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The Castle of the Otter
This is a great book--comprised mostly of essays written about halfway through the publishing schedule of the four New Sun books--about Gene Wolfe's experiences and impetus and all kinds of other stuff about why and how he wrote such a masterpiece. It includes Urth humor and a lexicon of the words he used (every one of which is/was an actual word used at one time--a well known trait of Gene.) A must have, though a hard find, for any Gene Wolfe fan. And if you're not a fan, go be one, okay? It's way worth it.
117 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 1982
About the author
Gene Wolfe
513 books3,680 followersGene Wolfe was an American science fiction and fantasy writer. He was noted for his dense, allusive prose as well as the strong influence of his Catholic faith, to which he converted after marrying a Catholic. He was a prolific short story writer and a novelist, and has won many awards in the field.
While attending Texas A&M University Wolfe published his first speculative fiction in The Commentator, a student literary journal. Wolfe dropped out during his junior year, and was drafted to fight in the Korean War. After returning to the United States he earned a degree from the University of Houston and became an industrial engineer. He edited the journal Plant Engineering for many years before retiring to write full-time, but his most famous professional engineering achievement was a contribution to the machine used to make Pringles potato crisps. He lived in Barrington, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
A frequent Hugo nominee without a win, Wolfe nevertheless picked up several Nebula and Locus Awards, among others, including the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement and the 2012 Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award. He was also a member of the Science Fiction Hall of Fame.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/genewolfe
While attending Texas A&M University Wolfe published his first speculative fiction in The Commentator, a student literary journal. Wolfe dropped out during his junior year, and was drafted to fight in the Korean War. After returning to the United States he earned a degree from the University of Houston and became an industrial engineer. He edited the journal Plant Engineering for many years before retiring to write full-time, but his most famous professional engineering achievement was a contribution to the machine used to make Pringles potato crisps. He lived in Barrington, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
A frequent Hugo nominee without a win, Wolfe nevertheless picked up several Nebula and Locus Awards, among others, including the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement and the 2012 Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award. He was also a member of the Science Fiction Hall of Fame.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/genewolfe
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 5, 2018
The Castle of the Otter is a collection of essays and other non-fiction by Gene Wolfe, related to his Book of the New Sun tetralogy. It takes its title from an incorrect announcement of Wolfe's final volume in Locus.
Contents:
"The Feast of Saint Catherine" (1982)
"Helioscope" (Empire, 1980)
"Sun of Helioscope" (1982)
"Hands and Feet" (1982)
"Words Weird and Wonderful" (1982)
"Onomastics, the Study of Names" (1982)
"Cavalry in the Age of the Autarch" (1982)
"These Are the Jokes" (1982)
"The Rewards of Authorship" (1982)
"The Castle of the Otter" (1982)
"Beyond the Castle of the Otter" (1982)
"Gene Rodman Wolfe: A Bio-Bibliography" (1982)
Contents:
"The Feast of Saint Catherine" (1982)
"Helioscope" (Empire, 1980)
"Sun of Helioscope" (1982)
"Hands and Feet" (1982)
"Words Weird and Wonderful" (1982)
"Onomastics, the Study of Names" (1982)
"Cavalry in the Age of the Autarch" (1982)
"These Are the Jokes" (1982)
"The Rewards of Authorship" (1982)
"The Castle of the Otter" (1982)
"Beyond the Castle of the Otter" (1982)
"Gene Rodman Wolfe: A Bio-Bibliography" (1982)
January 7, 2019
2.5 – 3 stars
Surprisingly enough given his penchant for creating purposely ambiguous texts and never commenting on them Wolfe had written a number of essays on the creation of his Book of the New Sun series and they are contained herein. Unsurprisingly you’re not likely to have many (if any) of your actual questions about the story answered by them…also I kind of found Gene Wolfe to come across as a bit of a curmudgeon in the book and also somewhat pompous (though I may have just been misreading his attempts at ‘humour’), though I admit that I don’t find that particularly surprising. The contents include:
‘The Feast of Saint Catherine’ – one of the more interesting entries in which Wolfe tells us the short story idea that was the seed from which the New Sun series was to grow and which ended up being included, in a somewhat changed form, as a chapter in the Shadow of the Torturer.
‘Helioscope’ – an essay written in answer to an interviewer’s question about the genesis of the New Sun the most interesting tidbit of which is perhaps the revelation that Severian was at least partially created in response to Wolfe wanting to have a character that would be fun to cosplay at conventions. He also wanted to write “something big” in a future world of decadence and decay that would involve the story of a young man approaching war.
‘Sun of Helioscope’ – A few more comments from Wolfe on the genesis of the New Sun, some ‘advice’ to potential writers, and a defense of some of the decisions Wolfe made in the writing of the New Sun material.
‘Hands and Feet’ – A discussion of the epigraphs Wolfe chose for the volumes of the series and some of the verse from the books.
‘Words Weird and Wonderful’ – One of the most useful sections of the book and the one that likely inspired Andre-Driussi’s creation of the _Lexicon Urthus_. Wolfe himself outlines some of the archaic words he used in The Shadow of the Torturer, though unsurprisingly not all of the definitions are immediately illuminating. Also includes a short discussion on dictionaries and the ambiguity inherent in word meaning/language.
‘Onomastics, the Study of Names’ – A discussion of Wolfe’s naming convention for the New Sun. Basically nearly all humans in the books are named after Saints, monsters are named after mythological figures, and there is some discussion of the reasons behind some of the specific names he used for particular characters.
‘Cavalry in the Age of the Autarch’ – The wargamer comes out in him as Wolfe refutes the idea that cavalry again becoming a dominant form of the military in the future is an impossibility/unlikelihood. Also a discussion of the role genetic engineering plays on Urth and some of the weapons technology used by its soliders.
‘These Are the Jokes’ – Some generally un-funny ‘jokes’ as told by various characters from the books. Some of these could be considered short stories that help flesh out the world and characters of the New Sun.
‘The Rewards of Authorship’ – A question-and-answer essay in which Wolfe discusses writing by answering (and in many cases not-really-answering) a variety of questions. I think it’s obvious that Wolfe had some bad SF convention experiences…probably because he had to talk to people.
‘The Castle of the Otter’ – Wolfe discusses the writing of the New Sun series and its publication. I feel sorry for his agent. He also reprints some favourable reviews of his books and comments on how they fared on the Locus bestseller lists.
‘Beyond the Castle of the Otter’ – Wolfe discusses the imminent publication of the final volume of the series, The Citadel of the Autarch, and includes a few more book reviews.
I'd hardly call this book essential unless you're a completist and only a few of the entries seemed really useful/interesting to me. I also don't ever really want to meet Gene Wolfe in person, but I'll still keep reading his books. (Both experiences seem likely to be equally frustrating, though I have come to accept the fact for the latter while I like to avoid it when actually coming face-to-face with a person if possible.)
Surprisingly enough given his penchant for creating purposely ambiguous texts and never commenting on them Wolfe had written a number of essays on the creation of his Book of the New Sun series and they are contained herein. Unsurprisingly you’re not likely to have many (if any) of your actual questions about the story answered by them…also I kind of found Gene Wolfe to come across as a bit of a curmudgeon in the book and also somewhat pompous (though I may have just been misreading his attempts at ‘humour’), though I admit that I don’t find that particularly surprising. The contents include:
‘The Feast of Saint Catherine’ – one of the more interesting entries in which Wolfe tells us the short story idea that was the seed from which the New Sun series was to grow and which ended up being included, in a somewhat changed form, as a chapter in the Shadow of the Torturer.
‘Helioscope’ – an essay written in answer to an interviewer’s question about the genesis of the New Sun the most interesting tidbit of which is perhaps the revelation that Severian was at least partially created in response to Wolfe wanting to have a character that would be fun to cosplay at conventions. He also wanted to write “something big” in a future world of decadence and decay that would involve the story of a young man approaching war.
‘Sun of Helioscope’ – A few more comments from Wolfe on the genesis of the New Sun, some ‘advice’ to potential writers, and a defense of some of the decisions Wolfe made in the writing of the New Sun material.
‘Hands and Feet’ – A discussion of the epigraphs Wolfe chose for the volumes of the series and some of the verse from the books.
‘Words Weird and Wonderful’ – One of the most useful sections of the book and the one that likely inspired Andre-Driussi’s creation of the _Lexicon Urthus_. Wolfe himself outlines some of the archaic words he used in The Shadow of the Torturer, though unsurprisingly not all of the definitions are immediately illuminating. Also includes a short discussion on dictionaries and the ambiguity inherent in word meaning/language.
‘Onomastics, the Study of Names’ – A discussion of Wolfe’s naming convention for the New Sun. Basically nearly all humans in the books are named after Saints, monsters are named after mythological figures, and there is some discussion of the reasons behind some of the specific names he used for particular characters.
‘Cavalry in the Age of the Autarch’ – The wargamer comes out in him as Wolfe refutes the idea that cavalry again becoming a dominant form of the military in the future is an impossibility/unlikelihood. Also a discussion of the role genetic engineering plays on Urth and some of the weapons technology used by its soliders.
‘These Are the Jokes’ – Some generally un-funny ‘jokes’ as told by various characters from the books. Some of these could be considered short stories that help flesh out the world and characters of the New Sun.
‘The Rewards of Authorship’ – A question-and-answer essay in which Wolfe discusses writing by answering (and in many cases not-really-answering) a variety of questions. I think it’s obvious that Wolfe had some bad SF convention experiences…probably because he had to talk to people.
‘The Castle of the Otter’ – Wolfe discusses the writing of the New Sun series and its publication. I feel sorry for his agent. He also reprints some favourable reviews of his books and comments on how they fared on the Locus bestseller lists.
‘Beyond the Castle of the Otter’ – Wolfe discusses the imminent publication of the final volume of the series, The Citadel of the Autarch, and includes a few more book reviews.
I'd hardly call this book essential unless you're a completist and only a few of the entries seemed really useful/interesting to me. I also don't ever really want to meet Gene Wolfe in person, but I'll still keep reading his books. (Both experiences seem likely to be equally frustrating, though I have come to accept the fact for the latter while I like to avoid it when actually coming face-to-face with a person if possible.)
April 6, 2025
So one chapter in this book is a series of fanfic jokes told by characters from Book of the New Sun. So that’s something that exists.
February 6, 2024
Probably a 3.5. First sections are pretty interesting but then Wolfe gets into his Roman Empire, which is horses and the Roman Empire, and then tortures (apt) his readers by writing a pretty bad joke book section and then praises himself for twenty pages. I still love him, though, and Book of the New Sun is my Book of Gold.
January 11, 2022
One for the Wolfeheads.
Manages to explain a lot without marring any of the works mentioned. I think my version had an extra section of assorted essays that were varying degrees of fascinating.
The meat is certainly the stuff on BotNS - useful to gear me up for a re-read.
Manages to explain a lot without marring any of the works mentioned. I think my version had an extra section of assorted essays that were varying degrees of fascinating.
The meat is certainly the stuff on BotNS - useful to gear me up for a re-read.
March 22, 2020
The best book on writing I've ever read, and also a wonderful look into the brilliance and humor of one of the best American authors of the 20th century.
February 4, 2017
A wonderful book for any admirer of Wolfe and/or The Book of the New Sun, especially writers seeking to work in his tradition.
December 16, 2015
A collection of essays and fiction mainly about the New Sun series. Entertaining solely for Gene Wolfe fans.
September 6, 2021
For fans only :D it was nice reading Gene on a more casual setting
December 14, 2023
When a writer has the gall to do an entire book, even a very small one, about the writing of a previous book, it's more or less customary for him to announce that he's acting in response to innumerable and insistent demands. Unfortunately, I'm not.
A charming and quick read for Gene Wolfe mega fans, this curiosity has a series of essays on the writing and reception of his extraordinary Book of the New Sun, which starts with The Shadow of the Torturer. The name is drawn with a wink from a mistake in a science fiction magazine, which reported the last in the series would be The Castle of the Otter — perhaps mishearing or misremembering The Citadel of the Autarch.
Bound in this collection you'll find transcribed postcards from his agent, definitions for some of the obscure words he uses and a laundry list of authors he admires or is friends with. A highlight of the collection is bizarrely a chapter of jokes written entirely from the perspectives of New Sun characters. As he notes, we won't find all of them funny, but they do all further enlighten us on the characters and the world. It's an impressive feat and an excellent creative exercise. (And I'll be honest, Thecla's joke made me laugh.)
A treasure for the right audience, not at all for the common audience. 4/5.
A charming and quick read for Gene Wolfe mega fans, this curiosity has a series of essays on the writing and reception of his extraordinary Book of the New Sun, which starts with The Shadow of the Torturer. The name is drawn with a wink from a mistake in a science fiction magazine, which reported the last in the series would be The Castle of the Otter — perhaps mishearing or misremembering The Citadel of the Autarch.
Bound in this collection you'll find transcribed postcards from his agent, definitions for some of the obscure words he uses and a laundry list of authors he admires or is friends with. A highlight of the collection is bizarrely a chapter of jokes written entirely from the perspectives of New Sun characters. As he notes, we won't find all of them funny, but they do all further enlighten us on the characters and the world. It's an impressive feat and an excellent creative exercise. (And I'll be honest, Thecla's joke made me laugh.)
A treasure for the right audience, not at all for the common audience. 4/5.
October 31, 2024
We know Wolfe is a smart man. I mean, he figured out how to cook the famed extrusion product "Pringles". What I don't appreciate is listening to him talk about how clever he is. I didn't need an explanation to an overly elaborate mixed metaphor that he sent to a colleague. This kind of low key self aggrandizement has always irritated me, regardless of station. What this says about me is embarrassing and proves what a bitch I am...but it annoyed me enough to mention it.
There's some neat, illuminating stuff on Book of the New Sun, a work I respect more than enjoy. And that is how I feel about the Gene Wolfe that is the voice of these essays. I don't really like the person he paints himself to be, but I do find him an impressive intellect.
There's some neat, illuminating stuff on Book of the New Sun, a work I respect more than enjoy. And that is how I feel about the Gene Wolfe that is the voice of these essays. I don't really like the person he paints himself to be, but I do find him an impressive intellect.
October 15, 2025
If you hear that this book is Wolfe explaining bits of his Book of the New Sun tetralogy and you believe it will finally unlock the mysteries of his labyrinthine prose, you'll likely be more frustrated.
If you understand what Wolfe is about in his coy phyginda, (and I don't mean understand the hidden, but you understand the hiding), then you can enjoy this book, because you don't expect any answers.
If you understand what Wolfe is about in his coy phyginda, (and I don't mean understand the hidden, but you understand the hiding), then you can enjoy this book, because you don't expect any answers.
April 15, 2023
Intriguing behind-the-scenes look at Wolfe's process in creating The Book of the New Sun, plus some fun ancillary insights into the setting and characters. Full review: https://fakegeekboy.wordpress.com/202...
February 19, 2019
Very interesting read, but only if you're a more-than-casual fan of Gene Wolfe
December 31, 2020
Love this book. Gene Wolfe writes about the writing of the Urth of the New Sun series - my golden wonder book
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February 11, 2023Wolfe is a great advocate of, and in one essay here makes a strong case for, writers having dayjobs. I -- a far lesser writer with a far lesser dayjob than Wolfe -- nonetheless concur.
April 4, 2019
For Gene Wolfe enthusiasts and Book of the New Sun fans only. A collection of essays largely about the creation of Severian's journey. Provides an interesting look at Wolfe's process, his relationship with his editor and publisher, and a few insights into his thinking.
Not of any interest unless you've already gotten yourself lost in Urth.
Not of any interest unless you've already gotten yourself lost in Urth.
July 3, 2017
"Such a child eventually discovers, on some low but obscure shelf, The Book of Gold. You have never seen this book, and you will never see it, being past the age at which it is met."
In The Shadow of the Torturer this is a conversation between the old librarian Master Ultan and Severian. This is also how Gene Wolfe begins The Castle of the Otter. The Book of Gold is different for all of us. For Mr. Wolfe it was The Dying Earth. For myself there isn't just one but several. The Book of the New Sun is one of them. Back in 1998, the Science Fiction Book Club offered it and it came with a really nice poster. While A LOT of words were over my head then, I really enjoyed the tale of Severian, and he has remained one of my all time favorite protagonists.
The Castle of the Otter is primarily essays by Mr. Wolfe about Shadow of the Torturer. It's an interesting read if you are a fan of this series. He shares the ins and outs of publishing his series The Book of the New Sun. He also shares some of the reviews from Shadow of the Torturer. It also boasts a nice cover by Stephen Fabian.
Oh and the title came from someone citing in a review that the last book The Citadel of the Autarch would be titled The Castle of the Otter.
In The Shadow of the Torturer this is a conversation between the old librarian Master Ultan and Severian. This is also how Gene Wolfe begins The Castle of the Otter. The Book of Gold is different for all of us. For Mr. Wolfe it was The Dying Earth. For myself there isn't just one but several. The Book of the New Sun is one of them. Back in 1998, the Science Fiction Book Club offered it and it came with a really nice poster. While A LOT of words were over my head then, I really enjoyed the tale of Severian, and he has remained one of my all time favorite protagonists.
The Castle of the Otter is primarily essays by Mr. Wolfe about Shadow of the Torturer. It's an interesting read if you are a fan of this series. He shares the ins and outs of publishing his series The Book of the New Sun. He also shares some of the reviews from Shadow of the Torturer. It also boasts a nice cover by Stephen Fabian.
Oh and the title came from someone citing in a review that the last book The Citadel of the Autarch would be titled The Castle of the Otter.
May 16, 2014
Información interesante acerca de El Libro del Sol Nuevo de la propia mano del autor (en lo que puedo leer en Lexicon Urthus). Fue divertido darme cuenta de dónde sacó Wolfe la idea para la imagen de Severian, resulta que quería facilitarles las cosas a los cosplayers, a menos que esa haya sido una de sus muchas bromas...
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September 23, 2024quite enjoyable. The penultimate and titular chapter Castle of the Otter was the longest and a bit of a drag personally because it was not about writing the book and was about publishing which I wasn't that interested in. The Other chapters were all very brisk, illuminating and enjoyable.
October 25, 2011
Some Urth-related miscellanea, and some amusing bits about publishing and sf fandom c. 1980.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews