Diksia.com - Discworld is a fantasy series by the late Terry Pratchett, one of the most prolific and beloved authors of our time. The series consists of 41 novels, several short stories, and companion books, all set in a flat world that rests on the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle swimming through space. Sounds crazy, right? Well, that’s part of the charm of Discworld, a world where anything can happen, and usually does.
But where do you start with such a vast and varied series? How do you choose which book to read first, and which ones to follow? Do you have to read them in chronological order, or can you jump around and explore different sub-series and characters? And what are the benefits and drawbacks of each approach?
In this article, we will try to answer these questions and provide some guidance for newcomers who want to dive into the wonderful world of Discworld.
We will also give some suggestions for the best books to start with, depending on your preferences and interests. Whether you are looking for comedy, adventure, satire, or magic, there is a Discworld book for you.
Reading Discworld in Chronological Order
One way to read Discworld is to follow the chronological order of publication, starting with The Colour of Magic (1983) and ending with The Shepherd’s Crown (2015).
This is the simplest and most straightforward method, as you can see how Pratchett’s writing style and vision evolved over time, and how he introduced and developed various themes, characters, and settings. You can also appreciate the continuity and references that link the books together, and enjoy the overall arc of the series.
However, reading Discworld in chronological order also has some disadvantages. For one thing, the first few books are not the best examples of Pratchett’s talent and humor, as he was still finding his voice and experimenting with different genres and influences.
Some readers might find them too silly, chaotic, or parodic, and miss the depth and nuance that characterize his later works.
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.
For another thing, you might find it hard to switch from one sub-series to another, as they have different moods and paces, and require different levels of familiarity and knowledge.
Reading Discworld by Standalone Books
A third way to read Discworld is to pick a standalone book that does not belong to any sub-series, or that can be read independently from the rest.
For example, you can read Pyramids, a book that parodies ancient Egypt and its culture; or Small Gods, a book that satirizes religion and philosophy; or Moving Pictures, a book that spoofs Hollywood and the film industry.
There are also books that introduce new characters or settings, such as Monstrous Regiment, a book that features a group of female soldiers in disguise; or The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents, a book that stars a talking cat and a band of intelligent rats; or The Wee Free Men, a book that marks the debut of Tiffany Aching, the young witch mentioned above.
Reading Discworld by standalone books has some benefits. For one thing, you can enjoy the book without worrying about the order or the continuity, as it does not depend on or affect the other books.
You can also appreciate the book on its own merits, as it has its own plot, characters, and themes. You can also sample the variety and creativity of the series, as each book offers a different genre, tone, and message.
However, reading Discworld by standalone books also has some limitations. For one thing, you might not get the full picture of the series, as you miss the development and evolution of the world and its inhabitants.
You might also feel detached or isolated from the rest of the series, as you lack the familiarity and attachment that come from following a sub-series or a chronological order. You might also find it hard to choose a book, as there are many options and no clear criteria.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is no definitive or best way to read Discworld, as each method has its pros and cons. The choice depends on your personal preference and goal, as well as on the availability and accessibility of the books.
The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the journey, as Discworld is a series that can make you laugh, think, and feel.
If you are still unsure where to start, here are some recommendations for the best books to begin with, depending on what you are looking for:
- If you want to read the series in chronological order, start with The Colour of Magic, the first book in the series.
- If you want to read the series by sub-series, start with Guards! Guards!, the first book in the City Watch sub-series, or Wyrd Sisters, the first book in the witches sub-series.
- If you want to read the series by standalone books, start with Small Gods, one of the most acclaimed and popular books in the series.
Whatever you choose, we hope you enjoy your Discworld reading order and discover the magic and wonder of Terry Pratchett’s world.
