az

[Coppins Crew]

Anyone doing this week's AZ? I've worked out 'Birth date of Thomas Babington Macaulay', but are the unclued words 'curtain' and 'open'? Have they got something to do with 25th October? Any ideas welcome.

[mahonia]

I'm guessing the unclued words are 'certain' and 'omen' but haven't yet worked out why. Must be something to do with 25 Oct 1800 - Macaulay's birthdate. Don't yet understand the significance of the title 'Sly Oaf'. I'll keep working on it!

[Quizmonster]

It's a pity you have put quite so much information into your question! Many people are still doubtless trying to work out what the 'message' is and now you've just told them!
To answer your question, find a list of Macaulay's best-known literary works and find the one that contains the letters of the crossword title and the ones you suppose to be the answers to the unclued lights. That is, it's an anagram you're looking for.

[Coppins Crew]

Thanks a bundle, Quizmonster! Sorry I gave so much away. Very few AZed-ers seem to use this site. Cheers!

[Megapuzzler]

Lays of Ancient Rome
Sly Oaf Certain Omen