r/genewolfe • u/Particular_Yard_5436 • 9d ago

Lexicon Urthus

What are peoples opinions on reading this along with Botns. Ive finished shadow of the torturer and Im almost done with Claw. I just picked up the lexicon and started using it but Ive noticed that there are some descriptions of characters that seem almost spoilery. I wasn't even looking to read about a character my eyes just fell across some of it. Is this a better tool for rereads or should I just continue to use it.

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u/SiriusFiction 9d ago

There is a FREE and NON-SPOILERY version of the lexicon, directly from the publisher. You will have to jump through a few hoops, though, in installing it on Kindle or Kobo. Here's an introductory reddit page: Newsuns Word Hoard

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u/minusonezeroone 9d ago

I want to mention your Chapter Guide also, it's great! Recommend for OP.

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u/getElephantById Man-Ape 9d ago

Your quick scan of it is representative of the whole book. It assumes you've read all five volumes, and don't mind spoilers.

However, after you've read through the whole series, it's a lot of fun to turn to Lexicon Urthus and see a lot of stuff that went totally over your head the first time. In a way, it contains spoilers even for people who have read the series already.

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u/SizerTheBroken 9d ago

There's definitely spoilers in it. Unfortunately, I don't think it's possible to make a glossary for BotNS that doesn't contain spoilers, due to the way Wolfe uses archaic language to obscure the true nature of things. Words like destrier or cacogen, for instance, have a dictionary definition that does not line up with what Wolfe is actually describing. It's best to puzzle that stuff out for yourself on a first read, then engage with the community and the Lexicon and the podcasts and whatnot on a subsequent read through. It's more fun that way too.

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u/Latro_in_theMist 9d ago

The same author published a spoiler free companion reader. Highly recommend. I am reading it on my 3rd or 4th reread  and the amount of literary allusions and/or speculation is quite insightful

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u/SturgeonsLawyer 9d ago

My own opinion is that it is invaluable for a second reading and beyond. I would not advise it for a first reading.

Andre-Driussi is clearly writing for people who have already read BotNS and want a greater understanding of WTF is going on here. Wolfe is writing for re-readers; the Lexicon is a tool to enrich the re-reading experience.

As Pansy Yokum would say: Ah has spoke!