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Decoded

A Novel
By Mai Jia
Series: Penguin Modern Classics – Crime & Espionage
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Brief Description
The 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... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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The 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

Collections

Classic Fiction Crime & Thriller Education & Reference Fiction General Fiction Historical Fiction Mai Jia Penguin Books Penguin Classics Politics & Current Affairs Pre-order Books Pre-orders Pre-orders by Release Date Science & Nature Series: Penguin Modern Classics – Crime & Espionage Spy & Espionage Thriller

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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