Spectator 2241

[djawhufc]

Morning all

back on The Spextator chain gang after the Christmas break.

Enjoy

DJA

[maurice]

Thanks, Daniel. Have solved all the clued ones, but having only the 18th Ed. of Br. means I can only guess at the themed answers relating to the title! Where do I go from here?

[Helveticus]

Thanks Daniel and a happy new year to you.

It is vexing to be unable to solve a puzzle just because one does not possess a specific edition of a work of reference; Doc is a serial offender in this respect.

@Maurice: I am in a similar position, except that I haven't solved 21A (a hint would be welcome). 18D is (I think) traditional seasonal events (which would fit with the puzzle's title). 1A could be another seasonal event (think pagan), but I am not sure.

[oldenburg]

I'm in the same position too with similar thoughts on 1A & 18D.
The first letter of the answer to 21A requires the 'ignore one accent' hint & the definition is 'French Town'.

[maurice]

21a think Champagne! (the French word for the first 4 letters is pretty obscure, tho' in Ch.)

18d is the only definite one for me so far

1a escapes me: a hint maybe?

Am I right in thinking there may be references to different types of meat in 24a and in 33a?

1d music(-al)?

13d Ancient Egyptian custom originally?

All seems very unfair if it's just a gimmick to make us buy the latest edition. I'm tired of trying to Google!

[shaneystar2]

They are 12 curious customs worth reviving .
Lucky to have a Brewers (which I won)
1a beltane
1d biddies
18d purpoole
6/33a lapland mutton
29a greaze
That's as far as I've got atm
Happy New Year Daniel and all fellow speccie fans.

[shaneystar2]

38/24A eating the gander

[oldenburg]

Thank you Shaneystar2. Would have been extremely troublesome without the appropriate reference. A very HNY.

[maurice]

Same from me all round! Can't even be bothered to google them all now! I don't approve of this advertising strategy at all. And now to raise a glass or two --- cheers!

[maurice]

P.S. Can I assume 13d is JUMP POLE ?

[maurice]

...............I've just seen in Siberia they jump in a HOLE, though..................

[shaneystar2]

sorry maurice
13d is purpoole
18d is frost fairs
got clues muddled and haven't even had a drink yet :)

[kayakamina]

Yes thanks Shaney and Happy New Year to you & yours.

I found this puzzle very unsatisfactory & I hope that Doc reads
our comments as his obsession with Brewer ( always the latest
edition) means that any skills we may possess for solving advanced
crosswords are secondary to having the right reference book.

[Farrwest]

Would appreciate answer to 23d to help me complete. Sort of spirit expected to turn up - a no-good gnome possibly (8) ?U?A??ON. Thanks

[hankir]

23 D is Eudaemon

[kayakamina]

23d Eudaemon

DUE (expected ) < + A + anag GNOME (less G - no good)

[Farrwest]

Thanks hankir & kayakamina

[Ruthrobin]

Many thanks for all those hints. It is truly frustrating to have a full grid but the wrong edition of Brewers and no way of completing. A very happy New Year and all the best to the regulars of the Spectator thread.

[jadzia49]

Last one 36a) I have pit?s. Have I got something wrong?

[Ironie]

No, j49, 'tis an anagram of what's left of 'township' once 'now' has left. Got it?

[Emmceeyell]

Would like to add my moan here as well. Spent 9 hrs on a flight yesterday and managed to solve all the normal clues and then came to a grinding halt. Even here, with only an 18th Edition of Brewers, I have not got any further. Eventually turned to look at this thread and now feel miffed... HNY to all.