this post was submitted on 11 Jun 2023
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Discworld

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Years ago I read a disc world book for the first time, the wee free men, I can't remember much except I loved it.. Now I've bought the colour of magic and planning to slowly read them all. Is there a certain order recommended? I was planning to go by chronological order but thought I'd ask :)

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[–] Lauchs 4 points 1 year ago (5 children)

For what it's worth Terry Pratchett (the author) suggested starting with Sourcery which is the fifth book.

Regardless, you're in for a great time. But if the first book doesn't quite jive, I strongly recommend following Pratchett's advice and trying Sourcery which is a much more polished, "Discworld-y" story.

[–] armcie 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I've never seen a source on that suggestion to start with Sourcery. I'd certainly push people to a none-Rincewind story. Guards! Guards!, Wyrd Sisters or Small Gods.

[–] Lauchs 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Totally fair. I always assumed the folks who wrote the Discworld Reading Guide were telling the truth but I too haven't actually seen a source for that.

I like the idea of Guards Guards (but I'm biased as the watch is my favourite "series") but Small Gods might be the winner as a one off.

[–] armcie 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Yeah, its one of the things that's always slightly ticked me off about that guide.

Excavating the history of the internet (mostly ye olde usenet groups) I couldn't find much he had to say about Sourcery, but there was this interview where he said:

By about book four, I discovered the joy of plot. (That was Mort.) I went back a bit with Sourcery [1988], because I knew the fans wanted more of Rincewind. I didn't particularly enjoy writing Sourcery, but it stayed on the best-seller list for three months. And then I said, "Sod the fans, I'll do what I like."

which doesn't make me think he'd particularly recommend it.

[–] TeaHands 1 points 1 year ago

This just makes me a bit sad. Rincewind fan club rise up!

[–] Lauchs 1 points 1 year ago

Oh interesting! Now I'm super curious because I can't imagine folks put all that effort into the guide and then just made up TP's recommended starting point but it sounds like you've done a hefty bit of research. (I tried a cursory google search when you first asked but without luck...)

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