A Huge Circle, 4 Elephants, and A Giant Turtle
I've been intrigued about the Discworld series by Terry Prachett for a while now, and the fantasy/satirical world it takes place in. I've read a short story that was in the Legends anthology, and loved it, but haven't gotten around to reading the books yet, probably because there are so many of them in the series.
Anyone read any of these books, what do you think? Any analysis of the Discworld itself?
Carpe Jugulum is probably by favorite Discworld book. I love the Nac Mac Feegle.
There's one hole in every revolution, large or small. And it's one word long.. people. No matter how big the idea they all stand under, people are small and weak and cheap and frightened. It's people that kill every revolution.
Do yourself a big favour and read these books. I've read nearly all of them and loved each one of them. Start at the beginning and work your way through and discover the wonderful characters of Discworld that Terry Pratchett has invented and get to know and love them when you come across them again and again. The satirical wit and humour of Terry Pratchett is second to none and the sheer genius of his writing is incredible. Once you begin your voyage of discovery you won't be able to stop. After reading the first two books I started buying them four at a time so I wouldn't run out of these brilliant stories. With each book I got through I would think that one was his best till I started reading the next one so picking a favorite book or fave character from them is nearly impossible for me. Once you start you be kicking yourself you didn't do it sooner.
On a rather sad note Terry Pratchett is now suffering from a form of Alzheimer's Disease. When I heard about this it brought tears to my eyes. A great and talented mind been destroyed by such a horrible and ruthless disease.
Ohhh boy Spencer, are you in for a treat! The nice thing about the Discworld is that you don't need to read the stories in order. There is a quick synopsis at the back of Mr. Pratchett's work that will fill you in on the basic details, but most of the books can stand alone. I'm terribly fond of Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, Sam Vimes and, of course, the Librarian... Who you should never, ever call a monkey. Oook!
Sadly, I heard over on the SKMB that Sai Pratchett has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease... And he isn't even sixty yet.
Whoops! I see Blackrose already beat me to the sad news.
Spence, I'm not sure why I've not even heard of these
books before, honest I do leave the hospital from time to time.
I only have to read such glowing reports from you tho' dear and
I'm already planning a trip to the local book store to find some
Would the book shown be the first to read? I've been on the
hunt for something new and different, and a series is just the
thing. Of course I am saddened to hear of Mr Pratchett's
illness. Thats such a devastating diseasesad.
The answer is within
all matter is energy, all energy is GOD
The Light Fantastic is the first book he wrote in the series, if I remember correctly.
There's one hole in every revolution, large or small. And it's one word long.. people. No matter how big the idea they all stand under, people are small and weak and cheap and frightened. It's people that kill every revolution.
*jots down title* Thanks !
The answer is within
I was rereading a description of the Discworld the other day and it struck me how the great A'Tuin - the turtle on who's back the Discworld travels - seemed analogous to Maturin from The Dark Tower cycle. "See the turtle of enormous girth..." I seem to remember that there was a Beam of the Elephant, too. Or am I just reading to much into this?Originally Posted by Spencer
I've been intrigued about the Discworld series by Terry Prachett for a while now, and the fantasy/satirical world it takes place in. I've read a short story that was in the Legends anthology, and loved it, but haven't gotten around to reading the books yet, probably because there are so many of them in the series.
Anyone read any of these books, what do you think? Any analysis of the Discworld itself?
I dont think so, I saw the same thing myself...
actually several cultures have tales of the
world being on a turtles back. It does indeed
have much in common with TDT in my eyes.
Any other simalarities in the stories?
The answer is within
The idea of the turtle and the elephants is not a new one by any means. See here: turtle mythology
you're solid gold // i'll see you in hell
Yep, there are some there I hadnt known about.
Veeeery interesting
The answer is within
Yeah, there were new ones for me too. Perty durn cool.
you're solid gold // i'll see you in hell
Well, one of the books is called Small Gods... It's about a turtle who learns to fly... Sort of.
uh huh, care to elaborate?
The answer is within
Well.... Many of Sai Pratchett's stories are thinly veiled satire of contemporary events. I suspect that Small Gods was a bit of a swipe at organized religion. On the Discworld, the size and power of a god are determined by the size and belief of their followers. A huge and powerful god is reduced to a barely-able-to-fly little turtle with only one simple minded follower. Seems the god's priests had come to worship the church more than him. Sounds preachy but is extremely funny.
I've heard nothing but good things about Discworld for yeeeears, but I never remember to pick one up and give it a go. Maybe now I will.
you're solid gold // i'll see you in hell
Ahh I see, plenty of fodder in organized religion. I believe I will
diligently seek out these Discworld books as well.
The answer is within
The Colour of Magic is actually the first Discworld book
I had not heard that news about Terry Pratchett. Thats geniunely sad.
I've been reading these books for awhile now. Discworld series are hilarious, just make sure not do drink anything hot while you're reading them; that can be dangerous.
My favorite one so far is Sorcery and Going Postal. You don't really have to read them in order to catch on. I love Rincewind and Death.
There is nothing Prachett won't satirize.
Good Omens that he co-wrote with Neil Gaiman, is also one I'd highly recommend
He has also written some really funny stories that you'll only find in the tween section of your local Barnes and Noble. They're called; The Wee Free Blue Men, A Hat Full of Sky (both have ties to the Discworld), and Maurice and His Amazing Trained Rats... A rather interesting version of the Pied Piper of Hamlin story.
Theres also a third book in the Tiffany Aching series called The Wintersmith, which is fantastic
Thank you Darkthoughts... I'd forgotten that one.
No worriesTheres a few more kids ones too - Johnny and the Bomb, The Carpet People, Truckers...there might be more...?
Hadn't heard about The Carpet People. Truckers is the first in a series called The Bromeliad Trilogy. Johnny and the Bomb is the last in his Johnny Maxwell Trilogy... Only You Can Save Mankind is one of my twelve year old's favorites.
And I'm sure you're right... There are probably a few more we're missing. Sai Pratchett is almost as prolific as Sai King, huh?
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