Can we evaluate the quality of generated text? Case Study which automatically generates cryptic crossword clues. And the test is easy to D. Ximenes on the Art of the set up and fun to do. The test described in this paper related Crossword. Swallowtail Books, Claverly, UK. To cryptic crossword clues.

A few years ago, I came across the word 'Ximenean' in an esoteric discussion on a crossword forum. A clue was being scoffed at for being devoid of this quality. Having never read a book about cryptics or known anyone who could explain that, I was awestruck. (There is something about the word 'Ximenean' that has that effect.) A frantic search online followed, which led to my introduction to the art and precision that lies behind cryptic crosswords. If this is the first time you're hearing the word 'Ximenean', I hope to make the experience less nerve-racking for you:) Read on Origin of the word 'Ximenean' The word comes from 'Ximenes', the pseudonym of compiler who set crosswords for from 1939 until his death in 1971. Ximenes is regarded the finest compiler ever, and is often called the 'father of the modern cryptic crossword'. Ximenes' repute is not just for his puzzles, but for the standards he laid down for creating good crosswords.

His principles of crossword composition were gradually recognized and adopted as a kind of model for setting by other daily puzzles too. So when people say that a clue, crossword grid or setter is Ximenean, they mean that the clue/grid/setter abides by the standards set by Ximenes. Likewise, an unXimenean (or non-Ximenean) clue/grid is one that violates Ximenes' principles. An overview of Ximenean principles The essence of Ximenes' canons is to be fair to the solver at all times. His guidelines cover various aspects of crossword design – from making and populating the grid, to writing scrupulously fair clues. Some of the important clue-writing standards are: • Appropriate indicators for all clue types • No indirect anagrams • No misleading connectors or punctuation • Unambiguous, unique answer to every clue For a full understanding of Ximenean standards,I'll refer you directly to the master himself.

Read: The Book: Ximenes on the Art of the Crossword This 1966 book - (reissued 2001) – is Ximenes' comprehensive work about cryptic crosswords. Free johann strauss midi files. The book is a must-read for any crossword enthusiast, with information of interest to solvers and setters alike. Look for an excerpt from the book, and reader reviews.

(Residents of India - beg, borrow, steal from friends overseas - the book is not available in the country. If you find any online bookstore that delivers to an Indian address, please leave a comment about it on this post.) For Further Reading • Two articles about Ximenean clueing written by one of the most brilliant compilers I know of today. Read Alberich on. • on the life and work of Ximenes. This also includes a poem written by author as a tribute to Ximenes. •, of the style. Also from Derek Harrison's site.

Related Posts: • •? If you wish to keep track of further articles on Crossword Unclued, you can subscribe to it in a reader via. You can also subscribe by and have articles delivered to your inbox, or follow me on to get notified of new links. Shuchi, Do you know when I got this book? Way back in the early 1970s. I must have seen the title in a catalogue in the British Council library here in Madras. And those were the days when there were all kinds of import restrictions by the GoI.

And we didn't have the Internet for online purchases. I placed a special order with a bookshop in a historic building on Mount Road, Madras, who got the single copy for me. The building is still there but the shop is gone in the face of assault by modern-day big chain shops. I agree that the book is a seminal work.

It gave me an insight into the art. But crosswords have come a long way and while there are some that do not follow any principles (I needn't give you examples of Indian composers) there are those UK crosswords that are aslo very good though they may not strictly follow all of the X principles. What I would say is a crossword composer must follow rules and principles even if they be set by him (or her) and be consistent in their application.

Incidentally, you may not have solved any puzzles by Ximenes, have you? I have a book of his crosswords but let me say that some of the clues could be rather boring if they are set against those crafted by some of the modern-day practitioners. @Peter: Re: 'father of cryptic crosswords', the term does seem to be used for Ximenes rather a lot, though how well-deserved it is may be open to question. @CVasi: I've tried to solve some of Ximenes' puzzles (Source: and then seen his clues in the book.