Customer Reviews

Terry Pratchett: Guilty Of Literature

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It takes a special kind of courage to write literary criticism on the works of Terry Pratchett. After all, this is the writer who in "Guards, Guards!" described Critters who devour good writing and excrete thin volumes of literary criticism. Even the dullest critic can see the special perils of attempting literary criticism of a brilliant satirist and parodist.

But Pratchett is an author who needs serious study. With something over forty books written now, some three-quarters of them set on the Discworld, and perennial high placement on the London Times best seller lists, this is an author who has had amazing success. Those of us who have read Pratchett's work know him to be an outstanding writer. He merits serious scholarship. Even at the risk of being a target of serious irony.

This series of essays is a first attempt at that difficult task. The level of analysis and understanding is uneven, but all the pieces are thoughtful and thought-provoking. I especially recommend Farah Mendelsohn's essay, "Faith and Ethics," which takes on the most challenging aspects of Pratchett's themes with skill and insight. Only a few of the essays fall into the intellectual trap of forcing Pratchett into some pre-conceived philosophical framework. Many of the essayists recognize that Pratchett is very nearly unique in his world view, and don't attempt to lash him to something he doesn't fit, chopping off the inconvenient bits. And all of the essays avoid the most obvious trap in analyzing Pratchett: stringing together your favorite scenes from your favorite books. There are quotes and references, but they are used for a purpose.

You don't have to read these essays to enjoy, appreciate or understand Pratchett. But good literary criticism can increase that enjoyment, appreciation and understanding. By that standard, the essays here are good, if uneven. Recommended to those who have read Pratchett and appreciate fresh insights; probably not a good starting point to those unfamiliar with his books.

There are risks inherent in literary criticism. Is it justifiable to analyse a writer's work? Is there danger of "reading in" to what the author actually says? Can you derive an author's thoughts through assessment of the text[s]? What service does criticism provide the reader? Literary criticism has been compared to someone chewing on writing and leaving the residue in a nearby paddock - watch your step. That charge isn't valid in this collection on one of our most unique writers. Certainly, our most unique "fantasy" writer. It is the fantasy base that has allowed some critics to place Pratchett's work outside "mainstream" literature. This set of essays sets that displacement to rest as invalid.

Terry Pratchett has produced three dozen books on his Discworld theme, complemented by the Bromeliad and Johnny Maxwell series plus some "children's books". Anyone writing such a corpus without repeating himself has some special qualities. The authors of these essays examine those qualities and find them among the best of fantasy writing. Whether the theme is Comedy, Tragedy, Heroes and "Leaders" or the conditions of everyday urban life, the writers show how Pratchett eases reality into view. Everything he writes contains material valuable in understanding ourselves. Even his humour, say these authors, imparts views of reality we may both laugh at and reflect on. How many writers share that skill?

Some critics claim to know how an author thinks. Edward James' essay, in this anthology of fourteen, has the closest valid connection to Pratchett's thoughts. They exchanged letters when they attended different schools together. Many of Pratchett's early ideas were formulated in his teen years. Exploring some of those ideas resulted in "The Carpet People", a book Pratchett wrote twice. "The Carpet People", his first venture into fantasy, was almost "formula" in it's character depiction. As several of these essays explain, Pratchett moved away from absolutes, creating unheroic heroes and compassionate evildoers. However Pratchett thinks, these writers assert, it's not in simple terms. His Discworld characters are far more complex than those of the "genre" fantasy. The comparison with Tolkien is inevitable, and several authors point out the distinctions between the two authors.

The writings here address Pratchett's characterisations - human, animal, anthropomorphic personifications and even a building complex. The list manifests the scope of Pratchett's grasp. Every reader will find a favourite, from Vimes to Vetinari. Although judging these contributions is difficult, perhaps Farah Mendelsohn's provides the most insight. She certainly tackles the most serious and difficult subjects. If nothing else, her comments justify the view that Pratchett is as much philosopher as fantasy author. Titled "Faith and Ethics", she describes how religion is dealt with in Discworld books. From "faith", she notes how ethics may rely on teachings - parental, academic or religious - but remains a question of how an individual deals with ethical challenges. Pratchett, eschewing absolutes as he does, produces scenarios in his tales that leave his readers clear that we must all make our own choices. There is no "escape from reality" here, she argues. We identify "self" not through others, but as we choose to see ourselves. As a "mirror of worlds" the Discworld confronts us with how to make that identification - and, "the Truth Shall Make You Fret".

For the Pratchett reader, this is an indispensable book. For the newcomer to the Discworld or his other works, this will be a resource to appreciating his wide readership. Young and old alike take to Pratchett for his unique approach to fantasy, to his characters and to the insights he stimulates us to consider. It says much that since the first edition of this book, its content has been enlarged. So long as Pratchett continues to write, there will be reasons to reflect on his ideas. There will be another edition of this book. Read Pratchett while you're waiting. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Originally published in 2000 by the Science Fiction Foundation in the UK this new edition features 3 new essays on Terry Pratchett. All of the earlier essayists were given the opportunity to revise and correct their earlier essays - after all Pratchett has had a few books published since 2000!

The book was nominated for a Hugo and Locus Award and this new edition will be eligible for the Hugo again!

This edition is completely reset and redesigned.

Great reading for the Pratchett fan who has everything.

There's also a limited run hardcover but it is available only directly from the publisher. Remember: Google is your friend!