Most Popular Books by Terry Pratchett

Terry Pratchett''s profoundly irreverent novels are consistent number one bestsellers in England, where they have garnered him a revered position in the halls of parody next to Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams, and Carl Hiaasen. The Color of Magic is Terry Pratchett''s maiden voyage through the now-legendary land of Discworld. This is where it all begins--with the tourist Twoflower and his wizard guide, Rincewind.

War has come to Discworld . . . again. And, to no one''s great surprise, the conflict centers on the small, insufferably arrogant, strictly fundamentalist duchy of Borogravia, which has long prided itself on it''s ability to beat up on its neighbors for even the tiniest imagined slight. This time, however, it''s Borogravia that''s getting its long overdue comeuppance, which has left the country severely drained of young men. Ever since her brother Paul marched off to battle a year ago, Polly Perks has been running The Duchess,her family''s inn -- even though the revered national deity Nuggan has decreed that female ownership of a business is an Abomination (with, among others, oysters, rocks, and the color blue). To keep The Duchess in the family, Polly must find her missing sibling. So she cuts off her hair, dons masculine garb, and sets out to join him in this man''s army. Despite her rapid mastery of belching, scratching, and other macho habits (and aided by a well-placed pair of socks), Polly is afraid that someone will immediately see through her disguise; a fear that proves groundless when the recruiting officer, the legendary and seemingly ageless Sergeant Jackrum, accepts her without question. Or perhaps the sergeant is simply too desperate for fresh cannon fodder to discriminate -- which would explain why a vampire, a troll, a zombie, a religious fanatic, and two uncommonly close "friends" are also eagerly welcomed into the fighting fold. But marching off with little (read: no) training, Polly (now called "Oliver") finds herself wondering about the myriad peculiarities of her new brothers-in-arms. It would appear that Polly "Ozzer" Perks is not the only grunt with a secret. There is no time to dwell on such matters, however.Duty calls. The battlefield beckons. There''s a tide to be turned. And sometimes -- in war as in everything else -- the best man for the job is a woman.

“Pratchett’s humor is international, satirical, devious, knowing, irreverent, unsparing, and above all, funny.” —Kirkus Reviews Determined to create a wish granting demon, an inept young demonologist instead conjures the Discworld’s most incompetent wizard in this devilishly humorous adventure in Sir Terry Pratchett’s internationally bestselling fantasy series. Discworld’s only demonology hacker, Eric, is about to make life very difficult for the rest of Ankh-Morpork’s denizens. This would-be Faust is very bad . . . at his work, that is. All he wants is to fulfill three little wishes: to live forever, to be master of the universe, and to have the woman of his dreams fall for him. But Eric’s desires are much greater than his talents. Instead of a powerful demon, he summons the infamous Rincewind, a wizard whose incompetence is rivaled only by Eric’s. As if that wasn’t bad enough, that lovable sharp-toothed travel accessory the Luggage has arrived, too. With friends like these, there’s only one thing Eric wishes for now—that he''d never been born. The Discworld novels can be read in any order but Eric is the fourth book in Wizards series. The full collection includes: The Color of Magic The Light Fantastic Sourcery Eric Interesting Times The Last Continent Unseen Academicals

Terry Pratchett''s profoundly irreverent novels, consistent number one bestsellers in England, have garnered him a revered position in the halls of parody along with Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams, and Carl Hiaasen. In Equal Rites, a dying wizard tries to pass on his powers to an eighth son of an eighth son, who is just at that moment being born. The fact that the son is actually a daughter is discovered just a little too late...

A collection of short fiction from Terry Pratchett, spanning the whole of his writing career from schooldays to Discworld and the present day. In the four decades since his first book appeared in print, Terry Pratchett has become one of the world''s best-selling and best-loved authors. Here for the first time are his short stories and other short-form fiction collected into one volume. A Blink of the Screen charts the course of Pratchett''s long writing career: from his schooldays through to his first writing job on the Bucks Free Press, and the origins of his debut novel, The Carpet People; and on again to the dizzy mastery of the phenomenally successful Discworld series. Here are characters both familiar and yet to be discovered; abandoned worlds and others still expanding; adventure, chickens, death, disco and, actually, some quite disturbing ideas about Christmas, all of it shot through with Terry''s inimitable brand of humour. With an introduction by Booker Prize-winning author A.S. Byatt, illustrations by the late Josh Kirby and drawings by the author himself, this is a book to treasure.

"Exceptionally amusing and enjoyable." —Michael Moorcock ''Twas the night before Hogswatch and all through the house . . . something was missing. Don''t miss this hilarious and irreverent installment in the beloved Discworld series from New York Times bestselling author Sir Terry Pratchett. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, Hogswatchnight, when the Hogfather himself dons his red suit and climbs in his sleigh pulled by—of course—eight hogs, to shower gifts across Discworld. But when the fat man goes missing, someone has to sit in. It’s up to Death to take up the reigns—otherwise the sun won’t shine tomorrow . . . or ever again. Who would want to harm Discworld''s most beloved icon? Very few things are held sacred in this twisted, corrupt, heartless—and oddly familiar—universe, but the Hogfather is one of them. Yet here it is, Hogswatchnight, that most joyous and acquisitive of times, and the jolly, old, red-suited gift-giver has vanished without a trace. And there''s something shady going on involving an uncommonly psychotic member of the Assassins'' Guild and certain representatives of Ankh-Morpork''s rather extensive criminal element. Suddenly Discworld''s entire myth system is unraveling at an alarming rate. Drastic measures must be taken, which is why Death himself is taking up the reins of the fat man''s vacated sleigh . . . which, in turn, has Death''s level-headed granddaughter, Susan, racing to unravel the nasty, humbuggian mess before the holiday season goes straight to hell and takes everyone along with it. The Discworld novels can be read in any order, but Hogfather is the fourth book in the Death series. The collection includes: Mort The Reaper Man Soul Music Hogfather Thief of Time

"If you read just one of Pratchett’s books, you’ll want to read everything he wrote. That now includes A Stroke of the Pen.” — Washington Post A delightfully funny, fantastically inventive collection of twenty newly unearthed short stories by Sir Terry Pratchett, the award-winning and bestselling author of the phenomenally successful Discworld fantasy series. This special trove—featuring charming woodcut illustrations—is a must-have for Pratchett fans of all ages. These rediscovered tales were written by Terry Pratchett under a pseudonym for British newspapers during the 1970s and 1980s. The stories have never been attributed to him until now, and might never have been found—were it not for the efforts of a few dedicated fans. Though none of the short works are set in the Discworld, all are infused with Pratchett''s trademark wit, satirical wisdom, and brilliant imagination, hinting at the magical universe he would go on to create. Meet Og the inventor, the first caveman to cultivate fire, as he discovers the highs and lows of progress; haunt the Ministry of Nuisances with the defiant evicted ghosts of Pilgarlic Towers; visit Blackbury, a small market town with weird weather and an otherworldly visitor; and embark on a dangerous quest through time and space with hero Kron, which begins in the ancient city of Morpork . . . Irresistibly entertaining, A Stroke of the Pen is an essential collection from the great Sir Terry Pratchett, a “master storyteller” (A. S. Byatt) who “defies categorization” (The Times); a writer whose “novels have always been among the most serious of comedies, the most relevant and real of fantasies” (Independent UK).

In the beginning, there was nothing but endless flatness. Then came the Carpet . . . That''s the old story everyone knows and loves. But now the Carpet is home to many different tribes and peoples and there''s a new story in the making. The story of Fray, sweeping a trail of destruction across the Carpet. The story of power-hungry mouls - and of two Munrung brothers, who set out on an amazing adventure. It''s a story that will come to a terrible end - if someone doesn''t do something about it. If everyone doesn''t do something about it . . . Co-written by Terry Pratchett, aged seventeen, and master storyteller, Terry Pratchett, aged forty-three.

"Engaging, surreal satire. . . nothing short of magical." —Chicago Tribune The eleventh installment in the Discworld fantasy series from New York Times bestselling author Terry Pratchett — in which Death has been fired by the Auditors of Reality, and Ankh-Morpork''s undead and underemployed set off to find him. They say there are only two things you can count on. But that was before Death started pondering the existential. Of course, the last thing anyone needs is a squeamish Grim Reaper and soon his Discworld bosses have sent him off with best wishes and a well-earned gold watch. Now Death is having the time of his life, finding greener pastures where he can put his scythe to a whole new use. But like every cutback in an important public service, Death''s demise soon leads to chaos and unrest—literally, for those whose time was supposed to be up, like Windle Poons. The oldest geezer in the entire faculty of Unseen University—home of magic, wizardry, and big dinners—Windle was looking forward to a wonderful afterlife, not this boring been-there-done-that routine. To get the fresh start he deserves, Windle and the rest of Ankh-Morpork''s undead and underemployed set off to find Death and save the world for the living(and everybody else, of course). The Discworld novels can be read in any order, but Reaper Man is the second book in the Death series. The Death collection includes: Mort The Reaper Man Soul Music Hogfather Thief of Time

New York Times bestselling author Terry Pratchett makes Death a central character in Mort, a fabulous installment in Discworld, the fantasy cosmos where even the angel of darkness needs some assistance. Death comes to everyone eventually on Discworld. And now he''s come to Mort with an offer the young man can''t refuse. (No, literally, can''t refuse since being dead isn''t exactly compulsory.) Actually, it''s a pretty good deal. As Death''s apprentice, Mort will have free board and lodging. He''ll get use of the company horse. And he won''t have to take any time off for family funerals. But despite the obvious perks, young Mort is about to discover that there is a serious downside to working for the Reaper Man . . . because this perfect job can be a killer on one''s love life. Terry Pratchett''s profoundly irreverent, bestselling novels have garnered him a revered position in the halls of parody next to the likes of Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams, and Carl Hiaasen.

"Pratchett''s The Truth will set you free—and laughing. . . . If ''Dr. Who'' had been conceived, written and performed by Monty Python''s Flying Circus, the result might be something like Discworld . . . . [The Truth] sets its sights on an enduring institution, the news media, and skewers it." — CNN Ankh-Morpork gets its first newspaper, unleashing a war of words and a battle for the truth in this in this funny, wise, and prescient novel in Sir Terry Pratchett’s internationally bestselling Discworld series. The Discworld has seen just about everything. Then comes the Ankh-Morpork Times, its first paper of record, edited by struggling scribe William de Worde, and staffed by a band of axe-wielding dwarfs and a recovering vampire with a life-threatening passion for flash photography. Reporting the news is a risky business. An ethical journalist, de Worde has a nasty habit of investigating stories that quickly create powerful enemies eager to stop his presses. And what better way than to start the Inquirer, a titillating tabloid that conveniently interchanges what’s real for what sells. When de Worde gets a tip on a hot story concerning Ankh-Morpork’s leading patrician, Lord Vetinari, all hell breaks loose, leaving the city without a leader. The facts say Lord Vetinari is guilty. But as William de Worde learns, facts don’t always tell the whole story. There’s that pesky little thing called . . . the truth. The Discworld novels can be read in any order but The Truth is a standalone.

“Delightful. . . logically illogical as only Terry Pratchett can write.”—Anne McCaffrey Will the most unlikely hero in all of Discworld save the universe once again . . . or has his luck finally run out in this wildly funny installment in Sir Terry Pratchett’s internationally bestselling series, a hilarious mix of magic, mayhem, and Luggage. Once upon a time, there was an eighth son of an eighth son who was, of course, a wizard. As if that wasn’t complicated enough, said wizard then had seven sons. And then he had an eighth son—a wizard squared (that’s all the math, really)—who, of course, was a source of magic, a sourcerer. Unseen University, the most magical establishment on the Discworld, has finally got its wish: the emergence of a wizard more powerful than they’ve ever seen. But be careful what you wish for . . . As the drastic consequences of sourcery begin to unfold, it’s up to one unlikely wizard to save them. Rincewind has survived a string of misadventures, including falling off the edge of the world—which is no mean feat when it’s flying through space on the back of a turtle and held up by four elephants. Now, he must take the University’s most precious artifact, the very embodiment of magic itself, and deliver it halfway across the Disc to prevent a mathematically blessed sourcerer from leading the wizards to dominate all of Discworld. Can Rincewind and his tiny band, including the carnivorous Luggage, stave off the Apocalypse? The Discworld novels can be read in any order, but Sourcery is the 3rd installment in the Wizards series and the 5th Discworld book. The other books in the Wizards collection include: The Color of Magic The Light Fantastic Eric Interesting Times The Last Continent Unseen Academicals

"Pratchett''s Discworld yarns . . . are comic masterpieces. This one, unfailingly amusing and sometimes hysterically funny, is recommended for anyone with the slightest trace of a sense of humor." — Kirkus Reviews The sixteenth novel in the Discworld series from New York Times bestselling author Terry Pratchett — in which Death''s granddaughter Susan must take over the family business. When her dear old Granddad— the Grim Reaper himself—goes missing, Susan takes over the family business. The progeny of Death''s adopted daughter and his apprentice, she shows real talent for the trade. That is, until a little string in her heart goes "twang." With a head full of dreams and a pocketful of lint, Imp the Bard lands in Ankh-Morpork, yearning to become a rock star. Determined to devote his life to music, the unlucky fellow soon finds that all his dreams are coming true. Well almost. The Discworld novels can be read in any order, but Soul Music is the third book in the Death series and the sixteenth book in the Discworld series. The Death collection includes: Mort The Reaper Man Soul Music Hogfather Thief of Time

Featuring full-color art, special foldouts, and all-new material by the author, this lavish gift edition is a must-have for all fans of Pratchett and the Wee Free Men.

Someone is killing Lord Vetinari, Patrician of Ankh- Morpork. No one knows who, no one knows why and, worst of all, no one knows how he just gets weaker and weaker. But its not just Vetinari across the city, people are being murdered, but theres no trace of anything alive having been at the crime scene. Commander Vimes, Head of the City Watch, is a man who hates clues. He and his team must question everyone the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker. In a city teeming with vampires, werewolves, dwarfs with attitude and golems, Vimes must solve the crimes and save the Patrician. As all children know, the way you get into a fantasy world is by accident... You go into the wardrobe, looking for somewhere to hide and bingo. And thats how Stephen Briggs found Discworld. In 1990, he wrote to ask Terry if he could stage Wyrd Sisters. That was the first time anyone, anywhere in the world, had dramatised Terrys work. He had no idea it would go any further than one play (possibly two). But it did. So far, he has now adapted, staged and published twenty-two plays. He and Terry also worked together to produce the original Discworld Maps and Diaries, Nanny Ogg''s Cookbook, The Discworld Companion (now called Turtle RecallThe Wit & Wisdom of Discworld.

"If you are unfamiliar with Pratchett’s unique blend of philosophical badinage interspersed with slapstick, you are on the threshold of a mind-expanding opportunity.” —Financial Times Chaos ensues when Discworld’s deliciously hapless wizard Rincewind goes walking about in the Down Under in this wonderfully witty satire from legendary internationally bestselling author Sir Terry Pratchett. There’s big trouble at the Unseen University, Ankh-Morpork’s prestigious and only institute of higher learning. A professor is missing—and the one person who can find him is not only the most bumbling magician the school ever produced, he’s currently stranded in Fourecks, Discworld’s last (and unfinished) continent. The down-under is hot (so hot) and it’s dry (so dry)—though it’s rumored there was once this thing called The Wet, but no one believes that. Practically everything here that’s not poisonous is venomous. Discworld’s most inept wizard and his companion, Luggage, are eager to get home—but first Rincewind has to survive a pushy mystical kangaroo trickster named Scrappy and a mob of Fourecks hooligans determined to hang him. All his problems would be solved if he could just make it rain . . . for (maybe) the first time ever. And if the time-traveling professors from UU working on rescuing him can get to the right millennium . . . The Discworld books can be read in any order, but The Last Continent is the sixth book in the Wizards collection (and the 22nd Discworld book). The other books in the Wizards collection include: The Color of Magic The Light Fantastic Sourcery Eric Interesting Times Unseen Academicals

Discworld goes to war! Somewhere in the Circle Sea between Ankh-Morpork and Al-Khali, the Lost Kingdom of Leshp has emerged after hundreds of years beneath the waves. And so with no ships, no army and no money, Ankh-Morpork goes to war against the Klatchian army claiming the rock as their own. Undaunted by the prospect of being tortured to death by vastly superior numbers of enemy troops, a small band of intrepid men and a very thick troll set out under the command of Sir Samuel Vimes of the City Watch. If they can survive long enough, maybe they can arrest an entire army for breach of the peace...

A new stage adaptation of one of Pratchett''s best-selling novels Set in Ankh-Morpork one of the most thoroughly imagined cities in fantasy, Night Watch is the story of Sam Vimes, running hero of the Guards sequence, who finds himself cast back in time to the Ankh-Morpork of his youth. With a psychopath from his own time rising in the vile ranks of the Cable Street Unmentionables complicating things, Vimes has to ensure that history takes its course so that he will have the right future to go back to, and to keep his younger self alive."One of the funniest English authors alive" (Independent)

He''s been a legend in his own lifetime. He can remember when a hero didn''t have to worry about fences and lawyers and civilisation, and when people didn''t tell you off for killing dragons. But he can''t always remember, these days, where he put his teeth . . . So now, with his ancient sword and his new walking stick and his old friends -- and they''re very old friends -- Cohen the Barbarian is going on one final quest. He''s going to climb the highest mountain in the Discworld and meet his gods. The last hero in the world is going to return what the first hero stole. With a vengeance. That''ll mean the end of the world, if no one stops him in time.

It isn''t easy being a teenage pharaoh, having to deal with assassins, sphinxes, mad high priests, gods, sacred crocodiles and marching mummies. And all you really want is the chance to do something for young people and the inner cities.

Death comes to us all. When he came to Mort, he offered him a job. But when Mort is left in charge for an evening, he allows his heart to rule his head and soon the whole of causality and the future of the Discworld itself, are at risk. Along the way, Mort encounters not only Death''s adopted daughter, Ysabell - who has been 16 for 35 years - and his mysterious manservant Albert - whose cooking can harden an artery at ten paces - but also an incompetent wizard with a talking doorknocker and a beautiful, but rather bad-tempered and dead, princess. He also, of course, meets Death. On Terry Pratchett''s Discworld, Death really is a 7 foot skeleton in a black hooded robe and wielding a scythe. He is also fond of cats, enjoys a good curry, and rides around the skies on a magnificent white horse called Binky.

"A master storyteller." — A. S. Byatt The nineteenth installment in Sir Terry Pratchett''s beloved Discworld series — which has sold more than 23 million copies worldwide. There’s a kind of magic in masks. Masks conceal one face, but they reveal another. The one that only comes out in darkness . . . The Ghost in the bone-white mask who haunts the Ankh-Morpork Opera House was always considered a benign presence—some would even say lucky—until he started killing people. The sudden rash of bizarre backstage deaths now threatens to mar the operatic debut of country girl Perdita X. (nee Agnes) Nitt, she of the ample body and ampler voice. Perdita''s expected to hide in the chorus and sing arias out loud while a more petitely presentable soprano mouths the notes. But at least it''s an escape from scheming Nanny Ogg and old Granny Weatherwax back home, who want her to join their witchy ranks. Once Granny sets her mind on something, however, it''s difficult—and often hazardous—to dissuade her. And no opera-prowling phantom fiend is going to keep a pair of determined hags down on the farm after they''ve seen Ankh-Morpork. The Discworld novels can be read in any order but Maskerade is the fifth book in the Witches series.

When Tiffany Aching sets out to become a witch, she faces ominous foes and gains unexpected allies. As she confronts the Queen of Fairies and battles an ancient, bodiless evil, she is aided (and most ably abetted) by the six-inch-high, fightin'', stealin'', drinkin'' Wee Free Men! Laugh-out-loud humor and breathtaking action combine in the books that launched the unforgettable adventures of a determined young witch and her tiny but fierce blue friends.

The Heroine: Tiffany Aching, incipient witch and cheese maker extraordinaire. Once saved world from Queen of the Elves. Is about to discover that battling evil monarchs is child''s play compared to mortal combat with a Hiver (see below). At eleven years old, is boldest heroine ever to have confronted the Forces of Darkness while armed with a frying pan. The Threat: A Hiver, insidious disembodied presence drawn to powerful magic. highly dangerous, frequently lethal. Cannot be stopped with iron or fire. Its target: Tiffany Aching (see above). The Nac Mac Feegle: A.k.a. the Wee Free Men. Height: six inches. Color: blue. Famed for drinking, stealing, and fighting. Will attack anything larger than themselves. Members include: Rob Anybody, Daft Wullie, and Awfully Wee Billy Bigchin. Allies to Tiffany Aching (see above). The Book: Hilarious, breathtaking, spine-tingling sequel to the acclaimed Wee Free Men. The Author: Terry Pratchett, celebrated creator of the internationally best-selling Discworld series. Carnegie Medalist and writer extraordinaire.

"Unadulterated fun . . . witty, frequently hilarious. . . Pratchett parodies everything in sight." —San Francisco Chronicle From bestselling author Sir Terry Pratchett, the world’s foremost practitioner of satire and send-up, this delightful installment in the Discworld series finds Granny Weatherwax and her tiny coven of witches faced with their biggest challenge yet as an invasion of elves threatens to disrupt Lancres'' dreamy Midsummer Night — and throw their world into chaos. It''s a dreamy Midsummer Night in the Kingdom of Lancre, and music and romance fill the air. But on this night, dreams are especially powerful — strong enough to pull down the wall between realities. Magic and mischief are afoot, threatening to spoil the royal wedding of King Verence and his favorite witch, Magrat Garlick. The witches return home to discover that elves have invaded Lancre, particularly nasty creatures. Soon it won''t be only champagne that''s flowing through the streets . . . The Discworld novels can be read in any order, but Lords and Ladies is the fourth book in the Witches series. The Witches collection includes: Equal Rites Wyrd Sisters Witches Abroad Lords and Ladies Maskerade Carpe Jugulum

In a world whose seasons are defined by Christmas sales and Spring Fashions, hundreds of tiny nomes live in the corners and crannies of a human-run department store. They have made their homes beneath the floorboards for generations and no longer remember—or even believe in—life beyond the Store walls. Until the day a small band of nomes arrives at the Store from the Outside. Led by a young nome named Masklin, the Outsiders carry a mysterious black box (called the Thing), and they deliver devastating news: In twenty-one days, the Store will be destroyed. Now all the nomes must learn to work together, and they must learn to think—and to think BIG. Part satire, part parable, and part adventure story par excellence, master storyteller Terry Pratchett''s second title in the engaging Bromeliad trilogy traces the nomes'' flight and search for safety, a search that leads them to discover their own astonishing origins and takes them beyond their wildest dreams.

“Patchett demonstrates just how great the distance is between one- and two-joke writers and the comic masters whose work will be read into the next century.” —Locus Magic, mayhem, and a marauding dragon combine for extraordinary fun in this cheeky Discworld novel from New York Times bestselling author Terry Pratchett. Insurrection is in the air in the city of Ankh-Morpork. The Haves and Have-Nots are about to face off. Again. It’s old news to Captain Sam Vimes of the city’s ramshackle Night Watch. But this time, something is different—the Have-Nots have found the key to a dormant, lethal weapon that even they can’t fully control, and they’re about to unleash a campaign of terror on the city. Long believed extinct, a draco nobilis can now be seen patrolling the skies above Discworld''s greatest city. Not only does this unwelcome visitor have a nasty habit of charbroiling everything in its path, but it’s also soon crowned King. Can Vimes, Captain Carrot, and the rest of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch restore order (before it''s burned to a crisp)? The Discworld novels can be read in any order but Guards! Guards! is the 1st book in the City Watch collection and the 8th Discworld book. The City Watch collection in order: Guards! Guards! Men at Arms Feet of Clay Jingo The Fifth Element Night Watch Thud! Snuff

NAMED AS ONE OF THE BBC''S 100 MOST INSPIRING NOVELS ''It was octarine, the colour of magic. It was alive and glowing and vibrant and it was the undisputed pigment of the imagination . . .'' Somewhere between thought and reality exists the Discworld, a magical world not totally unlike our own. Except for the fact that it travels through space on the shoulders of four giant elephants who in turn stand on the shell of an astronomically huge star turtle, of course. Rincewind is the world''s worst wizard who has just been handed a very important job: to look after the world''s first tourist, upon whose survival rests the peace and prosperity of the land. Unfortunately, their journey across the Disc includes facing robbers, monsters, mercenaries, and Death himself. And the whole thing''s just a game of the gods that might send them over the edge . . . ''If you''ve never read a Discworld novel, what''s the matter with you?'' Guardian ''Pratchett uses his other world to hold up a distorting mirror to our own'' The Times The Colour of Magic is the first book in the Wizards series, but you can read the Discworld novels in any order.

Terry Pratchett''s profoundly irreverent novels are consistent number one bestsellers in England, where they have garnered him a revered position in the halls of parody next to Mark Twain, Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams, and Carl Hiaasen. In The Light Fantastic only one individual can save the world from a disastrous collision. Unfortunately, the hero happens to be the singularly inept wizard Rincewind, who was last seen falling off the edge of the world...

‘I’ll be more enthusiastic about encouraging thinking outside the box when there’s evidence of any thinking going on inside it.’ The most quotable writer of our time, Terry Pratchett’s unique brand of wit made him both a bestseller and an enduring, endearing source of modern wisdom. This collection is filled with his funniest and most memorable words about life, the universe and snoring.

A collection of essays and other non fiction from Terry Pratchett, spanning the whole of his writing career from his early years to the present day. Terry Pratchett has earned a place in the hearts of readers the world over with his bestselling Discworld series -- but in recent years he has become equally well-known and respected as an outspoken campaigner for causes including Alzheimer''s research and animal rights. A Slip of the Keyboard brings together for the first time the finest examples of Pratchett''s non fiction writing, both serious and surreal: from musings on mushrooms to what it means to be a writer (and why banana daiquiris are so important); from memories of Granny Pratchett to speculation about Gandalf''s love life, and passionate defences of the causes dear to him. With all the humour and humanity that have made his novels so enduringly popular, this collection brings Pratchett out from behind the scenes of the Discworld to speak for himself -- man and boy, bibliophile and computer geek, champion of hats, orangutans and Dignity in Dying. Snuff was the bestselling adult hardcover novel of 2011. A Blink of the Screen, Terry''s short fiction collection, was also one of the bestselling hardcovers of 2012.

“Pratchett cheerfully takes readers on an exuberant tale of mystery and invention. Along the way, he skewers everything from monarchy to fascism, as well as communism and capitalism, oil wealth and ethnic identities, Russian plays, immigration, condoms, and evangelical Christianity—in short, everything worth talking about.” —Publishers Weekly Elephants, werewolves, and ruby tights (oh my!) collide in this clever Discworld tale rich in mystery, myth, intrigue, and a dollop of diplomacy from the legendary New York Times bestselling author Terry Pratchett. Everyone knows that the world is flat, and supported on the backs of four elephants. But weren’t there supposed to be five? Indeed there were. So where is the fifth elephant? Commander Sam Vimes of the Ankh-Morpork constabulary is the man to find out. A copper through and through, he’s been “invited” to attend a royal function as a diplomat, ambassador to the mysterious, fat-rich country of Uberwald—complete with ruby tights. Of course where cops go, crime follows. An attempted assassination and a theft soon lead to a desperate chase from the low halls of Discworld royalty to the legendary fat mines of Uberwald, where lard is found in underground seams along with tusks and teeth and other precious ivory artifacts. It’s up to the dauntless Vimes to solve the puzzle of the missing pachyderm. After all, that’s what he does. Only there are monsters on his trail—bright, fast, toothy werewolves. And they’re catching up. The Discworld novels can be read in any order but The Fifth Elephant is the 5th book in the City Watch collection. The City Watch series in order: Guards! Guards! Men at Arms Feet of Clay Jingo The Fifth Elephant Night Watch Thud! Snuff

“Unadulterated fun.”—San Francisco Chronicle The fate of Ankh-Morpork rests on the unlikely shoulders of newly promoted Corporal Carrot and his hapless charges in the City Watch in this wildly wacky Discworld novel from the legendary New York Times bestselling author Terry Pratchett. Corporal Carrot is now in charge of the new recruits guarding Ankh-Morpork from barbarian rribes, miscellaneous marauders, unlicensed thieves, and other dangerous Discworld denizens. It’s a big job for an adopted dwarf keeping the likes of young coppers Lance-constable Cuddy (really a dwarf), Lance-constable Detritus (a troll), Lance-constable Angua (a woman. . . most of the time) and Corporal Nobbs (disqualified from the human race for shoving) in line. Especially since someone in Ankh-Morpork has been getting dangerous ideas about crowns and legendary swords, and destiny—which points its crooked finger again when an ancient document reveals that Ankh-Morpork has a secret sovereign. What''s more, Captain Sam Vimes is getting married and retiring from the Watch. For good. Which is a shame, because no one knows the streets of Ankh-Morpork or its criminal underworld better than him. It’s the beginning of the most awesome epic encounter of all time (or at least all afternoon), in which the fate of a city—indeed of the universe itself!—depends on a young man’s courage, an ancient sword’s magic, and a three-legged poodle’s bladder. The Discworld novels can be read in any order but Men at Arms is the 2nd in the City Watch collection and the 15th Discworld book. The City Watch series in order: Guards! Guards! Men at Arms Feet of Clay Jingo The Fifth Elephant Night Watch Thud! Snuff