The crossword has been the most consistently successful puzzle of modern times. Forget riddles, conundrums or that modern usurper Sudoku, the crossword is the original and best word puzzle and it has truly stood the test of time. Crosswords are everywhere - every newspaper features them - there are many incarnations and all sorts of difficulty levels.

This book celebrates the world's favourite word puzzle by recounting the history of it, alongside examples of puzzles and words of wisdom from puzzle setters, crossword editors and members of the public who have racked their brains to find the solution to that elusive clue.