Crossword editor’s desk: clues for Michael Stipe and a life in puzzles

REM’s Michael Stipe declared it an honour to feature in a puzzle; we continue to do those honours

A new book about crosswords? From one of the Guardian’s setters? And one of the setters who has set across the board, edited other series to boot, and brought fresh faces into the game?

It’s true. Maskarade, AKA Tom Johnson, has published All Squared. I hereby recommend it and direct you here to learn how to order a copy for yourself and another for a loved one’s beloved Christmas present.