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

• 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.

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

• 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.

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

• 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.