Hey puzzle fans, gather ’round! If you’re anything like us, your heart probably does a little leap of joy every time you crack open the Sunday New York Times Magazine and spot those delightfully perplexing Puns & Anagrams. And who’s the mastermind behind so many of those brain-bending beauties? None other than the one, the only, Mel Taub! Seriously, we’re talking about a living legend who has shaped the Sunday morning ritual for generations of word-lovers.
We know you’ve been clamoring for more, so we went on a mission to bring you an up-close-and-personal look at the man, the myth, the puzzle-maker extraordinaire. We’re diving deep into what makes Mel Taub tick, how he crafts those “spicy, witty, sometimes infuriating” puzzles, and why he’s earned a spot in the pantheon of puzzle heroes. Prepare to be enchanted, entertained, and maybe even a little bit inspired by this incredible wordsmith.
From his early days to his remarkable 61-year tenure, Mel Taub has truly left an indelible mark on the world of crosswords. So, grab your pencils (or, if you’re feeling extra brave, a pen, like some of us seasoned pros!), settle in, and get ready to celebrate a true icon. We’re about to unpack some seriously fascinating insights into the life and times of Mel Taub, the Prince of Puzzles!
1. **The Prince of Puzzles Himself: Mel Taub, The 88-Year-Old Legend**Let’s kick things off by introducing you to the man of the hour! Mel Taub is an incredible 88-year-old wordsmith who has been enchanting us with his linguistic gymnastics for longer than many of us have been alive. He’s not just a puzzle maker; he’s truly the “Prince of Puzzles,” a title he’s earned through decades of dedicated and brilliant work.
Even at 88, Mel is still producing puzzles, though as the article notes, “they appear less often than before because the paper has incorporated so many other styles of puzzle for Sunday rotation.” This speaks volumes about his enduring passion and mental prowess. Imagine staying at the top of your game for so long, continuing to innovate and challenge minds year after year! It’s nothing short of extraordinary.
Mel and his wife, Phyllis, make their home in the vibrant heart of Manhattan, right near Lincoln Center. This sounds like a perfect setting for a mind as active and engaged as his! They still enjoy the rich cultural tapestry of New York, frequently indulging in theater, movies, and concerts. It’s a wonderful testament to a life well-lived, filled with intellectual curiosity and shared experiences.
While he still cherishes these cultural outings, Mel candidly admits that at 88, he “can no longer undertake the long, casual walks, which we’ve always enjoyed.” It’s a small, relatable detail that reminds us of his humanity, even as we marvel at his almost superhuman mental agility. But fear not, his puzzle-making fingers and brain are clearly still in peak condition!
2. **The Magic Behind P&A: What Makes Mel Taub’s Puzzles Unique?**Ah, the Puns & Anagrams, or P&A puzzles – the very cornerstone of Mel Taub’s legendary status! These aren’t just any old crosswords; they are a distinct and delightful challenge that has captivated generations. For those in the know, a Mel Taub P&A puzzle is a weekly pilgrimage, a test of wit and wordplay that stands apart from the crowd.
What makes them so special? The author describes them perfectly as “spicy, witty, sometimes infuriating.” And honestly, isn’t that what we truly crave in a puzzle? That perfect blend of cleverness, humor, and just enough head-scratching difficulty to make the ‘aha!’ moment all the more satisfying? Mel’s ability to consistently deliver on this promise is what sets him apart.
It’s also fascinating to learn about the types of puzzles Mel *doesn’t* gravitate towards. He states, “I have never been a diagramless, or acrostic. puzzle fan nor have I become a Kenkenian.” This personal preference highlights his unique connection to the P&A format, suggesting a deep understanding and appreciation for its particular brand of wordplay, which he’s clearly mastered.
The author’s heartfelt connection further underscores the unique appeal of P&A puzzles, noting, “I was nursed on your P&A puzzles and have been a fan of them since my youth.” This sentiment resonates with countless solvers who have grown up with Mel’s creations, finding in them not just a pastime, but a cherished tradition and a source of “extreme joy.”
3. **A Legacy Spanning Decades: 61 Years of NYT Puzzles!**When we talk about enduring legacies, 61 years in the same publication is an absolute showstopper! Mel Taub’s P&A puzzles have been a fixture in the Sunday New York Times Magazine for over six decades. Think about that for a moment: 61 years of challenging, delighting, and occasionally confounding readers. That’s an incredible run that few, if any, puzzle creators can match.
These puzzles became an integral part of the Sunday morning routine for many, a ritual that transcended mere entertainment to become a beloved tradition. The Sunday NYT Magazine without a Mel Taub P&A puzzle would almost feel incomplete to his devoted fanbase. His consistent presence created a sense of familiarity and anticipation that is truly rare.
While Mel still contributes, the landscape of puzzle sections has evolved. The paper has “incorporated so many other styles of puzzle for Sunday rotation,” meaning his masterpieces now appear “less often than before.” This shift is a sign of changing times, but it doesn’t diminish the monumental impact of his long and celebrated tenure. If anything, it makes each appearance of a new Mel Taub puzzle even more special and anticipated.
His longevity and consistent quality have made him synonymous with Sunday morning mental gymnastics for countless individuals. The author’s statement, “Over my life, Mel, your name became synonymous with one of my favorite mind-stretching exercises,” perfectly encapsulates the profound influence Mel Taub has had on the puzzle world and on individual lives.
4. **From Hobby to Iconic: Mel’s Journey into Puzzle Construction**Every legend has an origin story, and Mel Taub’s journey into the world of puzzles is as fascinating as his creations! He began his puzzle-making adventures back in 1951, while he was still a junior at Brooklyn College, by constructing Double Crostics. This early foray indicates a natural aptitude and passion for word puzzles from a young age.
After serving in the military, Mel set his sights on the prestigious New York Times. His first attempt at a regular crossword was rejected, but his third try proved successful, marking his debut in the Times in November 1954. This early experience shows his resilience and determination – a true puzzler never gives up, right?
It wasn’t long before he ventured into the specific format that would define his career. His first P&A puzzle made its appearance on May 1, 1955, accepted by the then-editor, Margaret Farrar. Interestingly, Farrar initially edited “about 80% of the definitions,” which is a significant amount! This detail offers a glimpse into the collaborative, and sometimes demanding, process of getting published in such a prominent outlet.
However, as Mel continued to submit his work, he noted that “gradually, the editing diminished.” This progression is a clear indicator of his developing mastery and confidence in the P&A format. He honed his craft, learned the ropes, and eventually became the undisputed master of his domain, requiring less and less editorial intervention.
5. **The Evolution of a Craft: How Puzzle Creation Has Changed for Mel**Like any craft, puzzle creation evolves, and Mel Taub’s process has naturally shifted over his decades of experience. In his younger days, when he was also juggling a full-time career, he would typically construct a Sunday P&A puzzle in “five to eight hours.” That’s impressive speed, especially for such intricate wordplay!
His schedule for this intense creative work revolved around his primary job: “With a full time job, I created my puzzles evenings and weekends.” This dedication to his hobby, fitting it around his professional life, truly highlights his passion. It wasn’t just a side gig; it was a deeply ingrained part of his life, a consistent calling.
Now, in retirement, Mel has the luxury of “no time restrictions.” However, the construction process itself has lengthened, now taking “probably 10 to 12 hours” for a single puzzle. This might be due to a more leisurely pace, deeper reflection, or simply the natural slowing that comes with age, allowing for more meticulous crafting.
Importantly, Mel rarely completes a puzzle in one sitting. He explains, “I almost never complete one at a single sitting. I spread the work over two, three, or even four days.” This insight reveals the iterative nature of his creative process, suggesting that these puzzles are not just quick bursts of genius, but carefully cultivated works, given time to marinate and evolve.
6. **Beyond the NYT: Mel’s Puzzles in Other Publications and Online**While Mel Taub is most famously associated with the New York Times, his ingenious P&A puzzles have graced many other pages and platforms over the years. It turns out the “Prince of Puzzles” has cast his spell far and wide, delighting audiences beyond the familiar confines of the Sunday Magazine.
He estimates that “about 150 P&A puzzles published in other publications over the years,” which is a substantial body of work in its own right! This speaks to the broader demand for his unique style and the appreciation for his craft across various puzzle-loving communities. His influence certainly wasn’t limited to a single paper.
Specific examples include Dell, where “Nancy Schuster was an editor” who published a handful of his P&A crostics. Other Dell editors, however, “didn’t go for the idea,” showing that even a master like Mel faced varying editorial tastes. He also worked with Elaine Balcombe at Quinn Publications, producing “some smallish PAs” for the inside back cover of their puzzle books, with “probably a dozen or so got printed.”
In more recent times, Mel has embraced the digital age, finding a new home for his P&A crostics on “Sue Gleason’s Website.” This collaboration, initiated after he saw an entry on the Cruciverb Network, led to what he describes as the “greatest output of P&A crostics” from his files, indicating a vibrant continuation of his puzzle-making legacy online.
