Author: Guy du Sable

A very entertaining and somewhat educational exercise.

The usual bravura performance from Bob—what else can I say?

I can’t tell whether this (mostly) very fine puzzle is really much harder than it seemed at first or if my state of distraction on the eve of a suddenly necessary trip to Philadelphia was to blame for my delayed finish.

Lots of fun here. Wild parties (one that goes on for days) and topless drinking!

A very tasty assortment!

What struck me in particular about this (as ever) challenging and engaging puzzle were the bits of cleverly deceptive wordiness.

I plunged in at the easy 15-letter CD 10 and, after getting a few others quickly, was thinking this might be a cinch. Then I tackled 13, obviously an anagram, and when I surfaced with the (absolutely wonderful) answer, realized that I was heading into more treacherous waters.

We’re looking (apparently) for some Caledonian somebody in the first clue, which may have even been my FOI, and then the last Down answer, and definitely my LOI, is a charming Scots term, which could also describe this puzzle, a thorough joy from start to finish.

A highly enjoyable exercise, navigating this tight and tidy grid.

What a fine puzzle! We have everything here, from a hidden word through CDs to an &lit. Two philosophers, and plenty of food for thought.