The Rise of Victorian Puzzles and Wordplay: When Brainteasers Became the Life of the Party
The Rise of Victorian Puzzles and Wordplay: When Brainteasers Became the Life of the Party The Victorian era wasn’t just about top hats, corsets, and steam engines—it was a golden age for riddles, puzzles, and wordplay! As society buzzed with curiosity and innovation, puzzles found their place as the perfect pastime for people eager to stretch their mental muscles in a world of rapid technological and social change. Victorians loved a good brain workout, and publications like The Strand Magazine became the go-to source for riddles and teasers. These weren’t just any puzzles—they were clever, intricate, and sometimes downright maddening. The magazine introduced the world to Sherlock Holmes, whose brilliant deductive skills often hinged on solving riddles within thrilling narratives. Over tea tables and in parlors, these puzzles sparked lively debates, making riddling the ultimate Victorian trend. But the puzzle craze wasn’t just for fun—it was a sign of the times. As education bec...