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As I have only been doing Listener puzzles for a couple of years, I can't comment on how difficult they used to be. Uncommon entries, jumbled entries, missing letters, clues composed of uncommon definitions, abbreviations etc. can all make the grid fill difficult, sometimes tediously so, but personally I admire the crosswords that show originality, ingenuity and wit, of which there have been many fine examples, including the endgame of this one. It's a matter of taste.

This was one of those rare occasions when I completed, without looking at this forum, on a Sunday evening. It may be an easy one but I enjoyed it, so thank you Aedites.

One question however. What is the connection with the puzzle title. I can't see it.

Thanks

Given my moniker, I suppose I should try to explain explain. Difficult to do without giving too much away. But how many of the things actually appear in the work - despite its title? Now knock off shift on board.

Apologies for the repeated “explain”. It’s the bloody pop up ads again.

On the question of changing difficulty: I completed my first Listener in 1988. For around 30 years I thought that the puzzles were fair and I averaged around 45 correct solutions per year. Then I found that there were too many GWIT endgames, consequently I stopped attempting them. Over the last few months, I've restarted. In my view, the quality of the puzzles is much fairer now with no impenetrable GWIT hurdles. I have the first, second, and third Penguin collections, those were difficult (the first puzzle in the third collection was by Adam (Sobey) published 17 February 1955 (No. 1294), titled 'Who's who?', to which the answer was characters in comedies by Moliere).

Moliere... It was off to the library in 1955 then for me.

I managed to do this one in the end avoiding any online hints. The initial author and associated words had me on the wrong track until i saw the name. Very impressive... Thanks setter if you're here.

On a week with a nice softie and Mrs triceratops and I going off to the wilderness for a weekend with no signal I thought I would ask this group - what are your favourite all time listeners? I'm sure this was discussed previously but I couldn't find it

I'd love to print out a couple (we've already worked through most from the official listings, so just looking for ones you personally remember fondly)

For us it is resoundingly 4662 (Hungry by android)

Hi Triceratops,

As you can imagine, picking out a favourite without having them all in front of you is very difficult.

However, one that has always stuck with me is Listener 4515 by Verbascum entitled Way Out from 11/08/2018.

On the off-chance you take my advice and decide to do it, I don't want to give spoilers. All I'll say is that if you've ever been interested in the subject of black holes, you should really enjoy it.

PS: On the subject of 4662 - Hungry by Android, I couldn't agree more.

As many on here will know, I tend to go a bit overboard with puzzles that require some artwork, and this one was no exception. I didn't just outline the raven, I coloured it in, gave it shade to simulate depth and movement and... well, I could go on but I won't bore you. Suffice to say, it was an excellent choice.

Another I can recommend is 4678 - Bleak Expectations by Mira.

Sorry, but if you, like me, enjoy the ones that require some artwork, it would be a crime for me not to mention:-

4695 Betrayal by Nudd