someone even cleverer

Radio This extended edition of the Fry’s English Delight special broadcast last Christmas has as its spine a conversation about word games (also available as a stream) between Stephen Fry and puzzle setter Chris Maslanka, or one of the cleverest men in the world meeting someone even cleverer.

Maslanka is the official enigmatist at St Catherine's College as well as puzzle setter for The Guardian and they have a lengthy discussion as to why English seems most suited to the likes of cryptic crosswords, whether they indeed improve a person's brain power and if someone is pre-disposed to enjoy these challenges depending on their parentage.

It's enthralling and unlike some similar discussions entirely gracious as the men marvel at each other's intellect and the beauty of language rather than attempting outwit one another, a refreshing change from other increasingly viscous radio discussions.  It's also enough to make you reach for the nearest broadsheet newspaper and take up the challenge.

Fry's English Delight: Word Games is released by AudioGo on the 7th July.  Review copy supplied.