Preface
Part I: A Brief History of Riddles
Introduction
Ancient Riddles: Sacred and Profane
Modern Beginnings
The Renaissance and Beyond
Revival and Decline
The Last Laugh?
Part II: Dictionary of Riddles
Solutions to the Riddles
Appendix
Further Reading
Acknowledgements
Index.
Biography
Dr Mark Bryant FRSA was born in Dorset, is a philosophy graduate of London University and has a PhD in History from the University of Kent. After more than a decade as an editor in literary and academic book publishing he turned freelance in 1987, working as an editor, proof-reader, writer, journalist, lecturer and exhibition curator. Other books by Mark Bryant include Dictionary of 20th Century British Cartoonists & Caricaturists and Private Lives: Curious Facts About the Famous and Infamous.
'Fascinating...irrestible browsing.' The Observer
'... A work of true scholarship without pretension...What is black and white and read with pleasure? This book. Most highly recommended.' Library Journal
'Highly entertaining...an invaluable guide.' Sunday Telegraph
'Fascinating..Mr Bryant's riddle-history is a cavalcade of great civilizations and illustrious names...the alphabetical anthology is an eye-opener and the first to present anything like so wide a range of material...' Times Educational Supplement
'Riddles have a long history, as shown by Bryant, and may amuse. Nothing matches his scholarship.' Encounter.
'A sparkling study.' Time Magazine
