iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 27/09/2026

Last call! I can take one more person on my autumn online masterclass for aspiring setters and advanced solvers if you reply in the next few days ... Release your inner fiendishness over two afternoons on Saturday 7 and 14 November: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-ma...

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 03/09/2026

Behold today’s passion fruit harvest and wonder …

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 26/08/2026

… and if you want to know what that betokens, you’ll have to buy the book!

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 28/07/2026

We visited #ArundelCastle today (highly recommended and run by a trust, which may matter to you if you're concerned about giving money to the aristocracy) and Mrs B decided to play Sharon from Bootle all day. Much fun was had when one of the castle guides turned out to be from Liverpool herself.

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 20/07/2026

Places on my autumn online masterclass for aspiring setters and advanced solvers are starting to fill up, so this is a good time to make sure of your place ... Release your inner fiendishness over two afternoons on Saturday 7 and 14 November: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-ma...

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 15/07/2026

What Radio 4 flippancy are we indulging in tonight?

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 05/07/2026

Getting ready for our set at the Love Supreme Festival …

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 01/07/2026

Don't forget your holiday reading! Two books of 50 crosswords from @theguardian.com - solve the puzzles, read the stories behind them, discover how they were created and enjoy bonus extras. From wherever you buy good books, or signed copies from boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...

Take Boatman - The First 50 to the beach: solve the puzzles and then read the stories behind them!

Reviewing Boatman - the first 50, Alan Connor (The Guardian's crossword editor and the brains behind many of BBC2’s quiz programs) says: "This is one to savour. Boatman's puzzles are witty and ingenious. It is an extraordinary pleasure to read how his 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".

Reviewing Boatman - the second 50, Gyles Brandreth says: "If you want a fiendish crossword, you want the best - which means you want Boatman, because he is the best" and Brian Bilston: "Cracking crosswords - each puzzle a delightful daily workout for the brain and a welcome tonic for the soul".

Boatman - The Second 50 contains another 50 crosswords from The Guardian, with five bonus puzzles previously only available online and including puzzles, solutions and the ideas and stories behind them, exemplified by this image of the book opened to show one of the stories, which is accompanied by a picture of a large cow.

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 20/04/2026

Who’s going to be on the panel?

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 08/04/2026

It’s been a good year so far for Scrabble GO …

An average word score of 34.1 in January is as much a surprise to me as it is to anyone else.

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 26/03/2026

Have you never seen a dragoon? I ask because you are wrong & now I have to follow you in the hope of being exposed to more of this kind of thing.

A cheap attempt at countering the argument that dragons do not exist by showing a picture of a dragoon

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 05/03/2026

It appears to be World Book Day, so here are two books to celebrate. Crosswords! And the stories behind them! Both available from all booksellers, or signed copies online from boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 23/02/2026

In or around Sussex on Friday 17 April? Come and see the mighty One World Jazz Orchestra in Ditchling! Bigger than ever, experience the power of a 16-piece big band playing jazz and funk by Mingus, Kenny Wheeler, Steely Dan, Jobim, Radiohead and many more Tickets £20, selling now from jazzetc.co.uk

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 02/01/2026

An extra place has just become available on my 14 / 21 March online masterclass for aspiring setters and keen solvers. Grab it now and release your inner word-fiend! boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-ma...

Learn to set crosswords like the professionals!

Follow in the footsteps of Basilisk/Jack/Serpent, Bluth/Fed/Django, Carpathian/Vigo, Daedalus, Dice/Guinevere, Hudson/Julius/Knut/Magnus, Karla/Wire, Soup and many more.

Intensive 8 hours in two sessions £160 online or £195 in person.

Past students say: "Great day … Such a complete course" / "Absolutely brilliant … I really feel ready to step up a level now"

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 14/12/2025

In Brighton / Hove and at a loose end? Head over to The Brunswick, where the One World Jazz Orxhestra is set up and ready to play …

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 13/12/2025

Last orders for Christmas by Thursday 18th, please! Treat the crossword addict in your life to 50 fiendish puzzles in each book with the stories behind them & lots of extras, incl puzzles previously not seen in print. All booksellers, or signed copies from: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 13/12/2025

I can report that the seasonal Upcycled Woodland Vegetation of Hope has taken residence in the Boatman household ...

A tastefully decorated pan-faith seasonal shrub adorns the Boatman household

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 04/12/2025

Here's how ChrisMaslanka and nieces enjoy Christmas! Treat the crossword addict in your life to 50 fiendish puzzles in each book with the stories behind them & lots of extras, incl puzzles previously not seen in print. All booksellers or signed copies: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...

The Buddha of Buda enjoys Boatman – the first 50 in the company of his nieces at Christmas – just one of two books of fiendish puzzles and the stories behind them

Boatman - the second 50 contains another 50 puzzles from The Guardian, with five bonus puzzles previously only available online and including puzzles, solutions and the ideas and stories behind them, exemplified by this image of the book opened to show one of the stories, which is accompanied by a picture of a large cow.

Reviewing Boatman - the second 50, Gyles Brandreth says: "If you want a fiendish crossword, you want the best - which means you want Boatman, because he is the best" and Brian Bilston: "Cracking crosswords - each puzzle a delightful daily workout for the brain and a welcome tonic for the soul".

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 27/11/2025

The lovely Graeme Garden is getting to grips with my books! Each volume has 50 fiendish crosswords from @theguardian.com and the stories behind them with lots of extras, including puzzles previously not seen in print. All booksellers, or signed copies from boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...

Graeme has nearly completed one of the fiendish crosswords in Boatman - The First 50. His colouring-in is most attractive!

Reviewing Boatman - the first 50, Alan Connor (The Guardian's crossword editor and the brains behind many of BBC2’s quiz programs) says: "This is one to savour. Boatman's puzzles are witty and ingenious. It is an extraordinary pleasure to read how his 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".

Graeme is not sure which way to tackle the puzzles in Boatman - The Second 50. Upside-down is certainly an option!

Boatman - the second 50 contains another 50 puzzles from The Guardian, with five bonus puzzles previously only available online and including puzzles, solutions and the ideas and stories behind them.

Reviewing Boatman - the second 50, Gyles Brandreth says: "If you want a fiendish crossword, you want the best - which means you want Boatman, because he is the best" and Brian Bilston: "Cracking crosswords - each puzzle a delightful daily workout for the brain and a welcome tonic for the soul".

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 25/11/2025

If you have a loved one who would like to explore crossword setting or just to get new insights into how they're created, places on my masterclass make a much-appreciated gift! Help them release their inner fiendishness! New dates for 2026 just announced ... boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-ma...

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 19/11/2025

Says @davegorman.bsky.social: "Boatman's puzzles are like Magic Eye posters. You stare at them for a while and then suddenly something three dimensional pops out. Don't be dizzied by it. Dance with it". All booksellers, or signed copies from boatmancryptics.co.uk/product-cate...

Dave Gorman, aka Fed, Bluth and Django in the crossword world, enjoys Boatman puzzles when on tour.

Reviewing Boatman - the first 50, Alan Connor (The Guardian's crossword editor and the brains behind many of BBC2’s quiz programs) says: "This is one to savour. Boatman's puzzles are witty and ingenious. It is an extraordinary pleasure to read how his 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".

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 14/11/2025

It's the Seasonal Reposting Competition! Repost this over the weekend, and on Sunday one lucky person will win a signed copy of one of my books. For you or the #crossword addict in your life: 50 fiendish @theguardian.com #puzzles and all the stories behind them: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...

Boatman - the first 50 reportedly makes a great present or holiday read, exemplified by this image of the book opened to show the story behind the Shipping Forecast puzzle, on display on Brighton beach.

Reviewing Boatman - the first 50, Alan Connor (The Guardian's crossword editor and the brains behind many of BBC2’s quiz programs) says: "This is one to savour. Boatman's puzzles are witty and ingenious. It is an extraordinary pleasure to read how his 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".

Hugh Stephenson (Alan’s predecessor at The Guardian) says: "This is a unique book of crosswords" and Henry Morris: "a Boatman crossword is like a theme park. Each daunting line is a rollercoaster ... He scares you witless. But you can't wait to do it all over again".

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 10/11/2025

The Seasonal Reposting Competition is coming! Return here on Friday for a chance to win a signed copy of one of my books ... For you or the #crossword addict in your life: 50 @theguardian.com #puzzles and the stories behind them: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...

Reviewing Boatman - the first 50, Alan Connor (the Guardian's new crossword editor) says: "This is one to savour. Boatman's puzzles are witty and ingenious. It is an extraordinary pleasure to read how his 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" and Hugh Stephenson (his predecessor) says: "This is a unique book of crosswords".

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 06/11/2025

Why are @brianbilston.bsky.social's cats so engrossed? To find out, buy my books for the #crossword addict in your life: 50 @guardian #puzzles with the stories & ideas behind them, plus extra #clues & explanations of #wordplay - all booksellers or signed copies: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...

Brian Bilston's old cat with a copy of Boatman - The First 50

Brian Bilston's new cat with a copy of Boatman - The Second 50

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 31/10/2025

I think we’re ready for the trick-or-treaters … The pale round things are potatoes. With spiders.

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 31/10/2025

Says @mrhenrymorris.substack.com, "a Boatman crossword is like a theme park. Each daunting line is a rollercoaster ... He scares you witless. But you can't wait to do it all over again". Correct solutions and the stories behind the puzzles from booksellers or boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...

Henry Morris attempts to complete a grid from Boatman - the First 50 in the persona of The Secret Tory

Henry Morris attempts to complete a grid from Boatman - the Second 50 in the persona of The Secret Tory

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 24/10/2025

According to Gyles Brandreth, "If you want a fiendish crossword, you want the best - which means you want Boatman, because he is the best". Two books of Guardian puzzles and the stories behind them, with bonus extras. At all booksellers, or signed copies from boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 19/10/2025

Is is too soon to mention that the crossword addicts on your Christmas list may enjoy these two books? Each has 50 puzzles from @theguardian.com and the story of how they were created, with bonus extras. From wherever you buy good books, or signed copies from: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 12/09/2025

Just a couple of places left on my next online masterclass ... Release your inner fiendishness over two afternoons on Saturday 1 and 8 November and perhaps you can be like @guineverecryptic.bsky.social who did this one year ago and today sets for @thetimes.com: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-ma...

Learn to set crosswords like the professionals - intensive 8 hours in two online sessions for £160

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 15/08/2025

… and what on earth is going on here?

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 15/08/2025

… and the view is lovingly framed by rustic plasterwork …

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 15/08/2025

Back to Bridgend, where the clocks stopped in 1979 and in our “country house luxury hotel” (fact fans - we are staying at the location of one of the key scenes in the Gavin & Stacey finale) no expense has been lavished to recreate the authentic experience of a school dormitory …

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 07/08/2025

We are about to see Derren Brown’s latest show, and our row is entirely empty. What does this portend?

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 22/07/2025

If you're in Sussex on 19 Sept, come and see the wonderful Full Circle Quartet in the intimate setting of the Old Meeting House, Ditchling, with Josephine Davies (Jazz Instrumentalist of the Year 2019), BAFTA-winning pianist-composer Joss Peach, legendary bassist Terry Pack and drummer Angus Bishop

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 29/06/2025

It’s an English 1-2-3, with Goodliffe taking first place after an exciting final round!

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 29/06/2025

Some very nice clues here, as well …

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 29/06/2025

They’re answering clues in turn - some remarkably quickly - and passing to the next contestant if they’re stuck. Surprisingly, this really works as a spectator sport …

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 29/06/2025

Mark Goodliffe off to a strong start …

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 29/06/2025

Happening at the World Crossword Championship right now …

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 28/05/2025

Two books for your holiday reading: solve the puzzles, then read the stories behind them. Each book contains 50 #crosswords from @theguardian.com, with bonus extras. Discover the ideas behind them, the coincidences and the quantum mechanics. All booksellers or: boatmancryptics.co.uk/crossword-bo...

Boatman - the first 50 on the beach: a great holiday read

Boatman - the first 50: "a book I never knew I needed in my life", according to Alan Connor, BBC2 quiz question setter and new Guardian Crossword Editor

Boatman - the second 50: "If you want a fiendish crossword, you want the best - which means you want Boatman, because he is the best", according to Gyles Brandreth

Boatman - the second 50 - a great holiday read

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 04/04/2025

Look what just arrived, courtesy of the brilliant @johnfinnemore.bsky.social! Can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to getting into this …

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 31/03/2025

Thanks to the enthusiasm for her craft of @baindex.org and the much-vaunted work of @djbduncan.bsky.social, this is now heading for my bedside table, to be enjoyed as soon as I can get to the end of Moby Dick …

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 17/03/2025

If you're in or around Sussex in June and are curious to see what I get up to when I'm not setting crosswords, come and hear the mighty One World Jazz Orchestra in Ditchling on Friday 6 June. Tickets on sale now: jazzetc.co.uk/events/

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Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 14/12/2024

At last, the All-Faiths-or-None Interdenominational Seasonal Shrub is up! And there are just five days left for online Christmas book orders - last orders on Thursday 19th, please. From all booksellers or signed copies from boatmancryptics.co.uk/product-cate...

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