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October puzzle:

http://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-WQdeO9wXEHYWpZOWVHQlNoRlk/edit?usp=sharing

September solution:

http://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-WQdeO9wXEHd2RybFBqdU9ockU/edit?usp=sharing

Please download, preview, then print.

NB: This format might be a bit tougher than usual (at least for me), but I know you all like a challenge.

Have fun.

Great stuff syzygy, love this type of puzzle which I first came across in the Listener which I've recently started doing. Some superb clues (as per) and among the ones which particularly impressed me were 12 (especially with the answer being Foreign to me), 18*, 20, 31 across and 8 down.
Many thanks again.

Thanks, syzzie! I've got all the regular clues (that part was quick) but still have to contend with the four specials. 18a and 7d are quite something (the latter is a riot).

Hadn't seen your post, ginge. I liked those too.

Finally got it. Just needed my afternoon coffee.

I must say the Sondheim connection threw me. I know he sets challenging cryptics, so I assume this is just a style he's used. I was expecting a word that's somehow associated with his musicals.

Hi aristo, I don't see any connection or relevance with the "code" word here but (hopefully) I've included a link below that shows Sondheim"s passion for the Listener puzzles that I was previously unaware of that you might find somewhat interesting.

http://www.listenercrossword.com/HTML/History09.html

Thanks, ginge. Maltby is of course a Broadway director, producer, lyricist, etc., so I figure this may be something that Sondheim introduced him to or that they share a fondness for. I had thought that there might be an allusion to, say, the witchery in Into the Woods.

Glad you liked it.

I'm still trying to parse 18A. Rather British, I would say. They seem to like spanking. (-;
7 & 8 D got double stars.

Not sure if I want to spend the requisite time on the P Square, for 4 blank spaces - the uncrossed.
Well, I do have a month.

Hi syzygy, pretty sure you'll parse 18 if youlook at it fresh. Re the playfair cypher, without wishing to appear condescending it is relatively easy here if, as you have done, completed all others and know the 4 words to be coded as the preamble tells you it is 1 word and the information gleaned leads to it with few inferences/educated guesses having to be made. Should you decide to proceed and not succeed, I think highly unlikely, email me (save spoiling for others) and I'll take you through the steps I used.