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An Unofficial Companion to the Novels of Terry Pratchett | 
 enlarge | Author: Alan J. Porter
Creator: Andrew M. Butler
Publisher: Greenwood World Publishing
Category: Book
List Price: $49.95
Buy New: $45.95
You Save: $4.00 (8%)
New (14) Used (5) from $24.18
Rating:  1 reviews
Sales Rank: 1001678
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 472
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.6
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.5
ISBN: 1846450012
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.914
EAN: 9781846450013
ASIN: 1846450012
Publication Date: January 30, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Brand New. Delivery is usually 5 - 8 working days from order, International is by Royal Mail Airmail
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Product Description
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.
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| Customer Reviews:
Discworld Companion Without Pratchett's Humor March 13, 2008
James D. DeWitt (Fairbanks, AK United States)
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
I like Terry Pratchett very much; I think I have everything he has published. I like some of Mr. Butler's literary criticism of Pratchett. In particular, "Guilty of Literature, " edited by Butler, is excellent. But it's hard to see what help "Unofficial Companion" offers that the revised "Discworld Companion" doesn't. br / br /Oh sure, there are a few things. Butler looks at the non-Discworld books, including both the "Johnny" series and the "Truckers" series, but I've always regarded those as Pratchett's lesser efforts. Butler and his fellow essayists also cover all of the miscellaneous publications, even such items as the Maps (Discworld, Ankh-Morpork, Lancre, Death's Domain) and, heaven help us, "Nanny Ogg's Cookbook." Even the "Science of the Discworld" books are covered. I guess I'd question whether they should have been included. br / br /On the other hand, while some of the major characters are described, the descriptions aren't terribly insightful. Groups of characters - the wizards, the witches and the watch, for example - have their topics but the analysis of these groups is simplistic and sometimes just wrong. None but major characters are given their own topics, and largely repeat what's found in "Discworld Companion." Perhaps most importantly, the touches of light humor that grace the "Discworld Companion" are completely missing. It's all dreadfully serious. br / br /And whoever proofread the "Unofficial Companion" is dyslexic. There are egregious errors on many pages, some of them the kind of errors that bring your reading to a complete halt. These are the kind of mistakes you'd expect in a knock-off paperback; not in a hardbound volume that goes for $50.00. br / br /So what you're left with is a poorly edited, not particularly insightful, nearly humorless series of notes on Pratchett's works and major characters and locations. Admittedly, it covers all of the works, even the lesser efforts, but how much do you need to know about a map of Ankh-Morpork? "Discworld Companion" is much more fun and more complete in discussing characters and places. And if you can find a copy you can afford, "Guilty of Literature" offers much more insight and thoughtful criticism. br / br /Three stars for a yeoman-like effort. But wait for the paperback.
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