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boatmancryptics.co.uk
Boatman Cryptics
@boatmancryptics.co.uk
400 followers 180 following 390 posts
Guardian crossword setter & teacher of aspiring word-fiends. Two books of puzzles & the stories behind them: see website for signed copies or to sign up for masterclasses or to commission bespoke puzzles: boatmancryptics.co.uk
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boatmancryptics.co.uk
Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · 13d
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...
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".
boatmancryptics.co.uk
If AI is sentient, it has a great sense of humour …
hjm.bsky.social Helen Macdonald @hjm.bsky.social · 12d
Send help have become trapped by this AI animal alphabet

source: www.reddit.com/r/mildlyinfu...
An AI-generated animal alphabet of such intense wrongness (e.g. “O is penguin” by an image of a quail) that it achieves something like sublimity
December 15, 2025 at 8:59 AM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
If future generations do not speak of the Fargo Cult and cite this piece as its coinage, it will be a travesty …
December 15, 2025 at 8:50 AM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
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 …
December 14, 2025 at 7:42 PM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
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...
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".
December 13, 2025 at 6:37 PM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
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
December 13, 2025 at 6:27 PM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
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 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". 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".
December 4, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Reposted by Boatman Cryptics
wildvale.co.uk
I can attest to both how much I learned and how much fun this was!
boatmancryptics.co.uk Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · Nov 25
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...
November 25, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Reposted by Boatman Cryptics
guineverecryptic.bsky.social
Highly recommended! I owe a lot to Boatman, this course and the connections it led to!

#cryptic #crossword
boatmancryptics.co.uk Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · Nov 25
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...
November 25, 2025 at 8:37 PM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
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".
November 27, 2025 at 10:12 PM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
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...
November 25, 2025 at 2:09 PM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
I enjoyed @rutgerbregman.com’s lecture this morning and have mentally reinserted the censored line …
rutgerbregman.com Rutger Bregman @rutgerbregman.com · Nov 25
I wish I didn’t have to share this. But the BBC has decided to censor my first Reith Lecture.

They deleted the line in which I describe Donald Trump as “the most openly corrupt president in American history.” /1
November 25, 2025 at 2:01 PM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
Good study here of how it’s difficult, as part of a tolerant society that values freedom of expression, to call out unacceptable attitudes when we see them …
adambienkov.bsky.social Adam Bienkov @adambienkov.bsky.social · Nov 19
On Nigel Farage's racism, of course it is possible that someone can believe one thing when they're a teenager and something completely different when they're an adult.

But where is the evidence that has happened in this case?

Instead all of the evidence points in the complete opposite direction
Nigel Farage Is a Racist
The media is refusing to state the most bleedingly obvious facts about a man whose entire career has been devoted to pursuing a racist political agenda
www.adambienkov.co.uk
November 20, 2025 at 9:43 AM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
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". 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".
November 19, 2025 at 9:59 AM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
Have you reposted yet? You still have a few hours before someone wins a free signed book this evening …
boatmancryptics.co.uk Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · Nov 14
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". 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".
November 16, 2025 at 2:49 PM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
It’s a solid start to the Retweet Competition! Don’t forget to enter - there could be a book with (literally) your name on it ...
boatmancryptics.co.uk Boatman Cryptics @boatmancryptics.co.uk · Nov 14
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". 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".
November 15, 2025 at 2:31 PM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
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". 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".
November 14, 2025 at 1:24 PM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
Non-scary fun and worthwhile present alert!

(WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SLIGHT SCARINESS IN MAY)
enigmatistelgar.bsky.social John Henderson @enigmatistelgar.bsky.social · Nov 14
Puzzlers! Solve a present problem and do your bit for BBC Children in Need Day: www.fifteensquared.net/2025/11/14/3... #BBCChildrenInNeed @rnib.bsky.social
November 14, 2025 at 9:47 AM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
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". 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 says: "Cracking crosswords - each puzzle a delightful daily workout for the brain and a welcome tonic for the soul".
November 10, 2025 at 1:44 PM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
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
November 6, 2025 at 7:01 PM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
In the @theguardian.com #crossword tomorrow with incorrect formations, extractor fan becoming damp! (5)
November 4, 2025 at 11:57 AM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
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
October 31, 2025 at 10:23 AM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
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...
October 24, 2025 at 2:59 PM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
@twitmericks.bsky.social
Some robbers who work the day shift
Broke into the Louvre with a lift.
They made it back down
With some bling and a crown,
Which made all the French highly miffed.
October 20, 2025 at 7:00 AM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
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...
October 19, 2025 at 11:35 AM
boatmancryptics.co.uk
Advance warning: in the @theguardian.com #crossword on Wednesday 5 November - no fireworks, just another chapter in our domestic autobiography ...
October 2, 2025 at 3:06 PM