This book is a historical survey of mechanical puzzles, and if that's what it was advertised as, it would be a decent book in that genre -- not outstanding, but decent. From the description, though, I was expecting a detailed analysis of different mechanical puzzle types, with perhaps algorithms for solving particular classes of puzzle.
Descriptions of the puzzles are brief, not greatly detailed, and far from comprehensive. There is no historical depth of coverage, just a whirlwind survey -- in some cases little more than a list -- of puzzle categories. Few solutions are given, no formulas, and no analysis. You are told about some "puzzles" which are insoluable -- which to me means they aren't even puzzles, but merely objects d'art. There are some brief instructions for making some of your own \copies\ of puzzles covered -- almost entirely out of paper and cardboard.
If you're brand new to mechanical puzzles this book might hold some interest. For me, if fell short both as a history, and as a reference work.
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