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See moreThe international bestseller by China's foremost thriller writer
Decoded tells the story of Rong Jinzhwen, one of the great code-breakers in the world. A mathematical genius, Jinzhen is recruited to the cryptography department of China's secret services, Unit 701, where he is assigned the task of breaking the elusive 'Code Purple'. Jinzhen rises through the ranks to eventually become China's greatest and most celebrated code-breaker; until he makes a mistake. Then begins his descent through the unfathomable darkness of the world of cryptology into madness.
Decoded was an immediate success when it was published in 2002 in China. Taking place in the shadowy world of Chinese secret security, where Mai Jia worked for decades, it introduces us to a place that is unfamiliar, intriguing and authentic. And with Rong Jinzhen, a character who is deeply flawed yet possessing exceptional intelligence, it tells a gripping story of genius, brilliance, insanity and human frailty.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780241811375
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 27 August 2026
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Contributors:
- Translated by Olivia Milburn
- Translated by Christopher N. Payne
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly, Children
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 22.0mm
Width: 128.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 278g
Pages: 384
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About the Author
Mai Jia (Author) Mai Jia is one of China's most successful writers. He has won almost every major award in China, including the prestigious Mao Dun Award, and is hailed as the forerunner of Chinese espionage fiction.
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