Jamie Richards

In December 1913, the New York World newspaper published the first crossword in history. It appeared in their Sunday supplement, "Fun". A century on, this absorbing puzzle continues to attract (and infuriate) millions of devotees every day. But the world's most popular - and seemingly mundane - pastime has a surprising history, filled with intrigue and adventure. Paolo Bacilieri's Fun transports us from turn-of-the-century New York to present day...