Merl Reagle's 100th Anniversary Crossword Book

My husband is a total Merl Reagle addict. Every Sunday, he plows through the newspaper until he finds the big Merl Reagle puzzle and he dives right in. I recently heard an NPR interview with Reagle where the interviewer referenced his paperback puzzle books. It was right before the holidays, so I went onto Amazon, found this, and instantly purchased it as a gift for my husband. And he LOVED it! If you have never done a Reagle puzzle, you are in for a treat - they are clever, smart, and very often humorous. And they are not too obscure - some puzzles drive me crazy because they ask questions that only one in a million could answer. Reagle doesn't do that.One suggestion: it would be so wonderful if puzzle book publishers used a spiral binding instead of a perfect binding in puzzle books. Then you could open the book wide (like a newspaper) and lay it flat on a table. I would willing pay the cost difference to have that convenience.

There are only so many Will Shortz collections. Ditto for Leslie Billig's anthologies. Then you're left standing in the puzzle aisle paging through publisher's generic offerings or collections drawn from newspapers that aren't really all that committed to good crossword puzzles. If that's where you find yourself, then Merl Reagle might be your next big thing. These aren't quite as ambitious as some of the Shortz collections, (and sometimes he can get too cute), and they aren't quite as laid back and fun as Billig's, but these are good, solid, honest and fair crosswords at a satisfying level of difficulty and just the right bit of personality. This ended up as a good find for us.

I was deeply saddened when Merle Reagle went to the great crossword in the sky. It is nice to still be able to get Merle's brilliant crosswords.I guess I'll have to make it to heaven to get his newest crosswords. If you like great puns, spoonerisms and devious wordplay, then you must buy these great puzzle books.Good solving and happy trails.

Meet Reagle's puzzles are the bomb. That man could make the most fun crossword puzzles around. I actually laugh out loud at some of them. He has given me great pleasure with his puzzles. Not boring and just may keep you up long past your normal bed time ad you get hooked on one after the other puzzle

Love Merl Reagle's crosswords... so much more fun than "normal" ones. These really make you thinkI have purchased many of his books in the past, and have never been disappointed! Very enjoyable!

As usual, Merl Reagle's work shows why he is a top crossword constructor. Not only are the clues "twisted but fair", but Merl's comments throughout the book are right on the mark. I really enjoyed his story of looking to get more information about Arthur Wynne, the "inventor" of the crossword puzzle, and found a goldmine of information right under his nose.The artwork is done by Jim Borgman, known for the comic strip "Zits".As a crossword fan, I would highly recommend this book.

Arrived promptly, etc. Witty, clever puzzles that make you think and smile.

I bought it as a birthday gift.The recipient loved it, and enjoyed every puzzle. There were some difficult ones, but that was the good thing about it! Great variety!The seller was also very good. The product was as advertised and arrive quickly and in perfect condition.