An Unofficial Companion to the Novels of Terry Pratchett
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published:30th Jan '08
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
A hugely revealing critical encyclopedia of the whole Pratchett oeuvre, including non-Discworld novels, works for children and miscellania.
This encyclopedia mixes shorter entries conveying specific information for foraging readers with longer, more discursive articles for readers wanting more reflective engagement with Pratchett's novels.
Entries on novels and characters not only highlight Pratchett's celebrated inventiveness but also analyse the underlying meanings.
In terms of worldwide sales (around 25 million copies to date, and no signs of stopping), Terry Pratchett is one of the leading writers in English. He is also a writer of complexity and allusiveness, whose rich work raises important issues about the real world within a fantasy/comic environment. This encyclopedia mixes shorter entries conveying specific information for foraging readers with longer, more discursive articles for readers wanting more reflective engagement with Pratchett's novels. Entries on novels and characters not only highlight Pratchett's celebrated inventiveness but also analyse the underlying meanings. Entries on 'Fantasy', 'Science Fiction', 'Fairy Tales' and related topics situate the novels within literary genres, and other articles discuss the scientific, social and philosophical idea underpinning Pratchett's playful but sophisticated narratives. Associates and collaborators, such as Douglas Adams, Neil Gaiman and Ian Stewart, feature in articles discussing contemporary influences, and plentiful information about the fascinating peripheral detail of audio editions, radio broadcasts, TV adaptations and film scripts enhance the fun. A Companion to the Novels of Terry Pratchett is essential reading for fans who want to unpick the allusions and appreciate the rich complexity of one of the great bodies of contemporary popular literature.With nearly 40 Discworld books, another dozen novels, and a growing canon of related material, it's no surprise that master humorist Pratchett is attracting attention from reference writers. . . . Covering work prior to 2007's Making Money, An Unofficial Companion to the Novels of Terry Pratchett is a start toward a comprehensive Pratchett encyclopedia. Opening with alphabetic and topical lists of entries, the book contains a brief biography of Pratchett; more than 300 entries for books and stories-their themes, characters, and places-as well as spin-off products, collaborators, influences, and adaptations; a select bibliography; and an index. * Booklist *
Though more scholarly than The Discworld Companion, the Unofficial Companion is easy reading and crammed with interesting nuggets. Not just for completists but for anyone who's tempted to ponder what makes Terry Pratchett tick. * SFX Magazine *
Large (over 450 pages), sweeping in scope (Lu-Tze would be proud) and reasonably priced (trust me on this), An Unofficial Guide to the Novels of Terry Pratchett belongs on the bookshelf of any true Pratchett aficionado. * WOSSNAME *
ISBN: 9781846450013
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 992g
472 pages