Puzzle Origins by Harriet Bookman

Puzzle Origins explores the rich history of puzzles, revealing how they've shaped human intellect and culture. From ancient riddles to modern brain teasers, the book showcases puzzles not just as diversions, but as tools for critical thinking and creativity.

Did you know that ancient civilizations used riddles for both entertainment and intellectual sparring?
Or that the Victorian era saw a boom in mechanical puzzles due to industrial advancements?

The book journeys through time, beginning with ancient riddles in Egypt, Greece, and China, then moves to mechanical puzzles influenced by the Industrial Revolution.
Finally, it examines logic and mathematical puzzles, connecting them to mathematics, computer science, and AI.

The book argues that the history of puzzles mirrors human ingenuity, demonstrating our cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.
Each section analyzes the broader impact of puzzle types on human cognition.

This reference work offers a comprehensive survey of puzzles, integrating perspectives from history, mathematics, and cognitive science.
It presents a narrative non-fiction style, blending historical accounts with insightful analysis, making it accessible to a broad audience.