Natan Last
@natanlast.bsky.social
i write: crosswords, poetry, policy research, nonfiction.
i study: migration, economics, law & literature.
i work on making humanitarian migration easier from a policy & tech perspective.
i study: migration, economics, law & literature.
i work on making humanitarian migration easier from a policy & tech perspective.
Pinned
it's my birthday and my book launch sold out so we're moving to a bigger venue and all i want is for you guys to Fill Up This Church.
RSVP here! t.co/yjlJ10ZdJi
RSVP here! t.co/yjlJ10ZdJi
Reposted by Natan Last
Everything I've ever read by or about Natan Last reaffirms my faith in humanity! I've had this book on pre-order since I first heard of it 100 years ago (in March.)
November 15, 2025 at 11:01 PM
Everything I've ever read by or about Natan Last reaffirms my faith in humanity! I've had this book on pre-order since I first heard of it 100 years ago (in March.)
thanks to @thenation.com for publishing this excerpt of my book; grateful to be edited by the wonderful @apockros.bsky.social
www.thenation.com/article/arch...
www.thenation.com/article/arch...
The Hidden Politics of the Crossword Puzzle
Take it from me: A crossword clue can be debated with the kind of fervor normally reserved for corporatist propaganda and outright racism.
www.thenation.com
November 15, 2025 at 7:38 PM
thanks to @thenation.com for publishing this excerpt of my book; grateful to be edited by the wonderful @apockros.bsky.social
www.thenation.com/article/arch...
www.thenation.com/article/arch...
Reposted by Natan Last
. @natanlast.bsky.social is going on tour for his new book, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE! Mark your calendars and get ready to talk all things crossword 🧩🧩📖
penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...
penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...
November 14, 2025 at 6:45 PM
. @natanlast.bsky.social is going on tour for his new book, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE! Mark your calendars and get ready to talk all things crossword 🧩🧩📖
penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...
penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...
Reposted by Natan Last
🧩 GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🧩
Word nerds, this one’s for you. 📖🗓️
We’re giving away a finished copy of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by @natanlast.bsky.social and a 2026 mini crossword calendar from the New York Times.
To enter head over to Instagram! You have until 12/1.
instagram.com/pantheonbooks/
Word nerds, this one’s for you. 📖🗓️
We’re giving away a finished copy of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by @natanlast.bsky.social and a 2026 mini crossword calendar from the New York Times.
To enter head over to Instagram! You have until 12/1.
instagram.com/pantheonbooks/
November 14, 2025 at 6:43 PM
🧩 GIVEAWAY ALERT! 🧩
Word nerds, this one’s for you. 📖🗓️
We’re giving away a finished copy of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by @natanlast.bsky.social and a 2026 mini crossword calendar from the New York Times.
To enter head over to Instagram! You have until 12/1.
instagram.com/pantheonbooks/
Word nerds, this one’s for you. 📖🗓️
We’re giving away a finished copy of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by @natanlast.bsky.social and a 2026 mini crossword calendar from the New York Times.
To enter head over to Instagram! You have until 12/1.
instagram.com/pantheonbooks/
Reposted by Natan Last
Y'all say say we still need to talk about books despite the horrors. Well, I've talked with authors of FABULOUS books this season!
Across the Universe @natanlast.bsky.social
Useless Etymology @jesszafarris.bsky.social
Why Q Needs U @dannybate.bsky.social
(cont.)
Across the Universe @natanlast.bsky.social
Useless Etymology @jesszafarris.bsky.social
Why Q Needs U @dannybate.bsky.social
(cont.)
Did you know it can take more than a YEAR before a crossword accepted by the NYT runs? And editors frequently change the clues?
This week, @natanlast.bsky.social brings us inside the crossword world. His book "Across the Universe" is filled with fascinating tidbits.
APPLE PODCASTS: bit.ly/4o4WUZO
This week, @natanlast.bsky.social brings us inside the crossword world. His book "Across the Universe" is filled with fascinating tidbits.
APPLE PODCASTS: bit.ly/4o4WUZO
November 13, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Y'all say say we still need to talk about books despite the horrors. Well, I've talked with authors of FABULOUS books this season!
Across the Universe @natanlast.bsky.social
Useless Etymology @jesszafarris.bsky.social
Why Q Needs U @dannybate.bsky.social
(cont.)
Across the Universe @natanlast.bsky.social
Useless Etymology @jesszafarris.bsky.social
Why Q Needs U @dannybate.bsky.social
(cont.)
Reposted by Natan Last
PEOPLE OF NEW YORK CITY!!! @natanlast.bsky.social is going to be in conversation with the amazing Doreen St. Félix about his genuinely fun new book about the history and culture of crossword puzzles and you should go and take pictures for me
Nov 25 at 7 pm:
www.mcnallyjackson.com/event/natan-...
Nov 25 at 7 pm:
www.mcnallyjackson.com/event/natan-...
November 13, 2025 at 8:41 PM
PEOPLE OF NEW YORK CITY!!! @natanlast.bsky.social is going to be in conversation with the amazing Doreen St. Félix about his genuinely fun new book about the history and culture of crossword puzzles and you should go and take pictures for me
Nov 25 at 7 pm:
www.mcnallyjackson.com/event/natan-...
Nov 25 at 7 pm:
www.mcnallyjackson.com/event/natan-...
Reposted by Natan Last
Did you know it can take more than a YEAR before a crossword accepted by the NYT runs? And editors frequently change the clues?
This week, @natanlast.bsky.social brings us inside the crossword world. His book "Across the Universe" is filled with fascinating tidbits.
APPLE PODCASTS: bit.ly/4o4WUZO
This week, @natanlast.bsky.social brings us inside the crossword world. His book "Across the Universe" is filled with fascinating tidbits.
APPLE PODCASTS: bit.ly/4o4WUZO
November 13, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Did you know it can take more than a YEAR before a crossword accepted by the NYT runs? And editors frequently change the clues?
This week, @natanlast.bsky.social brings us inside the crossword world. His book "Across the Universe" is filled with fascinating tidbits.
APPLE PODCASTS: bit.ly/4o4WUZO
This week, @natanlast.bsky.social brings us inside the crossword world. His book "Across the Universe" is filled with fascinating tidbits.
APPLE PODCASTS: bit.ly/4o4WUZO
it's my birthday and my book launch sold out so we're moving to a bigger venue and all i want is for you guys to Fill Up This Church.
RSVP here! t.co/yjlJ10ZdJi
RSVP here! t.co/yjlJ10ZdJi
November 13, 2025 at 5:36 PM
it's my birthday and my book launch sold out so we're moving to a bigger venue and all i want is for you guys to Fill Up This Church.
RSVP here! t.co/yjlJ10ZdJi
RSVP here! t.co/yjlJ10ZdJi
Reposted by Natan Last
Boston puzzle/crossword friends!
Who am I seeing at @natanlast.bsky.social’s book event at Harvard Book Store on 12/10?
www.harvard.com/event/natan-...
Who am I seeing at @natanlast.bsky.social’s book event at Harvard Book Store on 12/10?
www.harvard.com/event/natan-...
www.harvard.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Boston puzzle/crossword friends!
Who am I seeing at @natanlast.bsky.social’s book event at Harvard Book Store on 12/10?
www.harvard.com/event/natan-...
Who am I seeing at @natanlast.bsky.social’s book event at Harvard Book Store on 12/10?
www.harvard.com/event/natan-...
Reposted by Natan Last
ICYMI: Transcript is up for our episode with @natanlast.bsky.social about his book "Across the Universe". It's the history of crosswords. Natan is also a constructor, and he tests my mettle!
@penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
www.patreon.com/posts/transc...
@penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
www.patreon.com/posts/transc...
Transcript, BL 128: Across the Universe (with Natan Last) | Because Language
Get more from Because Language on Patreon
www.patreon.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:06 PM
ICYMI: Transcript is up for our episode with @natanlast.bsky.social about his book "Across the Universe". It's the history of crosswords. Natan is also a constructor, and he tests my mettle!
@penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
www.patreon.com/posts/transc...
@penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
www.patreon.com/posts/transc...
Reposted by Natan Last
Natan has a wonderful book on crosswords coming out in November! As someone featured in the book I got to sneak a peek at it and it's definitely worth a preorder: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...
October 25, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Natan has a wonderful book on crosswords coming out in November! As someone featured in the book I got to sneak a peek at it and it's definitely worth a preorder: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...
nyc! my book launch is nov 25 with the inimitable doreen st. felix. rsvp here!
www.mcnallyjackson.com/event/natan-...
www.mcnallyjackson.com/event/natan-...
October 21, 2025 at 6:12 PM
nyc! my book launch is nov 25 with the inimitable doreen st. felix. rsvp here!
www.mcnallyjackson.com/event/natan-...
www.mcnallyjackson.com/event/natan-...
Reposted by Natan Last
Hey, I know someone who published a poem in the @newyorker.com. I almost regret to inform you that it is good. [insert boilerplate “Fuck the Yankees” language here]
an absolute dream to have a poem in the new yorker today, on why being a yankees fan is good, actually, present cursed season aside ...
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
“I Consider Myself”
“When Soto went crosstown I couldn’t / believe it, the traitor, the bat in front of / that sculpture Judge.”
www.newyorker.com
October 15, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Hey, I know someone who published a poem in the @newyorker.com. I almost regret to inform you that it is good. [insert boilerplate “Fuck the Yankees” language here]
Reposted by Natan Last
“serifs like clearing throats” — goddamn.
(Go Mariners, though.)
(Go Mariners, though.)
an absolute dream to have a poem in the new yorker today, on why being a yankees fan is good, actually, present cursed season aside ...
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
“I Consider Myself”
“When Soto went crosstown I couldn’t / believe it, the traitor, the bat in front of / that sculpture Judge.”
www.newyorker.com
October 15, 2025 at 2:39 PM
“serifs like clearing throats” — goddamn.
(Go Mariners, though.)
(Go Mariners, though.)
Reposted by Natan Last
I loved this poem, despite being a Yankees-disliker of long standing
an absolute dream to have a poem in the new yorker today, on why being a yankees fan is good, actually, present cursed season aside ...
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
“I Consider Myself”
“When Soto went crosstown I couldn’t / believe it, the traitor, the bat in front of / that sculpture Judge.”
www.newyorker.com
October 19, 2025 at 3:34 AM
I loved this poem, despite being a Yankees-disliker of long standing
Reposted by Natan Last
We love to see it: a poem by @natanlast.bsky.social recently dropped in The New Yorker.
Read “I Consider Myself,” then check out his latest book, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE—a fascinating deep dive into crosswords, culture & who gets to shape both.
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Read “I Consider Myself,” then check out his latest book, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE—a fascinating deep dive into crosswords, culture & who gets to shape both.
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
October 20, 2025 at 4:34 PM
We love to see it: a poem by @natanlast.bsky.social recently dropped in The New Yorker.
Read “I Consider Myself,” then check out his latest book, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE—a fascinating deep dive into crosswords, culture & who gets to shape both.
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Read “I Consider Myself,” then check out his latest book, ACROSS THE UNIVERSE—a fascinating deep dive into crosswords, culture & who gets to shape both.
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
an absolute dream to have a poem in the new yorker today, on why being a yankees fan is good, actually, present cursed season aside ...
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
“I Consider Myself”
“When Soto went crosstown I couldn’t / believe it, the traitor, the bat in front of / that sculpture Judge.”
www.newyorker.com
October 13, 2025 at 2:33 PM
an absolute dream to have a poem in the new yorker today, on why being a yankees fan is good, actually, present cursed season aside ...
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...
Reposted by Natan Last
Enter for a chance to win a hardcover copy of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by @natanlast.bsky.social.
An entertaining and eye-opening look at the history of the crossword, who constructs them, and why crosswords.
Ends 10/20.
Crossword pencil or pen? goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
An entertaining and eye-opening look at the history of the crossword, who constructs them, and why crosswords.
Ends 10/20.
Crossword pencil or pen? goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
October 13, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Enter for a chance to win a hardcover copy of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE by @natanlast.bsky.social.
An entertaining and eye-opening look at the history of the crossword, who constructs them, and why crosswords.
Ends 10/20.
Crossword pencil or pen? goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
An entertaining and eye-opening look at the history of the crossword, who constructs them, and why crosswords.
Ends 10/20.
Crossword pencil or pen? goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
Reposted by Natan Last
Did you know that @natanlast.bsky.social has a new book coming about crosswords and it’s a really fascinating read? Even for someone who is very bad at word games like me.
Preorder today, will make an amazing holiday gift: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...
#BookSky
Preorder today, will make an amazing holiday gift: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...
#BookSky
September 22, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Did you know that @natanlast.bsky.social has a new book coming about crosswords and it’s a really fascinating read? Even for someone who is very bad at word games like me.
Preorder today, will make an amazing holiday gift: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...
#BookSky
Preorder today, will make an amazing holiday gift: www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...
#BookSky
i wrote today's @newyorker.com crossword, featuring three of the greats: a beloved magazine, band, and British psychoanalyst
newyorker.com/puzzles-and-...
newyorker.com/puzzles-and-...
The Crossword: Monday, September 22, 2025
Magazine founded by abolitionists in 1865: nine letters.
newyorker.com
September 22, 2025 at 1:56 PM
i wrote today's @newyorker.com crossword, featuring three of the greats: a beloved magazine, band, and British psychoanalyst
newyorker.com/puzzles-and-...
newyorker.com/puzzles-and-...
my book comes out in a little over two months! please pre-order it if you can, pre-orders are a great signal to bookstores to stock a given title! :) www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...
Across the Universe by Natan Last: 9780553387704 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
An entertaining and eye-opening look at the history of the crossword, who constructs them, and why crosswords matter as both a reflection of and influence on our culture From Wordle to Spelling Bee, ...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
September 18, 2025 at 3:12 PM
my book comes out in a little over two months! please pre-order it if you can, pre-orders are a great signal to bookstores to stock a given title! :) www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...
Reposted by Natan Last
🎉 new release today: fill harmonics is a weird music machine thing made from the bones of crossword puzzles. put it together with my pal @natanlast.bsky.social
read more: parkerhiggins.net/2025/09/fill...
and play around with it: fillharmonics.com
read more: parkerhiggins.net/2025/09/fill...
and play around with it: fillharmonics.com
Fill Harmonics, the crossword puzzle music machine
Today I’m releasing Fill Harmonics, a music machine that takes its rules and styling from the world of crossword puzzles. The name is a pun: in crossword lingo, “fill” is the stuff that goes into the ...
parkerhiggins.net
September 9, 2025 at 3:03 PM
🎉 new release today: fill harmonics is a weird music machine thing made from the bones of crossword puzzles. put it together with my pal @natanlast.bsky.social
read more: parkerhiggins.net/2025/09/fill...
and play around with it: fillharmonics.com
read more: parkerhiggins.net/2025/09/fill...
and play around with it: fillharmonics.com
Reposted by Natan Last
everyone go order Natan's new book on crossword puzzles in November www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796... and if you need more drum machines go to 10kdrummachines.com
Across the Universe by Natan Last: 9780553387704 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books
An entertaining and eye-opening look at the history of the crossword, who constructs them, and why crosswords matter as both a reflection of and influence on our culture From Wordle to Spelling Bee, ...
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
September 9, 2025 at 11:27 AM
everyone go order Natan's new book on crossword puzzles in November www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796... and if you need more drum machines go to 10kdrummachines.com
Reposted by Natan Last
absolute geniuses @natanlast.bsky.social and @xor.blue made "fill harmonics" a CROSSWORD EDITOR DRUM MACHINE for the 10,000 Drum Machines project!!!! fillharmonics.com
September 9, 2025 at 11:24 AM
absolute geniuses @natanlast.bsky.social and @xor.blue made "fill harmonics" a CROSSWORD EDITOR DRUM MACHINE for the 10,000 Drum Machines project!!!! fillharmonics.com
Reposted by Natan Last
🧩 Crosswords aren’t just games—they’re a mirror.
In ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, New Yorker puzzle-maker
@natanlast.bsky.social unpacks how wordplay reflects our values, identities, and hidden biases—and why rethinking who gets to “fit” matters. Coming 11/25
penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...
In ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, New Yorker puzzle-maker
@natanlast.bsky.social unpacks how wordplay reflects our values, identities, and hidden biases—and why rethinking who gets to “fit” matters. Coming 11/25
penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...
September 3, 2025 at 7:34 PM
🧩 Crosswords aren’t just games—they’re a mirror.
In ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, New Yorker puzzle-maker
@natanlast.bsky.social unpacks how wordplay reflects our values, identities, and hidden biases—and why rethinking who gets to “fit” matters. Coming 11/25
penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...
In ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, New Yorker puzzle-maker
@natanlast.bsky.social unpacks how wordplay reflects our values, identities, and hidden biases—and why rethinking who gets to “fit” matters. Coming 11/25
penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723796...