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Centenary of the Crossword: The Story of the World's Most Popular Puzzle Hardcover – December 1, 2013

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 16 ratings

The history of the the world's favorite word puzzle, alongside 50 example puzzles to solve

Forget riddles, conundrums, or that modern usurper Sudoku, the crossword is the original and best word puzzle and it has truly stood the test of time. A decade-by-decade history of the world's favorite word puzzle, this book starts from its beginnings in December 1913 in the New York World newspaper and traces its path to total global domination, with each chapter including puzzles from that era for readers to solve. Next it examines the myriad of different puzzle types, and again provides examples. Following that it discusses different crossword setters, offering their words of wisdom as well as example puzzles. The history concludes with a consideration of future solving and the next 100 years.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"fascinating snippets of crossword history." —L.A. Times Crossword Corner

"...a quick and informative read, peppered with puzzles to engage and challenge." — PuzzleNation.

About the Author

John Halpern is a crossword setter. He writes crosswords for the Financial Times, the Guardian, and the Independent, and has written cryptic crossword books for the Guardian and the Times. Richard Browne is the crossword editor for the Times. Will Shortz is the crossword editor of the New York Times, the puzzle master for NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday, and the founder and director of the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ André Deutsch; Csm edition (December 1, 2013)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0233003967
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0233003962
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 0.8 x 9.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 16 ratings

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
16 global ratings

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  • Dave Tilley
    5.0 out of 5 stars An essential must-have
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 19, 2013
    A charivari of information about one of the world's most enjoyable hobby. A lovely book to dip into and revisit again and again.

    Lots of anecdotes and history of the crossword, plus information on some of nthe people who torment you every day.

    Written by one of the nicest guys in crosswordland!
  • -tjm-
    4.0 out of 5 stars puzzle choice?
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 17, 2014
    This is a good quality well produced book with plenty of interesting history, however, I found the choice of representative puzzles a tad disappointing - too many elementary puzzles and too many American style 'synonym' puzzles. I was hoping for many more ingenious British style 'barred' puzzles from the crossword's historical development. I suspect the book is aimed at the U.S. market too, hence the American puzzles and the intro from Will Shortz. Also didn't like yet another 'how to' guide to solving cryptics - there is already a limitless number of these on the market.

    I did like the author's enthusiasm, though, and I do like tackling his puzzles as Paul in the Guardian!
  • Jane Cook
    5.0 out of 5 stars What a find!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 16, 2013
    I have been sent this book by a friend who loves cryptic crosswords, and I can't put it down. I might even be a convert by tomorrow! John Halpern is not only a number one crossword setter, but also a fluent and clever prose writer, whose fun style is accessible and infectious. I couldn't help but join him in his own fascination with the history, form and possibilities of these puzzles, their setters and their solvers. Whether you're a crossworder or not, you'll be riveted when you have this intriguing black-and-white nugget of a book in your hand.
  • Ivan Arthur Sayer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 2, 2020
    Present
  • ajw
    5.0 out of 5 stars ENCYCLOPAEDIA
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 7, 2014
    Full of information and lots of titbits of facts and figures. Also well laid out in a logical sequence. All the examples (and answers) is great.