CrypTography: a Primer Alan G. Konheim Here’s the first systematic, unclassified treatment of the theory and practice of encipherment—an essential tool for protecting the contents of computer data. Cryptography: a Primer develops the principles of encryption and reviews many of the classical systems. This helpful book shows you how to apply these systems to your individual data processing requirements. A uniquely practical reference and a step-by-step approach for the student.