Lateral Thinking Puzzlers

... Show More
Logic is not enough. Edward de Bono coined the phrase "lateral thinking" to describe a process of thinking that is different from normal, vertical or forward thinking. Here are nearly a hundred mind-benders, from easy to fiendishly hard, that make you think laterally in order to explain the set of circumstances surrounding a seemingly inexplicable situation. 96 pages, 18 b/w illus., 5 3/8 x 8 1/4.

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1991

About the author

... Show More
Paul Sloane read Engineering at Trinity Hall Cambridge. He came top of Sales School at IBM, became MD of Ashton-Tate UK, VP International for MathSoft and CEO of Monactive. He now writes, speaks and gives workshops on lateral thinking in business, creativity, innovation and leadership. He is married and lives in Camberley in Surrey. He has three grown-up daughters. He is a keen chess and tennis player and he plays keyboards in a rock band, the Fat Cats. He has written a series of lateral thinking puzzle books, many co-authored with Des MacHale, published by Sterling Publishing. They have sold over 2 million copies and been translated into many languages. He has also written two management books, published by Kogan Page, and many articles for blogs and websites. He manages the Lateral Puzzles Forum where puzzlers can set and solve lateral puzzles.

Community Reviews

Rating(3.6 / 5.0, 12 votes)
5 stars
3(25%)
4 stars
1(8%)
3 stars
8(67%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
12 reviews All reviews
July 14,2025
... Show More
Why wouldn't he use a pen or something to reach the button he needs? This is a rather interesting question. Maybe he didn't think of it at that moment. He might have been in a hurry or simply not considered this option. Another possibility is that he didn't have a pen or any suitable object nearby. It could also be that he was so focused on the task at hand that he overlooked this simple solution.

However, using a pen or other object to reach the button could have been a much easier and quicker way to accomplish what he wanted. It would have saved him the trouble of having to stretch or contort his body in an uncomfortable way.

In the future, he should keep this option in mind. If he finds himself in a similar situation again, he can look for a pen or something else that he can use to reach the button. This simple trick could make his life a lot easier and more convenient.
July 14,2025
... Show More
I had come across the name of the book in 'Art and Craft of Problem Solving'. There, the author had recommended it as a warm-up work for Lateral Thinking.

In a certain sense, this book is truly unique. It stands out as the only puzzle book I have ever encountered where the puzzles are entirely centered around thought. One doesn't need to possess any external skill other than sharp peripheral vision. The solutions to some of the puzzles are rather blurry and not immediately obvious. However, overall, I would assert that this book is truly incomparable. It offers a distinct and engaging experience for those interested in exercising their lateral thinking abilities. The thought-provoking nature of the puzzles makes it a valuable addition to any collection of books related to problem-solving and mental stimulation.

July 14,2025
... Show More
This charming booklet collects a certain number of problems to be solved using the so-called "lateral thinking", a concept made famous several decades ago by Edward De Bono and whose name, to be honest, I have never really liked: if it were up to me, I would define it as "all-round thinking". In the unlikely event that you have never heard of it, lateral thinking is the one that allows you to solve a problem whose data are not defined in the problem itself ("A father is twice as old as his son. Ten years ago, he was three times as old as his son. How old are they?") but require external knowledge or the verification of a necessary condition ("The day before yesterday, Anna was 17 years old. Next year, she will turn 20. How is this possible?")

The problems are all classics, or at least I knew most of them. Not all of them are really of lateral thinking, often oscillating towards what in English they call a conundrum. A typical example: "An airplane that during a mission in World War II opens the cargo hatch with the bombs, but the bombs do not fall. Why?". The most interesting part is the central one with the clues, which are put in the form of yes or no questions, which gradually put the solver on the right track.
July 14,2025
... Show More
I had the pleasure of reading "Lateral Thinking Puzzlers" by Paul Sloane.

This book truly captivated my interest from the very beginning. It presents a unique format where you first encounter a short story that seems completely baffling and makes no immediate sense.

Then, you are prompted to flip to the middle of the book to uncover valuable clues that might help you make sense of the strange narrative.

Finally, you turn to the back of the book to discover the solution to the mysterious story.

One aspect that I particularly enjoyed was the diverse range of interesting topics covered, such as uncommon deaths.

This added an extra layer of intrigue and made the reading experience even more engaging.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has a passion for solving puzzles or for individuals over the age of 12.

It's important to note that some of the stories may contain content that could be overwhelming or inappropriate for young children.

Overall, "Lateral Thinking Puzzlers" is a great choice for those looking to exercise their minds and have some fun while doing so.
July 14,2025
... Show More
Frustratingly fun! This phrase perfectly encapsulates a particular kind of experience that many of us have had at some point. It's that activity or situation that simultaneously makes us feel both frustrated and yet strangely entertained.

For example, take a difficult puzzle. You might spend hours trying to fit the pieces together, getting more and more frustrated as time passes. But there's also a certain satisfaction in the challenge, and when you finally solve it, that sense of accomplishment makes it all worthwhile.

Or consider a video game with a particularly hard level. You might die countless times, getting angry and frustrated with your inability to progress. But at the same time, the excitement of the game keeps pulling you back, and you find yourself having fun despite the challenges.

In conclusion, frustratingly fun experiences can be both maddening and enjoyable. They push us out of our comfort zones and make us work hard, but the rewards can be great. So the next time you find yourself in a frustratingly fun situation, embrace it and see where it takes you!
July 14,2025
... Show More
Well, it's going to be really enjoyable if there's no test on the history of another country.

This is because I always seem to get the answers wrong when it comes to that.

Unfortunately, my thinking skill leans mostly towards the left brain, which means I often have a lot of incorrect responses.

However, this can be seen as something new and an opportunity to improve and develop my concept of lateral thinking.

By challenging myself in this area, I can expand my cognitive abilities and become more well-rounded in my approach to learning.

So, although I may struggle with answering questions about the history of other countries, I'm grateful for the chance to grow and enhance my thinking skills.

Thank you!
July 14,2025
... Show More

I just loved this book!!!!! It was truly an amazing read that captured my heart from the very beginning. The story was filled with excitement, adventure, and a touch of mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. The characters were so well-developed that I felt like I knew them personally. Their emotions and struggles were so real that I found myself completely invested in their lives. The author's writing style was also very engaging, making it easy for me to get lost in the pages. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story. It's definitely one that I will be reading again and again.

July 14,2025
... Show More
My students absolutely love these puzzles.

I teach 5th grade, and the first part of the book is designed at a level that allows them to infer the answers.

It provides an excellent opportunity for them to practice thinking creatively, which is a crucial skill in their educational journey.

They have to look for evidence carefully within the given context and then make inferences based on that evidence.

The Wally Tests, in particular, are the best!

These tests engage the students' minds and challenge them to think outside the box.

It's truly amazing to see how excited they get when they solve a difficult puzzle or successfully make an inference.

The puzzles not only enhance their cognitive abilities but also make learning a fun and enjoyable experience for them.

I highly recommend these puzzles to any teacher looking to make their lessons more engaging and effective.

Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.