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Terry Pratchett

Sir Terence David John Pratchett was an English author of fantasy novels, especially comical works. He is best known for his Discworld series of 41 novels. Pratchett's works reflect his keen sense of satire and his deep understanding of human nature.

Quick Facts

  • Wrote more than 70 books over his career.
  • His works have been translated into 37 languages.
  • Sold over 85 million books worldwide.
  • His Discworld series, comprised of 41 novels, is his most popular work.
  • Received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 2010.
  • Named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to literature.
  • His book "Good Omens," co-written with Neil Gaiman, was adapted into a TV series by Amazon.
  • In 2007, he announced that he was suffering from early-onset Alzheimer's disease, which led to his death in 2015.

Background

Pratchett was born in 1948 in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, England. The son of David and Eileen Pratchett, he attended High Wycombe Technical High School, where his interest in science fiction grew. After leaving school at the age of 17 to start a career in journalism, he wrote his first novel, The Carpet People, which was published in 1971. He gained significant recognition after the publication of The Colour of Magic, the first novel in his Discworld series, in 1983. This series, comprising 41 novels, made Pratchett one of the UK's best-selling authors of the 1990s. Apart from his novels, he also wrote plays, film scripts, and was a campaigner for Alzheimer's research later in his life. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 66.

Writing Style and Impact

Pratchett, known for his whimsical and satirical writing style, breathes life into the fantasy genre with his intelligent humor and creativity. Along with satire, he uses wordplay, puns, and a mix of science and philosophy to produce unique texts. His creation, 'Discworld' series, became an insightful social commentary that appeals to both young and adult audiences. His work greatly contributes to bringing humor and wit to "high fantasy" and challenging typical conventions of the genre.

Notable Works

  • The Colour of Magic (1983)
  • Mort (1987)
  • Good Omens (1990)
  • Men at Arms (1993)
  • Jingo (1997)
  • The Truth (2000)
  • Going Postal (2004)
  • Making Money (2007)
  • Unseen Academicals (2009)
  • Raising Steam (2013)