How to Read Discworld: A Guide for Newcomers

RediksiaTuesday, 12 December 2023 | 13:00 GMT+0000
discworld reading order
How to Read Discworld: A Guide for Newcomers

For another thing, the chronological order does not reflect the internal chronology of the series, as some books take place before or after others, or overlap in time. This can create some confusion and inconsistency, especially for the characters and sub-series that span multiple books.

Reading Discworld by Sub-Series

Another way to read Discworld is to focus on the sub-series that feature specific characters or locations, and read them in their own internal order.

For example, you can read the books that follow the adventures of Rincewind, the inept and cowardly wizard who always gets into trouble; or the books that star the witches of Lancre, a trio of formidable and meddling women who protect their kingdom from various threats; or the books that center on the City Watch, a group of misfit policemen who uphold the law and order in the chaotic metropolis of Ankh-Morpork.

There are also sub-series that focus on Death, the anthropomorphic personification of the end of life; the Industrial Revolution, the era of technological and social change in Discworld; and Tiffany Aching, a young witch who learns her craft and faces evil forces.

Reading Discworld by sub-series has some advantages. For one thing, you can choose the sub-series that appeals to you the most, based on your taste and interest. Whether you prefer fantasy, mystery, comedy, or drama, there is a sub-series that suits you.

For another thing, you can follow the development and growth of the characters and their relationships, and see how they change and mature over time. You can also enjoy the consistency and coherence of the sub-series, as they have their own tone, style, and themes.

However, reading Discworld by sub-series also has some drawbacks. For one thing, you might miss out on some of the richness and diversity of the series, as you limit yourself to a certain perspective and aspect of the world.

You might also lose some of the context and background that other books provide, and overlook some of the connections and references that link the sub-series together.