Boatman – the first 50
Collected Crosswords from the Guardian and the Stories Behind Them
In this book, you’ll find my first 50 puzzles from the Guardian, with an additional bonus puzzle first published in the online Genius slot.
This is much more than a puzzle book. I tell the story behind the development of each crossword: how I thought of the theme, the ideas that didn’t made it into print and the unlikely coincidences that emerged afterwards.
You’ll discover something of my working methods and the lively relationship between setter and editor, you’ll have another chance to solve extra teaser clues and you’ll hear from the solvers who took the time to comment on the puzzles when they were first published.
All the crosswords have been freshly typeset to make solving them an even greater joy, with full solutions and explanations for all the wordplay.
This is a unique book of crosswords
Hugh Stephenson
Guardian Crossword Editor
Interviews
This is one to savour. Boatman’s puzzles are witty and ingenious – and he never forgets that his job is to delight the solver. It is now an extraordinary pleasure to read how his unique mind works. The First 50 is a book I never knew I needed in my life. Gift it to yourself and to the word-lovers in yours.
Alan Connor
BBC2 question editor and Guardian crossword columnist
Sample Pages
Order Online
If your favourite local bookshop doesn’t stock The First 50, they can order it for you (give them a hint that they should order an extra couple for the shelves!) or you can buy direct from the distributor – ask for a personal airmail quote if you’re ordering from outside the UK.
If you’ve loved the book and want to buy copies for your friends, you’ll get a 25% discount if you order more than three.
To go to the distributor’s website, click here.
Signed Copies
Like a signed copy but can’t come to a signing event? Click here to order one through my online shop – if you’re outside the UK, send me a message first to check the postage.
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