h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

The reason Terry P and DNA so often get mentioned in the same breath is that basically TP did the same to Fantasy as DNA did to Science Fiction, i.e. loved it, absorbed all its conventions and cultural references, and then lovingly pricked its balloon of pomposity and turned it inside out in the service of humour.

The main difference is that while as he has got more successful, Adams has written less, Pratchett has taken the opposite tack and cashed in shamelessly. This means that not all of the books are gems, and some border on the dud.

For my money, newcomers should read The Colour of Magic/Light Fantastic (i.e., the first two), then Wyrd Sisters, perhaps Sourcery and Mort, then take a pause for breath. Don't read Pyramids, or Feet of Clay, or Interesting Times, until you've run out of others.

I am aware that this opinion won't make me universally popular.

Oh, and the funniest Pratchett book of all was a collaboration with Neil Gaiman - the man who wrote the seminal "Guide to the Guide", called "Don't Panic" - and also the BBC2 series "Neverwhere" from about 4 years ago. This book, called Good Omens (or "The Nice And Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch") is beautifully crafted and highly recommended.

Totally agree on the "Good Omens," disagree on the other choices. The best, in my opinion, are Men at Arms, Feet of Clay, and Reaper Man. But that may just be because I don't like Rincewind. Oh, and did anyone else think that Equal Rites was feeble?

Just read 'Good Omens' - First Terry Pratchett book to ever had been read properly by me, and I'ts great!!! If they're all like this, then I'm a fan! (admittedly this could be the Neil Gaiman in it, since I have 'Don't Panic' but I have no idea.)

I totaly agree on good omens to be a devine book, but I don't considder it to be a TP book. I think of it as a Neil Gaiman book. It's his twisted mind that makes up the absurd plots.