cryptic crosswords

[modeller]

Can anyone recommend a good 'How to do Cryptic Crosswords' book. So many of them rely on doing examples without a simple explanation. A basic list of does and don'ts is required. There are one or two good tutorials that can be done on-line but that's not the same as a book that you can be read as and when required.

[JCL53]

You could give Val Gilberts book How to Crack the Cryptic Crossword a try . It's a Telegraph publication .On Amazon for 4.99 .Has a couple of good reviews .I bought this for my sister in law last Christmas, she was pleased with it and has made good progress with cryptics using it .Says it is easy to understand .
Here is a link and it gives others you can browse through
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crack-Cryptic-Crosswor d-Daily-Telegraph/dp/033033655X
I think they sell them in WH Smiths too.

[syruphead]

cahmbers crossword manual by don manley

I have the 2nd edition published 1992
might be available 2nd hand amazon or ebay.

[Aquagility]

Chambers Crossword Dictionary has some excellent articles and a glossary of the most commonly used abbreviations.
You'll need it anyway!

[Aquagility]

By the way, it's on special offer here
http://www.chambersharrap.co.uk/chambers/puzzl es/word_wizards/wwizards.py/main

[modeller]

Thanks a lot everyone that's a great help.

[podger123]

Hi modeller,
just going through jumble and I can post you the Val Gilbert crack the cryptic crossword paperback, free, just to show I'm not always an old troll.
You'll have to put an address to post it to HERE as I'm not giving out any of my details on this site!

[modeller]

Thanks podger for the offer it was very nice of you but like you I never disclose any address's in the public domain.

[Tallulah!]

Ok! I believe Lovatt's Crosswords publish a cryptic xword help book too.