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Got there (in the end) by googling the author (deduced from the works) and a synonym for the perfectly ordinary word formed from the initial letters of the plain clues
I feared a desperate random wordsearch (one word stands out like the proverbial), but after a couple of false leads with alternative connected letters, all linked up prettily and one thing led to another.

Not verity

At last I have the two replacements too, thanks

I'm with you bananabean, I just need the six associated items now.

Now all done - I think that piecing all of this together takes an enormous leap of faith. However, the final result is very clever.

I had the author's name niggling at me for ages without really knowing why! I think I'm done except for the parsing of 9dn which eludes me entirely. Can anyone help?

9 is an anagram of the alternate letters in RAT ANG(e)LO AND DUKE (the E is extra)

Sorry, alternate letters in RAT ANG(e)LO AND DUKE SET

Similar kindred - I had the name in my head but discounted it at first as couldn’t see the name in the grid. All I could see was something obvious across the middle of the grid but couldn’t get the connection for a while.

I think subconsciously I must recognised the works in the across clues as was a fan as a youngster.

I enjoyed the challenge. Thanks Wan.

Just one minor niggle/question - why is the word “old” in 12a?

Hi CD,

12a - It's an old/obsolete spelling of "inn".