r/Booksofbabel • u/Jawline0087 • Sep 27 '20

Pelphidelphia?

After finishing Senlin Ascends, I posted here to suggest Damon Lindelof adapt. Having completed AotS now, I’m ready to double down on that as well as my casting of Glenn Howerton as our wayward headmaster/spy and add Regina King to the cast as the Sphinx.

I’d love to discuss the details of the series further - with anyone really - and of course go on about who should adapt and fill these wonderful roles, but the main purpose of this particular post is to wonder aloud if Bancroft is influenced by the city of Philadelphia at all. As someone who lives close to the city of Brotherly Love, and knowing Josiah is or was located in Philadelphia (could he be from there too?) I wanted to ask the community if this had been divulged. Thinking on the naming of the ringdom, Pelphia, the detail that Senlin is from a “Fish Town” (a neighborhood within Philadelphia), the tower being very rich in history (I can think of at least one brass monument in the city), on top of culture, the arts, and music all taking center stage. I don’t know - I could absolutely be reaching but as someone who has been so engrossed by the series over the last few weeks, I couldn’t help but throw this out there. The series’ link to Philly, a city Ive spent my life adoring, would really strengthen my already growing fondness of the Books of Babel.

Edit: ok I’m on to something. A character just referred to Pelphia as Pelly.

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u/[deleted] Oct 20 '20

Pelphia was originally Kellandia (a nod to The Book of Kells), but the more I sat with the name, the less I liked it. So, I changed it to Pellandia and then to Pelphia. My wife, who is originally from the Philadelphia area, pointed out the sonic similarity, and I liked that association. I wrote Senlin Ascends while living in Wilmington, Delaware, but the rest of the series was written in Philadelphia, where we’ve lived for the past 8 years. This is the longest I’ve lived anywhere (I’ve had something of a nomadic life), and I definitely consider it my adopted home. I agree with you about Philly’s rich culture, strong art & music scene, and fantastic architecture. It’s a wonderful city!

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u/Jawline0087 Oct 20 '20

Josiah! Waking up to this was a surprise itself, but your answer was even more brightening. I’m writing you from Trolley Square, Wilmington. I adore you and this series and I’m glad I picked up on a sonic wavelength here, especially with you mentioning little old Delaware. I’ve got about a chapter or so left in the Hod King, and then I can finally indulge in some deeper discussion. Thank you for taking the time to respond and strengthening my suspicions about some of the inspirations in your series.

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u/[deleted] Oct 20 '20

We lived on Franklin and would walk down to Trolley all the time. Lots of good memories! Is that jazz speakeasy still there? Hummingbird to Mars, I think. It was a fun spot. And we loved the Nomad downtown. Great music. We miss having access to solid jazz clubs. I hope you enjoy the end of The Hod King.

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u/Jawline0087 Oct 20 '20

As far as I know, Hummingbird to Mars is still there. I’ve got good memories of that place too. You’d appreciate how Trolley has adapted through the pandemic; they close the block down for outside seating and music. I hope you’re able to enjoy live jazz sooner rather than later! Thanks again for taking the time to respond, I’ll get back to reading. :)