beginning cryptography

[Hans]

Does anyone out there know of any good resources for getting a good (decent? marginaly acceptable?) beginning in cryptography?  Books or URLs are what I have in mind.  Any help would be greatly appreciated though.

If any would-be advisors could send their tips to my e-mail as well as the list,that too would be appreciated, as I have had to unsubscribe due to the enormous number of mailings encountered.

Thanks!

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not just awful, but god-awful