Discworld off kilter

[Bêthberry]

Sad news indeed for fans of comic fantasy: Terry Pratchett announces early onset of Alzheimers.

His mythological, fantasy universe Discworld is quite possibly as well known and loved as Middle-earth. Prachett has the dubious distinction of being the most shoplifted novelist in Britain; I don't know where Tolkien falls on that list, but possibly devotees of the Light of the Two Trees are not so light-fingered.

I don't think that Prachett names Tolkien as an influence but certainly in any comparison of those who create alternate worlds Pratchett would stand as tall as Tolkien if his crooked sense of humour didn't give him that stooping bent that causes him sometimes to be overlooked by (serious) fans of (serious) fantasy. Few can say also that Pratchett's love of words is not as dexterous as Tolkien's was.

Pratchett does share the same US publisher as Tolkien, HarperCollins.

I wasn't sure I should post this on the Downs as Pratchett has pointed out that he isn't dead yet but I know that here on the Downs he is greatly admired by at least HerenIstarion if not legions of other twisted Downers.