This collection serves as a curated archive of challenging crossword puzzles originally published in The Sunday Times, designed to test the vocabulary and lateral thinking skills of dedicated solvers. The editors, Derek and Elizabeth Jewell, compile these puzzles to provide a structured mental exercise for enthusiasts of cryptic and standard crosswords. The book functions as a repository of linguistic challenges that reflect the specific editorial standards and clue-writing styles associated with the publication's long-standing puzzle tradition.

Collectors and puzzle enthusiasts frequently cite this series as a standard reference for high-quality, challenging crossword content. Experts note that the density of the clues requires a high level of linguistic proficiency and familiarity with British crossword conventions.