A journalist and word aficionado salutes the 100-year history and pleasures of crossword puzzles
 
Since its debut in The New York World on December 21, 1913, the crossword puzzle has enjoyed a rich and surprisingly lively existence. Alan Connor, a comic writer known for his exploration of all things crossword in The Guardian, covers every twist and turn: from the 1920s, when crosswords were considered a menace to productive society; to World War II, when they were used to recruit code breakers; to their starring role in a 2008 episode of The Simpsons.
 
He also profiles the colorful characters who make up the interesting and bizarre subculture of crossword constructors and competitive solvers, including Will Shortz, the iconic New York Times puzzle editor who created a crafty crossword that appeared to predict the outcome of a presidential election, and the legions of competitive puzzle solvers who descend on a Connecticut hotel each year in an attempt to be crowned the American puzzle-solving champion.
 
At a time when the printed word is in decline, Connor marvels at the crossword’s seamless transition onto Kindles and iPads, keeping the puzzle one of America’s favorite pastimes. He also explores the way the human brain processes crosswords versus computers that are largely stumped by clues that require wordplay or a simple grasp of humor.
 
A fascinating examination of our most beloved linguistic amusement—and filled with tantalizing crosswords and clues embedded in the text—The Crossword Century is sure to attract the attention of the readers who made Word Freak and Just My Type bestsellers.

If you're intrigued by the fact that Jack the Ripper was left-handed, or that Heinz ketchup flows at 0.7 miles per day - and, more importantly, intrigued by why you're intrigued - then this book is required reading. Convinced that our love of trivia must reveal something truly important about us, Mark Mason sets out to discover what that something is. And, in the process, he asks the fundamental questions that keep all trivialists awake at night: Why is it so difficult to forget that Keith Richards was a choirboy at the Queen's coronation when it's so hard to remember what we did last Thursday? Are men more obsessed with trivia than women? Can it be proved that house flies hum in the key of F? Can anything ever really be proved? And the biggest question of them all: is there a perfect fact, and if so what is it?

Who was the only British Prime Minister to be assassinated? The demolition of the old London Bridge put an end to what famous tradition? Which philosopher caught a fatal chill returning from a predawn lesson given to Queen Christina of Sweden? What was the real name of Buffalo Bill? Which mutiny, leading to a war of independence, was provoked by the use of animal fat? What was smuggled from Alexandria to Venice in, it is said, a barrel of pork? What did Pope Innocent III outlaw, as a weapon of mass destruction? Who, on the first day of 1660, had the remains of a turkey for breakfast and began a new project?

Prepare to have your general knowledge tested by the best quizmaster in the business. Here are 2000 of the world's strangest and most stimulating questions, laid out in a series of thematic quizzes that cover art , literature, politics, sport, geography and history and span all the countries of the world. Bamber Gascoigne's fascination with knowledge is highly contagious and his answers give you the context you need to find out even more.

And as to the answers to the questions above -- well, you'll have to read the book...

Lt Cdr Julian Stockwin shares his love and knowledge of the sea in this entertaining collection of maritime stories and little-known trivia. Featuring nautical facts and feats, including superstitions at sea, the history of animals on the waves - until 1975 when all animals were banned from Royal Navy ships - and how the inventor of the umbrella helped man the British Navy, it is packed with informative tales. Focusing on the glory days of tall ships he explores marine myths and unearths the truth behind commonly held beliefs about the sea, such as whether Lord Nelson's body was really pickled in rum to transport it back to England after his death at Trafalgar. Interspersed throughout are salty sayings showing the modern words and phrases that originate from the mariners of old - 'cut of his jib', 'high and dry', 'the coast is clear', 'first rate' and 'slush fund'. Accompanied by nostalgic black and white line drawings Stockwin's Maritime Miscellany is a charming giftbook guaranteed to appeal to the sailing enthusiast, but also amuse and inform even the staunchest landlubber.

Bestselling author Christopher Winn takes us on a captivating journey out of London along the banks of the River Thames to discover the secrets and stories of England's most famous waterway. Discover the Thames's literary heritage at Pangbourne, near Reading, famous as the home of The Wind in the Willows's Kenneth Grahame, then explore Mapledurham House, the inspiration for its famous Toad Hall. Explore Henley-on-Thames, where the first Oxford and Cambridge boat races were held, then marvel at Southend Pier, the longest pleasure pier in the world.

As he follows the river from source to sea, visiting its towns, villages and places of interest, Winn unearths a fascinating array of facts, folklore, landmarks and legends that are guaranteed to have you exclaiming 'I Never Knew That!'. Illustrated with line drawings this charming gem of a book is guaranteed to inform and delight in equal measure.

Perfect Pub Quiz is the ideal companion for all general knowledge nuts. Whether you're organising a quiz night in your local or you simply want to get in a bit of practice on tricky subjects, Perfect Pub Quiz has all the questions and answers. With topics ranging from the Roman Empire to Little Britain and from the Ryder Cup to Alex Rider, this easy-to-use quiz book will tax your brain and provide hours of fun.

The Perfect series is a range of practical guides that give clear and straightforward advice on everything from getting your first job to choosing your baby's name.Written by experienced authors offering tried-and-tested tips, each book contains all you need to get it right first time.

Perfect Family Quiz is an invaluable source of entertainment for the whole family. Whether you're looking for a fun way to spend a rainy day, an activity for a long car journey, or you simply want to improve your general knowledge, Perfect Family Quiz has all the questions and answers. With topics ranging from Beatrix Potter to Harry Potter, and from prime ministers to prime-time TV, this easy-to-use quiz book will provide hours of fun for everyone.

The Perfect series is a range of practical guides that give clear and straightforward advice on everything from getting your first job to choosing your baby's name. Written by experienced authors offering tried-and-tested tips, each book contains all you need to get it right first time.

After more than four decades on the air, A Question of Sport is firmly established as the final word in sports trivia. Now, after countless arguments, sporting debates and lost hours spent directing the action from the sofa, you can finally test your own knowledge to see if you can succeed where so many sporting greats have failed.

With over 3,500 brand new questions, A Question of Sport Quiz Book will challenge you to put your money where your mouth is and put your knowledge of the sports world to the ultimate test. Play on your own or in teams to answer questions covering all eras of football, golf, cricket, motor racing, boxing, rugby, darts, snooker, the Olympics and so much more.

With questions from your favourite rounds from A Question of Sport, here at last is your chance to take on the captain's challenge, or go head-to-head on the quick-fire buzzer round. What will be your score when the final whistle blows?

Based on the 'Briefings' columns that appear in every issue of The Week, here is a book that addresses the key issues of our day and breaks them down into bite-sized questions and answers. Each one takes minutes to read yet provides objective and meticulously researched perspectives on the major matters of our times. How did Darwin change the world? What exactly is Sharia law? Which was the world's worst industrial accident? Is computer hacking getting more serious? Can Aspirin cure cancer? What was the legacy of the Iran-Iraq war? Ranging across a wide array of subjects - from medicine, science and politics, to history, geography and finance - about which we are often less informed than we would like, this is a fascinating book to dip into.

We would all like to be better informed. Here is a book that makes it easy.

Mastermind is the ultimate test of knowledge, memory and nerve. Over four decades hundreds have tested their mettle in the famous black chair, and dared to put their intellect under the glare of the Mastermind spotlight. Now, can you rise to the challenge?

The Mastermind Quiz Book poses over 3,500 questions, from fiendishly difficult general knowledge teasers to in-depth tests of specialist subjects. With topics ranging from Classical Mythology to Medical Science, by way of Famous Russians and The Works of Johnny Cash, only the finest minds will triumph.

Whether you're playing in groups or simply testing your own brainpower, this collection of questions will challenge the very core of your mental strength - but when the clock runs down and the lights come up, will you emerge as the Mastermind?