The Pyrgic Puzzler: Classic Conundrums, Paperback

Eighty mind-bending problems combine the eccentricity of Lewis Carroll with the genius of Einstein. Loaded with chuckles and challenges, the puzzles promise to test the powers of logic and ingenuity of even the most avid fans of brain teasers. Episodes of deliciously tangled storytelling involve an endearing crew of characters, including mad scientist Cryogenes Rosencrumpett, Professor Didipotamus, Dr. Chronos, Miss Grammatica, and astronomer Seymour Stars. The puzzles feature hints as well as complete solutions, and enchanting surrealistic illustrations provide valuable clues.

A physicist and concert pianist who resides in Oxford, England, Christopher Maslanka specializes in puzzles and problem-solving. He has written a puzzle page for London's Guardian newspaper for many years and hosted the BBC program, "Puzzle Panel."