The Curious History of the Crossword: 100 Puzzles from Then and Now (Volume 1)

by Ben Tausig

2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the crossword puzzle. Journalist Arthur Wynne had wanted to devise a new game for the back of the newspaper back in 1913, so he created a diamond grid and called it a “Word-Cross,” and thus the first crossword puzzle was born.
 Editor and crossword constructor Ben Tausig examines the curious history of the world’s most addictive game and its unusual upbringing. Accompanied by 100 unique and challenging puzzles from the past 100 years, he examines the evolution of grid shape, how basic expected knowledge of the reader has changed, the puzzles that break the “breakfast table rule” and more. Featuring puzzles from top constructors like Will Shortz, Brendan Emmett Quigley, Matt Jones, Cathy Millhauser, Maura Jacobson, and more. Try your pen or pencil on the crosswords your parents, grandparents, or great grandparents did decades ago!

The Puzzlecraft series from Wellfleet Press tackles some of the greatest conundrums of our time. Learn how to navigate the world’s trickiest mazes, solve the most complex crosswords, and finally get the answer to “Why is a raven like a writing desk?” Follow literature’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, as he guides you through hundreds of challenging cross-fitness brain exercises inspired by his most popular cases and adventures. You can also train your memory to perform better and learn the meanings behind your own personality traits or the traits of others. These handy and portable paperbacks are sized perfectly to travel, whether on vacation or just for your daily commute. The intricately designed covers and bold colors will capture your attention as much as the engaging content inside.
 
Other titles in the series The Curious History of Mazes ;  The Curious History of the Riddle ; Escape from Sherlock Holmes ; Sherlock Holmes Code Breakers ; Sherlock Holmes Math & Logic Games ; Sherlock Holmes Visual Puzzles ; Sherlock Holmes Lateral Brain Teasers ; Solving Sherlock Homes ; Solving Sherlock Holmes Volume II ; Maximize Your Memory ; and The Book of Personality Tests .
 

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 27, 2013

Reviews

[ania · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had no idea the crossword was only a century old, or that it was invented in New York. Early examples came with corny editor commentary:

"There is a possibility that by the time you have succeeded in solving to-day's cross-word puzzle you will have made the acquaintance of a few more dictionary words. Mr. C. J. H. Grynwald of No. 26 Broadway, New York City, who sent in this puzzle must have searched the dictionary from cover to cover to find some of them. However, his definitions are excellent, so you may not have so much difficulty in solving the puzzle as Mr. Grynwald had in construction it. Fill in the small squares with words corresponding to the list of clues and definitions given herewith."

Book includes 100 puzzles, including the one that started it all. But pages are too pretty to write on.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a cruciverbalist and love crossword puzzles. This is a fun book full of puzzles, history and tips. Probably best to get this one in hard copy

[Warren Moeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Done all of the crosswords, too.

[Candy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. The chapters were pretty interesting, but often felt a bit light. I liked having the crosswords included, but they weren't well integrated with the chapters. A blurb talking about what made that puzzle special enough to include, or to talk about what it should be illustrating would be nice.

But the two stars is really for the editing. The book is about 50% crossword puzzles - and they are riddled with errors. Missing clues, missing squares, wrong answers in the back; everything that could possibly go wrong. Getting 3/4 through a puzzle and then realizing there are missing clues is ridiculous.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book through the goodreads first reads program.

This is a very interesting book. It covers the 100 year history of the crossword puzzle as well as including 100 varied crossword puzzles. I haven't worked any of the puzzles yet - the book is too pretty to write in.

It would make a great gift for anyone interested in puzzles.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Crosswords are awesome!

[Rick Jackofsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love doing crosswords, but never knew much about the history; or ins and outs of puzzle construction. I may take a shot at building myself.