What We're Reading: Edward

From Square One: a meditation, with digressions on crosswords

by Dean Olsher

Olsher's book on crossword puzzles is like a crossword itself. It is a lose collection of facts, information, trivia and musings on crosswords, all related but unique. Olsher gives the history of the crossword puzzle since its debut in 1913. Over 50 million Americans regularly solve crosswords. Olsher explains the differences between American (trivia heavy) and the British (verbal play) crossword puzzles. Olsher wants the British type to become more popular in America. He also goes behind the scenes to show how crossword puzzles are made and who makes them. Olsher even describes his attendance at a crossword puzzle tournament. Every crossword puzzler can learn something from this book.