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Documentary backdrop image for Dear Araucaria (2015)
10 minPGdoc-short

Synopsis

For over 50 years, John Graham created cryptic crosswords for the Guardian, incorporating clues about his incurable cancer diagnosis into his puzzles.

Deep Dive

Why Watch

  • Meet John Graham, a legendary crossword creator.
  • See how puzzles can convey personal stories.
  • Find out about the impact of cancer on creativity.

Did You Know

  • John Graham created cryptic crosswords for over 50 years.
  • He was diagnosed with incurable cancer in 2015.
  • Graham included clues about his illness in his puzzles.

Perfect For

Crossword enthusiastsCancer awareness advocatesFans of personal storytelling
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is John Graham?

John Graham, known by the name 'Araucaria', created cryptic crosswords for the UK's Guardian newspaper for over 50 years.

What illness did John Graham have?

John Graham was diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer.

How did John Graham communicate his illness to fans?

He started placing little clues in his puzzles to inform his fans about his illness and its progression.

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