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Series · fantasy
Discworld
The Discworld series by Terry Pratchett has 41 known books (41 published) and is best read in publication order, starting with The Colour of Magic (1983). The latest book with a fully recorded publication date is The Shepherd's Crown.
- Books
- 41 known books (41 novels)
- Published
- 41
- First published
- 1983
- Status
- completed
- Shelved under
- Fantasy
- Last checked
Start here: The Colour of Magic (1983) — then read straight through in publication order.
Reading order
The date order of published books and any announced future entries — the default way to read the series.
- Book 1:
The Colour of Magic
"The Colour of Magic" (1983) opens Discworld -- an inept wizard, Rincewind, escorts the Disc's first tourist through straight fantasy parody. It's the traditional starting point for the Rincewind strand, though many readers now bounce off its 1980s-parody tone and prefer a later entry point; 240 pages.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Colour of Magic - Book 2:
The Light Fantastic
Published 1986 at 256 pages, "The Light Fantastic" is Discworld's second entry, continuing Pratchett's use of the Disc -- and its dragons, golems and the personification of Death -- to satirise policing, religion, journalism, banking and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Light Fantastic - Book 3:
Equal Rites
"Equal Rites" (1987, 255 pages) is the third Discworld novel and functions as an early prototype for the Witches strand that Wyrd Sisters would properly kick off -- Pratchett's take on magic, gender and the Disc's wizarding establishment.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Equal Rites - Book 4:
Mort
"Mort" (1987, 297 pages) is the recommended starting point for the Death strand -- Terry Pratchett's anthropomorphic personification of Death (WHO SPEAKS LIKE THIS) takes on an apprentice, in a wry, humane, philosophical entry that's the fourth Discworld novel.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Mort - Book 5:
Sourcery
"Sourcery" (1988) continues Terry Pratchett's Discworld at 308 pages, the fifth novel in a series that mixes straight fantasy trappings with sharp satire of policing, religion, war and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Sourcery - Book 6:
Wyrd Sisters
"Wyrd Sisters" (1988, 322 pages), the sixth Discworld novel, is the recommended entry point for the Witches strand, introducing Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg's brand of "headology" rather than conventional magic (with Equal Rites as an earlier prototype).
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Wyrd Sisters - Book 7:
Pyramids
"Pyramids" (1989) is the seventh Discworld novel, part of Terry Pratchett's forty-one-book comic series set on a flat world carried through space on the back of four elephants and a giant turtle -- 366 pages, with no single protagonist but interweaving strands across Ankh-Morpork and beyond.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Pyramids - Book 8:
Guards! Guards!
"Guards! Guards!" (1989, 378 pages) launches the City Watch strand -- Sam Vimes and Ankh-Morpork's police, widely called fantasy's greatest cop shop and the most common recommendation for adult readers starting Discworld. It's the eighth novel in the series.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Guards! Guards! - Book 9:
Eric
"Eric" (1990, 158 pages) is the ninth book in the Discworld series, published as part of the 1983-2015 run that Pratchett filled with interweaving strands rather than one continuous hero.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Eric - Book 10:
Moving Pictures
The tenth Discworld novel, "Moving Pictures" (1990) runs 360 pages and belongs to a series famous for the fact that readers can begin it in a dozen different places -- each Pratchett satire aimed at some real-world institution refracted through the Disc.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Moving Pictures - Book 11:
Reaper Man
"Reaper Man" (1991) continues Terry Pratchett's Discworld at 301 pages, the 11th novel in a series that mixes straight fantasy trappings with sharp satire of policing, religion, war and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Reaper Man - Book 12:
Witches Abroad
At 320 pages, "Witches Abroad" (1991) is Discworld's 12th entry -- one more instalment of Pratchett's comic series about the flat, elephant-and-turtle-borne world he used as a mirror for our own.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Witches Abroad - Book 13:
Small Gods
"Small Gods" (1992, 351 pages) is a standalone Discworld novel needing no background at all, and is often named the single best introduction to the series -- Pratchett turning his satire on religion and belief. It's the 13th entry.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Small Gods - Book 14:
Lords and Ladies
Published 1992 at 377 pages, "Lords and Ladies" is Discworld's 14th entry, continuing Pratchett's use of the Disc -- and its dragons, golems and the personification of Death -- to satirise policing, religion, journalism, banking and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Lords and Ladies - Book 15:
Men at Arms
"Men at Arms" (1993, 377 pages) is the 15th book in the Discworld series, published as part of the 1983-2015 run that Pratchett filled with interweaving strands rather than one continuous hero.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Men at Arms - Book 16:
Soul Music
The 16th Discworld novel, "Soul Music" (1994) runs 384 pages and belongs to a series famous for the fact that readers can begin it in a dozen different places -- each Pratchett satire aimed at some real-world institution refracted through the Disc.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Soul Music - Book 17:
Interesting Times
"Interesting Times" (1994) continues Terry Pratchett's Discworld at 352 pages, the 17th novel in a series that mixes straight fantasy trappings with sharp satire of policing, religion, war and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Interesting Times - Book 18:
Maskerade
At 363 pages, "Maskerade" (1995) is Discworld's 18th entry -- one more instalment of Pratchett's comic series about the flat, elephant-and-turtle-borne world he used as a mirror for our own.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Maskerade - Book 19:
Feet of Clay
"Feet of Clay" (1996) is the 19th Discworld novel, part of Terry Pratchett's forty-one-book comic series set on a flat world carried through space on the back of four elephants and a giant turtle -- 379 pages, with no single protagonist but interweaving strands across Ankh-Morpork and beyond.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Feet of Clay - Book 20:
Hogfather
Published 1996 at 383 pages, "Hogfather" is Discworld's 20th entry, continuing Pratchett's use of the Disc -- and its dragons, golems and the personification of Death -- to satirise policing, religion, journalism, banking and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Hogfather - Book 21:
Jingo
"Jingo" (1997, 415 pages) is the 21st book in the Discworld series, published as part of the 1983-2015 run that Pratchett filled with interweaving strands rather than one continuous hero.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Jingo - Book 22:
The Last Continent
The 22nd Discworld novel, "The Last Continent" (1998) runs 406 pages and belongs to a series famous for the fact that readers can begin it in a dozen different places -- each Pratchett satire aimed at some real-world institution refracted through the Disc.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Last Continent - Book 23:
Carpe Jugulum
"Carpe Jugulum" (1998) continues Terry Pratchett's Discworld at 378 pages, the 23rd novel in a series that mixes straight fantasy trappings with sharp satire of policing, religion, war and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Carpe Jugulum - Book 24:
The Fifth Elephant
At 415 pages, "The Fifth Elephant" (1999) is Discworld's 24th entry -- one more instalment of Pratchett's comic series about the flat, elephant-and-turtle-borne world he used as a mirror for our own.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Fifth Elephant - Book 25:
The Truth
"The Truth" (2000) is the 25th Discworld novel, part of Terry Pratchett's forty-one-book comic series set on a flat world carried through space on the back of four elephants and a giant turtle -- 392 pages, with no single protagonist but interweaving strands across Ankh-Morpork and beyond.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Truth - Book 26:
Thief of Time
Published 2001 at 384 pages, "Thief of Time" is Discworld's 26th entry, continuing Pratchett's use of the Disc -- and its dragons, golems and the personification of Death -- to satirise policing, religion, journalism, banking and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Thief of Time - Book 27:
The Last Hero
"The Last Hero" (2001, 174 pages) is the 27th book in the Discworld series, published as part of the 1983-2015 run that Pratchett filled with interweaving strands rather than one continuous hero.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Last Hero - Book 28:
The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents
The 28th Discworld novel, "The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents" (2001) runs 270 pages and belongs to a series famous for the fact that readers can begin it in a dozen different places -- each Pratchett satire aimed at some real-world institution refracted through the Disc.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents - Book 29:
Night Watch
"Night Watch" (2002) continues Terry Pratchett's Discworld at 400 pages, the 29th novel in a series that mixes straight fantasy trappings with sharp satire of policing, religion, war and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Night Watch - Book 30:
The Wee Free Men
"The Wee Free Men" (2003, 317 pages) opens the Tiffany Aching strand, the young-adult sequence that distils Discworld's wisdom for younger readers and is considered superb at any age -- the 30th novel overall.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Wee Free Men - Book 31:
Monstrous Regiment
"Monstrous Regiment" (2003, 411 pages) is another of Discworld's standalones that needs no prior background, tackling war and gender as the 31st novel in the series.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Monstrous Regiment - Book 32:
A Hat Full of Sky
Published 2004 at 351 pages, "A Hat Full of Sky" is Discworld's 32nd entry, continuing Pratchett's use of the Disc -- and its dragons, golems and the personification of Death -- to satirise policing, religion, journalism, banking and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of A Hat Full of Sky - Book 33:
Going Postal
"Going Postal" (2004, 416 pages) introduces reformed conman Moist von Lipwig, and is recommended as a late, polished entry point into Discworld on its own -- Pratchett's satire turns to the postal service here as the series' 33rd novel.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Going Postal - Book 34:
Thud!
The 34th Discworld novel, "Thud!" (2005) runs 398 pages and belongs to a series famous for the fact that readers can begin it in a dozen different places -- each Pratchett satire aimed at some real-world institution refracted through the Disc.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Thud! - Book 35:
Wintersmith
"Wintersmith" (2006) continues Terry Pratchett's Discworld at 360 pages, the 35th novel in a series that mixes straight fantasy trappings with sharp satire of policing, religion, war and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Wintersmith - Book 36:
Making Money
At 400 pages, "Making Money" (2007) is Discworld's 36th entry -- one more instalment of Pratchett's comic series about the flat, elephant-and-turtle-borne world he used as a mirror for our own.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Making Money - Book 37:
Unseen Academicals
"Unseen Academicals" (2009) is the 37th Discworld novel, part of Terry Pratchett's forty-one-book comic series set on a flat world carried through space on the back of four elephants and a giant turtle -- 400 pages, with no single protagonist but interweaving strands across Ankh-Morpork and beyond.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Unseen Academicals - Book 38:
I Shall Wear Midnight
Published 2010 at 416 pages, "I Shall Wear Midnight" is Discworld's 38th entry, continuing Pratchett's use of the Disc -- and its dragons, golems and the personification of Death -- to satirise policing, religion, journalism, banking and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of I Shall Wear Midnight - Book 39:
Snuff
"Snuff" (2011, 461 pages) is the 39th book in the Discworld series, published as part of the 1983-2015 run that Pratchett filled with interweaving strands rather than one continuous hero.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Snuff - Book 40:
Raising Steam
The 40th Discworld novel, "Raising Steam" (2013) runs 408 pages and belongs to a series famous for the fact that readers can begin it in a dozen different places -- each Pratchett satire aimed at some real-world institution refracted through the Disc.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Raising Steam - Book 41:
The Shepherd's Crown
"The Shepherd's Crown" (2015) continues Terry Pratchett's Discworld at 319 pages, the 41st novel in a series that mixes straight fantasy trappings with sharp satire of policing, religion, war and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Shepherd's Crown
Our shelf-tested path for first-time readers.
- Book 1:
Guards! Guards!
"Guards! Guards!" (1989, 378 pages) launches the City Watch strand -- Sam Vimes and Ankh-Morpork's police, widely called fantasy's greatest cop shop and the most common recommendation for adult readers starting Discworld. It's the eighth novel in the series.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Guards! Guards! - Book 2:
Men at Arms
"Men at Arms" (1993, 377 pages) is the 15th book in the Discworld series, published as part of the 1983-2015 run that Pratchett filled with interweaving strands rather than one continuous hero.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Men at Arms - Book 3:
Feet of Clay
"Feet of Clay" (1996) is the 19th Discworld novel, part of Terry Pratchett's forty-one-book comic series set on a flat world carried through space on the back of four elephants and a giant turtle -- 379 pages, with no single protagonist but interweaving strands across Ankh-Morpork and beyond.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Feet of Clay - Book 4:
Jingo
"Jingo" (1997, 415 pages) is the 21st book in the Discworld series, published as part of the 1983-2015 run that Pratchett filled with interweaving strands rather than one continuous hero.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Jingo - Book 5:
The Fifth Elephant
At 415 pages, "The Fifth Elephant" (1999) is Discworld's 24th entry -- one more instalment of Pratchett's comic series about the flat, elephant-and-turtle-borne world he used as a mirror for our own.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Fifth Elephant - Book 6:
Night Watch
"Night Watch" (2002) continues Terry Pratchett's Discworld at 400 pages, the 29th novel in a series that mixes straight fantasy trappings with sharp satire of policing, religion, war and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Night Watch - Book 7:
Thud!
The 34th Discworld novel, "Thud!" (2005) runs 398 pages and belongs to a series famous for the fact that readers can begin it in a dozen different places -- each Pratchett satire aimed at some real-world institution refracted through the Disc.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Thud! - Book 8:
Snuff
"Snuff" (2011, 461 pages) is the 39th book in the Discworld series, published as part of the 1983-2015 run that Pratchett filled with interweaving strands rather than one continuous hero.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Snuff - Book 9:
Mort
"Mort" (1987, 297 pages) is the recommended starting point for the Death strand -- Terry Pratchett's anthropomorphic personification of Death (WHO SPEAKS LIKE THIS) takes on an apprentice, in a wry, humane, philosophical entry that's the fourth Discworld novel.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Mort - Book 10:
Reaper Man
"Reaper Man" (1991) continues Terry Pratchett's Discworld at 301 pages, the 11th novel in a series that mixes straight fantasy trappings with sharp satire of policing, religion, war and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Reaper Man - Book 11:
Soul Music
The 16th Discworld novel, "Soul Music" (1994) runs 384 pages and belongs to a series famous for the fact that readers can begin it in a dozen different places -- each Pratchett satire aimed at some real-world institution refracted through the Disc.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Soul Music - Book 12:
Hogfather
Published 1996 at 383 pages, "Hogfather" is Discworld's 20th entry, continuing Pratchett's use of the Disc -- and its dragons, golems and the personification of Death -- to satirise policing, religion, journalism, banking and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Hogfather - Book 13:
Thief of Time
Published 2001 at 384 pages, "Thief of Time" is Discworld's 26th entry, continuing Pratchett's use of the Disc -- and its dragons, golems and the personification of Death -- to satirise policing, religion, journalism, banking and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Thief of Time - Book 14:
Equal Rites
"Equal Rites" (1987, 255 pages) is the third Discworld novel and functions as an early prototype for the Witches strand that Wyrd Sisters would properly kick off -- Pratchett's take on magic, gender and the Disc's wizarding establishment.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Equal Rites - Book 15:
Wyrd Sisters
"Wyrd Sisters" (1988, 322 pages), the sixth Discworld novel, is the recommended entry point for the Witches strand, introducing Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg's brand of "headology" rather than conventional magic (with Equal Rites as an earlier prototype).
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Wyrd Sisters - Book 16:
Witches Abroad
At 320 pages, "Witches Abroad" (1991) is Discworld's 12th entry -- one more instalment of Pratchett's comic series about the flat, elephant-and-turtle-borne world he used as a mirror for our own.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Witches Abroad - Book 17:
Lords and Ladies
Published 1992 at 377 pages, "Lords and Ladies" is Discworld's 14th entry, continuing Pratchett's use of the Disc -- and its dragons, golems and the personification of Death -- to satirise policing, religion, journalism, banking and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Lords and Ladies - Book 18:
Maskerade
At 363 pages, "Maskerade" (1995) is Discworld's 18th entry -- one more instalment of Pratchett's comic series about the flat, elephant-and-turtle-borne world he used as a mirror for our own.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Maskerade - Book 19:
Carpe Jugulum
"Carpe Jugulum" (1998) continues Terry Pratchett's Discworld at 378 pages, the 23rd novel in a series that mixes straight fantasy trappings with sharp satire of policing, religion, war and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Carpe Jugulum - Book 20:
The Wee Free Men
"The Wee Free Men" (2003, 317 pages) opens the Tiffany Aching strand, the young-adult sequence that distils Discworld's wisdom for younger readers and is considered superb at any age -- the 30th novel overall.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Wee Free Men - Book 21:
A Hat Full of Sky
Published 2004 at 351 pages, "A Hat Full of Sky" is Discworld's 32nd entry, continuing Pratchett's use of the Disc -- and its dragons, golems and the personification of Death -- to satirise policing, religion, journalism, banking and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of A Hat Full of Sky - Book 22:
Wintersmith
"Wintersmith" (2006) continues Terry Pratchett's Discworld at 360 pages, the 35th novel in a series that mixes straight fantasy trappings with sharp satire of policing, religion, war and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Wintersmith - Book 23:
I Shall Wear Midnight
Published 2010 at 416 pages, "I Shall Wear Midnight" is Discworld's 38th entry, continuing Pratchett's use of the Disc -- and its dragons, golems and the personification of Death -- to satirise policing, religion, journalism, banking and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of I Shall Wear Midnight - Book 24:
The Shepherd's Crown
"The Shepherd's Crown" (2015) continues Terry Pratchett's Discworld at 319 pages, the 41st novel in a series that mixes straight fantasy trappings with sharp satire of policing, religion, war and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Shepherd's Crown - Book 25:
Going Postal
"Going Postal" (2004, 416 pages) introduces reformed conman Moist von Lipwig, and is recommended as a late, polished entry point into Discworld on its own -- Pratchett's satire turns to the postal service here as the series' 33rd novel.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Going Postal - Book 26:
Making Money
At 400 pages, "Making Money" (2007) is Discworld's 36th entry -- one more instalment of Pratchett's comic series about the flat, elephant-and-turtle-borne world he used as a mirror for our own.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Making Money - Book 27:
Raising Steam
The 40th Discworld novel, "Raising Steam" (2013) runs 408 pages and belongs to a series famous for the fact that readers can begin it in a dozen different places -- each Pratchett satire aimed at some real-world institution refracted through the Disc.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Raising Steam - Book 28:
The Colour of Magic
"The Colour of Magic" (1983) opens Discworld -- an inept wizard, Rincewind, escorts the Disc's first tourist through straight fantasy parody. It's the traditional starting point for the Rincewind strand, though many readers now bounce off its 1980s-parody tone and prefer a later entry point; 240 pages.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Colour of Magic - Book 29:
The Light Fantastic
Published 1986 at 256 pages, "The Light Fantastic" is Discworld's second entry, continuing Pratchett's use of the Disc -- and its dragons, golems and the personification of Death -- to satirise policing, religion, journalism, banking and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Light Fantastic - Book 30:
Sourcery
"Sourcery" (1988) continues Terry Pratchett's Discworld at 308 pages, the fifth novel in a series that mixes straight fantasy trappings with sharp satire of policing, religion, war and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Sourcery - Book 31:
Eric
"Eric" (1990, 158 pages) is the ninth book in the Discworld series, published as part of the 1983-2015 run that Pratchett filled with interweaving strands rather than one continuous hero.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Eric - Book 32:
Interesting Times
"Interesting Times" (1994) continues Terry Pratchett's Discworld at 352 pages, the 17th novel in a series that mixes straight fantasy trappings with sharp satire of policing, religion, war and belief.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Interesting Times - Book 33:
The Last Continent
The 22nd Discworld novel, "The Last Continent" (1998) runs 406 pages and belongs to a series famous for the fact that readers can begin it in a dozen different places -- each Pratchett satire aimed at some real-world institution refracted through the Disc.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Last Continent - Book 34:
The Last Hero
"The Last Hero" (2001, 174 pages) is the 27th book in the Discworld series, published as part of the 1983-2015 run that Pratchett filled with interweaving strands rather than one continuous hero.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Last Hero - Book 35:
Pyramids
"Pyramids" (1989) is the seventh Discworld novel, part of Terry Pratchett's forty-one-book comic series set on a flat world carried through space on the back of four elephants and a giant turtle -- 366 pages, with no single protagonist but interweaving strands across Ankh-Morpork and beyond.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Pyramids - Book 36:
Moving Pictures
The tenth Discworld novel, "Moving Pictures" (1990) runs 360 pages and belongs to a series famous for the fact that readers can begin it in a dozen different places -- each Pratchett satire aimed at some real-world institution refracted through the Disc.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Moving Pictures - Book 37:
Small Gods
"Small Gods" (1992, 351 pages) is a standalone Discworld novel needing no background at all, and is often named the single best introduction to the series -- Pratchett turning his satire on religion and belief. It's the 13th entry.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Small Gods - Book 38:
The Truth
"The Truth" (2000) is the 25th Discworld novel, part of Terry Pratchett's forty-one-book comic series set on a flat world carried through space on the back of four elephants and a giant turtle -- 392 pages, with no single protagonist but interweaving strands across Ankh-Morpork and beyond.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Truth - Book 39:
The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents
The 28th Discworld novel, "The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents" (2001) runs 270 pages and belongs to a series famous for the fact that readers can begin it in a dozen different places -- each Pratchett satire aimed at some real-world institution refracted through the Disc.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents - Book 40:
Monstrous Regiment
"Monstrous Regiment" (2003, 411 pages) is another of Discworld's standalones that needs no prior background, tackling war and gender as the 31st novel in the series.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Monstrous Regiment - Book 41:
Unseen Academicals
"Unseen Academicals" (2009) is the 37th Discworld novel, part of Terry Pratchett's forty-one-book comic series set on a flat world carried through space on the back of four elephants and a giant turtle -- 400 pages, with no single protagonist but interweaving strands across Ankh-Morpork and beyond.
Alternative text for cover: Cover of Unseen Academicals
About the Discworld series
Discworld is Terry Pratchett's forty-one-novel comic masterpiece, set on a flat world carried through space on the backs of four elephants standing on a giant turtle. What begins in The Colour of Magic (1983) as straight fantasy parody — an inept wizard escorting the Disc's first tourist — evolves into something far richer: a mirror held up to our own world, where Pratchett uses dragons, golems and the anthropomorphic personification of Death (WHO SPEAKS LIKE THIS and is fond of cats) to write about policing, religion, war, journalism, banking, gender and belief with more clarity than most literary fiction manages.
There is no single protagonist. Instead the Disc hosts interweaving strands: Sam Vimes and the City Watch of Ankh-Morpork, fantasy's greatest cop shop; Granny Weatherwax and the witches of Lancre, who practise 'headology' rather than magic; Death and his granddaughter Susan; the luckless wizard Rincewind, who runs from everything; conman-turned-civil-servant Moist von Lipwig; and young witch Tiffany Aching, whose books distil the series' wisdom for younger readers.
Published between 1983 and 2015 — the last, The Shepherd's Crown, appearing shortly after Pratchett's death — Discworld is complete, endlessly re-readable, and famous for the fact that you can begin it in a dozen different places.
Frequently asked questions
How many Discworld books are there?
Forty-one novels, from The Colour of Magic (1983) to The Shepherd's Crown (2015). Around them sit optional maps, science-of-Discworld collaborations and companion volumes, but the series proper is the 41 novels.
What order should I read Discworld in?
Almost any. The novels group into subseries — City Watch, Death, Witches, Tiffany Aching, Moist von Lipwig, Rincewind — each readable in its own internal order, plus true standalones. Popular starting points are Guards! Guards!, Mort, Wyrd Sisters, Small Gods or Going Postal. Publication order works too, but few recommend beginning with The Colour of Magic.
Do I have to start with The Colour of Magic?
No — and most Discworld fans advise against it. It's an early, episodic fantasy parody quite unlike the mature series. Try Guards! Guards!, Mort or Small Gods first and circle back later.
Is Discworld finished?
Yes. Terry Pratchett died in March 2015, and the final novel, The Shepherd's Crown, was published that August. His unfinished works were destroyed, at his request, by steamroller — there will be no continuations.
Which Discworld books are for younger readers?
The Amazing Maurice and His Educated Rodents and the five Tiffany Aching books (The Wee Free Men through The Shepherd's Crown) were published for younger readers, though adults widely rate the Tiffany books among the series' best.
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Reading order last verified .