I understand that several setters create their crosswords, leave them and solve them again some time later. They then can rewrite those clues that they feel are below the mark and only then send off the puzzle for publication. I have never (more…)
I love Stanley Kubrick’s films, they are visually stunning. Every frame is carefully composed and often carries deeper meaning. I saw a restored version of the film last year at the BFT and I was just as impressed in 2011 as when I had seen it as a teenager in 1968. Its ground-breaking effects earned Kubrick (more…)
The first version of this puzzle was oh so different from the published version. I had the title Highway 61 Revisited and a 5×5 grid spaced out with arrows in between each cell. The clues gave (more…)
As many Magpie solvers will realise this was a follow-on from Dumber Muzzle in Magpie 99. That was compiled in the spirit of “can it be done?”. It had a 7×8 grid with 35 clues. The logic started in a corner and (more…)
4 years ago I was looking up magic square in Chambers and spotted magic pyramid. (more…)
First of all apologies for this being (more…)
This puzzle has an involved history, much of which I’ve forgotten. I vaguely recall spotting (more…)
When I reduced working to four days a week, I planned to try my hand at compiling. This was my second attempt. (more…)
Observant Magpie solvers will have noted a number of similarities with Listener 4125 most notably the clueing style and title. (more…)
Thanks to all who responded for your kind comments on “Downfall”. There were a few queries about the unusual theme, so (belatedly) I felt some kind of explanation would be justified.
The inspiration for the puzzle (more…)
