Discworld Books

Terry Pratchett commemorative stamps available on eBay

27 March 2009 (17:58) Comment!

Two fans and artists of Terry Pratchett’s writings have created a set of commemorative stamps celebrating Pratchett’s life. The stampsheets are available now on eBay (or by emailing sirterry@stampsmyth.com). Here is the info, straight from the artists’ mouths:

We are Alan Batley and Colin Edwards, two fans of Terry Pratchett and his books from the UK, and two of the artists who worked with Terry on the very first Discworld stamps which you may know from the inside cover of the Going Postal hardback.

We thought it would be a fitting tribute to produce a set of commemorative stamps that celebrated Terry’s great achievements, and were thrilled that after receiving permission (and a lot of assistance with the details) from Terry’s agent Colin Smythe, he suggested that a framed copy of our work should be presented to Sir Terry at the lunch that followed his knighthood.

The 3 stamps celebrate:
40 Years of Published Writing
25 Years of Discworld novels
and his 60th Year, culminating in his Knighthood at Buckingham Palace.

In order to give Terry the very best quality of printing, Alan and I had to buy a small print run of the stampsheets and we are now trying to sell the remaining sheets of stamps to help pay for the printing and perforation of the stamps. A proportion of the royalties from the sales will be donated to Alzheimers charities in the East Anglia region; Alan’s mother had the disease.

We do not have a shop or website so we are selling these on eBay. The item details are at… http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250376103054&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=015

The artwork features an illustration of a very young Terry, based on Colin Smythe’s archive photographs of Terry at the launch of The Carpet People at the very start of his commissioned writing career; and Terry’s early signature from those days.

The central image is of Great Atuin, and the Discworld flying through space, celebrating the 25 years of Discworld novels.

The third stamp in the sequence is of Sir Terry as we all know him today in his trademark black hat and carries the modern signature we are more familiar with today.

Each stamp minisheet is presented with a numbered, certificate of authenticity dated on the day of Terry’s knighthood, signed by both of us, and hand stamped with a silver Great Atuin.

We hope you will take time to have a look at the listing, and might support a couple of fans who wanted to celebrate Sir Terry’s knighthood in an appropriate way, if you do not have an eBay account you can contact us at sirterry@stampsmyth.com for further details.

Thank you and congratulations again SIR Terry! Your recognition for services to literature has been long overdue.

Pictures!
http://s676.photobucket.com/albums/vv125/stampsmyth/?action=view&current=triptychcloseupRGB.jpg
http://s676.photobucket.com/albums/vv125/stampsmyth/?action=view&current=1minisheetcard2lores.jpg
http://s676.photobucket.com/albums/vv125/stampsmyth/?action=view&current=1lotsofminisheets.jpg]

Discworld plays roundup

14 February 2009 (20:28) Comment!

There are, as always, many many plays adapted from Discworld novels being performed in the coming months. Here’s some of the newest information:

• Monstrous Regiment
  • Preliminary dates: June 17-20
  • Adapted by Stephen Briggs, directed by Mel Walker and Tim Williams
  • Auditions (for acting and backstage work) at Scout Hut, in Gatting Way, Uxbridge on February 22, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rehearsals every Sunday.
  • URL: http://www.purpletheatre.org.uk
• The Truth
  • March 3-7, in Oxford.
  • Performed by OFS Theatre Group
  • URL: http://www.discworldmonthly.co.uk?redir=OFS2009021
• Wyrd Sisters
  • March 11-14
  • Performed by Leicester University Theatre Society
  • URL: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/lutheatre/LUT_entrance.htm
• Wyrd Sisters
  • 7:45 p.m., March 24-28, at Sharnbrook in Bedfordshire
  • Tickets: 9 GBP to 11 GBP, available from Sharnbrook Post Office or Bedford Central Box Office (01234 269519)
• Maskerade
  • 7:30 p.m., March 26-28, at Studio Theatre at The Garage
  • Tickets: 7 GBP, available from Theatre Royal Box Office (01603630000) or online
  • Performed by Norwich Theatre Royal Youth Theatre Company
  • URL: http://www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk

Thanks to the Discworld Monthly for information used in compiling this article.

Colour Of Magic theatrical run in New York

2 February 2009 (13:54) 1 Comment

As reported by the New York Times, the Colour Of Magic adaptation is being screened in New York at the Quad Cinema on 13th Street until February 5.

The screening opened January 30. To quote the review:

Originally broadcast on British television and now receiving a limited theatrical run here, “The Color of Magic” mashes together a pair of comedic fantasy novels by Terry Pratchett into one long, rambling saga. Directed by Vadim Jean, who adapted the books with help from Mr. Pratchett, it is by and large a droll, ingratiating affair, albeit one whose rickety effects and lackadaisical pacing are decidedly more suited to the small screen than to the large.

What’s refreshing here (aside from the inimitably British mock-epic tone) is precisely this sense of an immense fantasy played out in a diminished scale. Where even the quietest moments of the “Harry Potter” films bludgeon the viewer with the immensity and expense of their production, “Magic” has a charmingly modest, artisanal feel about it.

Terry Pratchett interview in Times

31 January 2009 (12:44) 1 Comment

An interview with Terry Pratchett published January 25 on TimesOnline.co.uk discusses his experience with Alzheimer’s in the past year and his recently awarded knighthood. To quote the article:

Sir Terry Pratchett cannot help wondering why it was this year - after 30 years as a bestselling writer - that he was honoured with a knighthood: ‘All I know is that on the citation it says ‘for services to literature’, and it would be nice to think that that got me the knighthood - though it may have been for what I stood up for and what I’ve done for Alzheimer’s.’ All in all, Pratchett is treating his recent knighthood with modesty: ‘I am 60. I know exactly who I am,’ he says. ‘I am just me - which is why it’s slightly amusing to be addressed by the postman as ‘Sir Terry”….

When he describes living with Alzheimer’s as ‘a minor flaw in a good, though complicated, year - without it, it would have been a fairly anodyne one’, you can’t help feeling he is underselling his recent literary achievements. Nation, his new book, was an instant bestseller; his Discworld series celebrated its 25th anniversary; and he was at work on two new titles: Unseen Academicals and I Shall Wear Midnight….

“As a science-fiction writer, [knighthood] is an achievement. Despite its popularity, sci-fi is still a ghetto genre. So when a hand of welcome comes from the Establishment, you can do nothing but shake it.”

Wyrd Sisters play in Southport March 11-14

27 January 2009 (0:21) Comment!

The Sefton Theatre Company presents the stage adaptation of Wyrd Sisters this March 11-14 at the Southport Art Centre Studio.

Evening performances start at 7:45 p.m. GMT. For tickets, which cost £5.50 and £7.00, call 01704 540011.

(Thanks to WOSSNAME for the info.)

Carpe Jugulum play in Colsterworth March 6-7

24 January 2009 (18:08) Comment!

Newton’s Players presents a stage adaptation of Carpe Jugulum March 6-7, 2009 at the Colsterworth Village Hall.

The group has previously put on Wyrd Sisters, to great success, in Grantham and Colsterworth.

Tickets are available by emailing mark.wesson@southwitham.net or calling 01476 862039.

(Thanks to WOSSNAME for the info.)

Wyrd Sisters play in Liverpool January 24-27

23 January 2009 (0:00) Comment!

The Wavertree Garden Suburb Institute (Liverpool) presents Stephen Briggs’ stage adaptation of Wyrd Sisters beginning this Saturday, January 24.

The doors of The Little Theatre of the Wavertree Garden Suburb Institute (149 Thingwall Road, Liverpool, L15 7XJ) open at 7:15 and the performance begins half an hour later. Tickets cost £5, and are available to callers to 0151 220 5909 and 0151 427 5842.

The run will end Tuesday, January 27.

(Thanks to WOSSNAME for the info.)

Making Money on Nebula Awards preliminary ballot

20 January 2009 (12:58) Comment!

Terry Pratchett’s most recently published Discworld novel, Making Money, made it onto the just-released preliminary ballot for the prestigious 2008 Nebula Awards.

Making Money will be competing with nine other novels for the Nebula Award in the “Novels” category, for which works of science fiction and fantasy that are 40,000 words or more are eligible. Other novels competing for the award are Territory, by Emma Bull; Little Brother, by Cory Doctorow; In War Times, by Kathleen Ann Goonan; and Powers, by Ursula K. Le Guin.

Active members of the Science Fiction And Fantasy Writers Of America (SFWA) will vote on the preliminary ballot for works to advance to the final ballot, released in March, which usually consists of five to six works in each category. The final ballot is then voted on once more by active members for the winner, which is announced at the annual Nebula Awards banquet during the Nebula Awards Weekend. The Nebula Awards Weekend is occurring this year April 24-26 in Los Angeles, California. The cost of attending is $125 to $150. Non-members may attend.

Also announced are the receivers of the honors of Damon Knight Grand Master (Harry Harrison) and Author Emerita (M. J. Engh).

BBC Radio 7 re-airs Wyrd Sisters radio adaptation

16 January 2009 (15:19) Comment!

BBC Radio 7 is airing the four-part radio adaptation of Wyrd Sisters this week at 6 p.m. and midnight from January 16 to January 22. The adaptation stars Sheila Hancock and Lynda Baron.

Here is a clearer listing of airing dates and times.

Part	6:00 p.m.	Midnight
1	Jan 16	Jan 17
2	Jan 17	Jan 18
3	Jan 18	Jan 19
4	Jan 19	Jan 20

All episodes are available via BBC’s Listen Again feature for up to seven days after the broadcast date.

Ian Stewart, Science Of Discworld collaborator and honorary Unseen University wizard, writes a best seller

10 January 2009 (15:41) Comment!

Ian Stewart, who you might remember collaborated with Terry Pratchett and Jack Cohen on the Acience Of Discworld books, was recently featured by the CoventryTelegraph.net, which notes that the Warwick University professor has since written Cabinet Of Mathematical Curiosities, which has sold well this holiday season.

The book uses as a source notebooks full of mathematical notes Stewart has been keeping since he was 14, and consists of 180 math problems.

Terry Pratchett interview in the Irish Times

8 January 2009 (23:49) Comment!

Donal Clarke of the Irish Times interviewed Terry Pratchett when he was in Dublin for his honorary degree from Trinity College in mid-December, and just recently released the article. Terry Pratchett talks about his characteristic hat:

“There’s no significance to the hat,” he says in his focused way. “I just happened to see it in a shop one day and thought: ‘Bing! I am going to have a hat like that.’ Charlie Chaplin always said that there was no great plan to his image. He just looked into a wardrobe and saw this bowler hat, baggy pants and a cane.”

He also spoke of his Alzheimer’s campaigning:

“I do feel like something of a fraud,” he laughs. “I am sitting here talking to you and I guarantee that you would not guess there is anything wrong with me. What I have is posterior cortical atrophy, an early onset form of Alzheimer’s that happens on the rear of the brain. You have a whole bridge hand of problems, but initially they are all to do with visual acuity or sight in general.” … “Several people have told me I have been getting better recently,” he says. “Well, unless there has been a minor miracle that has not really been happening, but I am learning to cope. There is not really the language to explain how it affects me. I have to think before approaching a revolving door. My typing has got quite bad and my spelling has deteriorated. I also have a problem with my short-term memory.” He pauses and plays with his teacup.

“I also have a problem with my short-term memory. And then there’s my short-term . . . ” Yes, yes, yes. I can see where this is going.

Asked about his view of Death as described in the books and whether it’s changed since his diagnosis, he responded:

“No. I wouldn’t say I have changed my view,” he says. “Death is not a buffoon in the books. He’s still Death, but he has a certain amount of compassion. As he points out, it is the falling rock, the microbe or the bullet that kills you. Death’s job is just to take you away.”

He also says something we’ve never heard before about his rise to prominence in his early writing career:

“The Colour of Magic was serialised on Woman’s Hour and that brought some attention,” he said. “When I wrote the second one I really began to sense something moving out there. Later, I remember being summoned to my boss’s office at the CEGB. He had three of my books in front of him and he said: ‘Did you write these?’ I thought I was in trouble, then he asked me to sign them for his sons.” Pratchett quit the job shortly afterwards.

He also spoke about the marginalization of fantasy in literary circles:

“Alternate worlds are now the stuff of Booker winners, but they call it ‘magic realism’ not that ‘awful fantasy stuff’,” he says.

And he reiterates the fact that not all of his fans are 14-year-olds named Kevin (as the runners of this site can attest to):

“The first thing I would say is that 70 per cent of the people who come to my conventions are female,” Pratchett retorts. “Look, the stereotype lacks any accuracy. The stereotype fan is a 14-year-old in an anorak called Kevin. If that ever was true then Kevin is now long married to Daphne and he is beginning to wish he’d started his pension plan a little earlier. If you have parents who are Discworld fans then you will, most likely, be surrounded by books. Fantasy fans tend to read everything.”

And about the media interest in what is Britain’s most high-profile Alzheimer’s patient:

“Now, if somebody phones up and says, ‘I am from Radio WANK, tell me about Alz-heimer’s’, then I know they just want to fill an hour with Pratchett. I tell them to piss off. But it never occurred to me not to announce it.”

There’s much more in the article itself, including a powerful observation: “They say, ‘Don’t let them see you bleed’. But I say, ‘If you let them see you bleed then one of them might offer you a bandage’.”

Retro News: Pratchett’s fan updates October-December 2008; health “stable”; documentary “looks pretty good”; Unseen Academicals finished by May?

1 January 2009 (15:02) Comment!

Since October, Terry Pratchett has posted three updates on PJSMPrints, all of which contain a wealth of information about his writing progress, the media interest in Terry Pratchett The Alzheimer’s Patient, the documentary Living With Alzheimer’s, and so on.

To quote Pratchett’s October update (scroll down at the link):

At last some progress is being made on Unseen Academicals since we got through the making of the BBC2 documentary and all the alternative calls on my time that seemed to have filled the past year. Today, for example, I have nothing to do but write and Rob and I were just mentioning how odd it is to have a day which does not involve some kind of travel, meeting, or interview. In fact Rob is about to interview me right now:

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Announcing Sir Terry (Article Updated And Revised)

31 December 2008 (20:40) Comment!

Queen Elizabeth II’s annual New Year honors list includes Terry Pratchett, who was named a Knight Bachelor for services to literature earlier today (Wednesday in the U.K.).

Pratchett has previously been named an Officer Of The British Empire (OBE).

This comes after a failed petition in August 2007 to award Pratchett the honor of knighthood.

Terry Pratchett responded to the announcement by saying, “there are times when phrases such as ‘totally astonished’ just don’t do the job….I am of course delighted and honored and — needless to say — flabbergasted.”

(more…)

Signed novel raises £760 for Alzheimer’s Society

29 December 2008 (13:30) 1 Comment

Terry Pratchett donated a signed copy of Making Money to an auction for the New Forest branch of the Alzheimer’s Society. The book was auctioned off for £760.

This article quotes Terry Pratchett as saying, “I am, along with many others, scrabbling to stay ahead long enough to be there when the cure comes along…. It is a shock to find out that funding for Alzheimer’s research is just 3% of that to find cancer cures.”

Retro News: Pratchett interview, in which he actually talks about things other than Alzheimer’s (29 November 2008)

28 December 2008 (19:57) Comment!

Deborah Orr at the Independent.co.uk interviewed Terry Pratchett late in November, and in doing so provides some insight into Terry Pratchett’s writing process.

The article gets the requisite Alzheimer’s questions done early. Terry Pratchett summed up the effect of his very public diagnosis:
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New Discworld miniatures of Death, Weatherwax, Vimes, Ogg, Rincewind

27 December 2008 (17:45) Comment!

Micro Art Studio is now issuing a series of Discworld miniatures. Miniatures of Death, Granny Weatherwax, Sam Vimes, Nanny Ogg, and Rincewind are already available.

Miniatures of Nobby Nobbs and the Luggage are planned.

The miniatures are based on the artwork of Paul Kidby. According to Micro Art Studio, the miniatures are “30 mm scale high quality metal cast” miniatures and are sold unpainted.

Terry Pratchett on With Great Pleasure: Recording available

25 December 2008 (13:03) Comment!

Today at 12:00 in England BBC Radio 4 aired a special holiday edition of their program With Great Pleasure, which featured Terry Pratchett and some of his favorite pieces of writing.

A recording of the fifty-three minute show is available via BBC’s Listen Again feature, however the BBC site requires Real Player to play. (For those who are worried about Real Player’s security holes and intrusive nature, Real Alternative is an open-source software that many users use as an alternative.) (This is in no way an endorsement. Don’t blame us if installing either piece of software causes problems with your computer.)

From Rim To Hub has a high quality mp3 file of the program that you can download and play anywhere with any software.
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Four Discworld novels in Amazon’s Hall Of Fame

24 December 2008 (17:34) Comment!

Amazon looks back on the ten years since it started (and subsequently became a book sales juggernaut) with a Hall Of Fame listing the yearly top ten bestsellers, and four of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels make it onto the lists.

Carpe Jugulum is the fourth bestselling title for 1998, The Fifth Elephant is the eighth bestselling title for 1999, Night Watch is the second bestselling title for 2002, and Monstrous Regiment is the seventh bestselling title for 2003.

Other books in the Hall Of Fame are the Harry Potter books, Who Moved My Cheese?, The God Delusion, The Time Traveler’s Wife, and The Kite Runner.