Posted by D. G. Wilson on December 20, 1998 at 08:09:49:
In Reply to: Shocking language in Ports of Call! posted by Philip Bell on December 19, 1998 at 15:09:07:
: Well, not really, but I was a bit surprised to see the use of the word "arse" in a Jack Vance novel. I can't recall him using even mild swear words in any other book as he tends to use rather more ornate descriptions, and like Asimov, never ventures into the bedroom with his characters. Anyone care to comment, or correct me?
: Philip
Coarse expressions are not very rare in Vance. With respect to "arse" I recall the following.
In "Showboat World" the epithet "devil's arse-wipe" is applied (I think) to Apollon Zamp.
In "Book of Dreams" a schoolmate has instructed young Howard Alan Treesong to "kiss his arse" (of course the adult Howard is a major criminal with a long memory, so the schoolmate may regret his poor word choice).