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Puzzled: Secrets and Clues from a Life Lost in Words
Many a puzzle solver has battled against the devilish mind of long-time crossword maker and wordaholic David Astle, known to many as DA.
In Puzzled he holds out a helping hand to the lost and perplexed taking us on a personal tour into the secret life of words. Clue by clue, chapter by chapter, we step through a central puzzle, uncovering and unravelling word-secrets as we go. The Steve Irwin Fluke, the Swastika Accident, the Abracadabra Pyramid - hidden meanings, anagrams, reversals - all the Dark Arts are finally revealed.
More than a how-to manual, more than a memoir, Puzzled enlightens us about cryptics and delights in the quirky realm of wordplay. It is a book for word junkies everywhere.
In Puzzled he holds out a helping hand to the lost and perplexed taking us on a personal tour into the secret life of words. Clue by clue, chapter by chapter, we step through a central puzzle, uncovering and unravelling word-secrets as we go. The Steve Irwin Fluke, the Swastika Accident, the Abracadabra Pyramid - hidden meanings, anagrams, reversals - all the Dark Arts are finally revealed.
More than a how-to manual, more than a memoir, Puzzled enlightens us about cryptics and delights in the quirky realm of wordplay. It is a book for word junkies everywhere.
410 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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96 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 28, 2011
This is a fascinating book about cryptic crosswords but not in a dry step by step presentation of the various clues. Instead, this book is as much about the author’s journey in and through cryptic crosswords, some of the history, wordplays and taking the reader carefully and gently through the various types of clues.
This book has wonderfully opened my eyes to this seemingly mystical discipline. I was (and still am) not a cryptic crossword person, but now I can appreciate the wordplay and skill that is involved.
This book has wonderfully opened my eyes to this seemingly mystical discipline. I was (and still am) not a cryptic crossword person, but now I can appreciate the wordplay and skill that is involved.
March 23, 2022
It is the best book, I found, on wordplays for the cruciverbalists.
October 19, 2019
Before reading this book, my experience with Cryptic Crosswords was to every-so-often glance at the Cryptic in the newspaper, sometimes have one or two answers jump out at me, but be totally flummoxed by the rest, and to retreat to the safety of the Jumble, the Target or the "normal" crossword.
I haven't been completely converted to the Cryptic by David Astle's book, however it's certainly made me think about words in a whole different way and I'd definitely be willing to tackle at least one or two. In fact it might take me a lifetime to crack one or two so maybe that 's a good target to set!
I've discovered the few clues that have come naturally to me in the past are the anagrams and the hiddens. (Not that I get all of those, but if a clue comes to me at all, it's usually an anagram or a hidden.)
However, looking at the whole special structure of the Cryptic and the very different types of wordplay has been very interesting. While I'm not in DA's league, I do have a tendency to play around with words myself just for fun so I enjoyed the book. It's not just about Cryptic techniques but it's about DA's journey. There are some great anecdotes and I laughed through many. But most of all, DA's delight and love for words comes seeping through the pages and I revelled in it.
I definitely intend to do some more word puzzles and try my habd at some more cryptic clues just to practise my skills. Unfortunately now that I've finished the book, I have tried running around looking for Cryptic crosswords in bookshops and newsagencies. Sudokus, Wordsearches and normal crosswords abound but NO CRYPTIC CROSSWORD books.
What is the world coming to? I need to keep hunting.
I haven't been completely converted to the Cryptic by David Astle's book, however it's certainly made me think about words in a whole different way and I'd definitely be willing to tackle at least one or two. In fact it might take me a lifetime to crack one or two so maybe that 's a good target to set!
I've discovered the few clues that have come naturally to me in the past are the anagrams and the hiddens. (Not that I get all of those, but if a clue comes to me at all, it's usually an anagram or a hidden.)
However, looking at the whole special structure of the Cryptic and the very different types of wordplay has been very interesting. While I'm not in DA's league, I do have a tendency to play around with words myself just for fun so I enjoyed the book. It's not just about Cryptic techniques but it's about DA's journey. There are some great anecdotes and I laughed through many. But most of all, DA's delight and love for words comes seeping through the pages and I revelled in it.
I definitely intend to do some more word puzzles and try my habd at some more cryptic clues just to practise my skills. Unfortunately now that I've finished the book, I have tried running around looking for Cryptic crosswords in bookshops and newsagencies. Sudokus, Wordsearches and normal crosswords abound but NO CRYPTIC CROSSWORD books.
What is the world coming to? I need to keep hunting.
September 30, 2024
When it comes to words and wordplay, David Astle's brain is on steroids. The author writes most of the daily word puzzles (Wordwit etc) for the Sydney Morning Herald and looks after the Letters branch of the SBS show Letters and Numbers (which I love) .
These credentials drew me to this book on the trestles at the Lifeline Book Fair. However reading this gave me a headache. It was too 'meta'. It was truly hard work engaging with the way his brain tries to explain things: too clever being clever made it inaccessible a lot of the time.
I learnt quite a bit about how to solve cryptic crosswords (it's mostly about solving anagrams - who knew?!).
This one is for you if you want a truly cerebral workout, that may or may not satisfy you in the end.
These credentials drew me to this book on the trestles at the Lifeline Book Fair. However reading this gave me a headache. It was too 'meta'. It was truly hard work engaging with the way his brain tries to explain things: too clever being clever made it inaccessible a lot of the time.
I learnt quite a bit about how to solve cryptic crosswords (it's mostly about solving anagrams - who knew?!).
This one is for you if you want a truly cerebral workout, that may or may not satisfy you in the end.
February 27, 2018
David Astle has a brain that seems to work like no other. Even after hearing (reading!?!) his explanations, I was sometimes still at a loss.
Still, I have a much greater insight into how to solve (his) cryptics.
This book took a very long time to read.
I still have the mini puzzles at the back to finish!
Still, I have a much greater insight into how to solve (his) cryptics.
This book took a very long time to read.
I still have the mini puzzles at the back to finish!
September 5, 2018
Brilliant, absorbing, revealing and fascinating.
I would have given it five stars except I STILL can't solve a DA cryptic. They are not nicknamed 'Don't Attempt' without reason. Still that probably says more about me than the book.
I would have given it five stars except I STILL can't solve a DA cryptic. They are not nicknamed 'Don't Attempt' without reason. Still that probably says more about me than the book.
November 4, 2016
A great & comprehensive journey through the life of a crossword setter.
Probably has not improved solving skills, but provides a good basis
Probably has not improved solving skills, but provides a good basis
June 13, 2019
Perfectly assembled just like any good clue; definition and wordplay, with a little heart added in for good measure. Bring on this mausoleum bugs!
March 16, 2017
It would be helpful if you were able to give half stars. I found this hard going for some reason that I can't quite put my finger on but I'd like to be able to give it another half star, just the same.
January 1, 2017
This is a book for anyone interested in learning something about deciphering the 'mysteries' of cryptic crosswords. Australian readers of the 'Sydney Morning Herald' will probably be familiar with the fact that the Friday cryptic crossword has developed a reputation of being the most difficult to crack. This Friday puzzle is the creation of one DA, the initials of David Astle. Now DA has provided us with a rather comprehensive explanation of the devious mind-games devised by Cryptic Crossword compilers. The book appears to be very comprehensive, and gives many examples of the different types of clues used by the compilers, all designed to lead one through the complexities of what some people might consider 'twisted minds', and provide a kind of text-book reference work into their mysteries. Along the way we are given insights into Astle's development as a compiler, as well as lots of tidbits of information on the history of and some of the great names in cryptic crossword compilers. What more could one want?
Astle cleverly does this by providing at the very beginning a 'master crossword', the 33 clues of which are so designed as to provide the headings for the following 33 chapters of the book: each clue type is dedicated to one of the tricks used by compilers in preparing their clues. At the end of each chapter there are also what Astle calls 'Quislings': three for each chapter, each being typical of the SMH's daily 'Wordwit' conundrums (also 'curated' by Astle), which I am particularly bad at unravelling. Mercifully their answers are provided at the end of the book (which also contains six 'mini' cryptic crosswords in increasing levels of difficulty for the reader to solve after the initiation provided by the book).
If this book at least introduces people to the pleasures of cryptic crossword puzzles, then it will have achieved its purpose: and you probably won't find any more comprehensive set of instructions than are here provided. That being said, I must admit that it would still not necessarily make it easier to crack Aslte's demonic Friday cryptic... His type of lateral thinking about lateral thinking often stumps me, but does not diminish my general love for these kind of puzzles.
As for Astle's mind... he himself admits it is more of an obsession; something which he simply cannot resist. He simply LOVES mucking around with words, and can't seem to stop himself doing it; and interestingly enough, it appears that it may be a peculiarity of the English language to be able to so comprehensively and so thoroughly confound in its anagrams and mixings so beloved of cryptic crossword compilers.
A final comment about the genius and insanity (I use the word in the kindest way) of David Astle's mind: I would never have become aware of it, but Astle reveals at the end of the book that the master crossword has an added dimension � Astle apologises for not being able to include the letter F in the solution to the grid. That's right, every letter of the alphabet except for the letter F is included in the solution.
Astle cleverly does this by providing at the very beginning a 'master crossword', the 33 clues of which are so designed as to provide the headings for the following 33 chapters of the book: each clue type is dedicated to one of the tricks used by compilers in preparing their clues. At the end of each chapter there are also what Astle calls 'Quislings': three for each chapter, each being typical of the SMH's daily 'Wordwit' conundrums (also 'curated' by Astle), which I am particularly bad at unravelling. Mercifully their answers are provided at the end of the book (which also contains six 'mini' cryptic crosswords in increasing levels of difficulty for the reader to solve after the initiation provided by the book).
If this book at least introduces people to the pleasures of cryptic crossword puzzles, then it will have achieved its purpose: and you probably won't find any more comprehensive set of instructions than are here provided. That being said, I must admit that it would still not necessarily make it easier to crack Aslte's demonic Friday cryptic... His type of lateral thinking about lateral thinking often stumps me, but does not diminish my general love for these kind of puzzles.
As for Astle's mind... he himself admits it is more of an obsession; something which he simply cannot resist. He simply LOVES mucking around with words, and can't seem to stop himself doing it; and interestingly enough, it appears that it may be a peculiarity of the English language to be able to so comprehensively and so thoroughly confound in its anagrams and mixings so beloved of cryptic crossword compilers.
A final comment about the genius and insanity (I use the word in the kindest way) of David Astle's mind: I would never have become aware of it, but Astle reveals at the end of the book that the master crossword has an added dimension � Astle apologises for not being able to include the letter F in the solution to the grid. That's right, every letter of the alphabet except for the letter F is included in the solution.
September 30, 2011
This is a funny book. Funny odd or funny ha ha? Yes.
I mean to say, it's by - and possibly about - a cryptic crossword bloke, David Astle. He's into all sorts of wordplay, but cryptic crosswords are the main game.
The book starts with a master crossword, of 33 clues. Each clue forms the basis of a chapter, with a discursive explanation of how to solve that type of clue. It's fascinating, for it also delves into word-puzzle history. There are many slices of David's life served up for us too - though not enough to consider this the shocking autobiographical revelations of a fiendish man.
(Note, many would consider Astle fiendish. Usually on Fridays. And when they attempt the Sydney Morning Herald/The Age cryptics.)
I felt it wrong to start reading before completing the puzzle. Thankfully my wife helped with the last couple of clues or I woould never have begun.
As you work through the book, you will learn all you need for solving these puzzles. The practice is left up to you! There are also heaps of further word puzzles in every chapter, as well as six smaller (13x13) cryptics at the end of the book.
Quibbles ...
Many who read this will do so because they love cryptics. If so, the explanations - though very well done - will not be riveting.
The master crossword had an error in the squares! 3-down had an extra black square blocking off the correct path.
I'm not sure (because I returned this library copy to its rightful public home), but one of the 13x13 clues appears to be missing. Can anyone tell me 22-down for Mini-Puzzle 4?
I mean to say, it's by - and possibly about - a cryptic crossword bloke, David Astle. He's into all sorts of wordplay, but cryptic crosswords are the main game.
The book starts with a master crossword, of 33 clues. Each clue forms the basis of a chapter, with a discursive explanation of how to solve that type of clue. It's fascinating, for it also delves into word-puzzle history. There are many slices of David's life served up for us too - though not enough to consider this the shocking autobiographical revelations of a fiendish man.
(Note, many would consider Astle fiendish. Usually on Fridays. And when they attempt the Sydney Morning Herald/The Age cryptics.)
I felt it wrong to start reading before completing the puzzle. Thankfully my wife helped with the last couple of clues or I woould never have begun.
As you work through the book, you will learn all you need for solving these puzzles. The practice is left up to you! There are also heaps of further word puzzles in every chapter, as well as six smaller (13x13) cryptics at the end of the book.
Quibbles ...
Many who read this will do so because they love cryptics. If so, the explanations - though very well done - will not be riveting.
The master crossword had an error in the squares! 3-down had an extra black square blocking off the correct path.
I'm not sure (because I returned this library copy to its rightful public home), but one of the 13x13 clues appears to be missing. Can anyone tell me 22-down for Mini-Puzzle 4?
August 9, 2015
Having read this book, I don't think I'll ever get how to do cryptic crosswords, but it was a highly entertaining and intriguing read!
I became familiar with David Astle when watching the gameshow Letters & Numbers on SBS and found him witty and engaging, two things which came through in this book.
The aim of the book is to help the cryptic crossword newbie understand the various types of clues used in such crosswords and Astle uses historical antecdotes, personal stories and jokes to explain how the clues work and what to look for.
I only managed to get a few of the answers in the Master Puzzle (the book is interactive! :O) but I could see how most of the clues worked after reading about them. Having said that though, I'm not sure how I'd fair doing a Cryptic with no help at all. There are though ten mini-puzzles in the back for me to try my hand at, so we'll see.
There's also Quizlings at the end of each chapter, quick questions using the clue method just covered in the chapter to test how well you've got it. I haven't checked my answers to those yet, but I want to see if I can answer at least half before flipping to the answer key!
If you're interested in words and puzzles, I'd definitely recommend this book.
I became familiar with David Astle when watching the gameshow Letters & Numbers on SBS and found him witty and engaging, two things which came through in this book.
The aim of the book is to help the cryptic crossword newbie understand the various types of clues used in such crosswords and Astle uses historical antecdotes, personal stories and jokes to explain how the clues work and what to look for.
I only managed to get a few of the answers in the Master Puzzle (the book is interactive! :O) but I could see how most of the clues worked after reading about them. Having said that though, I'm not sure how I'd fair doing a Cryptic with no help at all. There are though ten mini-puzzles in the back for me to try my hand at, so we'll see.
There's also Quizlings at the end of each chapter, quick questions using the clue method just covered in the chapter to test how well you've got it. I haven't checked my answers to those yet, but I want to see if I can answer at least half before flipping to the answer key!
If you're interested in words and puzzles, I'd definitely recommend this book.
December 10, 2017
An entertaining enough introduction to cryptic crosswords by a master setter and wordplay-oholic. The book starts with a sample crossword for readers to have a go at, followed by chapters themed around each of the different major clue types, explaining the structure of each and giving examples, all interspersed with lightly humorous autobiographical anecdotes. It's a sort of halfway house between the rambling solver’s journey of Sandy Balfour’s Pretty Girl in Crimson Rose (8) and Don Manley’s analytical Crossword Manual.
I solved the sample crossword before heading off into the main text, so perhaps I'm a little further up the solving ladder than the target audience for this book, but it was well written and informative nonetheless.
I solved the sample crossword before heading off into the main text, so perhaps I'm a little further up the solving ladder than the target audience for this book, but it was well written and informative nonetheless.
April 12, 2013
I gradually lost interest as I got through the book. The style of story telling sometimes assumed knowledge and I found myself skip reading only to have to back track because we'd gone from background story to puzzle solving (the interesting bit).
The book was a gift and I will keep it for that, but I will re-visit it, perhaps to read specific chapters; I certainly couldn't face trying to read it as a complete book again.
Interesting and educational, but the writing is not in a style that I found easy to read.
The book was a gift and I will keep it for that, but I will re-visit it, perhaps to read specific chapters; I certainly couldn't face trying to read it as a complete book again.
Interesting and educational, but the writing is not in a style that I found easy to read.
February 12, 2016
If you enjoy cryptic crosswords, you must read this book. If you've always wanted to learn, you must read this book. A witty, entertaining and informative memoir that takes you through both the history of crosswords and the author's love of words and puzzles. It includes several puzzles, most notably a master puzzle with each chapter based on a clue. Written by DA, Australia's finest cruciverbalist.
August 6, 2013
This was a fun book, but only if you're a fan of cryptic crosswords. These aren't really an American phenomenon, so I don't think the book would gain much purchase over here. But if you've been in the UK or Aus and have had experience, David Astle gives a lot of useful hints on how to work through the puzzles. And the anecdotes about the puzzling world are fun to read.
April 12, 2013
If you want to learn how to do cryptic crosswords the this is the book for you. This is a step by step "How to ..." one the various types of clues in cryptic crosswords. David Astle is a very clever man and his puzzles are in the Sydney Morning Herald on Fridays. The information can be applied to any cryptic crossword not just David Astle's.
January 26, 2015
As a crossword fan I loved this book: a combination of crossword-setter's memoir, crossword history and how-to guide. Recommended for anyone who wants to learn how to solve cryptic puzzles or improve their skills.
September 24, 2011
It got frustrating to read. I think I found his stories about himself upsetting at various times.
Want to read
June 2, 2011Listened to this author driving on to work today - he has a fantastic way with words.
January 25, 2014
I wish I could crack the cryptic code once and for all. This book bears reading over and over. Once is not enough.
December 31, 2014
would so love to have a drink with this man...what a wordsmith!
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