Charm of discworld

[Aloe]

Hi everybody,

I would need a favor. I decided to choose Terry Pratchett as a topic for my seminary work in English .
My English teacher said I should put a chapter about why T.P. is so famous and he suggested I do a little questionnaire.

So, for anynone who is willing:
1. What is it you like most about T.P. and his books and why?
2. Why do you think he is so famous?
3. What is/are your favorite book/s and why?

Thanks to all who participate .

[Threddy]

1. I like the way he explores different things. Like in Johnny and the Bomb, how he explores Time Travel.
2. He has written so many books that if you go into a bookshop, then you are more than likely to see a Pratchett. You pick one up, think this is interesting, read the book and spread the word.
3. Johnny and the Bomb - first one I read and reason stated earlier.

PS. Is this thread called Charm of Discworld because you wanted us to answer specifically about Discworld? If so, ignore my post!

[Fake Vencar]

1. The one thing that drew me to Pratchett in the first place was his unique wit and view on humour.
2. The books he has written is the reason he is famous. Simple as that
3. My favourite one has to be Guards, Guards as it is one of the first I read. It really got me into Pratchett

[AE35Unit]

1. His hat. Got to love that hat,he carries it so well. Pune definitely intended.
2. Cos he's good at what he does and usually has one book per year. Plus the fact he makes death look not so bad an option!
3. Witches Abroad cos it was the first TP book i read. Also any of the books featuring the e witches.
4. Do you actually grow Aloes? I have a few myself.

[Woodfoot]

1. TP manages to take everyday life and turn it into a topic of fantasy. Not only does he does this well but his wit and observation to detail is excellent.
Best example i can think of right now is moving pictures and his take on Hollywood.

2. He is in the right category of famous which is one that people who do not have overnight one hit notoriety, no here today gone tomorrow.
He has built up a reputation that encroaches on everybody's lives even non book readers!!

3. Favorite books would have to be Small Gods and Guards Guards.
Small gods because i find it funny how everything has a god and the mighty Om should come as a Tortoise.
Guards Guards because i find the characters he has created to be rich with..... character lol what else!! Nobby, Carrot and Grimes are people I'd love to meet!!

I guess TP's magic for me is that he does create worlds and characters that i would love to see and meet, not just read about!

EDIT: How can i forget to add that anyone who can make me laugh whilst reading gets my vote and he is the genius that introduced me to The Death of Rats

[The Ace]

1. The way he uses a fantasy setting to parody real life.
2. Consistent display of a unique talent.
3. Any book except 'Monstrous Regiment,' that proved even he can write cr*p.

[Aloe]

Originally Posted by AE35Unit

4. Do you actually grow Aloes? I have a few myself.

No, not yet. But my name is Vera, lol . Actually you inspired me, I might start to grow aloes.

[AE35Unit]

Well here's a macro of one of mine. Aloe brevifolia. Warning,they are very addictive and there are hundreds of species in all shapes and sizes.

[Who's Wee Dug]

He is very approachable as a person,
he is also a very good author,makes himself available at conventions and book signings.

Favorite book? that is quite difficult to answer as there are so many to choose from, but the 1st one holds a place very near TCOM not the best written one, but he parodies to a certain extent Fahrd & The Grey Mouser and as I love Fritz Leiber's books that was what drew me towards him in the first place,and the rest as they say is history.

[pyan]

For 1 and 2 I'd go with Ace..
Favourite book? Got to be Night Watch.

[Woodfoot]

Originally Posted by pyan

For 1 and 2 I'd go with Ace..
Favourite book? Got to be Night Watch.

Hmm now you got me thinking Night Watch is fantastic too!

[pyan]

Originally Posted by Woodfoot

Hmm now you got me thinking Night Watch is fantastic too!

Of course! It's got Sam Vimes x2, time travel, all my favourite characters, a complicated (but not too contorted) plot, and some of the best writing pTerry's ever done.

[Woodfoot]

I am sure i have the graphic novel too!

Incidentley has anyone got any of the original clarecraft figures?
I got 2 of the early bookends of rincewind and the luggage! i have seen some of the newer versions and the detail is crap!!

[Montero]

I'd say:

Because he parodies/comments on/illuminates things that are in everyday life that you knew were there, but hadn't really noticed until Terry Pratchett put some really neat paragraph in that hit the nail on the head.

I can read, and re-read and still see new things - usually because the first time I read the book I hadn't experienced whatever it was that Terry had noticed, so his reference went straight past me.

The puns. (The groans, the sniggers. The footnotes.)

The breadth of what he writes means there is potentially something for everyone - if you're not too into the Witches, then there is Rincewind.

I know its not Discworld, but the Unadulterated Cat has produced for us an often used catchphrase. Not quoting exactly but from memory, "I believe in dogs that don't bark like a stuck record, tarts with hearts of gold and solicitors who don't go on holiday in the middle of your complicated house purchase."

[Montero]

Sorry - just realised I didn't format my answer like your questions. I think my last answer covered 1 and 2.

Favourite Books

Guards Guards - has some of the best characters and sniggers in it - the description of Sergeant Colon having a breastplate that was moulded with big muscles and Sergeant Colon fitted it like a jelly fits its mould, also Lady Ramekin inspecting the troops after which they felt quite bucked up, which was only a few letters of the alphabet away from how they normally felt.....
Likewise most of the rest of the Guards.

Maskerade - the take on Phantom of the Opera, opera in general (the entrance aria). Like the witches thread a lot.

But these are only just front runners, I like all of them, though I do re-read Witches and Guards threads more than Death, and Death more than Rincewind.