Newbie into Pratchett: Reading order and editions
TalkAll Things Discworldian - The Guild of Pratchett Fans
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1Edrick
So, after so much praise and, being a great fantasy fan, I've decided to get into Terry Pratchett's books, mainly Discworld.
My questions are two: first, is there any "best" edition of The Colour of Magic (and, subsequently, of other Discworld works or any other Pratchett stuff you recommend) and, second, which is the best reading order of Pratchett's works? Any opinions on this one (http://www.lspace.org/books/reading-order-guides/the-discworld-reading-order-guide-20.jpg)?
Many thanks in advance!
My questions are two: first, is there any "best" edition of The Colour of Magic (and, subsequently, of other Discworld works or any other Pratchett stuff you recommend) and, second, which is the best reading order of Pratchett's works? Any opinions on this one (http://www.lspace.org/books/reading-order-guides/the-discworld-reading-order-guide-20.jpg)?
Many thanks in advance!
2MrsLee
On editions, I can't help you.
On reading order, when I started on Pratchett to see if I liked him, I checked out the three books my library had of his. There was an omnibus with the first four, The Color of Magic, The Light Fantastic, Sourcery and Eric), also Carpe Jugulum and Hogfather. I started with Hogfather, knowing nothing about a reading order, next read Carpe Jugulem, then the omnibus. I loved all of them and then began to purchase the whole set to read in order.
Since then, I prefer to read them in the order of the guide you put in your link. I like staying with the same characters for awhile. I don't think it really matters though. Each book is really a stand-alone. People seem to either love Pratchett or want nothing to do with him, so if you love him, every new book you read will be a treasure!
On reading order, when I started on Pratchett to see if I liked him, I checked out the three books my library had of his. There was an omnibus with the first four, The Color of Magic, The Light Fantastic, Sourcery and Eric), also Carpe Jugulum and Hogfather. I started with Hogfather, knowing nothing about a reading order, next read Carpe Jugulem, then the omnibus. I loved all of them and then began to purchase the whole set to read in order.
Since then, I prefer to read them in the order of the guide you put in your link. I like staying with the same characters for awhile. I don't think it really matters though. Each book is really a stand-alone. People seem to either love Pratchett or want nothing to do with him, so if you love him, every new book you read will be a treasure!
3Helenliz
I re-read the series occasionally, and tend to do so in publication order, but I can certainly see the logic of following character story lines, as that diagram shows.
I would say it might be best to start with one of the first 10 (in publication order). I feel that starting later than that can mean you miss stuff, because of the various references to events and characters that have taken place in previous books. These might not be essential to understanding the sory line, but I think they add to the fullness of the book. And I fear you might miss that by starting later in the series. But that's only one opinion and someone else could well disagree.
I would say it might be best to start with one of the first 10 (in publication order). I feel that starting later than that can mean you miss stuff, because of the various references to events and characters that have taken place in previous books. These might not be essential to understanding the sory line, but I think they add to the fullness of the book. And I fear you might miss that by starting later in the series. But that's only one opinion and someone else could well disagree.
5Edrick
I suppose it depends on all three: text, format, cover (and illustrations). For example, my favourite LoTR edition without any doubt is the 60th anniversary one: hardcover, oversized, top-notch paper quality and all the illustrations by Alan Lee, plus the latest correction of the text.
If such perfection doesn't exist with Pratchett's works, just recommend whatever edition you think excels in something and I'll be deeply grateful for your help.
If such perfection doesn't exist with Pratchett's works, just recommend whatever edition you think excels in something and I'll be deeply grateful for your help.
7pinkozcat
I would start with the DEATH series and the Witches series. They are more straightforward than the Unseen University books and the City Watch series - although they all tend to intertwine.
Maybe start with MORT and go from there with the DEATH books.
Maybe start with MORT and go from there with the DEATH books.
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