The Oxford Guide to Word Games - Softcover

Augarde, A. J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0192820052 ISBN 13: 9780192820051

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1986

Synopsis

Today crossword puzzle fans and other word-game addicts number in the millions, and they will welcome this charming reference book, which encompasses not just crosswords but acrostics, anagrams, Scrabble, tongue-twisters, and countless other games of verbal ingenuity.

The book recounts the origins of various word games, outlines their history, describes how to play them, and discusses the many names and rules they have acquired over the years. In addition, the book is full of delightful anecdotes about famous authors and other notables who have enjoyed word games.

Whether one loves riddles or chronograms, puns or Consequences, this book will be a source of endless fascination and delight.

"A tidy, well-organized playground for word games with just the right blend of history, anecdote, asides and examples."--St. Petersburg Times

"The ideal reference work in which to find an explanation for almost every classic word game...entertaining.--Choice

"An irresistible collection of verbal ingenuity...The examples are delightful. High recommended."--Seattle Times
·"Everything you want to know...about man's ageless fascination with word play."--Will Weng

An irresistible collection for anyone who likes to test his or her wits with verbal acrobatics

About the Author:

Tony Augarde is a member of the Oxford Dictionaries Department

About this title

About the Author:

Tony Augarde is the editor of a number of Oxford reference books including The Oxford Dictionary of Word Games (1994).

Review:

`"What is black and white and read all over?" It is to be hoped that this one will be.' Times Educational Supplement

`an absorbing romp through the history of mankind's preoccupation with the 403 septillion ways that the letters of the alphabet can be combined'. Los Angeles Times

`an admirable little book.'
Anthony Burgess, Times Literary Supplement

`...an incredibly rich collection of data, both informative and entertaining, on word games.'
The Jerusalem Post

'This journey through the world of acrostics, crosswords, Scrabble, lipograms, spoonerisms and tongue-twisters is irresistible.'
The Observer Review

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 0192820052
• ISBN 13: 9780192820051
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256