The crossword puzzle as we know it today is a sophisticated and structured art form that has its roots in elementary word squares that originated in ancient times. In its present form the American style crossword evolved less than 100 years ago and became popular beginning in the 1920s when newspapers began publishing them for their readers' enjoyment. Originally a laborious task of creation strictly by hand, with graph paper, lots of pencils and erasers, a stack of dictionaries, thesauri, and other reference volumes, today construction is aided by computer technology and program assistance. Because of their popularity, crossword puzzles now are available in most every newspaper, as well as other publications, in book form, and on the internet for play on and off line.
Not only are crosswords used for amusement; they have found their way into teaching programs to provide unique ways of learning, they are prescribed as a means of deterring the onset of Alzheimer's disease and Attention Deficit Disorder, and they are suggested to improve memory, language skills, focus and as a contribution to general good health.
And, if you would like to do more of William Gee's crossword puzzles, visit http://www.bestcrosswords.com/ where a new and different posting, not featured here, is available every 10 to 12 days as a guest constructor.
Happy puzzling!