Hello everyone!
It is marvellous to be able to discuss my favourite author. For two years now, I have been looking for places to discuss Wolfe. Like others on this list, I have had great difficulty convincing my friends that Wolfe is good, let alone great (although even my mother had to concede his talent after I made her read "Death of the Island Doctor" {Storeys ...}. This short story seemed to be the best for introducing a reader of non-SF literature to Wolfe).
Monsieur Driussi - I have flipped through your magnificent book, and would love to own a copy. However, it costs $80 here in Australia (cf. $35 for your average hardcover).
I have been a silent subscriber to Whorl and Urth for some time, but have been kept too busy in the real world for active participation.
Now, I have two questions regarding some Wolfe short stories.
First - I would like to hear an interpretation of the ending of "Tracking Song" (Island of Dr Death ...). In the final two paragraphs, two people arrive on a giant vehicle. Who are they? I have thought of a partial mundane explanation, but I don't like it.
Second - why does The Doctor of Death Island (also in The Island of Dr Death ...) end so suddenly after the good Dr Margotte arrives (the camera! The camera!)?
I would also love to discuss "The Changeling", but I think I should re-read it a few times before engaging in such a risky operation.
Pangolin
(It's not the Whorl, but nevertheless ...)