July Generalist

[scotman]

Hi All

Uncertain about the spelling of the solution for 37A

It would appear to be 'Absalom' but I have also found a reasonable number of internet sites which give 'Absolom'

Can anyone help me here?

thanks

[Lie-in King]

I don't have the puzzle or clue, but it seems you're right about the ambiguity.

Eg this link -

http://en.wikipedia.o...bsalom_and_Achitophel

- Chambers Biographical Dictionary agrees, as does Collins, however this (eg) does not -

http://www.deadmetaphor.com/18cblog/?p=68

There are too many references to be listed here & seem to be almost evenly split between 'AbsAlom' & 'AbsOlom'...

I don't suppose the offending letter is checked by another clue?

Sorry if this only increased your uncertainty, but personally, I'd go for 'AbsAlom'...

Good luck, scotman!

[Lie-in King]

Having realised that I made a huge assumption seeing 'Abs A/O lom' & basing that on my limited knowledge of John Dryden, I thought I'd better find the puzzle!

I think I was correct & that you mean 37 Down (rather than Across) & am happy to stick with my previous answer, although a generous compiler should probably consider either answer as correct - IMHO

HTH? :-)

[Mamyalynne]

Too warm to sleep Maj ?♥

[Lie-in King]

Hi mamya, & thanks for a friendly "voice"!

Actually quite cool in the flat at the moment, just had a bad day all round. Very happy to see a Q that ended up with me having a puzzle to do, despite the fact that I'm holding my eyes open with vodka & matchsticks!

How are you, my lovely? :-))x

[Mamyalynne]

Hi am not too bad ta! only got 4 hours kip last night, so am soon off. Sad to here you've had a bad day, hope its sortable, you take good care of yourself as I know you can worry for England about others. ♥

[Mamyalynne]

Must apologise to Scotman for the hijack, sure you won't mind. Us night owls will chat any chance we can LOL

[Lie-in King]

scotman - please accept my apologies also! :-)

mamya, sorry for the time-lag, I've nearly done the Generalist & want to finish it before I hit my pit! Yes, I can sort everything when the muppets I've been on the phone with admit that I'm right & they're wrong!

...By the way - I AM right & they ARE wrong!

Come on England - I mean Murray!

Thanks, you always cheer me up! :-))x ♥

[Mamyalynne]

Night god bless sweetheart, speak again soon am off now. ♥

[Mamyalynne]

P S of course you ARE right xxx

[Lie-in King]

That's the crossword done & I'm off too - be well, :-)x

[scotman]

Thanks for the input. You are correct, I meant 37 Down. I blame the IPA meself. I think Absalom is more likely but I don't think this puzzle is very forgiving for things like that where no crossing letters help.
I suppose I could look in a actual library and try to find a copy of the work.

Thanks