
Transcriber's note
The Handbook of Conundrums
Edith B. Ordway
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER I Early English Wit
CHAPTER II Mythological Conundrums
CHAPTER III Biblical Conundrums
CHAPTER IV Historical Conundrums
CHAPTER V Conundrums of the Civil War Period
This volume works like a grindstone for the mind, inviting listeners to sharpen their wit on a surface polished with centuries of wordplay. Its pages gather riddles that hinge on clever puns, each presented with just enough context to spark curiosity without giving the answer away. Whether you’re a casual puzzler or a seasoned conundrum enthusiast, the collection offers a steady challenge that balances humor and insight.
The editor weaves the puzzles into a rich tapestry of cultural history, from ancient Norse contests for Thor’s daughter to the legendary Sphinx’s query at Thebes. Brief essays accompany the riddles, revealing how different societies have prized the ability to decipher hidden meanings. As you work through the first act of the book, you’ll find yourself drawn into a lively dialogue between language and imagination, perfect for a thoughtful listening experience.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (174K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Edwards and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2010-06-19
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1877–1944
Best remembered for lively adventure stories and practical books for young readers, this early 20th-century American writer and artist brought curiosity, travel, and hands-on learning into her work. Her books range from globe-spanning tales to guides that encouraged children to make things for themselves.
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