Where did the first crossword puzzle come from? Does it still have the same style as before? Continue reading to learn more about the timeline of the crossword puzzle.
Where it All Began
Arthur Wynne, an English journalist from Liverpool, is said to have created the first crossword puzzle in the 1800s. The original problem appeared in children’s books, which were much easier than now. Initially, the problem consisted of words laid out in a grid that crossed over and under itself in both directions. This became the origin of the word “crossword.”
First Publication and Where Crosswords Took Off
On December 21, 1913, the Sunday edition of the New York World newspaper featured the first modern crossword puzzle. The puzzle caught on with the public and eventually became famous enough to be published in nearly all U.S. daily newspapers, and then it expanded to Great Britain.
Reentering Britain
The crossword first appeared in a British Pearson’s Magazine in February 1922. It rapidly gained popularity when it developed its own style, which was quite different from its American counterpart.
First Edition vs. The Current Look
A lot has changed for crossword puzzles since they were created, from the simple diamond outline of the words in the first versions to the more complicated and challenging style in the present.
It’s entirely different from what we are used to seeing today, with more distinct blacks contrasting the empty white boxes where you write the letters down.
The modern version of crossword puzzles also offers more variations, from those that are easy enough for children to highly challenging ones for competitions worldwide.
Crossword puzzles have been around for a long time and are still among the most popular puzzles and games today.
Where is the crossword puzzle headed?
As we move closer to the digital age, it’s no surprise that the crossword puzzle has evolved and expanded into various word-finding games.
Take Away
Undeniably, the timeline of the crossword puzzle is a long and interesting one. Who could have predicted that crosswords would change so drastically over time? Since the game was first made, it has been made several times, each time with major changes to the original format.
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