Terry Pratchett

Discworld Series Begins

Published 'The Colour of Magic,' launching the Discworld series. The book had modest sales initially, but began building a dedicated cult following among fantasy readers.

Mainstream Breakthrough

The Discworld series gained significant popularity in the UK with multiple bestselling titles. Pratchett's unique blend of humor and social commentary attracted a broader audience beyond traditional fantasy fans.

International Recognition

Discworld adaptations for television and stage expanded his reach globally. Pratchett became one of the UK's bestselling authors with a devoted international fanbase.

Alzheimer's Diagnosis and Advocacy

Publicly announced his Alzheimer's diagnosis and became a prominent advocate for assisted dying and research funding. His courage and continued writing despite illness elevated his public profile significantly.

Knighthood for Services to Literature

Knighted for his services to literature, cementing his status as one of Britain's most celebrated authors. By this time, Discworld had sold over 70 million books worldwide.

Final Discworld Novel Published

Published 'Raising Steam,' continuing to write prolifically despite his advancing illness by dictating to assistants. His determination and output maintained his A-list author status.

Death and Literary Legacy

Sir Terry Pratchett passed away at age 66, leaving behind 41 Discworld novels and over 85 million books sold worldwide. His death was mourned by fans globally as the loss of a literary giant.

Enduring Fantasy Icon

Over a decade after his death, Terry Pratchett remains a household name in fantasy literature. His Discworld series continues to sell strongly, with new adaptations keeping his work relevant to new generations of readers.