A Stroke of the Pen

Twenty early short stories by one of the world's best loved authors, each accompanied by exquisite original woodcut illustrations.

These are rediscovered tales that Pratchett wrote under a pseudonym for newspapers during the 1970s and 1980s. Whilst none are set in the Discworld, they hint towards the world he would go on to create, containing all of his trademark wit, satirical wisdom and fantastic imagination.

Meet Og the inventor, the first caveman to cultivate fire, as he discovers the highs and lows of progress; haunt the Ministry of Nuisances with the defiant evicted ghosts of Pilgarlic Towers; visit Blackbury, a small market town with weird weather and an otherworldly visitor; and go on a dangerous quest through time and space with hero Kron, which begins in the ancient city of Morpork...

You always feel the push of the inimitable Pratchett behind them — funny, sharp, warm, wise and always so, so readable Daily Mail
Terry Pratchett’s short tales from the 70s and 80s reveal a young talent bursting with invention and wit… there’s much here to delight the open-minded, the fantasy aficionado and the Pratchett completist Observer
Terry Pratchett’s A Stroke of the Pen: The Lost Stories, his final collection of short stories, is an absolute joy. To hear this voice again is like settling into a hot bath – with bubbles. The stories are pre-Discworld, witty and warm -- Conn Iggulden Daily Express
Funny, fantastical and slyly smart Mail on Sunday
A new Pratchett! Clear the bestseller decks: this book is heading for the top. Guardian
Shows the beginnings of one of the UK’s best fantasy writers… A treat for seasoned fans and newcomers * The Sun, Pick of the Week ****
A Stroke of the Pen shows [Pratchett] at a stage when he was stopping at the first or second tree. Soon he would plunge into the forest The Sunday Times
The wit, wisdom and intelligence are interspersed with a lively dose of naivety, with entertaining results Herald
This delightful collection is inventive, entertaining and a little quirky, often with a twisty end… a fun read Independent
A treasure trove glittering with lost gems Financial Times

Terry Pratchett was the acclaimed creator of the global bestselling Discworld series, the first of which, The Colour of Magic, was published in 1983. In all, he was the author of over fifty bestselling books which have sold over 100 million copies worldwide. His novels have been widely adapted for stage and screen, and he was the winner of multiple prizes, including the Carnegie Medal. He was awarded a knighthood for services to literature in 2009, although he always wryly maintained that his greatest service to literature was to avoid writing any.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.