The author has four initials. I had to check online - it's very American. The last one should help you parse 39 Down.
I have no idea about the two words in the grid. I just ignored that.
34 The definition is 'delirious cries'. You need a 'promise to pay' (up = direction of the answer, it's a Down clue) inside an originally three-letter 'dawn'.
Thanks Neveracrossword.
I knew 34d with v in second position. I should have looked up the alternate spelling.
I guess suffix is counted as one of the 4 letters.
I still cannot parse 39d.
My cross letters give me 29d as two words.
I also cannot parse 17a and 43a. But have the answers.
I found two examples in the grid,both 3 words.
The letters you have for 39+ the extra letter lead to an Indian ascetic. The word's reversed, goes up (made to rear) and 'rising note' means the N moves position... ending up with your snakes. I hope that makes sense!
Thanks NAC.
I should know the Indian ascetic very well.
I think it is unfair to have that term for ascetic for most non-Indians.
I missed that the N was rising,