Ximenes (crossword compiler)

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Ximenes was the crossword compiler for The Observer newspaper for many years. He enjoyed a small but devoted following. He wrote a book about compiling crosswords 'Ximenes and the Art of the Crossword' explaining his techniques. He made a number of innovations in crossword compilation such as the "Printer's Devilry" type of clue which proved popular. In a PD clue there is no definition part but the hidden word has been removed from the sentence and liberties taken with punctuation and capitalisation. The solver must deduce the missing word. For example "toran" (a gateway) could be clued "Hardy campers don't mind if a days weight of snow covers them." This sentence as it stands is not quite right but "Hardy campers don't mind if a day's weT OR A Night of snow covers them." is. Ximenes took his name from a famous torturer of the Spanish Inquisition, a little in-joke. He was succeeded as compiler by Azed.

See also the entry on Ximenes real name Derrick Somerset Macnutt.