My girls asked if they could start reading Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series (I’ve raised ‘em right), and while I was overjoyed, most of the books fell to pieces in our hands. Years of reading has taken its toll, and my prized signed copy of Small Gods has almost lost its cover from being opened too many times.
I’m now buying new copies, going through my shelves to see what needs replacing. The exercise has made me think about Sir Terry’s work as a whole, so if you’ll bear with me the following is my own impression of how the Discworld evolved.
The Colour of Magic (1983) through to Eric (1990): the exploration phase. Starting with the strange, hilarious description of the Great A’Tuin, these books set out the major lands, cultures and rules of the Disc. The books are full of deliciously unexplored horizons, wild, random encounters and an emphasis on the Dungeons and Dragons inspiration. Pratchett tried out many different characters in this early phase, however the lion’s share of misadventures goes to my favourite anti-hero, the cowardly Wizzard Rincewind.
Moving Pictures (1990) through to Maskerade (1995): the expansion phase. Damn, there are some great books in this period. Pratchett was prolific, turning out one or two books a year as the Discworld hit its stride. These books filled out more of the Discworld, in particular the city of Ankh-Morpork, which became less a fantasy setting and more a living, breathing city. Rincewind stepped back as the Night Watch and the trio of Witches took centre stage. This was a good move, as the relationships and development of these characters drew in an entire generation of fans.
Feet of Clay (1996) through to Monstrous Regiment (2003): the advocate phase. There were still a few horizons left to explore, such as the continent of Fourecks. The Witches and the Night Watch still remained the stars of the Discworld, however Pratchett gave more spotlight to existing characters such as Susan Death, as well as creating new characters such as William de Worde. This era marked Rincewind’s retirement, the scrawny wizard largely becoming part of the Unseen University’s motley staff. Thematically, Pratchett became far more interested in the social issues of the Discworld, with an emphasis on cultural conflict, gender and racism.
A Hat Full of Sky (2004) through to The Shepherd’s Crown (2015): the late phase. The Witches were somewhat retired, with the focus shifting to young Tiffany Aching as she discovered the world of witchcraft – a move at least partially in response to Harry Potter. The Night Watch stories were largely tied up, becoming background to the new adventures of Moist von Lipwig. Ankh-Morpork became a city grappling with modernism, and in a sense, Pratchett was already leaving the old world and setting it off into an unknown future.
Obviously, these phases have a lot of overlap, so feel free to discuss below – and take a moment to quietly remember the author who gave us such amazing, timeless stories!
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