The Shakespearean Ciphers Examined

work by William and Elizabeth Friedman

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July 13, 2026

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The Shakespearean Ciphers Examined is a book by William F. and Elizebeth S. Friedman. In it, they examine purported ciphers within the works of William Shakespeare. The Friedmans, both prominent American cryptologists who worked in code-breaking from World War I through World War II, concluded that the claims of ciphers within Shakespeare's writings, particularly those suggesting Francis Bacon authored the plays, were unfounded. Their work delves into the history and methods of cryptanalysis to debunk these theories. The book was published in 1957.12

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William F. Friedman and Elizebeth S. Friedman
Together, the Friedmans wrote The Shakespearean Ciphers Examined (1957), in which they denied Francis Bacon’s purported authorship of the William Shakespeare plays and sonnets.
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Together, the Friedmans wrote The Shakespearean Ciphers Examined (1957), in which they denied Francis Bacon’s purported authorship of the William Shakespeare plays and sonnets.
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