TheCodeBreakers
" They
were wrong, but they demonstrated the deep impression that Yardley's
writing had made on the American consciousness. With all its faults and
falsehoods, his book had captured the imagination of the public and
inspired untold numbers of amateurs to become interested in cryptology.
To the extent that the impact of their fresh ideas enriched American
cryptology, the credit must go to him.
While Herbert Yardley may be the best known cryptologist,
uncontestably the greatest is William Frederick Friedman. Unlike his
contemporary, his eminence is due most emphatically to what he did.
Indeed, two more dissimilar men in a single field can scarcely be
imagined. Where Yardley was Rabelaisian, outgoing, superficial, free and
easy with the details of a good story, and ever ready for the main chance,
Friedman tended toward introversion, depth of study, personal security,
timidity, dedication, and accuracy, nicety, and validity of work. Despite
annaabi.ee 
