The crossword puzzle's role in World War II and the fight against Nazism.

About this episode

This episode explores the historical significance of crossword puzzles during World War II and their impact on morale and culture.

1171. In the bonus segment that aired for Grammarpaloozians in November, we look at the early history of crossword puzzles and their surprising political uses. Natan Last explains how the “New York Times” crossword, which premiered during World War II, was used to boost morale and support the Allied war effort. We also look at the cultural frenzy of "crossworditis" in the 1920s and why libraries banned the puzzles as frivolous. Find Natan Last at  Natanlast.com. Get the book, " Across the Universe ." 🔗  Join the Grammar Girl Patreon. 🔗  Share your familect recording in  Speakpipe   or by leaving a voicemail at   833-214-GIRL (833-214-4475) 🔗  Watch my  LinkedIn Learning writing courses . 🔗  Subscribe to the  newsletter . 🔗  Take  our advertising survey .  🔗  Transcript available on your podcast player. 🔗  Get  Grammar Girl books .  | HOST: Mignon Fogarty | Grammar Girl is part of  the Quick and Dirty Tips podcast network . Audio Engineer: Dan Feierabend Director of Podcast: Holly Hutchings Advertising Operations Specialist: Morgan Christianson Marketing and Video: Nat Hoopes…

People in this episode

Host: Mignon Fogarty

Guest: Natan Last

Topics covered

• crossword puzzles
• World War II
• Nazism
• morale
• cultural history
• libraries

Keywords

• crossword puzzles
• World War II
• Natan Last
• New York Times
• cultural history
• morale
• Nazism

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New York Times

Books & works: Across the Universe

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