[rnicholson]

>Both Applied Cryptography and the Handbook of Applied Cryptography are great resources, although they're a little dated now. ... Step one is to read Cryptography Engineering. This is not optional. Read it. It is a fantastic book that details how to use cryptographic primitives.

It seems kinda superfluous to mention Applied Crypto when the real reco is to read Cryptography Engineering. I'd almost wonder if it would be better to direct people away from Applied Crypto...

Personally, I found Applied Cryptography to be so-so at best. Practical Cryptography was a breath of fresh air in comparison.

[helper]

Yes. Recommending Applied Cryptography is usually a warning sign that the person doesn't know what they are talking about. In this case the rest of the advice is reasonably sound for an engineer that wants to start learning the fundamentals of modern cryptography.