Why did author William Faulkner change the spelling of his name?

By Cecil Adams

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Dear Cecil: My brand new Encyclopedia Britannica says that William Faulkner’s name was originally spelled “Falkner,” without the “u.” But it doesn’t say why he changed it. How about some Straight Dope? Karen T., Chicago

Cecil replies:

He didn’t change it–the printer who set up his first book did, by mistake, and Faulkner decided to live with the new spelling rather than hassle to correct the error. He’s lucky his name wasn’t Friar Tuck.

Cecil Adams

Send questions to Cecil via cecil@straightdope.com.