(by 10 people)
Introducing Terry Pratchett
Terry Pratchett has crafted an amazing and bizarre universe. Discworld he calls it. It's certainly not from any plane of existence I've ever visited. It's Tolkiens Middle Earth meets a world of sarcastic wit.
For the uninitiated it can be a daunting task to immerse yourself the first time into Pratchett's vivid imagination. After reading most, though not all of his Discworld series of novels I would suggest one of the most recent as an excellent starting point: Going Postal.
As well as a rollicking good romp, sharp and whimsical wit, you follow the misadventure of the unfortunately named Moist Von Lipwig. A con artist on death row offered a chance for redemption he is given the task of resurrecting the Postal Service. His journey sees him pitted against the technologically cutting edge Clacks. Towers which send messages via a semiphore system. Keep in mind Discworld is set in a land of wizards, trolls, dwarves, and sword carrying men. The most advanced weapon being the automatic crossbow. So the Clacks is to the citizens of Ankh-Morpork what the internet is to us mere mortals. During this adventure Moist also is credited with inventing the Postage Stamp.
Dive in and enjoy the controlled insanity... The beauty of a Pratchett novel is you don't need to read them chronologically in order of when they were published. Familiar characters weave in and out of the various stories, but each is a complete story arc unto themselves.
Vote for your favorite Discworld novel
Or add one...
The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett
The first Tiffany Aching book - utterly brilliant! more...2 points
A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett
The second Tiffany Aching book. Just as good as th more...2 points
The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett
The first Tiffany Aching book. Utterly brilliant. more...1 point
A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett
The second Tiffany Aching book. Just as good as th more...1 point
Pratchett Facts
Terence David John Pratchett OBE, (born 28 April 1948, in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England). He is an English fantasy author, best known for his Discworld series. As of February 2007 he had sold approximately 50 million books worldwide. Source A Taste of Pratchett
Submit your favourite Pratchett Discworld quotes
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Nobby was human, just like many other officers. It was just that he was the only one who had to carry a certificate to prove it.
Excerpt from "Thud!"1 point
I've only taken a pledge not to drink human blood. It doesn't mean I can't kick you in the fork so hard you suddenly go deaf.
Excerpt from "Monstrous Regiment"1 point
Food hygiene here consisted of making a half-hearted effort not to gob in the stew.
Excerpt from "Monstrous Regiment"1 point
What kind of man would put a known criminal in charge of a major branch of government? Apart from, say, the average voter.
Excerpt from "Going Postal"1 point
Ninety per cent of most magic merely consists of knowing one extra fact.
Excerpt from "Night Watch"1 point
He nodded to the troll which was employed by the Drum as a splatter [Footnote: Like a bouncer, but trolls use more force].
Excerpt from "Guards! Guards!"1 point
Genius is always allowed some leeway, once the hammer has been pried from its hands and the blood has been cleaned up.
Excerpt from "Thief of Time"0 points
Vimes itched to arrest him. Technically, he was doing nothing wrong, but that was no barrier to a copper who knew his business.
Excerpt from "Thud!"0 points
There is a saying "You can't fool an honest man" which is much quoted by people who make a profitable living by fooling honest men.
Excerpt from "Going Postal"0 points
He decided that the role of keen but bewildered manager was the one to play here. Besides, apart from the "keen" aspect it didn't need any effort.
Excerpt from "Going Postal"0 points
Doesn't this place give you the creeps? You could perhaps do something with some floral wallpaper and a fire-bomb.
Excerpt from "Going Postal"0 points
Admittedly, it would be Detritus doing the shooting, and while with that bow it was technically possible to shoot to wound, the people you were wounding would probably be in the building next door.
Excerpt from "Night Watch"0 points
"Dwarfs and trolls get along like a house on fire," said Nobby. "Ever been in a burning house, miss?".
Excerpt from "Men-At-Arms"0 points
They put stickers on the back of their carts saying "Ankh-Morpork -- Loathe It or Leave It."
Excerpt from "Moving Pictures"0 points
The fight was one of those enjoyable dwarfish fights with about a hundred participants and one hundred and fifty alliances.
Excerpt from "Guards! Guards!"0 points
Are you a fan of Pratchett?
Add your voice here and express your appreciation.
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Alex_Webster
Absolutely I am a Pratchett fan. His work is what has inspired mine :-) Posted September 26, 2007 |
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rms
I love the disc world! Great lens! Posted August 24, 2007 |
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SARASOTASWEETIE
Great lens. 5 stars! Posted July 27, 2007 |
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Arizona-Snow
Pratchett is cool. But i'm getting behind with his books now. Posted June 04, 2007 |
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daoine
Love the Pratch! Posted May 29, 2007 |
