Kahn

David Kahn’s passing is mourned by his family and the cryptology community. His career spanning over half a century as a journalist, scholar, and author has been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of cryptology in international peace and security.

As the world bids farewell to this legendary figure, his legacy as the pre-eminent authority on cryptology remains etched in history.

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1. David Kahn, Leading Historian of Codes and Code Breaking, Dies at 93
2. David Kahn, Expert Historian in Codes and Code Breaking, Passes Away at 93.