Prisoners, Lovers, and Spies

The Story of Invisible Ink from Herodotus to al-Qaeda

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book Prisoners, Lovers, and Spies by Kristie Macrakis, Yale University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Kristie Macrakis ISBN: 9780300188257
Publisher: Yale University Press Publication: March 28, 2014
Imprint: Yale University Press Language: English
Author: Kristie Macrakis
ISBN: 9780300188257
Publisher: Yale University Press
Publication: March 28, 2014
Imprint: Yale University Press
Language: English
Prisoners, Lovers, and Spies is a book about concealing and revealing secret communications. It is the first history of invisible writing, uncovered through stories about scoundrels and heroes. Spies were imprisoned or murdered, adultery unmasked, and battles lost because of faulty or intercepted secret communications. Yet, successfully hidden writing helped save lives, win battles, and ensure privacy; occasionally it even changed the course of history.

Kristie Macrakis combines a storyteller’s sense of drama with a historian’s respect for evidence in this page-turning history of intrigue and espionage, love and war, magic and secrecy. From the piazzas of ancient Rome to the spy capitals of the Cold War, Macrakis's global history reveals the drama and importance of invisible ink. From Ovid’s advice to use milk for illicit love notes, to John Gerard's dramatic escape from the tower of London aided by orange juice ink messages, to al-Qaeda’s hidden instructions in pornographic movies, this book presents spellbinding stories of secret messaging that chart its evolution in sophistication and its impact on history. An appendix includes fun kitchen chemistry recipes for readers to try out at home.
Prisoners, Lovers, and Spies is a book about concealing and revealing secret communications. It is the first history of invisible writing, uncovered through stories about scoundrels and heroes. Spies were imprisoned or murdered, adultery unmasked, and battles lost because of faulty or intercepted secret communications. Yet, successfully hidden writing helped save lives, win battles, and ensure privacy; occasionally it even changed the course of history.

Kristie Macrakis combines a storyteller’s sense of drama with a historian’s respect for evidence in this page-turning history of intrigue and espionage, love and war, magic and secrecy. From the piazzas of ancient Rome to the spy capitals of the Cold War, Macrakis's global history reveals the drama and importance of invisible ink. From Ovid’s advice to use milk for illicit love notes, to John Gerard's dramatic escape from the tower of London aided by orange juice ink messages, to al-Qaeda’s hidden instructions in pornographic movies, this book presents spellbinding stories of secret messaging that chart its evolution in sophistication and its impact on history. An appendix includes fun kitchen chemistry recipes for readers to try out at home.

More books from Yale University Press

Cover of the book From the Abode of Islam to the Turkish Vatan: The Making of a National Homeland in Turkey by Kristie Macrakis
Cover of the book The Face That Launched a Thousand Lawsuits by Kristie Macrakis
Cover of the book Image Wars: Kings and Commonwealths in England, 1603-1660 by Kristie Macrakis
Cover of the book Thoreau's Animals by Kristie Macrakis
Cover of the book Hollywood Westerns and American Myth: The Importance of Howard Hawks and John Ford for Political Philosophy by Kristie Macrakis
Cover of the book Islamism by Kristie Macrakis
Cover of the book Imprudent King by Kristie Macrakis
Cover of the book After the Circus by Kristie Macrakis
Cover of the book Milk: A Local and Global History by Kristie Macrakis
Cover of the book Politics and Passion by Kristie Macrakis
Cover of the book Private Property and the Constitution by Kristie Macrakis
Cover of the book Social Choice and Individual Values: Third Edition by Kristie Macrakis
Cover of the book Welcome to the Microbiome by Kristie Macrakis
Cover of the book The Yale Law School Guide to Research in American Legal History by Kristie Macrakis
Cover of the book The Encyclopedia of New York City by Kristie Macrakis
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy