Genius crossword 355
Each of eighteen clues comprises a definition part and a hidden consecutive jumble of the answer’s letters including one extra letter; the extras spell the title (four words) of a work by a person born 400 years ago this December. Six clues are without definition parts; their answers form a quotation from the work in question. In each of the remaining eight clues, the cryptic indication omits reference to one letter of the answer; these letters should be highlighted, to reveal the author’s surname.
Across
1 Middle of essay, sound (5) 4 Bad dog put away after
turning of part of lock (9) 9 Guiding device leading one
into error? Not fine (9) 10 Look after western union (5) 11 Quiet one, so nervous (5) 13 Imposes too much work on
sailor around ark set adrift (9) 14 Body of water reflected tree
behind flower (5,3) 16 Standard banana colour (5) 18 Company all returning in
good time (5) 19 Road, wide in area, rebuilt in
Cyprus (8) 21 Finish cutting track? Right,
listen (4,2,3) 24 Vow once was true (5) 25 Play possum? Hard act (5) 26 Railway popular during rush,
endlessly bustling (9) 28 Inspector with pass receiving
last of leaflets handed out (9) 29 Cut back around lines (5)
Down
1 Meagre amount, say,
enclosed (6) 2 Decide to appeal (3) 3 Specifically calls reflex
psychological (9) 4 Retrieval of original book (5) 5 Overwrought, too keen about
accepting bribes (2,3,4) 6 Rising to indicate assent (2,3) 7 Mask one modified after month,
left out (1,6,4) 8 Arranges move, needing
service (8) 12 Upset club with shouts about
no-ball (3,4,4) 15 Discusses spectacular
triumphs (9) 16 Opener, slack, errs? Row
continues (9) 17 Private eye did use cloak (8) 20 Progress buying place in
Belgium (6) 22 Brilliant, receiving silver (1,4) 23 About answer, no doubt (5) 27 Bad scrawl in letter (3)
Entries to: ‘Crossword 355’ by post (The Oldie, 23/31 Great Titchfield Street, London W1W 7PA), 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. When you send in your entry, please let us know whether or not you are a subscriber.
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