The Cain’s Jawbone Book of Crosswords

£12.99

Before Edward Powys Mathers wrote Cain’s Jabwone, the world’s most difficult literary puzzle, he was a cryptic crossword creator. Published under his pseudonym ‘Torquemada’, his puzzles would taunt readers for days. He created his first cryptic crossword puzzle in 1924 and went on to set them for the Saturday Westminster and the Observer for the next 15 years. His true identity was only revealed when he died in 1939. As well as earning the reputation for setting the world’s toughest crosswords, Torquemada – or ‘Torq’ as he was often referred to – was also delightfully creative: with many puzzles written in perfectly constructed verse or delivered as mini-narratives to their solvers. This selection of Torquemada’s best crosswords was originally published in 1942 and this edition contains tributes to his life and achievements, including one by his widow, R.C. Mathers as well as a foreword by the crossword puzzle editor for the New York Ti

Have your item expertly wrapped by our booksellers with quality seasonal papers by Wrap. To add a handwritten note, please add your message at the Checkout stage.

Ask for more info

Description

Before Edward Powys Mathers wrote Cain’s Jabwone, the world’s most difficult literary puzzle, he was a cryptic crossword creator. Published under his pseudonym ‘Torquemada’, his puzzles would taunt readers for days. He created his first cryptic crossword puzzle in 1924 and went on to set them for the Saturday Westminster and the Observer for the next 15 years. His true identity was only revealed when he died in 1939.

As well as earning the reputation for setting the world’s toughest crosswords, Torquemada – or ‘Torq’ as he was often referred to – was also delightfully creative: with many puzzles written in perfectly constructed verse or delivered as mini-narratives to their solvers. This selection of Torquemada’s best crosswords was originally published in 1942 and this edition contains tributes to his life and achievements, including one by his widow, R.C. Mathers as well as a foreword by the crossword puzzle editor for the New York Times, Will Shortz.

The successful revival of Cain’s Jawbone has inspired a new generation of puzzle solvers. Here is the next challenge for Torquemada’s fans – dare you take it on?

Health warning: These crosswords are extremely difficult and not for the faint-hearted.

Additional information

Weight 348 g
Dimensions 19.8 × 12.9 × 3.1 cm
Author

Publisher

Imprint

Cover

Paperback

Pages

400

Language

English

Edition
Dewey
Readership

General – Trade / Code: K

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.