Here are three puzzles from the crossword archives.
(Click on a puzzle image to try it)
1. The first ever crossword by Arthur Wynne, published in the New York World, December 21, 1913
2. Word Test (Lottery Puzzle), competition puzzle, published in The Argus, September 15, 1928
3. The first Daily Telegraph quick crossword, published July, 1931
David Stickley has been writing crosswords professionally since 1995. His cryptic puzzle, The Stickler, reached number 4786 before being axed in July 2013 due to cutbacks. In 2024 David and his wife Linda secured a weekly cryptic and quick slot in The SMH and The Age. David has also been published in the NYT, the UK's FT and Church Times.
Stickler Boxed Sets now available. Find out more
Stickler Cap now available. Find out more
Clues to historic puzzles?
Just click on the grid for an interactive version. You can reveal letters or words if you get stuck.
The Stickler
Thank you. Happy christmas.