Cryptic Crosswords from the Nation

I do his puzzles in the Nation regularly. Many of these are a cut above them in difficulty. I was unable to complete several of them, and even after checking the answers was at times in the dark about how he came up with them. So the book is for the real aficionado. It pays to read the Introduction carefully.

These cryptic puzzles have given me a great deal of solving pleasure. I wonder if other less admiring reviewers who found the references obscure are from a (much) younger generation, as I thought most of the references, while often dependent on some knowledge of literature and culture, even pop culture, perfectly accessible. Lewis's word-play is fun and refreshing, making one rethink even the syllables of words. I enjoyed this book quite a lot.

Mr. Lewis has been puzzling and delighting Nation readers for 50 years. He just keeps getting better and better. Each of the 80 puzzles reprinted here is a little masterpiece.

I am fairly new to cryptics, but have really enjoyed this book. There is a real sense of humor in many of the clues, and most are fairly to very clever. Sometimes downright devious - in a good way. I find the British cryptics too obscure because of cultural differences, and I love the fact that this book is more accessible to Americans. There are many challenging clues, it wouldn't be an interesting collection if there were not, but I do not think most experienced cryptic fans would find it so difficult that they cannot eventually solve the puzzles. I have the benefit of a British spouse experienced with cryptics who can help me. Those who are starting out, and don't have that kind of help available, might want to invest in a guide which explains cryptics before tackling this book. Others will most likely find it the right blend of challenging and accessible.