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In 1942, with a black-market chicken under his arm, Leo Marks left his father's famous bookshop, 84 Charing Cross Road, and went to war. He was twenty-two and a cryptopgraher of genius. In Between Silk and Cyanide, his critically acclaimed account of his time in SOE, Marks tells how he revolutionised the code-making techniques of the Allies, trained some of the most famous agents dropped into France including Violette Szabo and 'the White Rabbit', and why he wrote haunting verse including his 'The Life that I have' poem. He reveals for the first time the disastrous dimensions of the code war between SOE and the Germans in Holland; how the Germans were fooled into thinking a Secret Army was operating in the Fatherland itself, and how and why he broke General de Gaulle's secret code. Both thrilling and poignant, Marks's book is truly one of the last great Second World War memoirs.

Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemakers' War 1941-45 is a gripping and meticulously researched account of the remarkable life and wartime exploits of Leo Marks, a brilliant scientist and codebreaker who played a pivotal role in the Allied victory in World War II. Written by Marks himself, this book offers a firsthand perspective on the clandestine world of espionage, cryptography, and the high-stakes battles fought behind enemy lines.

The book begins with Marks' early life in Russia and his subsequent move to England, where he joined the ranks of the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS). As the war clouds gathered over Europe, Marks was thrust into the heart of the SIS's efforts to decipher enemy codes and communications. He and his team of codebreakers worked tirelessly, racing against time to crack the complex ciphers used by Nazi Germany and its allies.

Marks' narrative vividly recreates the tense and often perilous atmosphere of wartime England. He describes the long hours spent poring over intercepted messages, the setbacks and frustrations, and the occasional breakthroughs that brought hope and a renewed sense of purpose. The book also delves into the personal lives of the codebreakers, their struggles with isolation, fear, and the weight of the immense responsibility they carried.

Through a series of captivating anecdotes and historical insights, Marks reveals the inner workings of the codebreaking operation and its crucial role in shaping the course of the war. He recounts the development of groundbreaking techniques, such as the use of statistical analysis and mechanical devices, which revolutionized the field of cryptography. The book also highlights the collaboration and camaraderie among the codebreakers, who came from diverse backgrounds and possessed a wide range of skills.

Beyond its historical significance, Between Silk and Cyanide offers a compelling human story. Marks' writing is marked by a wry sense of humor, a keen eye for detail, and a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by those who served in the shadows. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of knowledge and ingenuity in the face of adversity.

Whether you're a history buff, a fan of espionage thrillers, or simply someone interested in the unsung heroes of World War II, Between Silk and Cyanide is a must-read. It's a captivating and informative account of a remarkable chapter in history, told by one of the key players who helped shape its outcome.