New Sun musings

It is Gene Wolfe’s custom to not invent new words or names for his stories. All of the weird words and names in the Book of the New Sun are actual words (or derived from actual words) from other languages, or obscure corners of English, or names from various sources. I don’t own a copy of Lexicon Urthus (though I’ve just added it to my Amazon wish list, though it’s out of print and therefore likely to be expensive), so I’m stuck with what my brain and Google can do.

( Some musings on names used in The Book of the New Sun; spoilers )

Thecla, Ultan, Rudesind, Fechin

( More New Sun stuff; only slightly spoilerish )

Away the transmutation! 100% guaranteed shoes dressing!

I got a new pair of shoes on Friday, ’cause my old ones had a hole in the sole the size of my thumbprint. The new pair came with instructions:

Keep away from rain, insolation and fire to avoid the transmutation or break, don’t use indoor shoes for violent exercise outdoor, clean with a damp cloth using a solution of water and mild soap, dry away from direct heat to extend life and maintain suppleness or leather, apply shoes dressing.