Cryptic Crosswords from the Nation

By Frank Lewis

Book Overview

Though known for its fierce polemics and contrarian political voices, one of the most abiding and popular features of The Nation magazine -- and something Republicans would consider subscribing to the magazine for -- are Frank Lewis' weekly crossword puzzles which have appeared in the magazine since 1947. This new collection of Lewis' work -- the first in over a decade -- will delight Lewis fans and crossword puzzlers alike with his trademark cryptic, punning and anigram-atic style.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B000TFWFRM
• ISBN13: 9781560258728
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Bold Type Books
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Cryptic Crosswords by Frank Lewis

I do his puzzles in the Nation regularly. Many of these are a cut above them in difficulty. I was unable to complete several of them, and even after checking the answers was at times in the dark about how he came up with them. So the book is for the real aficionado. It pays to read the Introduction carefully.

First-rate

These cryptic puzzles have given me a great deal of solving pleasure. I wonder if other less admiring reviewers who found the references obscure are from a (much) younger generation, as I thought most of the references, while often dependent on some knowledge of literature and culture, even pop culture, perfectly accessible. Lewis's word-play is fun and refreshing, making one rethink even the syllables of words. I enjoyed this book quite a lot.

Nation Cryptics

Mr. Lewis has been puzzling and delighting Nation readers for 50 years. He just keeps getting better and better. Each of the 80 puzzles reprinted here is a little masterpiece.

great cryptics for Americans

I am fairly new to cryptics, but have really enjoyed this book. There is a real sense of humor in many of the clues, and most are fairly to very clever. Sometimes downright devious - in a good way. I find the British cryptics too obscure because of cultural differences, and I love the fact that this book is more accessible to Americans. There are many challenging clues, it wouldn't be an interesting collection if there were not, but I do not think most experienced cryptic fans would find it so difficult that they cannot eventually solve the puzzles. I have the benefit of a British spouse experienced with cryptics who can help me. Those who are starting out, and don't have that kind of help available, might want to invest in a guide which explains cryptics before tackling this book. Others will most likely find it the right blend of challenging and accessible.