11/10/2014
For many, the humble crossword puzzle is a gentle way to pass the time, a pleasant mental exercise. However, for a select group of enthusiasts, the crossword can be an art form, a linguistic playground crafted by a master. Such a master was Michel Laclos, a name synonymous with witty, challenging, and utterly delightful crosswords that have captivated readers for decades. His creations transcended simple word-finding, offering a unique blend of humour, intelligence, and an almost mischievous delight in the nuances of language.
The Genesis of a Crossword Virtuoso
Michel Laclos's journey to becoming a crossword legend was as unconventional as his puzzles themselves. Born in Troyes in 1926, his early aspirations lay in the dramatic arts. He moved to Paris in the 1940s with dreams of becoming an actor. While his acting career didn't reach stratospheric heights, his time in Paris proved formative. He juggled various odd jobs and took on minor film roles, experiences that undoubtedly honed his observational skills and understanding of human character – elements that would later infuse his wordplay.
A pivotal moment in Laclos's intellectual development came during his time working at the "Librairie du Minotaure". It was here, surrounded by the classics, that he deepened his appreciation for literature and the power of words. This literary immersion, combined with his subsequent foray into journalism with publications like "Combat" and "Paris Jour", provided him with a rich vocabulary and a keen eye for linguistic trends. He went on to found the influential literary review "Bizarre", which he helmed for a remarkable 15 years. This period solidified his reputation as a discerning editor and a connoisseur of the written word.
The Dawn of Decapant Crosswords
The year 1972 marked a significant turning point, not just for Laclos, but for the world of crosswords. It was in this year that he began creating his "crosswords décapants" – a term that loosely translates to 'stripping' or 'scouring' crosswords, implying a sharp, incisive, and perhaps even a bit irreverent style. These were not your grandmother's crosswords; they were imbued with a distinctive personality, a cleverness that often bordered on the audacious. This unique approach quickly garnered him considerable fame and, importantly, opened the doors to "Le Figaro", one of France's most prestigious newspapers.
Laclos's crosswords were celebrated for their unique blend of difficulty and accessibility. While they demanded a certain level of erudition and a sharp wit, they were never insurmountable. The challenge lay in deciphering his often playful, pun-laden clues, which frequently played on double meanings, cultural references, and linguistic quirks. He possessed a remarkable ability to twist familiar phrases and words into unexpected and humorous contexts, making the solving process an engaging and often laugh-out-loud experience.
Laclos's Signature Style: Humour Meets Eloquence
What truly set Michel Laclos apart was his masterful fusion of humour and a deep-seated love for language. He approached his crosswords with the precision of a scholar and the wit of a seasoned comedian. Reviewers and solvers alike consistently praised his ability to craft grids that were simultaneously:
- Savantes et limpides (Learned and clear): His knowledge base was vast, yet his clues were, upon reflection, perfectly logical.
- Vicelardes et réjouissantes (Sly and delightful): There was a mischievous twinkle in his clue-writing, leading to moments of pure enjoyment.
- Instructives et rigolardes (Instructive and hilarious): Solvers often learned new words or facts while being thoroughly entertained.
This sentiment was perfectly captured by Remo Forlani, who described Laclos's grids as "learned and clear, sly and delightful, instructive and hilarious." This encapsulates the essence of his genius: creating puzzles that were intellectually stimulating without being intimidating, and consistently entertaining. He didn't just want you to find the answer; he wanted you to appreciate the journey, the cleverness of the construction, and the humour embedded within each clue.
Beyond the Grids: Collections and Enduring Appeal
The enduring popularity of Michel Laclos's work is evident in the numerous collections of his crosswords published by Zulma. Over fifteen volumes have graced bookshelves, allowing enthusiasts to delve into his distinctive brand of wordplay at their leisure. Beyond these dedicated crossword collections, Laclos also authored books such as "Trucs, machins et autres choses" and "Nouveaux trucs et machins". These works further showcased his linguistic dexterity, featuring collections of humorous texts that appealed to anyone with an appreciation for witty observations, playful twists on proverbs, and inventive word constructions.
These additional writings solidified his reputation as a master of concise and humorous prose. They offered a different facet of his talent, demonstrating his ability to craft engaging narratives and witty aphorisms, often with a surreal or absurdist undertone. For fans of clever wordplay and lighthearted observations on life, these books were a treasure trove.
The Art of the Clue: Laclos's Techniques
Laclos's clue-writing was a performance in itself. He frequently employed several well-honed techniques:
Double Entendre: Many of his clues relied on words or phrases having two distinct meanings, one literal and one figurative or humorous. The solver had to navigate this linguistic ambiguity to arrive at the correct answer.
Puns and Wordplay: Laclos was a master punster. He would often twist common expressions or use homophones (words that sound the same but have different meanings) to create clever and amusing clues.
Cultural References: His puzzles were often peppered with references to French literature, history, cinema, and popular culture. This added a layer of depth and required solvers to have a broad cultural awareness.
Misdirection: Like a skilled magician, Laclos was adept at misdirecting the solver. A clue might seem straightforward, leading you down a certain path, only to reveal a more complex or unexpected solution.
Definition Twists: He would often provide a perfectly accurate definition, but the word itself would be hidden within a phrase or context that subtly altered its perception.
A Comparison of Puzzle Styles
To truly appreciate Laclos's impact, it's useful to consider how his style compares to other crossword traditions. Here's a simplified comparison:
| Characteristic | Michel Laclos Style | More Traditional Cryptic Crosswords | American-Style Crosswords |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humour | Pervasive, witty, often sly | Present, but often more subtle or dry | Less common, focus on direct definition |
| Clue Complexity | Intricate, layered, often with multiple interpretations | Highly complex, relying on wordplay and anagrams | Generally more straightforward definitions |
| Cultural Context | Strong reliance on French culture | Can be international, but often specific to the publication's origin | Often more universally understood references |
| Solver Experience | Intellectually stimulating and highly entertaining | Challenging, rewarding intellectual puzzle-solving | Accessible mental exercise, quick satisfaction |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What made Michel Laclos's crosswords so special?
Laclos's crosswords were distinguished by their unique blend of intellectual challenge, sophisticated humour, and a deep appreciation for the French language. His clues were often witty, playful, and layered, providing an entertaining and rewarding solving experience.
Q2: Where can I find Michel Laclos's crosswords?
Many of his crosswords have been compiled into collections published by Zulma. You can also find his work in archives of "Le Figaro" from the period he contributed.
Q3: Was Michel Laclos only a crossword creator?
No, Laclos had a diverse career. He aspired to be an actor, worked in journalism, founded a literary review called "Bizarre", and also wrote collections of humorous texts.
Q4: What does "crosswords décapants" mean?
This French term suggests crosswords that are sharp, incisive, perhaps a bit irreverent or 'scouring' in their wit and style. They were known for being particularly clever and engaging.
The Lasting Legacy
Michel Laclos passed away in 2007, but his influence on the world of crosswords, particularly in France, remains profound. He elevated the crossword from a mere pastime to a sophisticated art form, demonstrating that mental agility and sheer entertainment could go hand-in-hand. His ability to infuse linguistic puzzles with personality, humour, and a touch of the absurd continues to inspire puzzle creators and delight solvers. For anyone seeking a crossword experience that engages the mind and tickles the funny bone, exploring the creations of Michel Laclos is an absolute must. His legacy is a testament to the power of words, wielded with wit, intelligence, and a joyous spirit.
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