Congress's Cryptographer

RECOGNIZED BY THE NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY'S CENTER FOR CRYPTOLOGIC HISTORY: "James Lovell is a landmark figure in the history of American cryptanalysis and cryptography, and a model for present and future generations." — NSA Center for Cryptologic History.

He kept America's secrets. He broke Britain's codes. History forgot his name. Congress's Cryptographer brings to life James Lovell, America's first de facto Secretary of Foreign Affairs, master cryptographer, and the man whose code-breaking helped seal victory at Yorktown.

In this meticulously researched work of American Revolution historical fiction, Jean C. O'Connor draws on primary sources — the actual records of the Continental Congress, real letters written by Lovell and his contemporaries, and genuine 18th-century cipher documents — to tell the story of the man who stood at the intersection of diplomacy, espionage, and revolution.

James Lovell designed the ciphers that protected communications between the Continental Congress and Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and other diplomats in Europe. He interviewed Lafayette and corresponded with Abigail Adams. And in 1781, as American and French forces surrounded Cornwallis at Yorktown, a captured British letter arrived at Congress — encoded in cipher. And James Lovell held the key that could change the course of the war.

Congress's Cryptographer includes images of ciphers created by Lovell for diplomats. This is primary source history, brought to life in a novel for the first time.

4.89 stars from 75 verified readers. Perfect for fans of Revolutionary War fiction, cryptography history, forgotten founders, and Abigail Adams. If you love American Revolution historical fiction — if you want the secret history, the codes, the diplomacy, and the forgotten heroes — Congress's Cryptographer is the book you have been waiting for.

Previously published as Congress's Cryptographer: A Novel of James Lovell and the American Revolution by Jean C. O'Connor.