{ "item_title" : "From Square One", "item_author" : [" "], "item_description" : "From Square One 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.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, From Square One 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.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.Informative, engaging, and often surprising, From Square One is a unique and enjoyable read for puzzlers and nonpuzzlers alike.", "item_img_path" : "https://covers4.booksamillion.com/covers/audiobook/11/75/9780307577511_CD026719_b.jpg", "price_data" : { "retail_price" : "5.00", "our_price" : "5.00", "club_price" : "5.00", "savings_amt" : "0.00", "savings_pct" : "0", "discount_pct" : "10", "club_savings_amt" : "0.00" } }

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