Philistine hasn’t yet got a profile on the Guardian website, let alone made it to Michael Curl’s ‘Who’s Who’, so I think we can take it that s/he is a new setter. This was somewhat disconcerting, especially on a Thursday, when we expect something rather challenging, but it turned out to be plain sailing. In fact, this would make an admirable Quiptic puzzle: as well as an abundance of anagrams, there is at least one example of just about every clue type imaginable [and some  old favourites] with some wit thrown in at 12, 23 and 26ac and 9dn. A good puzzle for those still cutting their teeth on cryptics.

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Enjoyable one, this, though not too challenging. If I were feeling crotchety, I’d say that a couple of the devices were a little hackneyed – but happily I’m not (today, at least), so instead I’ll call them agreeably old-school.

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For me, this puzzle was pitched at exactly the right level, offering me a manageable challenge and plenty of entertainment to start the day, as well as broadening my general knowledge – many thanks, Klingsor.

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Monday Prize Crossword from May 16

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Prize puzzle from the Weekend FT of May 14

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