Natan Last
Author and crossword historian best known for the book Across the Universe; discusses the history and cultural role of crossword puzzles and their social impact.
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Mar 26, 2026 • 19min
The crossword puzzle's role in World War II and the fight against Nazism.
Natan Last, author and crossword historian best known for Across the Universe, explores the early rise of crosswords and their crafted aesthetics. He recounts the 1920s cultural backlash, library bans, and how New York Times puzzles during World War II were used to boost morale and push back against Nazism. He also links the puzzle craze to modern communal rituals like Wordle.
