Cryptic crossword No 1,739

I found this too difficult, ALP. Sorry to say that, especially as you have been most complimentary in t'other direction. A combination of lack of requisite GK, some nho solutions, some connections that I was nowhere near making and then a few constructions that were decidedly devious. I enjoyed reading your Annotations but was not up to the solve on this occasion. A tad easier next time, please 😊

Thanks ALP - much like PM, in the end I found this *too* tough to complete. I think I got about half a grid full, then managed some more thanks to crossers, not always being able to parse, and revealed the last half dozen or so, resorting to annotations. Favourites of those I solved were 9a, 12a, 14a, 28a, 1d, 2d, 8d, 18d, 23d & 25d. From those I failed on, 11a, 23a and 6d (though surface meant nothing to me) I thought were very tough but fair. I suspect you appreciate the debate, so spoilers...

I’m afraid I had a similar experience to PM, ALP. Threw in the towel with 44% complete. Lots of very ingenious clues but some rather too ingenious! I did enjoy 1a, 14a, 23a, 18d (COTD) and 23d.

Really tough but worth it for Withnail and SOA! Marvellous - but maybe ease up a little next time?!

Absolutely brilliant.