Crossword Companion by Martin Manser

The solving of crossword puzzles is a kind of aerobics for the little grey cells. It puts one’s mental suppleness to the test, it taxes the staying power of one’s vocabulary, it usually produces no immediate reward, but completing the exercise gives a satisfying feeling of achievement. A fascination with words – their multiplicity, variety, oddity, their slippery ambiguity and their often chameleon-like ability to change – lurks within many people even if they have no reason to use words other than straightforwardly in their ordinary lives. It provides guidance on Quick crosswords Cryptic crosswords Clues and cues Anagrams Anagram cues Other cryptic devices This book is intended to provide basic assistance to anyone who needs help in solving a crossword clues.