Jigsaw Puzzle Craze reveals the surprising story of jigsaw puzzles, from their beginnings as educational tools to their modern digital forms. Initially created in the 1760s by John Spilsbury, a London mapmaker, these “dissected maps” were designed to teach geography.
The book explores how puzzles evolved from teaching history and literacy in the 19th century to becoming a popular pastime, reflecting changes in education and social trends. Examining their journey, the book highlights the puzzle's adaptability and lasting appeal.
The book chronologically and thematically presents their origins and early educational uses, then moves to their democratization and integration into popular culture. It later analyzes the rise of digital jigsaw puzzles and their impact on cognitive skills and social interaction, also discussing their therapeutic applications.
Through historical archives, advertisements, and studies in cognitive psychology, Jigsaw Puzzle Craze demonstrates how a seemingly simple object has shaped learning, recreation, and technology.
