Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

I didn't need the internet until after the puzzle was solved. I found the string first - 'string' in the preamble was a generous hint and the 'p...' and 'm...' items leapt out. A synonym for these (+ the anagam) is in the index in ODQ.
I'd spotted the titles thanks to the weird anagram in one of the plain clues, from there it was easy to guess the rest - that's when I took to the web, because I didn't know any of them (but any fan of the author would have been well served).
Apart from some very tough clues, I don't think Wan could have been kinder (mentioning ODQ in the preamble would have been too kind, I think).

The 8-letter synonym (and first replacement) isn't in my ODQ, but then I still have the fourth edition (I believe we're up to 8 now). The author does feature in my edition, but not the relevant quotation. I must update some time as ODQ is a useful reference book,

I recently invested in the latest edition of the ODQ and this is the second time that it has saved me a bit of time and effort, although not sure I’ve got my money’s worth yet!

There’s only three quotes from the author in there and it’s pretty obvious which is the one to use.

I believe ODQ has always been regarded as a standard Listener reference, so it's not usually mentioned in preambles (probably to save space).

Regarding the use of the Internet, Loge's comments on the official editorial position is correct. Puzzles should be solvable without resorting to the Internet, but for most people it's easier to search the Internet than to search their local library, and it may be the only option during periods of lockdown.

ODQ 8 duly ordered!

All done... eventually... but cannot fathom how to parse 19a and 24d. They are my Nemesis. Have identified the missing letters so if someone could put me out of my misery and then I could call it Curtain(s). Thanks

19 Word for ring (O extra) often associated with death, minus the last letter (hampered, hmmm) + essence or central letter of Beatles

24 Abbreviation of promenade minus last letter + word for wan (T is extra)

Thanks loge for putting the Cards on the Table!

My groanworthy contribution is that it could have turned into a Three Act Tragedy... I found this an Ordeal by Innocence, by which I mean that I've never heard at least two of the items in the string. Good old Google. Also the leap of faith for the 7,7 was a leap too far. Still, got there in the end.

Indeed, a Herculean effort!