Embarking on Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series is like stepping onto a vast, rotating disc carried through space on the backs of four giant elephants, themselves standing on the shell of the great cosmic turtle, Great A’Tuin. With its rich tapestry of characters, satirical wit, and profound observations about life, the universe, and everything in between, Discworld has captivated readers for over three decades.
But with 41 novels interconnected through a web of recurring characters and overlapping storylines, newcomers often wonder: Where should I start? This guide will help you navigate the Discworld, offering various reading orders to suit different preferences.
Understanding the Discworld
Before delving into reading orders, it’s essential to grasp the structure of the Discworld series:
- Standalone Novels: Some books can be read independently without prior knowledge of the series.
- Sub-series: There are several mini-series within Discworld, focusing on specific characters or themes.
- Publication vs. Chronological Order: While the books were published over several decades, the internal timeline isn’t strictly linear.
Reading Orders
1. Publication or Chronological Order
Reading the books in the order they were published allows you to experience the evolution of Pratchett’s writing style and the development of the Discworld itself.
Benefits:
- Witness the growth of recurring characters and settings as intended by the author.
- Understand references and callbacks to earlier events.
Considerations:
The first few books differ in tone and style from later novels, with less developed world-building.
Publication Order List:
- The Colour of Magic (1983)
- The Light Fantastic (1986)
- Equal Rites (1987)
- Mort (1987)
- Sourcery (1988)
- Wyrd Sisters (1988)
- Pyramids (1989)
- Guards! Guards! (1989)
- Eric (1990)
- Moving Pictures (1990)
- Reaper Man (1991)
- Witches Abroad (1991)
- Small Gods (1992)
- Lords and Ladies (1992)
- Men at Arms (1993)
- Soul Music (1994)
- Interesting Times (1994)
- Maskerade (1995)
- Feet of Clay (1996)
- Hogfather (1996)
- Jingo (1997)
- The Last Continent (1998)
- Carpe Jugulum (1998)
- The Fifth Elephant (1999)
- The Truth (2000)
- Thief of Time (2001)
- The Last Hero (2001)
- The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents (2001)
- Night Watch (2002)
- The Wee Free Men (2003)
- Monstrous Regiment (2003)
- A Hat Full of Sky (2004)
- Going Postal (2004)
- Thud! (2005)
- Wintersmith (2006)
- Making Money (2007)
- Unseen Academicals (2009)
- I Shall Wear Midnight (2010)
- Snuff (2011)
- Raising Steam (2013)
- The Shepherd’s Crown (2015)
2. Sub-series Order
Pratchett’s Discworld novels are often grouped based on central characters or themes. Reading by sub-series allows you to follow specific story arcs from start to finish.
a. Rincewind Series
Follow the misadventures of Rincewind, the inept wizard who always finds himself in trouble.
- The Colour of Magic
- The Light Fantastic
- Sourcery
- Eric
- Interesting Times
- The Last Continent
- The Last Hero
b. Death Series
Delve into stories where Death is a central character, exploring themes of life, mortality, and the afterlife.
- Mort
- Reaper Man
- Soul Music
- Hogfather
- Thief of Time
c. Witches Series
Join Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg, and Magrat Garlick in tales filled with magic, folklore, and practical witchcraft.
- Equal Rites
- Wyrd Sisters
- Witches Abroad
- Lords and Ladies
- Maskerade
- Carpe Jugulum
d. City Watch Series
Experience the evolution of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch from a ragtag group to a reputable force under Commander Sam Vimes.
- Guards! Guards!
- Men at Arms
- Feet of Clay
- Jingo
- The Fifth Elephant
- Night Watch
- Thud!
- Snuff
e. Tiffany Aching Series (Younger Readers)
Follow young witch Tiffany Aching and her encounters with the Nac Mac Feegle, a clan of tiny, rowdy pictsies.
- The Wee Free Men
- A Hat Full of Sky
- Wintersmith
- I Shall Wear Midnight
- The Shepherd’s Crown
f. Moist von Lipwig Series
Meet Moist von Lipwig, a con artist coerced into managing failing institutions in Ankh-Morpork.
- Going Postal
- Making Money
- Raising Steam
g. Standalone Novels
These books explore unique aspects of Discworld without requiring extensive background knowledge.
- Pyramids
- Moving Pictures
- Small Gods
- The Truth
- Monstrous Regiment
- The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents
- Unseen Academicals
Benefits:
- Focused narrative arcs with character development.
- Easier to digest in smaller segments.
Considerations:
- May miss out on cross-over events and character cameos from other sub-series.
3. Thematic or Chronological Order
Some readers prefer to experience the series based on thematic connections or the internal chronology of events. While the Discworld doesn’t follow a strict timeline, certain books precede others in terms of events within the world.
Example:
- Start with “The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents” and “The Wee Free Men”, set slightly earlier in Discworld’s timeline.
- Proceed to “Night Watch”, which involves time travel to earlier events in Ankh-Morpork.
Benefits:
- A unique perspective on the unfolding history of the Discworld.
- Potentially deeper understanding of character backstories.
Considerations:
- Requires careful planning and might involve jumping between sub-series.
- Not officially defined, so interpretations may vary.
Recommended Starting Points
For those unsure where to begin, here are some popular entry points:
- “Guards! Guards!”: Introduces the City Watch and is often recommended for its engaging plot and accessible humor.
- “Equal Rites”: A standalone novel that introduces the witches, suitable for readers interested in strong female protagonists.
- “Mort”: The first book focusing on Death as a character, blending humor with profound themes.
- “The Wee Free Men”: Ideal for younger readers or those seeking a blend of fantasy and coming-of-age stories.
- “Small Gods”: A standalone novel that satirizes religion and philosophy, showcasing Pratchett’s depth.
Tips for New Readers
- Don’t Stress About Order: Discworld is designed to be accessible. Many books can be enjoyed independently.
- Embrace the Footnotes: Pratchett’s footnotes add extra layers of humor and context.
- Expect Satire and Social Commentary: Beyond fantasy, the series offers sharp critiques of real-world issues.
- Allow Time for Adjustment: The unique setting and style may take a few chapters to get used to.
Conclusion
Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series is a monumental achievement in fantasy literature, offering a blend of humor, philosophy, and unforgettable characters. Whether you choose to read the books in publication order, follow a particular sub-series, or forge your own path based on themes, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey across the Disc.
Dive in, and discover why millions of readers cherish their time in the Discworld—a place oddly familiar yet wonderfully strange, where magic meets the mundane, and every story offers something new.
Happy reading!
