The Puzzlemaster Presents: 200 Mind-Bending Challenges

by Will Shortz

A collection of 200 word puzzles of infinite variety from NPR's "Puzzlemaster" Will Shortz.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Will Shortz is an American puzzle creator, best known as the longtime crossword editor for The New York Times. A pioneer in his field, he holds the only known degree in enigmatology, earned at Indiana University. He began constructing puzzles in his teens and pursued his passion professionally with roles at Penny Press and Games magazine before joining the Times in 1993. Shortz founded the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament and co-founded the World Puzzle Championship. His puzzles and books have reached wide audiences, and he is also the voice behind NPR’s Sunday Puzzle. A dedicated table tennis player, he co-founded a major club in Pleasantville, New York.

Reviews

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ughhhhh I love puzzles so much. This is great, but what I really want is practice weekday puzzles i.e. the puzzle he introduces on Sunday that you have to solve for the following Thursday. There are some of those in here, but it's mostly the easier on-air puzzles.

Lately I am finding myself more drawn to rule finding puzzles vs. rule following puzzles. This video explains the concept and has a lot of examples, but think Kennections, the daily Mystery League puzzles, or Only Connect.

[BookSweetie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun! I loved this collection of word puzzles. Apparently most of these puzzles appeared first on National Public Radio on Sundays from 1987 through 1996. I hope there are more word game books just like this one.

[Jane]

keeping my brain young

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have used this since my first year teaching high school as a way to stimulate creativity in my creative writing students.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Shortz is great.