Rare: IPP23 Chicago (2003) Official Souvenir Book

From the Private Collection of the late Bill Darah

​Up for auction is a pristine copy of the Official Records of the 23rd International Puzzle Party (IPP23), held in Chicago, Illinois, in August 2003. These records are produced in extremely small quantities exclusively for the invited attendees and are practically impossible to find on the secondary market.

​Elite Provenance

​This volume comes from the personal library of the late Bill Darah, a widely respected and beloved figure in the international puzzle community. Bill’s collection was known for being meticulously maintained, and this copy reflects that high standard of care. Items with Darah provenance are highly sought after by serious collectors for their history and condition.

​Condition: Exceptional

​This copy is in superb, collector-grade condition:

• ​Binding: The black plastic comb binding is flawless, allowing the book to lay flat for easy reference without stressing the spine.
• ​Pages: Crisp, clean, and bright. No markings, signatures, highlights, or odors.
• ​Cover: The photo-montage cover is protected and remains in "as-new" condition.

​Inside IPP23: A Milestone Year

​IPP23 was an iconic meeting, featuring some of the most memorable puzzles and presentations of the early 2000s. This book includes:

• ​The "Tommy Gun" Story: A detailed account of the legendary host gift—a 1/3 scale Thompson Submachine Gun puzzle designed by Gary Foshee.
• ​3rd Annual Design Competition: Full coverage of the entries, including Lee Krasnow’s Clutch Box (Puzzlers' Award) and Mineyuki Uyematsu’s Cube in Cage 333 (Grand Prize).
• ​The Edward Hordern Puzzle Exchange: A visual encyclopedia of the puzzles exchanged by attendees—essential for any collector looking to identify and value rare pieces.
• ​Lectures & Tours: Records of the boat tours on Lake Michigan, visits to the Museum of Science and Industry, and the world's largest corn maze.

​Note to the Community

​Out of respect for the designers and the traditions of the IPP, I have intentionally excluded photos of the puzzle solution pages. These proprietary solutions are part of the book's value, and I believe they should remain a surprise for the winning bidder.

Shipping determined at close of auction.