An Unofficial Companion to the Novels of Terry Pratchett [Hardcover]

Alan J. Porter (Author), Andrew M. Butler (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 30, 2008 | ISBN-10: 1846450012 | ISBN-13: 978-1846450013

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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."

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WOSSNAME

"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."

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SFX Magazine

"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."

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Booklist

Book Description

A hugely revealing critical encyclopedia of the whole Pratchett oeuvre, including non-Discworld novels, works for children and miscellania.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 472 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood (January 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1846450012
• ISBN-13: 978-1846450013
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,127,721 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Alan J. Porter has been a regular writer on various aspects of popular culture and publishing technology for over fifteen years.

He is the author of "BATMAN: The Unofficial Collectors Guide," (Schiffer Books), "BEFORE THEY WERE BEATLES: The Early Years 1956-1960," (Xlibris), JAMES BOND: the history of the illustrated 007," and "STAR TREK: A comics history." (both for Hermes Press.), "WIKI: Grow Your Own for Fun & Profit" and the upcoming "The Content Pool" for XML Press. He has also contributed to over 10 other book titles for publishers such as HarperCollins, Titan Books, BenBella and Greenwood Press.

His comic book credits include work for Tokyopop, BOOM Studios, APE Entertainment, and Disney/Marvel

He is also an Editor-at-Large at RevolutionSF.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Discworld Companion Without Pratchett's Humor, March 13, 2008

By 

James D. DeWitt "Alaska Fan" (Fairbanks, AK United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: An Unofficial Companion to the Novels of Terry Pratchett (Hardcover)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Three stars for a yeoman-like effort. But wait for the paperback.