Welcome
I’ve had a lot of fun compiling cryptic crossword puzzles since 2001, first for 1 Across magazine and since 2008 for the Guardian. I hope you’ve enjoyed solving them, and will enjoy discovering more. I like to hear from my victims, so do keep in touch …
If you want a fiendish crossword, you want the best – which means you want Boatman, because he is the best
Gyles Brandreth
Quick Links
Did you come here to buy a signed copy of one of my books? This button will take you straight to my online shop.
Luminous intelligence … never remotely frustrating
Dirkybee
A really lovely puzzle—what initially looks like a manual on how to build an alien spacecraft turns out to be deceptively simple
Aztobesed
Learn to set crosswords like the professionals
They started as a way of celebrating the centenary of the crossword in 2013, and now they’re an institution: they’re my Crossword Masterclasses, in which you’ll join a small group and find out how to make the most of your inner fiendishness.
There’s an intensive class for aspiring setters and advanced solvers run over two afternoons, which will get you creating and appreciating crosswords, and there’s an advanced session for previous masterclass graduates. They’re everything you need to know to follow in the footsteps of alumni like Asp/Basilisk/Jack/Serpent, Bluth/Fed/Django, Carpathian/Vigo, Daedalus, Hudson/Julius/Knut/Magnus, Karla/Prism/Wire, Soup and dozens more.
Click below for more details, including information about how to apply for the new sponsorship scheme or to book your place on the next class …
Boatman’s puzzles inhabit their own world, and even if I’m stumped by the odd clue I could merrily sit staring at his puzzles every day
Bingybong
A completely personal, custom puzzle is a great way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, wedding, retirement, corporate event or any other occasion … or do it just for fun. To find out how to go about creating the perfect present for the word-lover in your life …
Enjoy my first 100 crosswords from the Guardian, then read the stories and ideas behind them. There are two books, and between them they contain 106 puzzles – each volume has bonus puzzles previously only available online, and The Second 50 includes the notorious Referendum Day puzzle that was able to predict the result of the UK’s vote over its membership of the European Union with complete confidence.
It is an extraordinary pleasure to read how Boatman’s unique mind works. The First 50 is a book I never knew I needed in my life. Gift it to yourself and to the word-lovers in yours.
Alan Connor
BBC2 question editor and Guardian Crossword Editor
I give talks and workshops to general interest groups, sixth-form classes and crossword aficionados. Get in touch now for more details …
