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FeatureWriter’s Books of Distinction

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FeatureWriter’s
Books of Distinction
"Slipped Disc"
By T. G. Browning


Trivia Question:

Last time out the trivia question was about a writer from the early part of the 20th century, who influenced the fantasy/horror/science fiction genres extensively. Even now, some of his influence is felt, most noticeably with the TV series, Lost. Both Virgil Finley and Hannes Bok, two very important fantasy artists were influenced by this writer as well. Who was it?

The answer is A. Merritt, a journalist from the early part of the 20th century, who is best know for two novels, The Moon Pool and The Ship of Ishtar. Elements of both of these books can be see in some of the background story line of Lost and I invite the reader to hunt up a copy. You’ll be well rewarded.

I have to admit that this trivia question was tough, unless you happen to be a very well read and knowledgeable fantasy buff, which is unfortunate, both because it means no one sent in the correct answer and that means far too many readers today do not know Merritt to be a fine writer. I urge you to look around for any of his work; you’ll enjoy it. This month's prize, therefore, carries over to next month.

***

This month’s writer is a particular favorite of mine and frankly, I think he’s probably the best satirist currently writing. His name is Terry Pratchett and he is, above all things, possessed of a keen eye for human foibles. Couple that with a wonderfully developed sense of irony, a truly unique imagination and you have fascinating reading. I’ve written about him before but over the last year or so I’ve discovered that there are still quite a few Americans who are unfamiliar with his work. Partly that’s due to the fact that he’s British to the core and partly because no American publisher has seen fit to really mount a campaign to introduce him to the US market.

Pratchett invented an entire universe called “Discworld,” in which the universe is a large, flat disc sitting on the back of four huge elephants who in turn, stand on the back of a gigantic turtle currently swimming through space. With that as a frame work, Pratchett goes on to include his own version of such folklore traditions as Santa Claus, various gods, Death, magicians, inventors, ancient empires and… witches.

There’s quite a lot on death and witches and all of it is funny, ironic, apt and in many places, quite profound. But Pratchett isn’t limited to this one series, much as I happen to love it. He has also collaborated with Neil Gaiman who is currently so well thought of here in the United States, and also put some rather charming stories about – don’t gag now – gnomes. That series, “The Bromeliad” is written, I think, for a slightly younger audience and it’s a good one to introduce kids to the pleasure of reading.

The value of Pratchett’s books is, as is often the case here in the States, partially derived from the fact that his main publisher in Great Britain, Victor Gollancz, Ltd., has no close ties to any publisher in the United States; consequently the British editions are often published several years before the American editions and in much shorter print runs. First editions for Pratchett titles are always British and one should keep that in mind.

If you happen across a listing on eBay or abebook.com, make sure it’s the correct edition before shelling out a big price. Most of the listings that specify the edition as being a first edition are in reality, first American editions and nowhere near as valuable. Couple that with Gollancz’ penchant for distinctive covers (all very well done and amusing in their own right) and you have a book that you’ll value for years.

Pratchett often utilizes recurring characters in his books, giving his universe both continuity and a familiar feel once one becomes adjusted to the idea that Death, for example, can take a holiday and become, among other things, a short-order cook. A pair of witches (Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg) get used to confront the silly ideas inherent in most folklore and myth and another character, Sam Vimes, gets duty as a cop/watchman in the fabled and intensely British urban setting of Ankh-Morpork. Some of the exchanges between Vimes and the ruler of the city, Vetinari, are priceless, particularly so when one knows that the Patrician (Vetinari) is a graduate of the Assassins School:

Vetinari: “It would be a terrible thing, would it not, if people thought they could take the law into their own hands...”

Vimes: “Oh, no fear of that, sir. I'm holding on tightly to it.”

I have a hard time recommending any single book from the series, since I enjoy all of them so much. I strongly recommend “Lords and Ladies,” “Reaper Man,” “Pyramids,” “The Hogfather,” and “Moving Pictures.” The last book is a remarkable commentary on the movie industry and Hollywood.

I mentioned earlier that the covers of Gollancz editions were excellent and they serve to illustrate one aspect of the collecting market that is often overlooked. A good cover can indeed help move a book by attracting attention with an intriguing cover. The British editions are wrap-around covers, which begin on the back cover and continue around to the front. They deserve special mention because they give a hint to the focus of the book as well as the plot and do so, without being overly cute – a problem the American editions seem to have. The Harper-Prism editions of Pratchett's books used-to be (emphasis on the used-to) different but nearly as good, favoring a series design for the books that gave them a nice ensemble look. Unfortunately, the current art department at Harper-Prism seems to have succumbed to terminal cuteness.

Expect to pay in the neighborhood of fifty to one hundred bucks for a VF/VF British first edition at a minimum – if one is available at all. As I mentioned, the print runs tend to be shorter which increases the value. Be aware that Gollancz is wont to run reprints on a regular basis and does not adhere to American customs in identifying true first editions. Most copies do identify themselves as second, third or later editions, but that's not always the case.

Trivia Question: What American cartoonist spawned both a TV show and two full-length feature films and what magazine was his home for many years? Answer next time of course, and be aware – last month's book offer rides over. The first to answer this question correctly by dropping me an e-mail will receive a Fantasy Press first edition of “The Titan.”



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