by David Astle
Thanks to Chris Dodds for unlocking another dimension, John Holgate for our nights on the tiles, and Ben Ball for that genial brainstorm. Three cheers for the three poets too – Roger McGough, Peter Valentine and Bluey the Shearer – whose verses grace these pages.
While on poetry, I wish to applaud the mystery men and women whose work underpins this book. From Aardvark to Virgilius, these are the clue-mongers whose lyrics have mesmerised for decades. I’m grateful to their editors (in particular Hugh Stephenson and Colin Inman) for allowing me to share with you the wealth of wit and guile.
In this regard, a special mention to Shirl O’Brien and David Stickley. Reversing the import trend, these two locals both fashion clues for UK papers, as Auster and Styx respectively.
And a big hooray for the genius of Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon. In league with Henry Hook, these three Americans are cryptic pioneers.
Let me also raise a glass of aquavit (because I love those letters) to Francis Heaney, Will Shortz, Ben Tausig, Merl Reagle and every other arch-fiend to push the crossword envelope. On the blog front, the champions remain Amy Reynaldo and Michael Sharp, while the team at Fifteen Squared in the UK is a constant joy to follow. Here in Australia, the crews at Deef and Trippers keep a vital chat ongoing.
Scrabblers, editors, colleagues – this rap could run forever, but I sense that familiar puzzle urge to be brief. So let me close on thanking those closest – Tracy, Finn, Tess and a dog called Tim: your love and willingness to walk beside me have seen puzzles turn into answers.
David Astle (alias DA)
www.davidastle.com