Will Shortz

Englert Theatre – Sept. 11 at 7:00 p.m.

Will Shortz, crossword puzzle editor for the New York Times, will visit the Englert Theatre this fall to discuss his passion for puzzles, take questions and engage the audience with a few games of his own.

Shortz is also the longtime host of NPR‘s Sunday Puzzle, but more than anything else, he is a enigmatologist (which is exactly what you might expect: the study of puzzles). The world’s only, in fact. Shortz designed his own curriculum as part of Indiana University’s Individualized Major Program and earned his degree in enigmatology in 1974.

In addition to his work at both NPR and the New York Times, Shortz founded the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, which has been held annually since the late ’70s. He also owns one of the largest puzzle collections in the world, some dating back centuries.

This September, Shortz comes to Iowa to pick our brains for an evening with a book signing to follow (did I mention Shortz is an accomplished author and editor?). More details and ticket information are available via Englert Theatre.