128: Across the Universe (with Natan Last)

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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