Our puzzles editor on how the cryptic crossword was born in the pages of The Observer

Alt: Michael Scott (US Office) saying oh my god okay it's happening .

ALT: an elderly woman in a blue jacket is holding a megaphone to her mouth .

Have his Carcase by Dorothy L Sayers published 1932 I’m doing extra posts on aspects of the Lord Peter Wimsey books by Dorothy L Sayers...

A Puzzle by Lestrade + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + - + The puzzle is available by clicking on the above grid. As usual, the setter will be delighted to receive feedback from you, the solvers. We d...

A year-long series of events marks 80 years since admission of Marjory Stephenson and Kathleen Lonsdale in 1945 When Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and Albert Einstein became fellows of the Royal Society, like other illustrious physicists, chemists and biologists over the centuries, they met the society’s membership criteria in two essential ways: they were talented scientists – and they were men. It wasn’t until March 1945 that the prestigious scientific community finally began admitting women to its fellowship. Now, to mark the 80th anniversary of this milestone, the society is launching a year-long series of events to assert the rightful place in history of its first female fellows, Marjory Stephenson and Kathleen Lonsdale. Continue reading...

Richard Osman and Kate Mosse say plan to mine artistic works for data would destroy creative fields