{"product_id":"book-anyc","title":"From Square One","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\u003eIt 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\u003eOlsher 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\u003eInformative, engaging, and often surprising, \u003ci\u003eFrom Square One\u003c\/i\u003e is a unique and enjoyable read for puzzlers and nonpuzzlers alike.","brand":"Penguin Random House","offers":[{"title":"Audiobook","offer_id":49338438943024,"sku":"BDanyc","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0879\/2784\/9264\/files\/107012-anyc-Square.jpg?v=1733995227","url":"https:\/\/downpour.com\/products\/book-anyc","provider":"Downpour","version":"1.0","type":"link"}