Merry's Book of Puzzles by J. N. Stearns

(4 User reviews)   986
By Jason Bauer Posted on Jan 12, 2026
In Category - Wit & Irony
Stearns, J. N. (John Newton), 1829-1895 Stearns, J. N. (John Newton), 1829-1895
English
Ever wonder what it was like to get your brain teased in the 1800s? 'Merry's Book of Puzzles' is a delightful time capsule of Victorian-era fun. Forget apps and screens—this is pure, old-school entertainment. It’s a collection of riddles, conundrums, and word games compiled by John Newton Stearns back in the 1880s. The main 'conflict' is between your mind and these clever, sometimes charmingly dated, puzzles. It’s not about a plot, but about the joy of solving a tricky riddle that stumped people over a century ago. Picking this up feels like discovering a great-grandparent's secret hobby. It's surprisingly charming and a fantastic reminder that the human love for a good puzzle is timeless.
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one of the United States. My whole is a large city in Europe. 120. My first is stationed near your heart, And serves to brace the mortal frame; Of young and old it forms a part, And to fair woman gives a name. Who builds a ship must it employ, To give it strength to stem the flood, And Adam felt no real joy Till in new form by him it stood. My second may be long or short, Or tight or loose, or wet or dry, Of cotton, silk, or woolen wrought, Of any texture, strength, or dye-- Be made of iron, gold, or steel, Of love or hate, of good or ill, May gently bind, or heavy feel, May give support, or rudely kill. My whole is formed by fashion, skill, and care, And what few ladies from their dress can spare. 121. How long would a ball be falling, from the top of a tower that was 400 feet high, to the earth? 122. Why are chairs like men? 123. The foot of a ladder 60 feet long remaining in the same place, the top will just reach a window 40 feet high on one side of the street, and another 30 feet high on the other side. How wide is the street? 124. There is a pile of cannon-balls, the ground tier of which contains 289 balls, and the top tier one ball. Require the whole number of balls in a pile. 125. [Illustration] 126. [Illustration] 127. What skillful housewife does not know When, where to place my first? When nicely done, it will not show; Conspicuous, it is worst. My second all the world must do, Either with head or hand, In different ways the same pursue, On water, or on land. My whole a picture is of life, Varied with good or ill, With bright or dull, with light or dark, Arranged with art and skill. 128. What is that which will make you catch cold--cure the cold--and pay the doctor's bill? 129. Why is a joke like a cocoa-nut? 130. When did Esau, the hairy man, lose his whiskers? 131. Why do postmasters deserve the execration of all true Americans? 132. Just equal are my head and tail, My middle slender as can be, Whether I stand on head or heel, 'Tis all the same to you or me. But if my head should be cut off, The matter's true, although 'tis strange, My head and body, severed thus, Immediately to nothing change. 133. If a loafer, smoking a cigar, sets fire to the brush on his upper lip, is it a case of spontaneous combustion? 134. liv sin transgre procur damn A ing ers ssion ed ation. dy Redeem pa purchas salv 135. [Illustration] 136. [Illustration] 137. [Illustration: What sailors dread. ] 138. I. Go wide o'er the world, And everywhere seek me-- In earth, sea, or air, Thou never shalt meet me! Go wide o'er the world-- I always am there-- Wherever thou roamest, In earth, sea, or air! II. Go speak to the woodland, And question of me-- Oh ne'er shall thou find me, With forest or tree! Go, speak to the woodland, I ever am there, And live in its whispers, Though lighter than air! III. Go, winnow the wave, And seek for my breath-- Ah, ocean and river, Reveal but my death! Go, winnow the wave, Tho' with winter it shiver-- There--there shalt thou find me, 'Mid ocean and river! IV. In whirlwinds I revel, Yet in zephyrs expire-- I flourish in warmth, And I perish in fire!...

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Let's be clear: this isn't a novel. 'Merry's Book of Puzzles' is exactly what the title promises—a book full of puzzles. Published in the late 19th century, it's a curated collection of brain-teasers meant to entertain families and friends in parlors and sitting rooms.

The Story

There's no traditional story here. Instead, you open the book and are greeted by page after page of riddles, enigmas, charades, and conundrums. Some are wordplay based on Victorian life and language. Others are logic puzzles or mathematical brain teasers. The 'character' is the puzzle itself, and the 'plot' is your journey to solve it. Answers are usually in the back, so you can check your work after giving it a solid try.

Why You Should Read It

I loved this book for its historical charm. It’s a direct line to how people had fun before television. The puzzles are a snapshot of the culture, humor, and interests of the 1880s. Some will make you laugh at their old-fashioned phrasing, while others will genuinely make you stop and think. It’s a quiet, satisfying kind of entertainment that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It proves a simple truth: a good puzzle never gets old.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for puzzle lovers, history enthusiasts, or anyone who needs a screen-free mental workout. It’s a great conversation starter and a unique peek into everyday Victorian life. Don't expect a thrilling narrative—expect a charming, intellectual playground from a bygone era. Keep it on your coffee table and challenge your guests!



⚖️ Copyright Free

This text is dedicated to the public domain. Knowledge should be free and accessible.

Logan Nguyen
2 months ago

I was pleasantly surprised because the examples add real-world context to abstract ideas. This book will stay with me for a long time.

Paul Mitchell
2 months ago

Given the topic, the progression of ideas feels natural and coherent. Highly recommended for everyone.

Jennifer Roberts
2 months ago

I usually don’t leave feedback, but it challenges the reader's perspective in the most intellectual way. Highly recommended for everyone.

Dorothy Rodriguez
4 months ago

I almost skipped this one, yet it manages to explain difficult concepts in plain English. I'm sending the link to all my friends.

4.5
4.5 out of 5 (4 User reviews )

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