Science Fiction author Jack Vance died recently, at the
enviable age of ninety-six. About his
friend, fellow SF luminary Harlan Ellison wrote: “To read Jack Vance was to be
ensorcelled by his voice. He had a
savoir-faire with the English language, and pronounceable words or names of
alien origin that is unique in my long reading of the literature of the fantastic.”
To honor Vance’s contributions to the genre, I reread The
Last Castle. I’ve always respected his
inventiveness, and how his stories drew me into his worlds. Ellison’s appreciation gave me a new lens through
which to view his craft, and within a few pages, Vance demonstrated his signature
wordplay.
A character says, “The dogs have stolen our power-wagons,
otherwise I’d be tempted to ride out and chivy the rascals home with a
whip.” In a footnote, Vance apologizes
for this “approximate translation,” as it “fails to capture the pungency of the
language. Several words have no
contemporary equivalents.” Vance lists
several terms that derive from this future culture, with which he did not wish
to overburden the text. These include
the words skirkling, volith, and raudlebogs.
I won’t rob you the joy of reading Vance’s full explanation
of each word, but I’ll offer some woefully inadequate summations. Skirkling involves a frantic flight. Volith involves toying idly with an idea. Raudlebogs are semi-intelligent beings with
“certain, repulsive habits.” After
explaining the historical and cultural significance of each word, Vance
explains the full import of his character’s declaration: “Were power-wagons at
hand, I’d volith riding forth with a whip to send the raudlebogs skirkling
home.”
In less skillful hands, The Last Castle might leave the
reader depressed by epoch-ending events.
Yet by investing it with an interesting history, a rich culture, diverse
alien races, and yes, moments of humor, he creates a vastly enjoyable and
memorable story. As Ellison suggests,
Vance’s inventive wordplay heightens each of these elements, making the story
even more of a joy to read.
I periodically (and with a heavy heart) peruse my burgeoning
bookshelves with the intention of making room for new books. After rereading The Last Castle, I will not
volith the idea of its skirkling away.
Anyone who disputes its worth shall henceforth be labeled a raudlebog. And yes, that is my solemn declaration.
Dragon Dave
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