Dell Magazines / Penny Press

In 1921, George T. Delacorte, Jr., founded the Dell Publishing Company with the intent of entertaining readers dissatisfied with the genteel publications of the time. He did launch some daring magazines (such as the humorous Ballyhoo and mystery magazine Inside Detective), and one of his most notable innovations was the puzzle magazine.

Dell Puzzle Magazines began in 1931. The first issue of Dell Pocket Crossword Puzzles was launched in 1941 and has been published without interruption to the current day. Over the years, many new publications have been added to the line, and Dell Magazines now publishes a large array of specialized puzzle magazines and books.

In 1973, William and Penny Kanter purchased a struggling crossword-magazine business and re-launched the company with the new name Penny Press. Penny Kanter’s guiding philosophy centered on the belief that puzzle magazines should be fun to look at as well as to solve, and that solver feedback and suggestions should be taken into consideration and implemented whenever possible. She insisted on providing the highest standards of quality and customer service possible, while keeping the magazines reasonably priced. Her formula for success proved a winning one.

The revamped style Penny imparted to the magazines includes a broad array of puzzles featuring excellent solvability in an easy-to-read format. With an emphasis on wholesome, family entertainment and faithfulness to the founding philosophy, Penny Press has enjoyed continual growth and success.