Crosswords Antico
This December marks a significant anniversary of the publication of a work whose title appears in one row of the grid. An entry clued without definition is the name of the work’s author. Each of eight clues contains a superfluous word; these words spell a statement by the 26 of the work’s title character. Each of five clues comprises a definition of the answer and a cryptic indication of part of the answer; in each case, the treatment undergone by the part not cryptically indicated satisfies the sentiment of the statement.
Across
1 Story, not loud, accomplished (4) 4 Number led by god, filled with energy, advanced (4,6) 9 I tug the rein, changing plot (8) 10 One end of hidden gorge (6) 11 Payment covering large bolt (4) 12 Oppressive noise in grand arena (8) 14 Appeal, beginning to think likewise (5) 15 Developed property sooner within ground’s borders (8) 17 Quiet converts occupied by small books of psalms (8) 20 Yellow beam transformed river (5) 22 Artist admitting second setback (8) 24 Harangue worked every time (4) 26 Parent agitated after receiving hospitality initially (6) 27 Lithe cat, unusually vigorous (8) 29 Offers including tips for inexperienced leaders (10) 30 Notice, in line, unknown woman (4)
Down
2 Happy in north-eastern country (10) 3 Serious merit party established (7) 4 Nudge during bingo, jumping up (3) 5 Demanding, annoying, left out (7) 6 Bitter airman breaks free (5) 7 Plain answer, vehicle in south not available (7) 8 Eagle from golfer up next (4) 12 Drama in contest, disregarding a maxim (5) 13 Remember difficulty about unruly marine (4,2,4) 16 Conclusions of the judges seem completely trivial (5) 18 Dregs separated by cook free of fine parasites (7) 19 Support our team in spot (7) 21 Odd features of rubber weightlifting item (7) 23 Blundered, blushing after hesitation (5) 25 Just following better broadcast (4) 28 Holds ace in silence, rising (3)
Entries to: ‘Crossword 329’ by post (The Oldie, 65 Newman Street, London W1T 3EG), email (editorial@theoldie.co.uk) by 22nd December. First prize is the latest edition of the Chambers Dictionary and a cheque for £ 25. Two runners-up will receive cheques for £15.