The thing that binds all Pratchett novels together is the theme of humanity. Every character is just trying to live and make sense of a world that doesn't make sense, just like us.
By theme seems to be the more popular choice from what I've seen but I've always preferred reading them by release order. There's just something about seeing the character of the world as a whole (and Ankh-Morpork in particular) develop, seeing it from so many different perspectives at different times and noticing all the cameos and references between the subseries that's so precious to me. I don't mind jumping between protagonists, it feels like visiting old friends again and seeing what they've been up to since the last time I saw them and it helps me not to miss any of them too much. Whichever way you read them though, Discworld is amazing and I love that there are so many ways to experience these wonderful books and none of them are "wrong".
I don't know if you already read one of his books since I'm replying so late, but check out Sourcery, or Guards! Guards! Or even Pyramids if you want a tiny bit of sci-fi thrown in. Sourcery is the third Rincewind book but it can't be read on its own without having to read the first two books released by pratchett. I do recommend going back to them and reading them.
@@GrimAhren Thank you for recommending 'Pyramids' it is often forgotten, which is a shame. It was the first Discworld novel I read and was captivated from the first page.
To get into Discworld I usually state three steps. 1. Read Guards! Guards! 2. Read Mort 3. Read all the books from here on in chronological order I find you better appreciate the cast the order written vs reading all their escapades back to back as there is a lot of growth in between better resonated if it's been x amount of times since you last were on an adventure with them and yes you appreciate them more if you miss them more. The city watch is massive at end but the books deep dive each new additions in manageable chunks and likewise the various witches or Deaths family or even the Unseen University faculty. It's really like a tv show - you can embrace a great season digesting it slowly as intended or mass binge like an addict needing your next hit and there is no wrong way to do it but chronological based on many read throughs over the year made me appreciate everyone more as each book is a fresh adventure in a very different setting with very different cast and yet they're all so so familiar never the less.
I'm currently on my second read of all the Discworld books (just finished Making Money), and I like to stick to the chronological order, mainly for three reasons: 1. I like to see how the Discworld lore grows. 2. Pratchett always put a couple of easter eggs or references to the previous book, and you're going to miss those if you go thematic. 3. IN MY OPINION, the books from Mort to Going Postal are masterpieces (with some weak ones in between), while the last 10 books are less than perfect; this means that if you go thematic, the last 1-2 book of each series are not as good as the first ones, that might throw you off a bit. If I'll ever do a third read, I'll probably follow the "chronological, but skipping the weak books" order. Obviously, which books are considered "weak" is very subjective, for me they are Pyramyds, Eric, Moving Pictures, Interesting Times and The Last Continent. Of course, Pratchett being Pratchett, even the weak books have moments like "Copolymer, the greatest storyteller in the history of the world" where you can laugh yourself to death.
The Discworld series of books has been my favourite series since my Dad read me Thief of Time when I was in primary school, everything from the humour and to the characters, it all brings a smile to my face and a warm glow to my heart
Started reading the Discworld series this year and fell in love with the series. Been slowly going through the books numerically in between other books and I'm up to Guards! Guards! At a crossroads about whether to continue by release date vs. by series and your video provides a compelling idea for the latter. The City Watch guards are so compelling! Your videos are awesome, by the way.
Thank you! I have been really loving reading them this way, and I am really happy that I started with the City Watch. So, I mean, I am hugely biased lol.
I have read all of them in the order they were published - and am currently re-reading them from my compleate (that one is for the real fans) collection. There really is no need to read them as a block about the Watch, the Witches, Rincewind, or any other character. Only the Science of Discworld books need to be read in order (they ARE numbered) because they are in fact one bigger story.
Been a Pratchett fan since Colour of Magic came out, always been a fantasy scfi reader, so I found his takes on all the tropes hilarious. His books have helped me through some dark times, with their utter joy and humanity. We all hear of various celebrities when they die, Sir Terrys' death actually made me sob, it was like losing a friend.
This is a really good intro! It's so hard to explain to people that it really doesn't matter that much where they start, when all they see is this massive row of 41 books staring at 'em, so yeah this helps.
I've read them all. I started with Small God's, not knowing anything about the series, and picked up books randomly as the bookstores had them. The second time through, I read them chronologically. The third time I read them by theme. I enjoyed them more and more every time. Also, if you want to read the actual first discworld book, check out "Strata". It was his inspiration into the series. It's more sci-fi, literal world building. Fun book all the same.
I don't think you can say the first 2 books aren't cannon. The events that happen in them are referenced many times in later books. Though they aren't the easiest reads, they are 100% worth putting the effort into as there is a lot of world building taking place, and some of the greatest inhabitants of the disc are defined in them. I also Like reading them in order, I enjoyed watching Terry and his world evolve step by step. A copy of a Discworld book would be under the christmas tree most years and its sorely missed.
I started with the first book a long time ago. Now I´m rereading "I shall wear Midnight" and the rest of the Tiffany books. Take care my fellow Pratchttshian :-)
I read the first four books in the series two years ago. I enjoyed the first one but had a bit of trouble with it, and I found the second one to be much better. The third one ended up being my favorite, and the fourth was also very enjoyable. There was, however, one problem I had with all four books, and that was the random cutaways to scenes that had nothing to do with the plot just to crack a joke, like hearing about what a random person in the building next door was doing at that exact moment. I found this very annoying and it did slow down my interest in going through the other books, to the point where I ended up taking a 2-year break. Although I took 2 years off, I still intended on going through a few more books, and I started reading the fifth book two weeks ago and I'm glad that I did. Starting from that book onwards, there are no more random cutaways a la family Guy, and Terry Pratchett's craft has improved considerably. I'm currently on book 10 and I have been enjoying all of them. I personally recommend reading them in order if you can be patient enough in waiting for the authors writing style to progress, and if you can stand taking a break from one character for a couple of books. One argument for this is that the author might introduce a side character or minor character in one book, and then add them again in the next book while expanding on a particular joke or gimmick with that character. The character called "Cut me on throat" is a good example of this. I think he was introduced on book $8 and then reappears in #10. Basically, there's almost certainly a few callbacks to prior jokes or characters or events that took place in recent books.
I read them chronologically because oh dear them when they were first published. No choice in the matter! That does allow you to see a consistent development in the world as there are background activities in many of the books which affect others even if not in the same thread. I can see the attraction of following a line of characters though , is a bit like binging a tv series.
I started reading these while they were still being written; it was agonising having to wait for the next one to come out. I read them in sequence, book 1 onwards - was the only way to read an as yet incomplete series. I don't read fantasy fiction - but there's fantasy and then there's Pratchett. His non-Discworld books are well worth checking out, too.
I have read them all, been a long term Terry Pratchett fan. I agree, thematic makes more sense and helps people to adjust to the world before adding new characters.
My introduction to Discworld was about 12 years ago when I found a copy of "Soul Music" at a book store that was roughly 5 blocks from where I was living at the time. (To this day, every time I hear Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper" I'm reminded of one of the climatic scenes... for some reason my mind put that into the story's soundtrack.) From there, I tried to read them in the order they were published; but then, like you, I chose to read them in thematic order... more or less. Sometimes I take a "vacation" from one theme and visit another: for example, I might read a couple of books focusing on Rincewind and the Wizards and then read one about the City Watch, or the Witches, or even Death and his family. Watching this video inspires me to re-read a couple of the books in my collection and maybe expand my collection. (It also has me craving a curry for some reason. ^_^)
I love this! Thank you for sharing! I hope you have a great time dipping back in to the series. It has been such a wonderful and fun escape read for me!
I started Discworld with "Hogfather" because my wife treated me to the movie. About ten books in, I started reading them by theme and continued that pattern until 2003. At that point, I had to start reading them by publication date because the last ten had not been released yet. When I finally got to "The Shepherd's Crown," I was heartbroken. Then I found all the source books and guides, there are sixteen of those. Starting with "The Folklore of Discworld," I read those as well. Also, "A Blink of the Screen," has an entire section of Discworld short stories. I highly recommend not reading "The Colour of Magic" and "The Light Fantastic" first. Have a go at that about fifteen books or so in.
For the first two books, I recommend them for fantasy fans, they are very much parody and it helps to know what they are parodying Pratchett is a joy to reread so don't worry about missing characters, I have read all of them several times and always get more from them
Love the discworld books. What made the city watch characters the ones you wanted to hive off on, and not the witches who you do now know. P. S. Are you counting the moist von lipwig books as city watch or industrial revolution? If industrial revolution then you will get glimpses of the city watch when you get around to that, so don't worry about missing them completely as you approach the end.
I started with the City Watch honestly just because it was convenient 🤷♀️ I was still reading chronologically by the time I got to it, and I really liked "Guards! Guards!" so it seemed as good a place as anywhere. I am actually really excited that I still have the witches to go back to, and might even save them for last. I want to start Death next because, well, I love him, but also I am living in this dream world where I can get "Hogfather" read for Christmas this year lol. If I keep going in order however that means I will have ... oh only 5 books since I already read "Mort" ... I can probably do that. I have Moist Von Lipwig in my list for Industrial Revolution! I guess he could really be his own though hey. That is eciting to know I will get to see some of these characters again then!
Just pick up a book and start reading. I don't care which book - the man was a genius, you will latch on no problem and if you're part way through a "collection" like the guards or death books, you'll finish and then just want to go read the first one and start over. And that's no bad thing. They came out in the order they came out, they're all incredible, they're all meaningful, they're all a joy. Just start reading one. There's no wrong order. I read them chronologically, because that's how I had to read them - and I found it interesting how you missed certain characters reading it in thematic chunks. I felt that reading them in chronological! Found myself wondering when I was getting more Granny Weatherwax, or (as you say) Luggage, or Vimes... but on the other hand it meant you never knew what was coming next - back to existing characters vs something totally new - and the surprise was always, always delicious. CATS. CATS ARE NICE.
Illustrations: Highly visual books do not necessarily need illustrations. J. K. Rowling “covered" the whole world of Harry Potter in the text. Your review and the large audio book project of Penguin gave me the impression Pratchett "had it all in his words" as well! Yet you showed a lot of illustrations. That leads me to my question: Are there editions that vary in terms of illustrations, perhaps for different age groups? Or, are the illustrations an integral part of the books, like in Gormenghast or Alice in Wonderland?
Sir Terry Pratchett is my favorite fantasy writer. I love the characters and the worlds that came out of his pen. Unfortunately, only some of his works have been translated in Italy. I consider the most beautiful books: Guards! Guards! Men at Arms Fee of clay Hogfather Reaper man Tyffany cycle Little People cycle Witches cycle I read and read them many times.
Having stumbled across The Colour of Magic in '83, whilst looking for something to 'fill in' whilst waiting for the new book in the Epic i was actually reafing (Julian May's Plitocene Saga od the Exiles, thought i'd give it a go - then went back and bought Pratchett's other books to keep me going until his next offering emerged - so unlike 'younger' readers (LOL) - i had no choice but to read them Chronologically. Good intro giving some great advice and resources - thanks
There's no wrong way to read Discworld. Jump in anywhere, it still works. I read chronologically, but I started when Sir Terry was alive and well, before the embuggerance, and kind of had to read everything after Interesting Times in order. Did you know that Pterry was disappointed that knighthood didn't come with a sword, so he forged his own? Out of Thunderbolt iron!
Thank you! I love them so much lol. They have been such a fun thing to read this year and I don’t get sick of them. I keep trying to convince other people to start them, but I mean, I get why they don’t. 41 books is not a small ask 🤣
In Hindu mythology, Earth is literally described to be a giant disc on the back of elephants standing on the back of a tortoise. So, I think Terry definitely did some intense research for his discworld.
Maybe it's just the way I did discworld, but I don't there is a recommended reading order.. If you really dig the series you will probably read it more than twice.. My favourites have changed over the years / decades.. Things that didn't connect first time, hit hard later on.. Thanks for the vid,.. I think feet of clay, small gods, night watch & I shall wear midnight are standouts.. But I may have missed 20 or 30 great books in that list.. 👍
Totally! I think it comes down to a personal preference for sure, and there is no wrong way. I swear I love it more and more with each book. I’m not usually much of a rereader but I am sure I will read some of these more than once. I actually hugged my ereader when I finished Men at Arms 🤣 I am currently reading Night Watch and agree it has been FANTASTIC. If you are looking for a reread that one right now has seemed especially poignant. Thanks for watching! I am excited to make more Discworld stuff, I just can’t get enough of it.
I read Reaper Man first, and actually wasn't impressed. But then I picked up Hogfather. I was hooked. My favorite groups are the City Watch and the Witches. I read through those the most.
Ahhh I am really hoping to be able to time Hogfather with Christmas this year! I guess just reading it out of order is always an option lol, but we will see how I do. I am excited to get back to the Witches! It is such a fun series I can't get enough of it!
Have you read all 41 books of the Discworld ? Do u have the Discworld graphic novel and the Discworld atlas ? You should do a reaction/explained video of the upcoming Discworld show THE WATCH ?
I have read 13 Discworld novels so far! I am just about through the City Watch books, and will DEFINITLY do a video on the upcoming series. I want to be finished the books before I make a judgement on camera lol, even though I definitely have opinions already 😅 No Discworld graphic novels yet, but I am sure I will get to them eventually. And yes I do have the Atlas. I cant help it lol I just love atlas books 😂
@@chat4538 As far as I know, I haven’t really looked into it yet. I am actually in Canada, so not far, but may as well be when it comes to the difference in our tv/Netflix/etc programming 🙄 I have been resisting EVERYTHING about the series until I am done reading it, and I am SO CLOSE now! I will definitely be posting something about it once I get there!
I remember reading (as a kid) about the old beliefs that the Earth was on the backs of 4 elephants and that was the back of a turtle, so I didn't find him blatantly combining those to be at all strange or off-putting.
I don’t think so! I really don’t think there is a bad place to start ... I mean, there might be. Like, I don’t recommend starting with pyramids lol, but if you’re reading them thematically it’s really just the luck of the draw! I know some people are die hard with how they think the series should be read, and that’s cool too, to each their own. I am more of an “all reading is good reading” type of person though and wherever and however works for you is great!
I started them! But then we had a Death close to us, and I put a little pause on it, because it was a little too on the nose right now. I am starting to feel better though and will be picking it back up soon for sure! He is one of my FAVOURITE characters!
Read Hogfather with me for Christmas! I have seen SO MANY people start there and fall in love with the series. So it sounds like a perfectly acceptable place to start, AND CHRISTMAS!!
Witches Wizards Elves Trolls Vampires Werewolves Mummies Dragons Ghosts Gods ...and humans* *its not certain if a certain Nobby Nobbs is IN FACT human, but it’s largely believed he was disqualified from the human race for shoving.
I've not read social criticism as funny as Discworld. Men at Arms is an antiweapon book, Jingo is an antimilitarist book, Ecual Rites and Monstrous Batallion are feminist books, Smaller Gods an Thud are antifanatic books... Why everybody sidesteps that part of his work.
I loved Pratchett's work with a passion, but everything after UNSEEN ACADEMICALS read like fan fiction. It wasn't his fault he got early on set alzheimers, but it had the effect it had. The last couple he wrote were painfully bad.
I am a Pratchett fan, and have been for some 15 years or so. I chanced upon this video, and thought, "What the hell, why not listen to someone else's opinion?" Well, after 2 mins and 15 seconds of waving hands and sing-song puerile waffle, I gave up! She might, indeed, have some interesting points to make, but, for fuck's sake, I'm 72 and well-read. I do not needs this bollocks!
Ooooh I have been avoiding it because I did not like having those characters faces in my head, getting in the way of my (much better) mental creations. I will probably try it and make something about it when I finish the City Watch Books. It's good to have an idea what I am getting in to 😂
The thing that binds all Pratchett novels together is the theme of humanity. Every character is just trying to live and make sense of a world that doesn't make sense, just like us.
By theme seems to be the more popular choice from what I've seen but I've always preferred reading them by release order. There's just something about seeing the character of the world as a whole (and Ankh-Morpork in particular) develop, seeing it from so many different perspectives at different times and noticing all the cameos and references between the subseries that's so precious to me. I don't mind jumping between protagonists, it feels like visiting old friends again and seeing what they've been up to since the last time I saw them and it helps me not to miss any of them too much. Whichever way you read them though, Discworld is amazing and I love that there are so many ways to experience these wonderful books and none of them are "wrong".
I just learned about Discworld and I feel like I NEED to know more
they're little parcels of joy - get into them :D
You’re going to need the book map.
I've never read Terry Pratchett... and now I have this large FOMO situation going on. This is much needed. Thank you!
Ooooh perfect! My not so secret plot to get more people talking about Discworld with me is working! 😂
I don't know if you already read one of his books since I'm replying so late, but check out Sourcery, or Guards! Guards! Or even Pyramids if you want a tiny bit of sci-fi thrown in. Sourcery is the third Rincewind book but it can't be read on its own without having to read the first two books released by pratchett. I do recommend going back to them and reading them.
@@GrimAhren Thank you for recommending 'Pyramids' it is often forgotten, which is a shame. It was the first Discworld novel I read and was captivated from the first page.
To get into Discworld I usually state three steps.
1. Read Guards! Guards!
2. Read Mort
3. Read all the books from here on in chronological order
I find you better appreciate the cast the order written vs reading all their escapades back to back as there is a lot of growth in between better resonated if it's been x amount of times since you last were on an adventure with them and yes you appreciate them more if you miss them more. The city watch is massive at end but the books deep dive each new additions in manageable chunks and likewise the various witches or Deaths family or even the Unseen University faculty. It's really like a tv show - you can embrace a great season digesting it slowly as intended or mass binge like an addict needing your next hit and there is no wrong way to do it but chronological based on many read throughs over the year made me appreciate everyone more as each book is a fresh adventure in a very different setting with very different cast and yet they're all so so familiar never the less.
I'm currently on my second read of all the Discworld books (just finished Making Money), and I like to stick to the chronological order, mainly for three reasons:
1. I like to see how the Discworld lore grows.
2. Pratchett always put a couple of easter eggs or references to the previous book, and you're going to miss those if you go thematic.
3. IN MY OPINION, the books from Mort to Going Postal are masterpieces (with some weak ones in between), while the last 10 books are less than perfect; this means that if you go thematic, the last 1-2 book of each series are not as good as the first ones, that might throw you off a bit.
If I'll ever do a third read, I'll probably follow the "chronological, but skipping the weak books" order.
Obviously, which books are considered "weak" is very subjective, for me they are Pyramyds, Eric, Moving Pictures, Interesting Times and The Last Continent.
Of course, Pratchett being Pratchett, even the weak books have moments like "Copolymer, the greatest storyteller in the history of the world" where you can laugh yourself to death.
It's so funny what appeals to different persons. Interesting Times is one of my favourites 😊
The Discworld series of books has been my favourite series since my Dad read me Thief of Time when I was in primary school, everything from the humour and to the characters, it all brings a smile to my face and a warm glow to my heart
Started reading the Discworld series this year and fell in love with the series. Been slowly going through the books numerically in between other books and I'm up to Guards! Guards! At a crossroads about whether to continue by release date vs. by series and your video provides a compelling idea for the latter. The City Watch guards are so compelling! Your videos are awesome, by the way.
Thank you! I have been really loving reading them this way, and I am really happy that I started with the City Watch. So, I mean, I am hugely biased lol.
As one who has read then many times I would always recommend publish order first time round and thematic after.
I have read all of them in the order they were published - and am currently re-reading them from my compleate (that one is for the real fans) collection. There really is no need to read them as a block about the Watch, the Witches, Rincewind, or any other character. Only the Science of Discworld books need to be read in order (they ARE numbered) because they are in fact one bigger story.
Been a Pratchett fan since Colour of Magic came out, always been a fantasy scfi reader, so I found his takes on all the tropes hilarious. His books have helped me through some dark times, with their utter joy and humanity. We all hear of various celebrities when they die, Sir Terrys' death actually made me sob, it was like losing a friend.
This is a really good intro! It's so hard to explain to people that it really doesn't matter that much where they start, when all they see is this massive row of 41 books staring at 'em, so yeah this helps.
Thank you!
I've read them all. I started with Small God's, not knowing anything about the series, and picked up books randomly as the bookstores had them. The second time through, I read them chronologically. The third time I read them by theme. I enjoyed them more and more every time. Also, if you want to read the actual first discworld book, check out "Strata". It was his inspiration into the series. It's more sci-fi, literal world building. Fun book all the same.
I don't think you can say the first 2 books aren't cannon. The events that happen in them are referenced many times in later books. Though they aren't the easiest reads, they are 100% worth putting the effort into as there is a lot of world building taking place, and some of the greatest inhabitants of the disc are defined in them.
I also Like reading them in order, I enjoyed watching Terry and his world evolve step by step.
A copy of a Discworld book would be under the christmas tree most years and its sorely missed.
If you haven't completed The Watch books yet, you're in for a treat
I started with the first book a long time ago. Now I´m rereading "I shall wear Midnight" and the rest of the Tiffany books. Take care my fellow Pratchttshian :-)
I read the first four books in the series two years ago. I enjoyed the first one but had a bit of trouble with it, and I found the second one to be much better. The third one ended up being my favorite, and the fourth was also very enjoyable. There was, however, one problem I had with all four books, and that was the random cutaways to scenes that had nothing to do with the plot just to crack a joke, like hearing about what a random person in the building next door was doing at that exact moment. I found this very annoying and it did slow down my interest in going through the other books, to the point where I ended up taking a 2-year break.
Although I took 2 years off, I still intended on going through a few more books, and I started reading the fifth book two weeks ago and I'm glad that I did. Starting from that book onwards, there are no more random cutaways a la family Guy, and Terry Pratchett's craft has improved considerably. I'm currently on book 10 and I have been enjoying all of them.
I personally recommend reading them in order if you can be patient enough in waiting for the authors writing style to progress, and if you can stand taking a break from one character for a couple of books. One argument for this is that the author might introduce a side character or minor character in one book, and then add them again in the next book while expanding on a particular joke or gimmick with that character. The character called "Cut me on throat" is a good example of this. I think he was introduced on book $8 and then reappears in #10. Basically, there's almost certainly a few callbacks to prior jokes or characters or events that took place in recent books.
I read them chronologically because oh dear them when they were first published. No choice in the matter! That does allow you to see a consistent development in the world as there are background activities in many of the books which affect others even if not in the same thread. I can see the attraction of following a line of characters though , is a bit like binging a tv series.
I started reading these while they were still being written; it was agonising having to wait for the next one to come out. I read them in sequence, book 1 onwards - was the only way to read an as yet incomplete series. I don't read fantasy fiction - but there's fantasy and then there's Pratchett. His non-Discworld books are well worth checking out, too.
I have read them all, been a long term Terry Pratchett fan. I agree, thematic makes more sense and helps people to adjust to the world before adding new characters.
WOW, the fact that "The Colour of Magic" is just Pratchett "figuring it out" is incredible to me. I've read half of it and it's AMAZING and hilarious.
My introduction to Discworld was about 12 years ago when I found a copy of "Soul Music" at a book store that was roughly 5 blocks from where I was living at the time. (To this day, every time I hear Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear the Reaper" I'm reminded of one of the climatic scenes... for some reason my mind put that into the story's soundtrack.) From there, I tried to read them in the order they were published; but then, like you, I chose to read them in thematic order... more or less. Sometimes I take a "vacation" from one theme and visit another: for example, I might read a couple of books focusing on Rincewind and the Wizards and then read one about the City Watch, or the Witches, or even Death and his family. Watching this video inspires me to re-read a couple of the books in my collection and maybe expand my collection. (It also has me craving a curry for some reason. ^_^)
I love this! Thank you for sharing! I hope you have a great time dipping back in to the series. It has been such a wonderful and fun escape read for me!
I think so far I've got through about 20 discworld books all together, and this is such a great intro for people, fantastic job!
Thank you!
I started Discworld with "Hogfather" because my wife treated me to the movie. About ten books in, I started reading them by theme and continued that pattern until 2003. At that point, I had to start reading them by publication date because the last ten had not been released yet. When I finally got to "The Shepherd's Crown," I was heartbroken. Then I found all the source books and guides, there are sixteen of those. Starting with "The Folklore of Discworld," I read those as well. Also, "A Blink of the Screen," has an entire section of Discworld short stories. I highly recommend not reading "The Colour of Magic" and "The Light Fantastic" first. Have a go at that about fifteen books or so in.
For the first two books, I recommend them for fantasy fans, they are very much parody and it helps to know what they are parodying
Pratchett is a joy to reread so don't worry about missing characters, I have read all of them several times and always get more from them
Loving the Discworld content! Make moreeeee!
"Just read it. Do it. I want more people to talk to about it!" How did you know I say this to almost everyone I meet lol More videos please!
Love the discworld books. What made the city watch characters the ones you wanted to hive off on, and not the witches who you do now know. P. S. Are you counting the moist von lipwig books as city watch or industrial revolution? If industrial revolution then you will get glimpses of the city watch when you get around to that, so don't worry about missing them completely as you approach the end.
I started with the City Watch honestly just because it was convenient 🤷♀️ I was still reading chronologically by the time I got to it, and I really liked "Guards! Guards!" so it seemed as good a place as anywhere. I am actually really excited that I still have the witches to go back to, and might even save them for last. I want to start Death next because, well, I love him, but also I am living in this dream world where I can get "Hogfather" read for Christmas this year lol. If I keep going in order however that means I will have ... oh only 5 books since I already read "Mort" ... I can probably do that.
I have Moist Von Lipwig in my list for Industrial Revolution! I guess he could really be his own though hey. That is eciting to know I will get to see some of these characters again then!
Just pick up a book and start reading. I don't care which book - the man was a genius, you will latch on no problem and if you're part way through a "collection" like the guards or death books, you'll finish and then just want to go read the first one and start over. And that's no bad thing.
They came out in the order they came out, they're all incredible, they're all meaningful, they're all a joy. Just start reading one. There's no wrong order.
I read them chronologically, because that's how I had to read them - and I found it interesting how you missed certain characters reading it in thematic chunks. I felt that reading them in chronological! Found myself wondering when I was getting more Granny Weatherwax, or (as you say) Luggage, or Vimes... but on the other hand it meant you never knew what was coming next - back to existing characters vs something totally new - and the surprise was always, always delicious.
CATS. CATS ARE NICE.
I'm a fan of discworld. One of my fav is Raising Steam. His humor and scemes, plots are fabulous.
I own every book. He is a master of wit and storytelling and satire. It’s made for people with a... broad mind.
Illustrations: Highly visual books do not necessarily need illustrations. J. K. Rowling “covered" the whole world of Harry Potter in the text. Your review and the large audio book project of Penguin gave me the impression Pratchett "had it all in his words" as well! Yet you showed a lot of illustrations. That leads me to my question: Are there editions that vary in terms of illustrations, perhaps for different age groups? Or, are the illustrations an integral part of the books, like in Gormenghast or Alice in Wonderland?
Sir Terry Pratchett is my favorite fantasy writer.
I love the characters and the worlds that came out of his pen. Unfortunately, only some of his works have been translated in Italy.
I consider the most beautiful books: Guards! Guards!
Men at Arms
Fee of clay
Hogfather
Reaper man
Tyffany cycle
Little People cycle
Witches cycle
I read and read them many times.
Having stumbled across The Colour of Magic in '83, whilst looking for something to 'fill in' whilst waiting for the new book in the Epic i was actually reafing (Julian May's Plitocene Saga od the Exiles, thought i'd give it a go - then went back and bought Pratchett's other books to keep me going until his next offering emerged - so unlike 'younger' readers (LOL) - i had no choice but to read them Chronologically.
Good intro giving some great advice and resources - thanks
Death has his own 'sub-set' of books too, and one day, when I die, I look forward to meeting him.
I am reading Hogfather now!
HO-HO-HO
There's no wrong way to read Discworld. Jump in anywhere, it still works. I read chronologically, but I started when Sir Terry was alive and well, before the embuggerance, and kind of had to read everything after Interesting Times in order. Did you know that Pterry was disappointed that knighthood didn't come with a sword, so he forged his own? Out of Thunderbolt iron!
I’ve only read a handful of the Discworld books (City Watch), and in no particular order 😅. Nice insight!
Thank you! I love them so much lol. They have been such a fun thing to read this year and I don’t get sick of them. I keep trying to convince other people to start them, but I mean, I get why they don’t. 41 books is not a small ask 🤣
In Hindu mythology, Earth is literally described to be a giant disc on the back of elephants standing on the back of a tortoise. So, I think Terry definitely did some intense research for his discworld.
Maybe it's just the way I did discworld, but I don't there is a recommended reading order.. If you really dig the series you will probably read it more than twice.. My favourites have changed over the years / decades.. Things that didn't connect first time, hit hard later on..
Thanks for the vid,.. I think feet of clay, small gods, night watch & I shall wear midnight are standouts.. But I may have missed 20 or 30 great books in that list.. 👍
Totally! I think it comes down to a personal preference for sure, and there is no wrong way. I swear I love it more and more with each book. I’m not usually much of a rereader but I am sure I will read some of these more than once. I actually hugged my ereader when I finished Men at Arms 🤣 I am currently reading Night Watch and agree it has been FANTASTIC. If you are looking for a reread that one right now has seemed especially poignant.
Thanks for watching! I am excited to make more Discworld stuff, I just can’t get enough of it.
I read Reaper Man first, and actually wasn't impressed. But then I picked up Hogfather. I was hooked. My favorite groups are the City Watch and the Witches. I read through those the most.
Ahhh I am really hoping to be able to time Hogfather with Christmas this year! I guess just reading it out of order is always an option lol, but we will see how I do. I am excited to get back to the Witches! It is such a fun series I can't get enough of it!
Great video. Excellent work.
Thank you!
Shana, love the video. New to the series. Love the nose ring to.
Have you read all 41 books of the Discworld ?
Do u have the Discworld graphic novel and the Discworld atlas ?
You should do a reaction/explained video of the upcoming Discworld show THE WATCH ?
Please reply
I have read 13 Discworld novels so far! I am just about through the City Watch books, and will DEFINITLY do a video on the upcoming series. I want to be finished the books before I make a judgement on camera lol, even though I definitely have opinions already 😅 No Discworld graphic novels yet, but I am sure I will get to them eventually. And yes I do have the Atlas. I cant help it lol I just love atlas books 😂
Is The Watch actually going to come out in the U.S.?
@@chat4538 As far as I know, I haven’t really looked into it yet. I am actually in Canada, so not far, but may as well be when it comes to the difference in our tv/Netflix/etc programming 🙄 I have been resisting EVERYTHING about the series until I am done reading it, and I am SO CLOSE now! I will definitely be posting something about it once I get there!
@@chat4538 I don't know maybe
Wait when you listed groups whare do Mort and Reaperman and the like fit in?
Can I read the first book in every theme and then read the books after that based on what character/theme I want to read?
I remember reading (as a kid) about the old beliefs that the Earth was on the backs of 4 elephants and that was the back of a turtle, so I didn't find him blatantly combining those to be at all strange or off-putting.
did you voice over your video? the audio is off the video is late FYI
I love discworld.
Love me some STP
I went in order first
Then characters
Vimes
The witches
Etc
Let me take a moment to appreciate you, a human to another.
Shit! I just started with the death series because he was the character I knew anything about from the Hogfather movie! Is that a bad place to start?
I don’t think so! I really don’t think there is a bad place to start ... I mean, there might be. Like, I don’t recommend starting with pyramids lol, but if you’re reading them thematically it’s really just the luck of the draw! I know some people are die hard with how they think the series should be read, and that’s cool too, to each their own. I am more of an “all reading is good reading” type of person though and wherever and however works for you is great!
@@shannakay-vellumandvellich3542 Oh ok cool! 👍
Do read and discuss Louis McMaster Bujolds Vorkosigan Saga
What it is... a great series.
How to read it.... Enthusiastically, oneword at a time.
:)
WhAaa?? Ohhh you need to read the Death books, he has his own storyline too.
I started them! But then we had a Death close to us, and I put a little pause on it, because it was a little too on the nose right now. I am starting to feel better though and will be picking it back up soon for sure! He is one of my FAVOURITE characters!
Rincewind is still running. He will never stop...
Also, this is my personal favourite discworld book 'map' d15fwz9jg1iq5f.cloudfront.net/uploads/blog/Discworld_ReadingGuide_Infographic_EpicReads.jpg
I read DW in alphabetical order. It really slapped.
I really need to read at least ONE disc world so I can talk to you about.. anything! haha JK. But really, I do need to read one and one day, I will.
Read Hogfather with me for Christmas! I have seen SO MANY people start there and fall in love with the series. So it sounds like a perfectly acceptable place to start, AND CHRISTMAS!!
@@shannakay-vellumandvellich3542 Good idea! Maybe I will start there
Witches
Wizards
Elves
Trolls
Vampires
Werewolves
Mummies
Dragons
Ghosts
Gods
...and humans*
*its not certain if a certain Nobby Nobbs is IN FACT human, but it’s largely believed he was disqualified from the human race for shoving.
Um the Death books are their own sub series too
"a genre that sniffs its own farts" now THAT was good analysis
I think the world being a flat disk on the back of a turtle is a very old hindu thing
I've not read social criticism as funny as Discworld. Men at Arms is an antiweapon book, Jingo is an antimilitarist book, Ecual Rites and Monstrous Batallion are feminist books, Smaller Gods an Thud are antifanatic books... Why everybody sidesteps that part of his work.
I loved Pratchett's work with a passion, but everything after UNSEEN ACADEMICALS read like fan fiction. It wasn't his fault he got early on set alzheimers, but it had the effect it had. The last couple he wrote were painfully bad.
You left out the Death Series!
chronological order is the only order that makes sense
I am a Pratchett fan, and have been for some 15 years or so. I chanced upon this video, and thought, "What the hell, why not listen to someone else's opinion?"
Well, after 2 mins and 15 seconds of waving hands and sing-song puerile waffle, I gave up!
She might, indeed, have some interesting points to make, but, for fuck's sake, I'm 72 and well-read. I do not needs this bollocks!
Ok you're adorable. Subscribed.
Guards! Guards!
Do your self a favour and don't watch BBC America's adaptation of the Watch.
Ooooh I have been avoiding it because I did not like having those characters faces in my head, getting in the way of my (much better) mental creations. I will probably try it and make something about it when I finish the City Watch Books. It's good to have an idea what I am getting in to 😂
🐢
For heavens sake keep your hands still!!!