Crossword Genius

Created book without introduction; one may learn by this (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rote

'one may learn by this' is the definition.
(as in learning by rote)

'created book without introduction' is the wordplay.
'created book' becomes 'wrote' (wrote a book).
'without introduction' means to remove the first letter.
'wrote' with its initial letter taken off is 'ROTE'.

(Other definitions for rote that I've seen before include "Repetition for learners" , "Repetition from memory" , "Habitual routine" , "By . . . . means by memory - that tore it" , "Mechanical routine" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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