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Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing
The crossword craze — now and then — with Ben Zimmer
Jun 6, 2024
Guest Ben Zimmer explores the early history and lasting impact of crossword puzzles. He talks about the crossword craze in the 1920s, the modern crossword scene, competitions, digital tools, and the future of puzzle constructors.
27:11
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Quick takeaways
- The crossword craze originated from a simple word game in 1913, leading to a nationwide craze in the 1920s and changing American publishing.
- Modern crossword construction has become more accessible with software tools, enabling diverse puzzles to be created and published by individuals, including teenagers.
Deep dives
Origins of Crossword Puzzles in the 1920s
In the 1920s, crosswords gained immense popularity with the role of Arthur Wynne in creating the first crossword puzzle in 1913 at the New York World. The big breakthrough occurred in 1924 when Simon and Schuster, inspired by crossword books, started a publishing company and sparked a national craze. This craze was further fueled by the younger generation's interest in solving puzzles.
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