Collinson Ads - 19th-Century Encrypted Ads from the London Times

Explore the fascinating world of 19th-century cryptography through a detailed analysis of mysterious encrypted advertisements that appeared monthly in the London Times between 1850-1855. Discover how cryptographer Elonka Dunin successfully decrypted these enigmatic messages that targeted the same recipient and topic, revealing their surprising connection to the lost Franklin Expedition's search for the Northwest Passage. Learn about the historical context of these coded communications, the cryptographic techniques used in Victorian-era secret messaging, and the detective work required to crack codes that had remained unsolved for over a century. Gain insights into how encrypted personal advertisements served as a covert communication method in 19th-century London, and understand the broader implications of these discoveries for both cryptographic history and Arctic exploration narratives.