New Book Traces History of American Crossword Puzzle Through Women Creators

Anna Shechtman's book "The Riddles of the Sphinx" explores the history and cultural impact of the American crossword puzzle, with a focus on the women who helped shape the popular pastime from its early days.

The book traces the crossword's evolution from its debut in the New York World newspaper in 1913 to its role in defining common knowledge and capturing the zeitgeist over the decades.

Shechtman delves into how women played a significant part in the development and rising popularity of crosswords. The book highlights key events, figures, and cultural moments that marked the puzzle's history, examining how it evolved and reflected the times.

Why this matters: The crossword puzzle is an iconic part of American culture that has entertained and educated generations. Shechtman's book sheds light on the unsung women who helped establish this beloved pastime and its enduring influence on our shared knowledge and cultural fabric.

Through "The Riddles of the Sphinx," Shechtman aims to showcase the contributions of women creators in molding the crossword puzzle into a defining feature of the American experience. "The book examines how the crossword puzzle evolved over time, with women playing a significant role in its development and popularity," as noted in a summary of the work.

Key Takeaways

• A book has explored the history of the American crossword puzzle
• The book focuses on women's contributions to crossword development
• Traces crossword's evolution from 1913 debut to cultural impact
• Crossword puzzle is an iconic part of American culture
• The book aims to showcase women's role in shaping the pastime