Discworld

Discworld is a series of comic fantasy novels written by British author Terry Pratchett. The first book, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983. The series is set on a flat, disc-shaped world that rests on the backs of four elephants, which stand on the shell of the great turtle, Great A'Tuin. Its geography encompasses bustling cities, dangerous mountains, and magical realms, often serving as a stage for satire of real-world institutions and ideas.

The books are united by a shared setting and recurring characters, but are designed to be read in any order. Prominent strands follow Rincewind the inept wizard, the witches led by Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg, the City Watch led by Sam Vimes, and the personified Death. Later novels also center on Tiffany Aching, a young witch who becomes a major figure in the series. The Discworld stories balance fantasy adventure with social commentary, wordplay, and observations on human nature.

Publication and reception: the core sequence comprises 41 novels published from 1983 to 2015, with The Shepherd’s Crown continuing the Tiffany Aching storyline. In addition, Pratchett co-authored The Science of Discworld with scientists Ian Stewart and Jack Cohen, blending popular science with Discworld fiction. The works have been translated into many languages and are widely regarded for their wit, inventive world-building, and humane satire.

Adaptations and influence: Discworld has inspired radio dramatizations, stage productions, video games, and television adaptations, including adaptations of Hogfather and other novels. It is regarded as a landmark series in humorous fantasy, influencing later writers and contributing to the enduring popularity of Pratchett’s work and the broader Discworld universe.