“Thinking Inside the Box”

[ChrisKochmanski]

I’m reading Adrienne Raphel’s 2020 book, “Thinking Inside the Box”, telling the history of crosswords (including cryptics), highlighting notable constructors and editors past and current, and addressing concerns with the White middle-to-upper-middle-class male skew of today’s crosswording world.

It’s very entertaining and informative.

BUT …

I’m also somewhat feeling that I’m learning TOO MUCH of the inner workings and behind the scenes of puzzle construction and review. I’m wondering whether maybe I’d prefer all that sausage-making to remain more mysterious and magical. To me, at least.

Your thoughts?

[SReh26]

Sounds like an interesting read! Thanks for letting us know about it!

[boharr]

I found much of this book superficial. Too much about her and not enough about the inner workings and behind the scene stuff. I actually wanted more of that and less about her life.