{"product_id":"9781439164525","title":"From Square One: A Meditation, with Digressions, on Crosswords","description":"\u003ci\u003eFrom Square One\u003c\/i\u003e is Dean Olsher's captivating and in-depth exploration of the cultural history, psychology, and even metaphysics of crosswords -- their promise of a world without chaos and uncertainty. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e It is often repeated that more than 50 million Americans do crossword puzzles on a regular basis. Skeptical of that claim, Dean Olsher does his own research and finds that the number is nearly dead-on. Filled with lively, original reporting, \u003ci\u003eFrom Square One\u003c\/i\u003e disputes the widely held belief that solving crosswords helps prevent Alzheimer's; in fact, the drive to fill in empty spaces is more likely a mental illness than a cure. While \"puzzle addiction\" is usually meant as a lighthearted metaphor, the term contains more than a nugget of truth. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Olsher looks into the origins and traditions of this popular pastime, which made its debut in a New York newspaper in 1913. Or did it? Along the way, he takes readers inside the making of a crossword. He also revives the quest of musical-theater legend and puzzle constructor Stephen Sondheim to find an American audience for a British crossword style that demands a love of verbal playfulness over knowledge of arcane trivia. \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e Informative, engaging, and often surprising, \u003ci\u003eFrom Square One\u003c\/i\u003e is a unique and enjoyable read for puzzlers and nonpuzzlers alike.","brand":"Scribner","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47142781092080,"sku":"9781439164525","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781439164525_p0.jpg?v=1763757956","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781439164525","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}