Hey OT i just wanted to ask. Where the hell do you get off? Making wholesome content. How very dare you make a friendly welcoming space? You make me sick with your wholesomeness! As the Lettuce and Tomato in the LGBT sandwich i greatly appreciate it. Good day to you sir!
I had heard of Pratchett, of course, but had never read any of his books until I was nearly 70 years old. Thanks to my Pratchett fanboy neighbor loaning me his Disc World Series helped me mentally survive the worry, fear, and angst of the pandemic. I can’t really express how much I love these books, how much of a treat Terry’s writing is. To think I could have missed out --! Thank you, Simon.
as a bit of a sci-fi/fantasy bibliophile, I've long treasured Pratchett's works. I happily shelve my copies of the discworld series right alongside Anne McCafferey, Raymond Feist, Tolkien, Piers Anthony, Robert Aspirin, Sharon Green, and so many others, but few authors have managed to hook my attention quite so thoroughly. I was gifted the first 3 and quickly had to snap up copies of the rest, and I've always been amazed that right from my little 2nd cousin at 11 years old right up to my grandfather at 84, have all loved the series enough that I've always had a tough time getting them back!
@@giladpellaeon1691 Ad “The IQ of a mob is the IQ of its dumbest member divided by the number of mobsters.” and you have my top 3 though not necessarily in that order.
"Light thinks it travels faster than anything, but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it." Terry P.
During the time that my cheese slid off my cracker, I was near catatonic, I'd lost my children, and had made my exit plan, I picked up my first Discworld book. It was the first time in years that I actually felt anything other than despair. I picked myself up out of The Pit, my kids came home, and death became a future rest instead of imminent escape. In hard times, I've gone back many times to Granny's strength, Nanny's joy in simple pleasures, Sir Samuel's dogged determination, and Tiffany Aching's acceptance of responsibility. My adult life became an adventure of normalcy, and I am beyond grateful that I was on this earth at the same time as Sir Terry Pratchett.
Yep I’m a 250lb tough (looking) middle aged bloke and I’m crying too. When Mr Pratchett left us I felt I had lost a friend but that’s what it was like when you read his books, it was like sharing private jokes with your best mate.
When I first read Pratchett, I thought he was a light-hearted humorist. When I read another book by him, I discovered a wealth of depth and social commentary. On re-reading the earlier books, I was forced to acknowledge that it wasn't that Sir Terry had gotten deeper; it was that I had. Rest in power, Sir Terry Pratchett.
For the unmentioned Orangutan: "Consider orangutans. In all the worlds graced by their presence, it is suspected that they can talk but choose not to do so in case humans put them to work, possibly in the television industry. In fact they can talk. It’s just that they talk in Orangutan. Humans are only capable of listening in Bewilderment." ~Sir Terry Pratchett
@@Nillu89 I went to one of his book signings and asked him to sign a photo of one of our orangs - he was a great conservationist and took particular interest in orangs. I have the photo, and his signature, hanging in my office.
"What don't die can't live. What don't live can't change. What don't change can't learn." The meaning of life via Granny Weatherwax and Terry Pratchett. Thank Anoia, Offler and all the rest of them for our time with him and the legacy he left us.
One very hot day in Perth, Western Australia, I noticed a long line of people in front of a bookshop. When I saw who was at the table at the front of that line I raced inside and bought a copy of Wee Free Men and a bottle of water and went and stood in that line. When I reached the front of the queue, the gentleman sitting at the table said... "Who would you like this too?" I said "Terry" "But thats my name" "And Mine" He smiled and wrote. I said "You look pretty hot Mr Pratchett, I hope this will help" and gave him the bottle I'd bought for him. Terry Smiled, took a big swig, shook my hand and said "Thank You Terry" This minute of my life sits proudly on the shelf Inside the front cover it says... To Terry Crivens! Best Wishes Terry Pratchett I'm glad I don't know what life without his books would be like.
I'm surprised at how upsetting this biography was. It was thoughtful, kind, informative and probably could have been many many hours longer. I grew up with Sir Terry's books and while his memory and books live on I wasn't ready to let him go. I had the pleasure of meeting him once as a tongue tied young fan and he was an absolute gentleman. Rest in peace.
Pratchett did what the best teachers and professors are able to do: take complex ideas and convey them in simple (Carrot simple, mind you) ways, all of them leavened with humor. He taught me that no matter how dire the topic or situation, we should never lose the ability to approach it with determination, compassion, and understanding. RIP Terry Pratchett, you made my childhood in a small Texas town infinitely more interesting. I won't soon forget you, sir.
I've read and reread the discworld series many times. And during this many a celebrity has passed away. But the only one to ever bring a tear to my eye was the passing of Sir Terry. To realise I will never read a new story about vimes and the watch or the witches or even DEATH himself truly breaks my heart! RIP Terry....
@@NatsAstrea Carrot: "Yes, it would be a blow for entertainment for the city." "Now that was a Carrot phrase, it sounded innocent as hell but you could take it a different way."
I’ve never clicked on a video quicker, I love Terry and all of his books. His Discworld series was life-changing for me as a young teen and I still read them now.
Fun fact: The reason airlines try to restrict the size of baggage is to try and prevent luggage getting on board. Many feet don't make flight work, although flight is advisable.
My daughter introduced me to the Discworld novels when she was a teenager. It was a magical moment for both of us when he gave a book signing at the Cole's bookstore in downtown Montreal. It was at that time that I realized that a wizard from the Unseen University had successfully passed himself off as a British author by writing about his home town.
I owe Sir Terry my sanity. I've never met him or talked to him, but he is one of the most important people in my life. I never grieved for someone I never met more than I did when he passed away.
Simon, I've watched many of your videos. I've laughed, I've learned, I've marveled, I've been unnerved and upset.... but this was the first time I've been moved like this. I'm struggling to keep from crying not because of some macho ideal of men not crying, but because I don't want to miss whatever typos I might make here trying to write this. Sir Terry was an odd man, the kind of odd that we don't see nearly enough of in this world, the kind we need far more of. He managed to somehow take everything and nothing seriously at the same time and made us look at ourselves, each other, and the world just a bit differently. At a time like this when we need to come together more than every so we aren't forced apart for our safety, we need outlooks like his to keep our heads up so we don't drown in the despair that surrounds us. RIP, Sir Terry. Your life was a blessing to all those who ever knew you, even if only through the words you left behind.
The Shepard's Crown was a wonderful goodbye story. He once mentioned that he hadn't planned on writing so many Tiffany Aching stories, but she insisted on it. A fine example of how a character can take control of the narrative. Her last book then became the perfect template to say goodbye to most of the characters. I wish you had also mentioned that he had planned a tweet to be released after his death which had him going with DEATH onto the next stage and that some of his fans started a 'petition' to DEATH to send him back. I still tear up when I think about it.
I still have it sitting here on my table. It's been unread since I bought it the day it came out. I can't bring myself to read this last one knowing there will never be another. I pick it up all the time and tell myself I'm finally going to do it but then I start tearing up and can't see the page through my tears. His books mean so much to me.
@@MarlowGraves broke my heart to read it - but I wouldn't have missed out, Be brave - read it - then re-read all the others one after another - a fitting tribute. GNU Terry Pratchett
I still haven't read The Shepherd's Crown. I just can't bring myself to it. It feels so final. After that there's nothing more to look forward to. I miss him so incredibly much and I'm so thankful I got the opportunity to sit down and interview him once many moons ago. He was a gem.
I understand. And to be frank... in rising steam, and shepherds crown, it became apparent, that something was up. maybe it was the sickness, maybe it was missing polish... but, you know as well as I do, the worst Pratchett book still is head above shoulders of most other books. But never mind that. you are not refraining from reading the book because you are scared of being disappointed in its quality... You dont want it to end. I understand. But, what would Terry have done? or told you? Why did he write the book? to have one more? to get one more payday? Or to say goodbye to you, and give you one last gift, and a farewell? Would he not be the first to tell you, dude, just read the book? Its what its for? Nothing bad will happen. (well, he might also tell you how stupid it all is, and unfair, and he would be totally right to do so, but that too does not change anything) Of course, he would also tell you, if you really dont want to, and need to hold on to the last unread book, that is fine too. And I agree, who am I to tell you what to do? But... if you WANT my opinion, there you have it :)
Totally understand. I had it for ages but couldn't read it. Eventually tried, made it to chapter 2 a while ago and couldn't get any further (anyone who read it will know why!). I'm still glad to own it alongside the rest of my collection, but it's bittersweet. I carry on re-reading the others and getting deeply lost in the Discworld of old.
Likewise. When I finished "The Shepherd's Crown " I felt lost and sadder than I'd ever done before. I didn't just mourn Sir Terry, but also Tiffany Aching, Sam Vimes, The Feegles, and all the other characters I'd never see again.
I remember when I found out. It was on twitter and I was on a bus... It took me everything I had to hold it together until I got home. My partner got in from work to find me in floods of tears and having to show him the tweets to explain because I couldn't. It took me by surprise just how much it affected me. The Discworld were the first books I bothered to read as a teen, and Death my favourite character, so at least I know he's in good skeletal hands. GNU Sir pTerry.
@@erebusvonmori8050 it's a good book, and gives the Discworld the sendoff it deserves. It was heartbreaking, knowing it was the last one, but it was a good read.
I was 33 and it still hits a soft spot. I learned he had passed away near the end of my night shift at a bookstore and we got word to set up an "In memory of" display dedicated to him. I was in shock until I got home and read the news about including his final words and then it all poured out. I never got to meet him but I was lucky enough to have a manager, years earlier, get a HC copy of Thud! autographed to me from Terry.
I was 24. I remember sitting down on my bed and crying so hard that my roommate came to ask me what was wrong and I had to explain how much someone I'd never met had meant to me. I still get leaky-eyed every time the anniversary comes around, or just when reading comments from other people who miss him. Terry Pratchett and his work give me faith in the human race.
He is my favorite author, I'm in tears as I'm dealing with my father's Alzheimer's and there's so much more to mention. Thank you Simon. Thank you Terry.. neither of you will be forgotten. My favorite Pratchett quote. "All mushrooms are edible, some only once" I may have paraphrased and it came from an Eastern European saying. But again. Thank you for sharing his brilliance.
my father was a huge fan of Sir Pratchett, going so far as to consistently have his books strewn about the house ranging from the toilet, to the bathroom, to his bedroom etc etc. My father passed away on the 12th of February 2015, a month to the day prior to his favourite author. While I do not believe in fate nor am I superstitious in any way, this was quite an interesting phenomena to me. I believe that where ever we go after we pass, my dad and Sir Pratchett are sitting beside a fireplace, discussing the nuances of Discworld and his many interesting takes on everything. I have yet to delve too deep into Sir Pratchett's writing myself due to a breakdown I had reading my dad's favourite book, Soul Music, and just imagining my father reading it to me as if I was a child again. Thank you for covering an amazing author, who really helped my dad in many ways over the years. May he and my father rest in peace.
Read them all! Love this man’s work Cried like a baby when he passed away, for him, but also for all my favourite characters: Sam Vines, the Patrician, Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg....
I found the Discworld after I retired. His books have been a newfound joy to this old nerd. He will be missed by all lovers of a great tale and lovable characters.
As a dyslexic kid this guy taught me to read. By the time I was 14 and had a few more tests done I had the reading age of a graduate. Shame he didn't teach me to write as I had the writing age of an 8 Yr old and not much has changed. I remember sitting down outside a coffee shop to read his last book after he died. Finished the book sitting in that chair in a day with a huge smile and tears running down my face.
same here, his books motivated me to read, and read everything in sight. by year six I had a read age years ahead of my age but even now the wrong side of 30 my writing is a nightmare. I cried when my copy of his last book arrived knowing it would never have the joy of a new Pratchett book again
@@PhilBoswell I think you will read it, eventually. You'll know when you need to. I was unsure of whether to read it or not, but to my mind, not reading it would be a dis-service to Terry, so I read it. In your case perhaps you see a fine wine, something to appreciate after the passing years have metamorphosed it into a rich, heady brew. Possibly a banananana daiquiri.
Thank you for this. I also love what his fans put into motion with the GNU memorial. I also celebrate the Glorious 25th of May by wearing Lilac. In the novels, The Glorious 25th of May is a remembrance day in Discworld, commemorating the People’s Revolution, which put an end to Lord Winter’s reign. Survivors of the Revolution wear a spring of lilac and gather at the cemetery to honor those who didn’t survive. Thus, it’s also sometimes referred to as Wear the Lilac Day. “A man is not dead while his name is still spoken.”
I was an avid reader growing up too. Yes dictionaries but Encyclopedias also. Fiction of all kinds, non fiction-histories, biographies, medical journals-nothing was a better gift for me than a new book as I read fast, way ahead of my age level, so had read everything in our home. When I could find nothing else I read the King James Version of the Bible; I have lost track of how many times I have read it. stopped attending church around 14 years old when pastors couldn’t answer legitimate logical questions I had, even worse misquoted verses or had no immediate recall about verses of which I wanted clarity and was told he-it was always a he-would have to get back to me. Often I was told my questions weren’t proper. Books were an escape for me. I can’t imagine my life without books. Terry Pritchard was definitely a LEGEND.
A voracious reader I always (thought that I) hated sci-fi/ fantasy genres. Until I was given a Christmas gift of "Good Omens". That changed everything for me and opened the door to the universe of Sir Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman and myriad other brilliant authors. Good night, Sir Terry, until we meet in that parallel universe. ✌️
You could tell he was putting things in order in his last books... and then came the Shepherd's Crown, and I cried so much reading that one, because of the feeling emanating from every line. I would lay flowers on his grave, if I ever got to go there... but he best tribute to him is to read his books, over and over, I think.
I think the best tribute we can hope for to him is not to reread his books over and over, but to gift his books to our friends, children, their children, whenever we can Also, always, be more Terry GNU Terry Prachtett
I met him a couple of times; once in Burger King in Salisbury where I awkwardly said hello and thanked him for his books and once at a book signing. I took along the hardback Death Trilogy that my wife had thrown at me and broken. It was only when I handed it over that I realised how inappropriate it was to ask him to sign it! He looked at me. Then drew a scythe and wrote "This book is DEAD". Sir Terry, you are sadly missed.
I'd imagine many who watched this video couldn't find the like button because of all the tears. Had a rough start in life and school was a institution filled with a idiotic hirarchy and a integrated bullying system. Sir Terry Pratchett's books took me through those years, made me be able to find mirth, self worth through reading and true friends in a bleak world. He was just like my grandad, as well as in that he was taken from us too soon. Thank you Terry It took me four tries to press the blasted like button..
“DON’T THINK OF IT AS DYING… JUST THINK OF IT AS LEAVING EARLY TO AVOID THE RUSH.” - DEATH Thank you for the magical times I had with your books Terry Pratchett. RIP
Thank you. A brilliant account of a brilliant man. Pratchett is far and away my favourite author, I would without hesitation name him the greatest novelist, humorist, and humanist of the last 50 years, no writer has influenced me more, and to call him my hero is to seriously understate my feelings for him. Not so long ago I was in hospital, depression triggered by a series of catastrophic events in my life had in turn led me to withdraw and isolate myself. Eventually not eating, or sleeping, for weeks until I collapsed. I was found before the cats had to eat my face to survive, a friend had packed a bag and brought it to the hospital. A friend I thought had abandoned me long ago. In that bag was a pair of Pratchett novels, an iPad, a toothbrush. I have little memory of the first few days in the hospital. I had pneumonia, a lung infection, a kidney infection, Covid 19, pulmonary embolisms, and a mild stroke. I was unable to sleep, and when a kind of reboot of consciousness occurred a few days after admission one of my nurses asked me if my girlfriend had replied yet. I had no idea what she meant, but eventually realized that despite the last days being mainly absent the record, I had composed a long and rambling love letter to a woman who had left me several months previously. When the interminable bloodwork and incision dressing and array of scanning machines had been deployed I opened my iPad and found a thruway dialogue between me, Terry Pratchett, and Death. We were talking about love, and loneliness, and when its time to give up, it was without question the finest thing I ever wrote, forming the central portion of a letter that will never be sent, to a person who would not want to read it, in which every person mentioned is either dead, death himself, or a man slowly dying. Just the thing to cheer up the man who can't remember writing it. Every part of it from stolen characters to style, to the surreality are woven through with the things Terry Pratchett taught me. I had to watch the last part of this video three times, because I kept bursting into tears, and when I finally was able to see it, I swear I saw you choking up as well. I hope so, because with him gone the world is a darker place, with shadows much closer than they were. Thank you again, this was a beautiful and obviously loving goodbye to one of our best. Thank you.
Well said. I don't have words but tears. Hopefully now you are in a better place than that collision of catastrophes. Sir Terry was truly an amazing human. 💜
If you love the character of Death (and who doesn't?), Mort, Reaper Man, Soul Music (Susan's introduction), and Thief of Time are also excellent reads where Death is prevalent in the story line.
I recommend reading them out of order, they are better read based on subject matter. The whole of the 'Guard's Series' is my favourite, I very much recommend.
forever grateful to my dad who handed me Discworld book after Discworld book from his shelf almost as soon as i could read, once i was old enough to reach the shelf myself i kept going and now my own bookshelves are full of my own collection, hell those books damn near taught this dyslexic kid to read and love it. I find new things everytime i read one, references to philosophy, science, history or just a joke i didnt quite get when i was younger. Terry had a mind like no other and we were lucky to have him
The Shepherd's Crown was one of the saddest books I've ever read. Such a cruel disease. So glad to have had the Discworld in my life and so happy to read them with my kids. Thankyou for the video. Now Where's My Cow.
Long time Discworlder here. I love Sir Terry, and he always appreciated his fans like no one else I've known. Thanks for the lovely story about him. Very well done.
I regret spending so many years not reading his novels. So many hard times in my life could have been alleviated by the beauty, and wisdom, the comedy of Discworld. You’ll always be missed, Sir. Thank you, and thanks for doing this bio, guys. Brightened my day.
Thank you Mr Whistler....you presented the life of a literary and very human genius in a sensitive, informative and humourous manner...it was a dark day in our household when we learned of his demise but the sun always rises over The Discworld and it shines upon everything Sir Terry and we, his fans, hold very dear. Books may be made of paper but they are made up of hearts, souls, laughter and tears...tears like the ones I wept whilst watching this beautiful story about an absolutely unique and beautiful man....again Thank you Simon. ❤️
No other author has had such an impact on who I became as a person as Sir Terry Pratchett. This video made me cry because while we lost Sir Terry, we also had the beautiful chance to be on this planet the same time as he was, and, dammit, that's an honor.
Sir Terry Pratchett, the only "famous" person i have ever openly cried about when hearing of their passing, he was a huge part of my childhood and secondary school years, i was introduced to him via my grandmother who leant me Mort when i was about 9 or 10 and never looked back, he was my escape from the bullies at school, my escape when my grandfather died 10 years ago and is one of the few authors i can read again and again and again and still enjoy like it's my first time reading them. I still recall vividly where i was and what i was doing when BBC news broke the news, I'd just finished work, i had gone out the staff door onto a busy market street, i realised i had left my phone and dashed back to get it, when i made my way back down and outside my phone pinged with the news, and i just burst out crying in the middle of the street. not something I have ever done before or done since. And the shepherds crown had me bawling by a few pages in, i was a broken mess by the end of the book. deep down I think he knew that was his last book, it's the only reason i can think of for some of the choices he made storywise.
I used to read Terry's books wherever I went to help pass the time between point A and point B. As a commuter on public transit, or a captive of myriad waiting rooms, or a library patron, or just a guy sitting on a park bench enjoying a warm summer day, Terry Pratchett made me the unwitting, yet momentary, center of attention of those around me whenever I would burst out a loud guffaw, or insuppressible bout of sniggering whenever I came upon a hilarious and unexpected observation he so well executed. The beauty of Pratchett is you can read and reread and re-reread his work, and come away just as entertained and enlightened with every passage. The likes of him will never be seen (or read) again.
I have read most of the Discworld books at least twice and my favorite ,"The Hogfather", I reread or watch every year around December and it still makes me laugh out loud.
I used to find the problem with his books was that I got so engrossed I frequently passed through B ending in C or further down the alphabet and having to backtrack sometimes running out of book.
Sir Terry Pratchett is my favourite author. His books helped me through some of my darkest years. I mourned his passing as if he was a dear friend. He lives on through his works that I will gladly wave in the faces on anyone who asks me for book recommendations.
I have never in my 38 years of living ever read more profound commentary on life than Sir Pratchet's writing. God Bless you Sir, you gave us so much-needed stories that have gotten my wife and I though so much! Thanks for this, this was wonderful 😁😁😍
He is definitely beyond now. RIP. I really enjoyed his Discworld fantasy series. Also the Science of Discworld series that he worked in collaboration with actual scientist was very entertaining.
There are many authors one can enjoy writing from but time and again one can't help re-reading one's favourite Terry pratchett novel in the disc world universe.
Thank you for this. Terry Pratchett was a beautiful soul, his doco "Choosing to die" is confronting, brave and respectful. We will never forget you, the Discworld and her characters. "And now we walk across the sands"
@@kaltaron1284 Granny!!! I atent dead!! (as a side note, and perhaps the inspiration - apparently when Hans Christian Anderson slept he left a note by his bed saying "I'm not dead, I just look it" - this was Sansi Toksvigs fact on the No Such Thing as a Fish comic relief podcast marathon, which you can find on here)
It has taken me a month to watch this, mainly because I still feel horrifically depressed whenever I'm reminded that he's gone. No other author got people the way he did. His characters were so relatable, his books a true gift to us all.
I came in late to becoming a fan of Sir Pratchett, but since I've had he's been my biggest source of inspiration and my favorite comfort read. Many of my friends are discovering his works recently, and I'm glad to share my love of his works with them. For all the joy, thoughts and challenges he brought me, I hope he does the same for my friends and countless generations that come after us. GNU Sir Terry Pratchett.
I've watched several of your videos and found them largely interesting, but never have I seen you so filled with pure enthusiasm for your subject. Thank you. As an admirer of Sir Terry and his work, I was very moved.
I tend not to comment on videos but in this case, well, an exception. Mr Pratchetts writing was and is an utter joy to the world. I came apon his works in my late twenties and two decades later I find myself still treasuring his wit and way with words. Very well done. Thank you for this video.
"I would like my pudding now nurse. And then I think I'd like to... write... something... I don't remember what." Standing in the corner, he waits. The sand slowly flows, but it nears it's end. The old man still glows, as thousands of threads spread away from him. SQUEAK. I AGREE. IT IS A SHAME TO SEE HIM THIS WAY. SQUEAK. NO. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN.... BUT I CANNOT WAIT TO ASK HIM HOW IT ALL ENDS. The old man looks up, through them at first... and then he sees them. For once, the smile on the hooded figure's skull is genuine. "I... I remember you. The anth... ant..." ANTHROPOMORPHIC PERSONIFICATION. "Yes, that. We knew each other?" ONCE. AND WILL AGAIN, SIR. He so rarely said it, and these feelings... remembering his young aprentice, and beloved daughter. The beautiful child they have. "There... is a girl, yes?" SHE IS SPEAKING TO THE AUDITORS, SIR. THEY ARE UNWILLING TO LISTEN. "Well then. You know what they say, two things you cannot avoid. Taxes and..." He looks into the firey blue eyes, and becomes aware. SQUEAK. "Quite right. Is it time already? I have so much left to do." YOU HAVE GIVEN ALL YOU CAN SIR. "No, not cancer. Alzheimers." I AM AWARE. "So, where is the boy? I remember a boy." CARRIAGE ACCIDENT. "Ahh. Never much trusted cars. Or horses." THEY GET YOU WHERE YOU WANT TO GO. "Must I?" SOON. BUT WE MAY SIT HERE AWHILE. SQUEAK DO YOU HAVE ANY BISCUITS? "No. Shame really." YES. "Is it truely turtles?" ALL THE WAY DOWN. I HAVE SEEN THEM. "Ahh. I would love to see it. Perhaps a small trip before?" IT WOULD BE MY PLEASURE. "The light is slower there... and there's a monkey...." ORANGUTAN. SAME PRINCIPLE. "Yes... will they remember me?" SQUEAK. "What was that? I could not hear you." HE SAYS WE WILL, SIR. "I never much liked the trouble people had with you. You seem like a nice fellow." I HAVE MY DAYS. "Don't we all?" SOME LESS THAN OTHERS. "Is it quick?" YES. AND I BROUGHT THE SWORD. CEREMONY DICTATES IT. "Ahh. How about a cup of tea?" I WOULD ENJOY IT. DO YOU PLAY CHESS? "No. how about checkers?" And so they sat, two old friends regaling each other, though the old man could not remember all of the details, the cloaked man and his rat filled him in, when it was needed.
One of the greatest authors of all time. My brother introed me to him through gifting me a paperback of Good Omens (still have that copy) almost 30 years ago. For the many years I worked at a bookstore I kept up with everything Pratchett put out and recommended him to countless people. In fact on the day he passed I was working as night shift at the bookstore when a project popped up to set up a "In memory of" display, it was how I found out he had died. GNU Sir Terry, you are missed and fondly remembered. P.S. Thank you for the great vid Simon.
I read my first „Pratchett“ 1991. Coming from Germany i always felt that i dont understand every note and all the small jokes, but what kept me reading was the heart of his characters. I miss him
Thank you for doing such a beautiful tribute to Sir Terry Pratchett..He is so sorely missed by us, his fans & he will forever live in our hearts & imaginations for all eternity..😔🤘🖤🕊🇬🇧🎩📚📚📖
Thank you for this. I don't have words for how important his writing is to me. “Them as can do has to do for them as can't. And someone has to speak up for them as has no voices.” GNU Terry Pratchett
This one is beautiful. This really made me emotional. I think this is the first biographic where I shed some tears. What a treasure and a beautiful tribute to a beautiful mind.
I was raised on the Discworld. I especially loved the Watch series of books. Every night my mother would read to me an amount of a Discworld book and we'd move from subseries to subseries, a true legend. After I learned of his death I cried for hours and also couldn't go to school the next day. Thabkyou simon, this brought back so many good memories.
This man and his books taught me how to human more than anything the schooling system or parenting did. He was my surrogate parent and teacher. I use many of his quotes today and they always go down well. He was a genius and when he died, part of me died too. Hopefully he finally got to pet Binky and have a good old chat with the reaper man. Legend is often overused these days, I'm dusting it off and polishing up the plaque for this literary heavyweight that had so much impact on me and others. RIP Terry, I hope your wit, humour and humanity serve you well in whatever god's realm you find yourself in. Say hi to Offler for me.
I was introduced to Pratchett's discworld around 2014 and when I knew of his death in 2015 I cried as if a close relative was gonne. An incredible author and a genius, I felt so in touch with him through his books it wasn't even real. Rest in Peace Terry Pratchett.
Nicely put together video sir, thank you. I was given, many years ago, a copy of The Colour of Magic by a friend of mine who insisted I should read it. Halfway through the prologue, and not being a sci fi fan, I decided that a turtle flying through space with 4 elephants and a world on his back was too much for my - as I appreciate now- not very imaginative intellect; so, put it back in the bookshelf. A number of years later I was watching a documentary by the BBC about orangutangs by Terry Pratchett. His narrative, observations and humour about the plight of these beautiful animals inspired me to dust the cobwebs off the aforementioned book and have never looked back since. Thank anyone of his gods that I decided to pick-up that book and thank you Terry for making my life that much more enjoyable. As he once wrote: "A god is only as big as the amount of people who believe in him", then he is the biggest of them all! R.I.P. Terry Pratchett, you live in every word you wrote to me.
I've heard of Pratchett, but never read any of his works. That being said they may soon be added to my Audible collection if available. The man sounds like he was a beautiful soul the world needs more of.
I met Sir Terry on a rainy friday in a tiny bookshop in a tiny town in Wiltshire, he was there for a signing as a favour to the bookshop owners as he was quite famous even then, but my friend and I were the only ones in there, so we had a nice cup of tea and a chat, he was funny, charming and kind, and he signed my book, I will never forget it. When I read The Shepherds Crown I cried for days, No spoilers but he couldnt have said a finer goodbye.
I lost my (almost completed) set of Diskworld books about 10 years ago. I was devastated. It was one of my most cherished things. I'm sitting here crying as if the news of his death came through yesterday. That was a tough one for me, still is. I never felt such grief for the death of a person I didn't personally know, except perhaps Robin Williams.
When I was a kid, one of the reasons I had to learn English was to be able to read the Discworld novels that were not published yet in Spanish. I love all the works of sir Terry Pratchett and this video has shown me a part of his life I did not know.
Many, many thanks Simon! You've hit upon my all time favorite author. Sir Terry seemed to find some good in all of his characters, even the most evil. Even though he wasn't particularly religious, I find that his imagination was worthy of sainthood. We all miss him!
An absolute pleasure watching and listening about the life of a legend ! Thanks for making me read Discworld again !!!! DON'T THINK OF IT AS DYING, JUST THINK OF IT AS LEAVING EARLY TO AVOID THE RUSH...
He had a special way to think about stuff. Like explaining that DEATH being able to go through walls is not because he's incorporeal but because he's more real than the walls.
I've made a couple of comments, trying to be funny and draw a smile if I can. But Terry Pratchett was a great man. I knew almost everything in this video, and hearing it again I was sad. I think if I hear it later, I will be sad again. But through that sadness I never stop smiling because every memory of him is linked to something wonderful. Something marvellous. And yes, something sad. Rest in peace Terry, and thank you for the laughs.
I love Pratchett. I listen to audio books all day as I drive. His sense of humor is so unique, it's priceless. Thank you Simon. Well done. Capt.Bob, SV (Sailing Vessel) 27th Chance, Tampa Fl USA 🇺🇸😀
Funny story, my neighbour was a friend of his, and one time when he was visiting said neighbour I met him, at the time I had no idea who he was (having never read any of his books) it was only years later that I saw him on TV and recognized him as my neighbours guest.
Well, you know. A man is not dead as long as his name is spoken... (Sry if I misquoted, I read most of his books in translation into my native language).
I was lucky enough to meet Sir Pterry many years back at one of his many book signings, where he stayed long after his scheduled departure time in order to sign our books. I emailed him a thank you afterwards, and he replied, which I'd never expected, long since lost the the ether. A class act, and a terrible loss to literature.
The Discworld has been my escape ever since I was a kid. Every year my family would include his latest book in our holiday "book bag" reading material.....resulting in many an argument over who would get to read it first haha. Thank you for the wonderful memories, the laughs and the poignant moments Sir Pratchett.
I have read every book ever written by Sir Terry Pratchett and they are all amazing, the disc stops moving but the turtle goes on, I shed a tear the day this national treasure went on his final journey with death
I read a lot of more generic genre fiction books, and one day a good friend recommended I pick up "Guards! Guards!" and quite honestly it changed my life: I have never read books the same way again, because Sir Terry basically trained me through his writing to understand that a book is a conversation with the author. I read so many other books at more face value, but never again. I miss those conversations, and he might always be my favourite author.
