Vans Books

The puzzles in this book are of the manipulative type. Everything from string to wire to blocks of wood is used to create mind-bending puzzles that will certainly intrigue you and quite likely motivate you to create them. Explicit directions for the creation and solution of each puzzle are given. Using some form of alternate approach to the problem solves the best puzzles, in other words the difficulty is due to the appearance rather than the fundamental structure. In general, these puzzles fall into that category.
All cultures have puzzles used to amuse and stimulate the minds of their members. In this book, you will find a global collection of such puzzles. Containing over 1,000 problems, this is a book that could keep you puzzling for years.

If you are interested in puzzles ....mechanical and manipulative ....paper, wood, wire, string, puzzles, mazes, ... look at this book ..beautifully produced, fantastic pictures and complete solutions .... make your own puzzles and get hooked. An exquisite gem of a book !!!

When you see this book,you'll wonder if there would be any sense in anyone writing another book on puzzles.Well don't fret ,there will be others ,but it will be hard to beat this one.I have loved puzzles since school days ,but this one blew away my mind when I found it.It's got everything;mathematical,matchstick,construction,packing,wire puzzles,string and ball,mazes,magic squares,take apart,tangrams,
sliding,and on and on.Not only are there oodles of photos of new as well as antique or collectible puzzles,but also instructions to make and solve them.If you've come by or have otherwise obtained a puzzle that you've been unable to solve;you'll likely find it here.Even if you don't have one of the puzzles shown,you'll love reading about it,how it,s made and even solved.The pictures and sketches are all excellent.This book alone could keep an enthusastist or novice occupied for years.
In case this book can't be found ,let me tell you about two others,both which involved one of the authors of this book.

The Book of Ingenious & Diabolical Puzzles
by Jerry Slocum and Jack Botermans
(Can't find on Amazon-sorry!)
and,
New Book of Puzzles
by Slocum and Botermans
(See my review on Dec 2,2003)

This is the best puzzle book I've ever seen, bar none. Wire puzzles, wooden, string, etc. Emphasis on making your own. This book should definitely stay in print.

Great reference book. I have been in the foodservice business for years and I learned a few things from reading this book.

As a professional health facilities planner, I was in need of a definative reference on planning institutional kitchens and cafeterias. This book is particularly informative and exceeded my expectations.

I like the fact that this book discusses how to make the design and layout of a facility function in its favor. As I read it, it continues to remind me that a lot of thought has to be put into the environment of the facility and people within various specialties must be integrated to make everything work smoothly.