
128: Across the Universe (with Natan Last)
From Because Language - a podcast about linguistics, the science of language. by Daniel Midgley, Ben Ainslie, and Hedvig Skirgård
October 22, 2025 · 2h 7m
About this episode
The episode discusses the evolution of crossword puzzles in the digital age with author Natan Last.
Among so many great word games, crosswords still reign supreme. How have they survived — and even expanded — in our digital age? What goes into a good puzzle, and will computer techniques take over? Daniel chats with author Natan Last about his book Across the Universe: The Past, Present, and Future of the Crossword Puzzle . Timestamps Intros: 0:35 News: 4:42 Related or Not: 22:13 Interview with Natan Last: 37:56 Words of the Week: 1:24:52 Comment: 1:53:37 The Reads: 1:55:31 Outtakes: 2:02:50
People in this episode
Hosts: Daniel Midgley, Ben Ainslie, Hedvig Skirgård
Guest: Natan Last
Topics covered
- crossword puzzles
- digital age
- word games
- puzzle design
- computer techniques
Keywords
- crossword puzzles
- Natan Last
- word games
- puzzle design
- digital age
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Across the Universe: The Past, Present, and Future of the Crossword Puzzle
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