<center> ACROSS OR DOWN, <P> THE BEST CROSSWORDS AROUND! </center> <P> In 1924, Simon & Schuster published its first title, <I>The Cross Word Puzzle Book</i>. Not only was it this new publisher's first release, it was the first collection of crossword puzzles ever printed. <P> Today, more than eighty years later, the legendary <I>Simon & Schuster Crossword Puzzle Book</i> series maintains its status as the standard-bearer for cruciverbal excellence. Published every two months, the series continues to provide the freshest and most original puzzles on the market. Created by the best contemporary constructors -- and edited by top puzzle master John M. Samson -- these Sunday-sized brain-breakers offer hours of stimulation for solvers of every level. <P> Can you take the challenge? Sharpen your pencils, grit your teeth, and find out!