Arthur Wynne's crossword

Arthur Wynne is credited with creating the first modern crossword puzzle in 1913. His design, initially called a "word-cross," was a diamond-shaped grid filled with words that intersected horizontally and vertically. Unlike earlier word games, Wynne's crossword introduced a symmetrical layout and clues, making it more engaging and structured. This pioneering puzzle laid the foundation for today's crosswords, blending wordplay and knowledge in an accessible format that challenges solvers to think about language and connections. Wynne’s innovation transformed a recreational activity into a widespread, enduring pastime enjoyed worldwide.