TheCodeBreakers
timidity, dedication, and accuracy, nicety, and validity of work. Despite
the relative drabness of these personal traits—or perhaps because of
them, Friedman's theoretical contributions and his practical attainments
exceed those of any other cryptologist. Yardley's career was like an
amazing skyrocket that explodes in fantastic patterns against the
heavens. Friedman's was like the sun.
He was born Wolfe Friedman on September 24, 1891, in Kishinev,
Russia, the oldest son and second child of Frederick and Rosa Friedman.
His father, a Rumanian who spoke eight languages and worked as an
interpreter for the Russian Post Office, emigrated to America in 1892, at
II
which time his son's name was changed to William. The family settled
in Pittsburgh, where his father managed a sewing machine agency.
William graduated in 1909 as one of the ten honor students in a class of
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