An indispensable companion for anyone who has tried - and failed - to master the Guardian's devilishly difficult cryptic crosswords. Packed with examples from the Guardian's celebrated compilers - from Araucaria and Rufus to Bunthorne and Janus - Secrets of the Setters explains how all the different types of cryptic clues work. It shows you how to unravel the elliptical language and how to spot the tricks of the compiler's trade. The book also includes a large selection of practice puzzles and a handy list of words and letters that setters commonly use as their cryptic building blocks.

Author Biography

Hugh Stephenson is the Guardian's crossword editor.