Crossword Challenge: Free Access to Nov. 21 Puzzles
İçerik Tablosu
We are excited to announce that we have republished the Nov. 21 crossword puzzles from every year of Will Shortz’s tenure as editor. These puzzles will be available for free until Nov. 30. Challenge yourself by solving puzzles of different difficulty levels after reading this article.
A Passion for Puzzles
When Will Shortz was a young student, he wrote an essay about his dream of becoming a professional puzzle maker. Although his teacher didn’t understand his unique ambition, Will’s passion for puzzles never wavered. Now, after 30 years as the Crossword editor of The New York Times, he has proven that his love for puzzles was not in vain.
With his background in enigmatology, his experience as the editor of Games magazine, and his role as the puzzle master on NPR’s “Weekend Edition Sunday,” Will Shortz has become a prominent figure in the world of puzzle making and editing.
The Journey to The New York Times
Becoming the Crossword editor of The New York Times was no easy feat. Since 1942, there have only been three other editors before Will Shortz. Each of his predecessors contributed something valuable to the crossword. Margaret Farrar established the rules of modern crossword construction, Will Weng brought humor to the clues, and Eugene T. Maleska added rigor and sophistication.
In 1993, when Eugene T. Maleska passed away, Jack Rosenthal, the Times magazine editor, was in search of a replacement. Will Shortz, who was just 40 years old at the time, stood out among the other candidates due to his age and ability to bridge generational gaps.
When asked about his vision for the crossword, Will Shortz expressed his desire to maintain the quality and intellectual rigor while introducing fresher themes and more modern vocabulary.
A New Era for Crossword Puzzles
Since joining The Times, Will Shortz has brought about changes to make solving puzzles more fun and accessible. Unlike his predecessor, he allowed well-known brand names in puzzles, sparking some initial controversy. However, his intention was to ensure the puzzles had lasting cultural significance.
With the expansion of the puzzle editorial team, including diverse editors and testers, the crossword puzzles now reflect a wider audience and incorporate more diverse references. Efforts are being made to make the puzzles more inclusive and culturally relevant.
The Golden Age of Crosswords
According to Will Shortz, solvers are currently experiencing a “golden age” of crosswords. The accessibility of crossword constructing tools and resources has allowed more people to create puzzles. As a result, the quality standards at The Times have risen.
Will Shortz’s favorite part of editing puzzles is the interaction with the constructors. He appreciates their talent, flexible minds, and sense of humor.
A Puzzle-Making Legacy
Will Shortz’s dedication to puzzles goes beyond his role as an editor. He recently donated his family’s property in Crawfordsville, Ind., for the development of a park, featuring a permanent puzzle scavenger hunt and outdoor Ping-Pong tables.
Reflecting on his 30-year journey, Will Shortz advises his younger self not to let criticism get to him. While feedback is important, he emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and continuing to improve.
Take the Puzzle Challenge
Travel back in time and solve a puzzle from each year of Will Shortz’s career at The Times. These puzzles are available for free until Nov. 30. Immerse yourself in the context of each year and enjoy the challenge!