Crossword Dictionary

Before I touch on Crossword Dictionaries, I attach the link below to the (Chambers) Crossword Manual that is highlighted in the comments of my last post by "wxd_fiend". This is the updated version of the Chambers Crossword Guide that I mentioned in my previous post. This has 400 pages as against the 300 pages of the older version so I believe this would be a better buy if you are looking for a guide to solving cryptic crosswords.

The Crossword Manual


There are many aids to solving crosswords, one of which is the crossword dictionary and there are many in the market. The first one that I have is a 1967 edition of the Dell Crossword Dictionary by Kathleen Rafferty. Below is the latest edition (even then it is a 1995 edition).

The Dell Crossword Dictionary

This is more useful for straight crossword but I like the word-finder section where you can find all the 3 or 4-letter words if you already know 2 of the alphabets such as XX__, _XX_, __XX or X__X. This is useful to complete the missing words but unfortunately this provides only up to 4-letter words.

Most of the crossword dictionaries by American publishers are mainly geared for the American market and so is good for straight crosswords but if you are looking for one for cryptic crosswords, you have to look for British publications. The best will be the Chambers Crossword Dictionary since it mentions possible cryptic clues in the listing.

The Chambers Dictionary

Other useful aids for crosswords would by a Thesaurus. And of course, you can always turn to the Net for online assistance. Good luck.

Ronald Kwok
http://cbpirate.com/s/cbp/ronaldkwok