Dictionary of Language Games, Puzzles, and Amusements

This is a very complete and detailed listing, with definitions, explanations, and examples of hundreds of word games, puzzles, and amusements is the English language. Mathematical games and puzzles are not included, and except for a few jumbled-language games where some Latin is used, English in employed throughout. Typical games covered are anagrams, alliteration, car games (making up words from car license plates), charades, guessing games, limericks, palindromes, rebuses, Scrabble, and the like. Entries vary in length, but usually give a definition, origin of the name if known, explanation of the game or the rules of play, a few examples if appropriate, usually some reference to similar games or puzzles, and finally a bibliography relating to that particular game. Black and white line drawings are used when necessary to make the entry clear. The reference value of this work is obvious in that it defines, in most cases adequately, many elusive game terms, such as guggenheim, hangman, or lipogram, not usually found in dictionaries. It will also provide ideas for children's and adult recreational situations, and so will be useful for teachers and planners of intellectual and recreational activities for people of all ages.