Public radio personality Dean Olsher explores the fascinating history, lore, and addictive appeal of crosswords in this clever and entertaining narrative--featuring the construction of an actual puzzle by professional puzzle writer Francis Heaney.

Filled with lively, original reporting, "From Square One" is a captivating and in-depth exploration of the puzzle world. It delves into the psychology--even the meta- physics--of crosswords. Olsher assesses the claim that solving crosswords helps prevent Alzheimer's and discovers, in fact, that the drive to fill in empty spaces is more likely a...