11min chapter

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing cover image

The crossword craze — now and then — with Ben Zimmer

Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

CHAPTER

Evolution of Crossword Puzzles: From Origin to Pop Culture Phenomenon

The chapter explores the history of crossword puzzles, from their humble beginnings in 1913 to becoming a massive craze in the 1920s, with special emphasis on the pivotal roles of Margaret Petherbridge and Simon and Schuster. It delves into the impact of crosswords on the publishing industry, the establishment of standard rules for construction by Margaret Farrar, and the evolution of societal perceptions towards crosswords, including gendered stereotypes and reactions during the early days of the pandemic.

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