Cryptic Crosswords & How to Solve Them: Official American Mensa Puzzle Book

This is a well-written little book, and a clear introduction to solving cryptic crosswords. It's unusual in that it is an American book (most cryptic crossword books come from British authors). There is good coverage of all the major clue types, with plenty of examples. After each short chapter there is a mini-crossword featuring just that clue type. There are also progressive cryptics through the book, using the clues learned to that point. There are 19 full crosswords at the back of the book, and all the answers are explained, another valuable learning tool. The main thing lacking from the book are some useful reference lists, such as common abbreviations used in cryptics - but these can easily be found in reference books or online.

The author indicates how the typical cryptic clue is comprised. There is a definition portion and a wordplay portion. He then goes on to describe the different kinds of wordplays normally used in clueing. Each chapter describes one kind of wordplay. At the end of each chapter, there is a mini crossword that employs that particular wordplay and there are sometimes more exercises based on the wordplays covered so far. The end of the book contains full-sized and increasingly complex crosswords which are a pleasure to solve after the entire book has been read.The style of writing is very simple and easy to understand also. If you ever wanted to get introduced to cryptic crosswords, there isn't a better alternative than to pick up a copy of this book and get cracking...

I like this book very much