INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLERGo behind the scenes of the top-secret setting of The Imitation GameA remarkable look at day-to-day life of the codebreakers whose clandestine efforts helped win World War IIBletchley Park looked like any other sprawling country estate. In reality; however; it was the top-secret headquarters of Britain’s Government Code and Cypher School—and the site where Germany’s legendary Enigma code was finally cracked. There; the nation’s most brilliant mathematical minds—including Alan Turing; whose discoveries at Bletchley would fuel the birth of modern computing—toiled alongside debutantes; factory workers; and students on projects of international importance. Until now; little has been revealed about ordinary life at this extraordinary facility. Drawing on remarkable first-hand interviews; The Secret Lives of Codebreakers reveals the entertainments; pastimes; and furtive romances that helped ease the incredible pressures faced by these covert operatives as they worked to turn the tide of World War II.
#551669 in Books 2012-03-06 2012-03-06Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.10 x 1.00 x 6.00l; 1.01 #File Name: 0451235754400 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. The air war over Europe really came alive for meBy PeterBI have read so many books about WW2; and particularly about the air war over Europe; that I wasn't sure another book could educate and excite me in such an unexpected way.I read the author's prior book; A Dawn Like Thunder; and it turned out to be the best book I've ever read about the war in the Pacific. I have purchased over 20 copies as gifts and every recipient has told me how moved they were by that incredible story. He carries over the same narrative approach in this book by deeply researching the individual stories of average Americans called to serve. No matter how much you have read about individual courage in the face of overwhelming adversity; I guarantee that you will be humbled by many of the accounts in this book.Before I read this book; I could not fathom how these pilots and airmen were able to fly mission after mission with such a low chance of survival. I'm not sure I can fathom it now; but the author has brought the individuals to life in a way that will be indelible for me. My favorite part of the book are the stories of survival after being shot down behind enemy lines. Hollywood has never done justice to this level of courage.On the flip side; the accounts of leadership incompetence and failure that needlessly cost so many lives; left me incredibly frustrated. I guess I shouldn't be surprised; but the author's deep historical expertise definitely shed new light on these shocking events for me. In my view; this book should be required reading for every leader who has to make command decisions that put service people's lives at risk.I can recommend this book to you without reservation. You'll have trouble putting it down and will never forget some of the individuals who lived; and died; to help liberate Europe. This book honors them and their mission.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. "Twelve O'Clock High" with backupBy Professor BDJQThe movie "Twelve O'Clock High" was great; but it was; after all; a piece of fiction. Robert Mrazek's book; To Kingdom Come; tells the real stories of the real men who fought the real war. It is gripping and well-researched; and beautifully; respectfully written. As the son of a WWII B-24 pilot; I never knew exactly what Dad went through; because he would not; probably could not; talk about it. Mr. Mrazek gave my father - and many; many other fliers from that era - a voice.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellant Account of an Amazing StoryBy Bill BlettThis is my first book review; so I apologize up-front if it is not a polished as some of the others seen on . I have a built-in bias toward liking this book as my father was a B-17 Bombardier; flying out of England during WWII.(the "Epic Saga of Survival" directly accounts for me being here today!)That said; I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The organization and perspective help tell the story in a clear and vivid way. My father; and many who also served; was not one to get into the everyday and/or gory details of life in the 8th Air Force. This book does a great job of mixing those details within the context of the political and logistical factors contributing to the evolution of one of the greatest strategic fighting forces. The author does a nice job in weaving personal accounts; circumstances and personality traits of not only key historic figures but everyday men. I wholeheartedly recommend this book.BTW; I originally come across this title in an actual bookstore. It seemed rather pricy; plus I really enjoy my Kindle reading experience. So; I scanned the bar-code using my smart-phone; found it on and 1-click-downloaded it on to my cloud.I actually started reading the book; from the Kindle Reader App on my phone; while waiting for my wife and daughter to finish their shopping at the mall!
