I really disliked this book. I do not understand British Cryptics, they completely mystify me. This book was all over the place and I seldom understood what the author was talking about. It was all clever word play, I'm sure. Over my head. I will pass this on to my mom who can actually finish the New York Times crossword in one sitting and go back to studying linguistics. ( )

If you're hoping for a deep exploration of any of its topics, this book will disappoint. It's very lightweight. But it's consistently, gently enjoyable. Connor flits easily from one topic to another (some examples: the history of the cryptic crossword; the world of competitive solving; PG Wodehouse's relationship with the crossword), only pursuing each for as long as it interests him and never asking much of the reader. That might sound like a backhanded compliment, but sometimes an easy read is exactly what you need. Indeed, I found myself happily sinking into a 'just one more chapter' state of mind.

Early on I was a bit nonplussed (in both senses) by one aspect of the author's voice: despite being an Englishman living in England, he seems to be writing not only for an American audience but from an American perspective, even to the point of adopting an 'oh those wacky Brits' tone in parts (for example, when discussing the origins of the cryptic crossword). I can't be bothered researching this properly, but I think this book is effectively the American edition of Connor's 'Two Girls, One on Each Knee'? If so, that probably explains it. In any case, the awkwardness seemed to fade away, or at least become entirely tolerable, by around the half-way mark.

I originally wanted to give this three stars, but I think that was based on some pseudo-objective idea of what it 'deserved', and probably simple pretentiousness on my part. I found it a pleasure to read, and so long as your expectations are properly calibrated I heartily recommend it. ( )

Loved this book ! It was a fun fact-filled history of crossword puzzles . There are chapters on the constructors , celebrity solvers , and even gives the reader tips on solving different types of puzzles . It was a fun fast read ! ( )

A fun and interesting book to read. Many facts and well written. ( )

A breezy and enjoyable discussion of tidbits and curious aspects of crosswords: not so much an inventory or assay of the history, as the title might suggested, but a dip into specific developments. Some are historic and arguably influential on the phenomena, but many simply of interest to Connor. Connor divides the essays into the development of the rules and conventions (collected as the Across section) and those more or less examining the cultural influence (in Down, characterised as "what happens to the crossword once it escapes into the world and meets its solvers"). These essays apparently originated as newspaper columns, which gives a fair idea of the length and depth of the discussions.

The British cryptic was always beyond my ken, and though I'm no nearer to taking it up, it makes a good deal more sense now Connor's explained it. A bit of a crossword on overdrive, but emphasizing the clues more than the assembled configuration of words and how those interplay in a crossword. Connor avers that in Britain at least, "quick crosswords in tabloids were for the workers; cryptics were for those who had had a classical education." [62] The state of affairs after the initial collective shock of crosswords being a malign influence (much like billiards or the cinema?) had worn off, and became a rampant success.

Amounted to an entertaining diversion with a pleasant conversationalist. Whets the appetite for a proper examination of the history and conventions of the puzzle, though. ( )