The block cipher companion. (Q610286)

``The block cipher companion'' is a well written handbook, wholly recommended. An excellent choice of examples and informal language make this handbook an excellent choice for beginners, guiding the reader from simple cipher techniques and cryptanalysis towards more advanced ideas. The main subjects the book deals with are: descriptions and analysis of DES and AES systems; a theory of block ciphers and attacks; the idea of differential and linear cryptanalysis. The book presents the cryptographic techniques in a manner allowing the reader not only to discover them in the context of block ciphers, but also permits to employ obtained knowledge in further cryptographic studies. Professionals will find the book to be a systematic collection of ideas, and, in particular, a thorough bibliography and a short survey of block ciphers evolution.