Discworld off kilter - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Bêthberry · 12-13-2007, 09:19 AM

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.

Mithalwen · 12-13-2007, 12:20 PM

HI is not alone. Pratchett has contributed to a book of essays on Tolkien with a degree of affection if I recall correctly. He is a genius and a really nice guy. My young cousins are big fans and some years ago we went to a booksigning since I was giving one of them his latest as a Christmas present . We arrived early and yet we were way back in the queue and reached him at the time he was due to finish. The girl in front had a huge pile of stuff to sign and she said "I'm sorry there is so many" to which he replied "I'm not!". Despite the queue he didn't rush, he was very sweet to the awestruck children and really was delightful. You can't fake that.

May the mind under the black felt hat last out as long as possible and research bear fruit in time for him and other sufferers of this cruel condition.

piosenniel · 12-13-2007, 12:35 PM

AN EMBUGGERANCE, indeed!!!

Lalwendë · 12-14-2007, 03:21 PM

This news sucks doesn't it?

The early aggressive form of Alzheimers is nasty too. My nan had the 'regular' type and in her home there was a man in his late 50s with the early onset type and he went down quickly - he went in the home after she did and left a long time before she did

Pratchett does like Tolkien - I watched a documentary where he said he'd read Lord of the Rings in one whole night as a teenager, apparently he couldn't put it down. And even though I've only read scanty bits of his stuff you can see the parodies all over the shop.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bb

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.

Tolkien fans are too scared to go for the five-fingered discount because they know what happened after a certain Hobbit nicked a Ring...

12-13-2007, 09:19 AM	#1
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 5,997	Discworld off kilter 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. __________________ I’ll sing his roots off. I’ll sing a wind up and blow leaf and branch away.

12-13-2007, 12:20 PM	#2
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	HI is not alone. Pratchett has contributed to a book of essays on Tolkien with a degree of affection if I recall correctly. He is a genius and a really nice guy. My young cousins are big fans and some years ago we went to a booksigning since I was giving one of them his latest as a Christmas present . We arrived early and yet we were way back in the queue and reached him at the time he was due to finish. The girl in front had a huge pile of stuff to sign and she said "I'm sorry there is so many" to which he replied "I'm not!". Despite the queue he didn't rush, he was very sweet to the awestruck children and really was delightful. You can't fake that. May the mind under the black felt hat last out as long as possible and research bear fruit in time for him and other sufferers of this cruel condition. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

12-13-2007, 12:35 PM	#3
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	AN EMBUGGERANCE, indeed!!! __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.