The New York Times Will Shortz's Xtreme Xwords: 75 Ultra-Challenging Puzzles for the Gutsy, Truly Bold and Fearless Solver [Paperback]

The New York Times (Author), Will Shortz (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 7, 2006

There are millions of crossword solvers who think they're pretty good. Now they have a chance to see just how they measure up to the toughest crosswords ever published in the New York Times.  The legendary Times crossword editor has combed through literally thousands of puzzles to collect the most diabolical mind-twisters he's ever published.

 

The New York Times Will Shortz's Extreme Crosswords features a challenge like no other:  a brand-new, never published Sunday-size puzzle that's more devilish than anything Shortz has ever worked on before. Solvers who correctly solve the completed puzzle will receive a "Master Solver's Certificate" from Will himself. Features:

 

*74 of the toughest-ever crosswords from the Times plus a giant bonus puzzle unlike any solvers have seen before

*Edited by and with an introduction from Will Shortz

*Follows in the footsteps of previous successful "Will Shortz"-branded crossword books.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[Will Shortz] is the crossword king."
--Steve Kroft, 60 Minutes

"The prince of crossword puzzlers."
--Greenwich Magazine

"The Riddler's got nothing on Will Shortz."
--Time Out New York

"Will Shortz is [the crossword book world's] John Grisham."
--Martin Arnold

About the Author

Will Shortz has been the crossword puzzle editor of The New York Times since 1993. Mr. Shortz founded both the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, where he serves as director, and the World Puzzle Championship, where he is the captain of the U.S. team. He is the current Puzzlemaster for "Weekend Edition Sunday"on National Public Radio.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition edition (March 7, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312352034
• ISBN-13: 978-0312352035
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #832,432 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars You don't have to be THAT gutsy!, February 6, 2007

By 

C. Shepko "doting grandma" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The New York Times Will Shortz's Xtreme Xwords: 75 Ultra-Challenging Puzzles for the Gutsy, Truly Bold and Fearless Solver (Paperback)

I must admit that I'm a very good crossword solver, so I had high hopes for this book. Some of the crosswords are tough, yes, but some are a breeze. So far there hasn't been one that I couldn't finish. I don't time myself at all, so I can't say I'd be able to complete one in 3, or even 10, minutes. All in all, the puzzles are challenging, but do-able for the seasoned crossword addict. Another thing: the format of the book is much smaller than I'm used to, but that does make it more portable than most.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NYT Xtreme Xwords, November 23, 2007

By 

Richard L. Oswald (Roseville, MN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The New York Times Will Shortz's Xtreme Xwords: 75 Ultra-Challenging Puzzles for the Gutsy, Truly Bold and Fearless Solver (Paperback)

A gold mine of crossword puzzles crafted for the experienced solver. They have all the Will Shortz characteristics -- challenging but fair, whimsical, and playful.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Xtreme Solving, October 30, 2008

By 

D. Goerner "700 albums" (Greer, SC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The New York Times Will Shortz's Xtreme Xwords: 75 Ultra-Challenging Puzzles for the Gutsy, Truly Bold and Fearless Solver (Paperback)

I love NY Times xwords, especially the long ones on Sunday. These are composed of larger squares and fewer clues/answers, but they are little toughies! Not for the beginner. If you think you are fairly adept and Xperienced, give this one a try.