The Sunday Times Jumbo General Knowledge Crossword Book 1: 50 general knowledge crosswords (The Sunday Times Puzzle Books)

I love these puzzle books. I don't do ordinary crosswords. These I find test my knowledge. I do use my reference books to help me when I don't know an answer. I don't use Google as that would be too easy. Some of the questions I know nothing about and this helps me expand my knowledge and maybe keep my brain functioning properly.

I have to limit myself to doing 2 puzzles a day or I'd finish the book far too soon. Totally absorbing - ideal for damp winter days.

The book is clear and well set out. It seems to be good value, but the questions are a bit more difficult than I had expected!

Although book one isn't as good as subsequent jumbo general knowledge editions, as there are too many obscure clues that need to be "googled", it is still enjoyable and absorbing!

I took to doing crosswords during the covid lockdown this year. This book is great, lots of interesting questions, and big crosswords. Ok I don't know all the answers and occasionally have to 'cheat' and look at the answer at the back (being careful not to look at any other lines). But it is addictive, you get one finished you want to get onto the next one. A great way to relax and test your brain at the same time.

Good feel. Easy to use.

Cross Words

I love crosswords and usually do the Times Jumbo Cryptic puzzles, but decided to try something a bit different this time. The puzzles were OK but definitely NOT General Knowledge. One of the puzzles required a knowledge of everyone who had been a Director of Music and Organ Master at King's College Cambridge for about the past 100 years - that's not general knowledge, that's extremely niche knowledge, which anyone who hasn't actually studied there (and I expect a fair few who have) would have a clue about. And that's just one example - there are many other instances. Spoils the enjoyment when you actually know you don't have a hope of completing the grid unless you look up answers. I'll go back to my cryptic puzzles.

Very enjoyable - I’ve found myself down more than one Google/Wikipedia rabbit hole researching some of these answers and wanting to find out more on the topic. It’s really clever the way some of the clues are posed, even your smartphone may not be as useful as you would think….