By Marcel Danesi Learn Italian the Fast and Fun Way

by Marcel Danesi

"Humans are the only animals who create and solve puzzles―for the sheer pleasure of it―and there is no obvious genetic reason why we would do this. Marcel Danesi explores the psychology of puzzles and puzzling, with scores of classic examples. His pioneering book is both entertaining and enlightening." ―Will Shortz, Crossword Editor, The New York Times ". . . Puzzle fanatics will enjoy the many riddles, illusions, cryptograms and other mind-benders offered for analysis." ―Psychology Today ". . . a bristlingly clear . . . always intriguing survey of the history and rationale of puzzles. . . . [A] splendid study. . . ." ―Knight Ridder Newspapers

Genres: Nonfiction, Puzzles, Philosophy, Psychology, Game Design, Mathematics, Plays

Paperback

First published April 30, 2002

About the author

Marcel Danesi (b. Marcello Danesi, 1946) is a current Professor of Semiotics and Linguistic Anthropology at the University of Toronto. He is known for his work in language, communications, and semiotics; being Director of the Program in Semiotics and Communication Theory.

He has also held positions at Rutgers University (1972), The University of Rome "La Sapienza" (1988), the Catholic University of Milan (1990), and the University of Lugano.

He is the Editor-in-Chief of Semiotica: Journal of the International Association for Semiotic Studies and is a past-president of the Semiotic Society of America.

Reviews

[Cristina Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I write profound philosophy and fun puzzle books, this book has been an essential element in my research. It has some good information and interesting insights, though it is not a smooth, engaging read.

Danesi is a brilliant scholar and his passion for the topic shines through. If you want data, diagrams, delineation and a splash of insight on why we puzzle, this is a good book to include in a survey of top books in the field.

[Michael Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

[TO EXPAND. Strong points: humans have an innate puzzle instinct; interesting take on the psychology of solving puzzles; excellent review of ancient puzzles; nice set of discussed and left as "todo" puzzles; nice collection of trivia. Weak points: insufficient coverage of the puzzle development (industry) since the 1970s; author too biased in proving the main idea--defines puzzles as, essentially, all the quizzes we use for education purposes; some trivial examples are explained in too much detail, even towards the end of the book]

[Captain Curmudgeon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weak. Good bibliography.

[Wei Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept of the book was interesting, unfortunately the writing style left much to be desired. It read a lot more like a thesis or an academic textbook.

[bluetyson]

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