Solutions to THC # 8906

Across

1 Accountant with a mantra conjures up a craft (9) CATAMARAN

5 The container, in a way, is barely sufficient (5) SCANT

8 Musical composition for out-of-tune harp, very dry, hollow (8) RHAPSODY

9 Chemical found in chalk, a limestone derivative (6) ALKALI

11 The monkey which put that man in Connaught Place initially (5) CHIMP

12 Low creature, but it can cook a decent pie (9) CENTIPEDE

13 Cloyingly sweet (6) SUGARY

14 Hardened casual worker reportedly made a mistake (8) TEMPERED

16 The inclination to write a song (8) PENCHANT

18 The sun, expert in providing comfort in distress (6) SOLACE

22 The servant who would listen to worker (9) ATTENDANT

23 Objective — covering the French antelope (5) ELAND

24 Theatre's first, opening part of play could initially reveal the stratagem (6) TACTIC

25 Lee's shop is ransacked, causing despair (8) HOPELESS

26 A famous sculptor in the British navy taking in short cricket match (5) RODIN

27 Ursa Major, English version (5,4) GREAT BEAR

Down

1 Depict Accra as a city in South America (7) CARACAS

2 Rushing for a refreshing drink? Call! (7) TEARING

3 There is, strangely, more happiness in understanding something wrongly (15) MISAPPREHENSION

4 Prepare for publication "Revolutionary Deed" (6) REDACT

5 The kind of book to make you a better you (4-11) SELF IMPROVEMENT

6 As a partner, you are said to be a non-professional ... (7) AMATEUR

7 ... who dealt in changing the final part (4-3) TAIL END

10 Poles always show contempt (5) SNEER

15 Ready for use in the front apparently (2,3) ON TAP

16 It may contain growth at home (7) PLANTER (?)

17 Observed that a number in celebrated ... (7) NOTICED

19 ... world of scholars deem a CA devious (7) ACADEME

20 Consumer, the ultimate beneficiary (3,4) END USER

21 Useless — so it is rejected in Old English (6) OTIOSE