This excellent book begins and ends with Bacon (Sir Francis) but that's not the only reason I recommend it. Contains the hidden story of Elizebeth Smith Friedman, one of America's foremost code-breakers, is well written, and confirms that J. Edgar Hoover was a total ass-hat.

Roughly chronological, this excellent biography covers not just her amazing life and personality, but also the pay disparity and the near total lack of recognition she received. Codes and ciphers are explained in a clear language, but no puzzles need be solved to enjoy this book. I normally write a few more paragraphs in my review, but I will cut this short here and say instead "go read this book!"